Coexistence status information via response messages

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods, components, devices, and systems for providing information about coexistence conditions. Some aspects are more particularly directed to providing coexistence status information via response messages. In some examples, coexistence condition information provided via a response message may indicate that the wireless communication device is experiencing a coexistence condition, may include information about the coexistence condition, or a combination of these two uses. The response message for carrying the coexistence condition information may include a message received in response to a message from the peer-to-peer wireless communication device via an existing or otherwise previously established messaging channel established for messaging of information other than the coexistence condition information.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 489,821, filed October 18, 2023, entitled “CO-EXISTENCE CONDITIONINFORMATION VIA RESPONSE MESSAGE,” which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates in general to wireless communications, and more specifically to providing coexistence status information via response messages. Background Technology

[0003] 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.

[0004] In some WLANs, wireless communication devices (e.g., APs, STAs, or combinations thereof) can perform simultaneous wireless communication for multiple communication sessions. For example, the wireless communication device may utilize multiple wireless communication transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) chains capable of operating to perform multiple communication sessions simultaneously. Wireless communication devices implementing WLAN communication according to Wi-Fi protocols may, for example, perform communication simultaneously according to one or more protocols such as cellular, Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth. Simultaneous communication sessions may utilize the same frequency band (e.g., communication each in the same band within the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz bands), or may otherwise utilize frequencies that cause interference to any or all of the multiple wireless communication Tx / Rx chains within the wireless communication device. In some scenarios, although not operating in the same or overlapping frequency bands, wireless communication technologies may implement local oscillator frequencies to process signals from a corresponding communication session that are harmonics of the signal from another communication session processed by the corresponding wireless communication Tx / Rx chain and may interfere with the signal of that other communication session.

[0005] One or more components of a wireless communication device experience intra-device interference caused by simultaneous communication sessions, referred to herein as coexistence conditions. Coexistence condition interference typically degrades the wireless performance of one or more wireless communication Tx / Rx chains. For example, Wi-Fi WLAN communication may experience message failures, potentially leading to an increase in message retries. This type of coexistence condition interference is inconsistent with the goal of improving reliability explicitly outlined in next-generation Wi-Fi (also known as Ultra-High Reliability (UHR), Wi-Fi 8, or IEEE 802.11bn). Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus includes a processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the processors. According to some aspects, the processing system is configured to cause the apparatus to execute a first communication session with a wireless communication device and one or more second communication sessions therein experiencing a coexistence condition. The coexistence condition may be associated with interference experienced at the apparatus as a result of the first communication session and the one or more second communication sessions. According to some aspects, the processing system is also configured to cause the apparatus to receive a first message from the wireless communication device. According to some aspects, the processing system is further configured to cause the apparatus to output a second message in response to the first message for transmission. The second message may carry information about the coexistence condition.

[0008] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus includes a processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the processors. According to some aspects, the processing system is configured to cause the apparatus to output a first message for transmission to a wireless communication device. According to some aspects, the processing system is configured to further cause the apparatus to receive a second message in response to the first message. The second message may carry information about a coexistence condition experienced by the wireless communication device. This coexistence condition may be associated with interference at the wireless communication device, experienced due to a first communication session and one or more second communication sessions performed by the wireless communication device. According to some aspects, the processing system is configured to further cause the apparatus to modify one or more aspects of transmission associated with the first communication session based on the information about the coexistence condition.

[0009] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method that can be performed at a first wireless communication device. According to some aspects, the method includes performing a first communication session with a second wireless communication device and one or more second communication sessions therein experiencing a coexistence condition. This coexistence condition may be associated with interference at the first wireless communication device experienced as a result of the first communication session and the one or more second communication sessions. According to some aspects, the method further includes obtaining a first message from the second wireless communication device. According to some aspects, the method further includes outputting a second message in response to the first message for transmission, wherein the second message carries information about the coexistence condition.

[0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method that can be performed at a first wireless communication device. According to some aspects, the method includes outputting a first message for transmission to a second wireless communication device. According to some aspects, the method further includes obtaining a second message in response to the first message. The second message may carry information about a coexistence condition experienced by the second wireless communication device. This coexistence condition may be associated with interference at the second wireless communication device experienced due to a first communication session and one or more second communication sessions performed by the second wireless communication device. According to some aspects, the method further includes modifying one or more aspects of transmission associated with the first communication session based on the information about the coexistence condition.

[0011] In some examples, this information about the coexistence condition may indicate that the device is experiencing the coexistence condition, and may further indicate whether the device is able to obtain one or more additional packets from the wireless communication device while experiencing the coexistence condition.

[0012] In some examples, the information about the coexistence status may include information about one or more parameters that the wireless communication device will use to communicate with the device.

[0013] In some examples, the second message may include a confirmation message carrying information about the coexistence status.

[0014] 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

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network is shown.

[0016] Figure 2A diagram illustrating a wireless communication device that performs simultaneous wireless communication for multiple communication sessions is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example process that can be performed at a wireless communication device experiencing a coexistence state to support providing coexistence state information via a response message.

[0018] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example process that can be executed at a wireless communication device that supports providing coexistence status information via a response message is shown. This wireless communication device is a peer wireless communication device that experiences a coexistence status.

[0019] Figure 5 A block diagram of an example device for wireless communication is shown, which supports providing coexistence status information via response messages.

[0020] Figure 6 An example of a confirmation frame that can be used to carry information about the coexistence status is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 Another example of a confirmation frame that can be used to carry information about the coexistence status is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 Another example of an acknowledgment frame that can be used to carry information about the coexistence status is shown.

[0023] The same reference numerals and names in different figures denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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). ®The described examples 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 examples described 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), 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. The examples described can also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of the following wireless personal area networks (WPAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), wireless wide area networks (WWAN), wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), or Internet of Things (IoT) networks.

[0025] Various aspects generally relate to wireless communication, and more specifically to providing information about coexistence status. Some aspects more specifically relate to providing coexistence status information via response messages in response to one or more messages from a second wireless communication device. According to some aspects, response messages carrying coexistence status information include messages received in response to messages from peer wireless communication devices via existing or otherwise previously established message transmission channels established for message transmission of information other than coexistence status information. According to the aspects described herein, such response messages can be used to facilitate feedback on coexistence status experienced by the wireless communication devices. According to some aspects, responses to management messages, data messages, control messages, etc., can be used to carry information about coexistence status. In some examples, the implementation of acknowledgment (e.g., ACK or NACK) message transmission to indicate whether data has been successfully received can provide response messages used to facilitate feedback on coexistence status.

[0026] The coexistence status information provided via the response message may, for example, indicate that the wireless communication device is experiencing a coexistence status. Additionally or alternatively, the coexistence status information provided via the response message may include information about the coexistence status (such as whether the wireless communication device is able to receive additional data packets while experiencing a coexistence status), information about one or more parameters (e.g., transmission or operation parameters) used to transmit signals for a communication session associated with the coexistence status, the expected duration of the coexistence status, etc.

[0027] In some examples, a first wireless communication device (e.g., a wireless access point (AP), a wireless station (STA), etc.) may experience a coexistence condition associated with simultaneous wireless communication using corresponding wireless communication transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) chains in multiple wireless communication transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) chains to perform a first communication session and a second communication session. The first and second communication sessions may be conducted according to the same or different communication protocols (e.g., simultaneous communication according to one or more protocols such as Wi-Fi, cellular, ZigBee, Thread, Bluetooth, etc.). The first wireless communication device may send a response message carrying information about the coexistence condition (e.g., an acknowledgment message designated to indicate whether data has been successfully received). Therefore, a second wireless communication device (e.g., a wireless communication device communicating with the first wireless communication device at least via one of the first and second communication sessions, such as an AP, STA, etc.) may receive an indication that the first wireless communication device is experiencing a coexistence condition, information about that coexistence condition, or a combination thereof. In response, the second wireless communication device may modify one or more aspects of its transmissions to the first wireless communication device, such as to mitigate, alleviate, or avoid the coexistence condition. For example, the second wireless communication device may change one or more parameters for transmitting signals to the first wireless communication device based on information about the coexistence status or in a manner corresponding to that information. As another example, the second wireless communication device may suspend, stop, or otherwise interrupt the transmission of signals to the first wireless communication device based on information about the coexistence status or in a manner corresponding to that information.

[0028] 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, by providing coexistence status information via a response message, the described techniques can be used by a wireless communication device to provide feedback to its peers regarding the coexistence status being experienced, such as enabling the peers to manage their transmissions to the wireless communication device. By using a response message to a message from a peer wireless communication device to carry coexistence status information, feedback regarding the coexistence status can be facilitated using message transmission implemented for another purpose. For example, by using an acknowledgment message as a response message carrying coexistence status information, feedback regarding the coexistence status can be facilitated using message transmission implemented to indicate that data has been successfully received.

[0029] According to some aspects, the use of response messages can support coexistence status feedback using existing or otherwise previously established message transmission channels without the need to initiate separate channels for coexistence status information communication between peer wireless communication devices. Additionally or alternatively, according to some aspects, the use of response messages can avoid, mitigate, or minimize the use of control channel or data channel communication for coexistence status information communication between peer wireless communication devices. According to some aspects, response messages that implement mechanisms for protecting the information carried therein, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11bn communication protocol standard (such as multi-station block acknowledgments (multi-STA BA) that implement mechanisms for protecting control frames, are intended to be used to deliver information about coexistence status in a secure and reliable manner.

[0030] According to some aspects, by using response messages to indicate coexistence conditions, relatively rapid feedback on the coexistence conditions is provided to peer wireless communication devices, allowing them to adapt their transmissions relatively quickly. The information about the coexistence conditions included in the response messages in some aspects facilitates efficient and effective adaptation of the transmissions by peer wireless communication devices to specific coexistence conditions experienced, thereby remedying the coexistence conditions in an optimal manner.

[0031] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example wireless communication network 100 is shown. Depending on some aspects, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (such as a Wi-Fi network) (and will be referred to WLAN 100 below). For example, WLAN 100 may be a network implementing at least one of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards (such as standards 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, 802.11bn, and the 802.11 revision associated with Wi-Fi 8). WLAN 100 may include numerous wireless communication devices, such as a wireless AP 102 and multiple wireless STAs 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d (collectively referred to as STA 104). Although Figure 1 The diagram shows only one AP 102, but the WLAN 100 may also include multiple APs 102. Figure 1The AP 102 shown can represent various types of APs, including but not limited to enterprise-grade APs, single-band APs, dual-band APs, standalone APs, software-enabled APs (soft APs), and multi-link APs. The coverage and capacity of cellular networks (such as LTE, 5G NR, etc.) can be further improved using small cells supported by APs acting as micro base stations. Additionally, small cells can be used to set up dedicated cellular networks via radio area networks.

[0032] Each STA in 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, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, netbooks, laptops, tablets, laptops, Chromebooks, extended reality (XR) headsets, wearable devices, display devices (e.g., TVs (including smart TVs), computer monitors, navigation systems, etc.), music or other audio or stereo devices, remote control devices (“remote controllers”), printers, kitchen appliances (including smart refrigerators) or other household appliances, remote keys (e.g., for passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and vehicles, etc. Figure 1 The examples illustrated herein show a handheld device (e.g., mobile phone, PDA, etc.) configuration for STA 104a, a display device (e.g., TV, computer monitor, navigation system, etc.) configuration for STA 104b, a computing device (e.g., netbook, laptop, tablet, laptop device, Chromebook, etc.) configuration for STA 104d, and a network communication node (e.g., router, switch, repeater, device configured to communicate wirelessly with other networks, etc.) configuration for STA 104. It should be understood that the illustrated configurations of STA 104 are provided as examples and are not limited to various configurations of STAs, as they may include wireless communication devices capable of operating according to various aspects of this disclosure. Various STA 104s in the network can communicate with each other via AP 102.

[0033] A single AP 102 and its associated set of STA 104s may be referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS), which is managed by the respective AP 102. Figure 1Additionally, an example coverage area 108 of AP 102 is shown, which may represent the Basic Service Area (BSA) of WLAN 100. The BSA can be identified or indicated to users via a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and to other devices via a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which may be the Media Access Control (MAC) address of AP 102. AP 102 may periodically broadcast beacon frames (“beacons”) including the BSSID to enable any STA 104 within the wireless range of AP 102 to “associate” or reassociate with AP 102 to establish or maintain a corresponding communication link 106 (also referred to hereinafter as a “Wi-Fi link”) with AP 102. For example, the beacon may include identification or indication of the primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102 and a timing synchronization function for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with AP 102. AP 102 can provide access to external networks to various STAs 104 in the WLAN via the corresponding communication link 106.

[0034] To establish a communication link 106 with AP 102, each STA 104 is configured to perform passive or active scanning operations (“scanning”) on frequency channels in one or more frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 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)) (measured in units of time (TU), where one TU may be equal to 1024 microseconds (µs)). 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 perform authentication and association operations to establish a communication link 106 with the selected AP 102. When the association operation is completed, AP 102 assigns an association identifier (AID) to STA 104, which AP 102 uses to track STA 104.

[0035] As wireless networks become increasingly prevalent, STA 104 has 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). The extended network station associated with WLAN 100 can connect to a wired or wireless distribution system that allows multiple APs 102 to be connected in such an ESS. Therefore, STA 104 can be covered by more than one AP 102 and can be associated with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. Additionally, after associating with an AP 102, STA 104 can periodically scan its surroundings to find a more suitable AP 102 to associate with. For example, a STA 104 moving relative to its associated AP 102 can 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.

[0036] In some cases, STA 104 can form a network without AP 102 or 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 cases, ad hoc networks can be implemented within a larger wireless network, such as WLAN 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, as represented by communication link 110 between STA 104a and 104b. 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. This STA 104 can be referred to as the group owner (GO) and can coordinate transmissions within a self-organizing network. Examples of direct wireless communication links 110 include Wi-Fi direct connections, connections established using Wi-Fi Tunneling Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) links, and other P2P group connections.

[0037] AP 102 and STA 104 can operate and communicate (via the corresponding communication link 106) according to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. These standards define the WLAN radio and baseband protocols used for the PHY and MAC layers. AP 102 and STA 104 send 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”). AP 102 and STA 104 in WLAN 100 can send PPDUs on unlicensed spectrum, which can be a portion of the spectrum including bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technologies, such as the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 60 GHz band, 3.6 GHz band, and 900 MHz band. Some examples of AP 102 and STA 104 described herein can also communicate in other bands that can support both licensed and unlicensed communications, such as the 5.9 GHz band and 6 GHz band. AP 102 and STA 104 can also communicate on other frequency bands, such as shared licensed bands, where multiple operators may have licenses to operate in one or more of the same or overlapping frequency bands.

[0038] Each frequency band can include multiple sub-bands or frequency channels. For example, PPDUs conforming to revisions of the IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11be standards can be transmitted in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz 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, or 320 MHz by bonding multiple 20 MHz channels together.

[0039] 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, 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 protocol to be used to transmit the payload.

[0040] Access to a shared wireless medium is typically managed by a Distributed Coordination Function (DCF). With DCF, there is generally no centralized master device allocating time and frequency resources for the shared wireless medium. Instead, a wireless communication device (such as an AP102 or STA 104) can wait for a specific time before being granted permission to transmit data and subsequently contend for access to the wireless medium. DCF is implemented using time intervals, which include time slot times (or “time slot intervals”) and inter-frame intervals (IFS). IFS provides priority access for control frames used for proper network operation. Transmission can begin at time slot boundaries. Different variations of IFS exist, including Short IFS (SIFS), Distributed IFS (DIFS), Extended IFS (EIFS), and Arbitrated IFS (AIFS). Values ​​for time slot times and IFS can be provided by appropriate standard specifications, such as one or more of the IEEE 802.11 series of wireless communication protocol standards.

[0041] In some examples, wireless communication devices can achieve DCF using Carrier-Sensed Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CA) (CSMA / CA) technology. According to this technology, before transmitting data, the wireless communication device can perform an idle channel assessment (CCA) and determine (e.g., identify, detect, identify, calculate, or compute) whether the relevant wireless channel is idle. CCA includes both physical (PHY-level) carrier sensing and virtual (MAC-level) carrier sensing. Physical carrier sensing is accomplished by measuring the received signal strength of a valid frame, and then comparing that measurement to a threshold to determine (e.g., identify, detect, identify, calculate, or compute) whether the channel is busy. For example, if the received signal strength of the detected preamble is higher than a threshold, the medium is considered busy. Physical carrier sensing also includes energy detection. Energy detection involves measuring the total energy received by the wireless communication device, regardless of whether the received signal represents a valid frame. If the detected total energy is higher than a threshold, the medium is considered busy.

[0042] Virtual carrier sensing is implemented using a Network Allocation Vector (NAV), which effectively serves as the elapsed time before a wireless communication device can contend for access, even in the absence of detected symbols or even when the detected energy is below a relevant threshold. The NAV is reset each time a valid frame not addressed to the wireless communication device is received. When the NAV reaches 0, the wireless communication device performs physical carrier sensing. If the channel remains idle for an appropriate IFS (Instantaneous Transfer Opportunity), the wireless communication device initiates a backoff timer, which represents the elapsed time during which the device senses the medium is idle before being allowed to transmit. If the channel remains idle until the backoff timer expires, the wireless communication device becomes the owner (or "owner") of a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) and can begin transmitting. A TXOP is the elapsed time during which the wireless communication device can transmit frames on the channel after having "won" contention for the wireless medium. The TXOP duration can be indicated in the U-SIG field of the PPDU. Conversely, if one or more carrier sensing mechanisms in the carrier sensing mechanism indicate that the channel is busy, the MAC controller within the wireless communication device will not allow transmission.

[0043] Each time a wireless communication device generates a new PPDU for transmission in a new TXOP, it randomly selects a new backoff timer duration. The available distribution of numbers that can be randomly selected for the backoff timer is called the contention window (CW). Different CW and TXOP durations exist for each of the following four access classes (AC): Voice (AC_VO), Video (AC_VI), Background (AC_BK), and Best Effort (AC_BE). This allows for prioritizing specific types of traffic within the network.

[0044] Retransmission protocols, such as Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), can provide performance gains. HARQ protocols support various HARQ signaling between transmitting and receiving wireless communication devices, as well as signaling between the PHY and MAC layers, to improve retransmission operations in WLANs. HARQ uses a combination of error detection and correction. For example, HARQ transmission may include adding error detection bits to the data to be transmitted using error detection (ED) codes, such as Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC). These error detection bits can be used by the receiving device to determine whether it has correctly decoded the received HARQ transmission. In some examples, forward error correction (FEC) codes, such as Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) decoding schemes that systematically encode information bits to produce parity bits, can be used to encode the original data (information bits) to be transmitted. The transmitting device can send both the original information bits and the parity bits to the receiving device in a HARQ transmission. The receiving device can then use the parity bits to correct errors in the information bits, thus avoiding retransmissions.

[0045] Implementing the HARQ protocol in a WLAN improves the reliability of data transmitted from a transmitting device to a receiving device. The HARQ protocol supports the establishment of a HARQ session between two devices. Once a HARQ session is established, if the receiving device cannot correctly decode (and correct errors) a first HARQ transmission received from the transmitting device, the receiving device can send a HARQ feedback message (e.g., a negative acknowledgment (NACK)) to the transmitting device. This HARQ feedback message indicates that at least a portion of the first HARQ transmission was not correctly decoded. Such a HARQ feedback message may differ from the traditional block ACK feedback message type associated with regular ARQ. In response to receiving a HARQ feedback message, the transmitting device can send a second HARQ transmission to the receiving device to convey at least a portion that further assists the receiving device in decoding the first HARQ transmission. For example, the transmitting device may include some or all of the original information bits, some or all of the original parity bits, and other different parity bits in the second HARQ transmission. The combined HARQ transmissions can be processed for decoding and error correction, making it possible to obtain the complete signal associated with the HARQ transmission.

[0046] In some examples, the receiving device can control whether to continue the HARQ process or revert to a non-HARQ retransmission scheme (such as the ARQ protocol). By allowing the device to dynamically switch between ARQ and HARQ protocols during frame switching, such switching reduces feedback overhead and increases retransmission flexibility. Some implementations also allow the multiplexing of ARQ-based and HARQ-based communications.

[0047] Some wireless communication devices (including both APs and STAs) are capable of multi-link operation (MLO). In some examples, MLO supports establishing multiple different communication links between the STA and the AP (such as a first link on the 2.4 GHz band, a second link on the 5 GHz band, and a third link on the 6 GHz band). Each communication link may support one or more sets of channels or logical entities. In some cases, each communication link associated with a given wireless communication device may be associated with a corresponding radio component of the wireless communication device, which may include one or more transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) chains, including or coupled to one or more physical antennas, or including other components such as signal processing components. Devices with MLO capability may be referred to as multi-link devices (MLDs). For example, an AP MLD may include multiple affiliated APs, each configured to communicate on a corresponding communication link with a corresponding STA among multiple STAs that are not AP MLDs (also referred to as "STA MLDs"). A STA MLD may communicate with an AP MLD at a given time via one or more of the multiple communication links. A STA MLD may include multiple affiliated STAs, each of which is configured to communicate on a corresponding communication link with a corresponding STA, a corresponding AP, or a combination thereof.

[0048] To support MLO technology, the AP MLD and STA MLD can exchange information about supported MLO capabilities (such as supported aggregation types or supported frequency bands, etc.). In some examples, information exchange can occur via beacon signals, probe requests or responses, association request or response frames, dedicated action frames, or Operation Mode Indicators (OMIs), etc. In some examples, the AP MLD can designate a given channel in a given frequency band as an anchor channel (such as a channel on which the AP MLD transmits beacons and other management frames). In such examples, the AP MLD can also transmit beacons (such as beacons containing less information) on other channels for discovery purposes.

[0049] In some aspects of operation, the wireless communication devices of WLAN 100 (e.g., one or more APs 102, one or more STAs 104, or combinations thereof) can perform simultaneous wireless communication for multiple communication sessions. For example, one or more wireless communication devices of WLAN 100 may include MLDs (e.g., AP MLDs or STA MLDs described above) that perform MLOs supporting simultaneous communication sessions. By way of example, the AP MLD configuration of the wireless communication devices can perform simultaneous communication sessions with one or more other wireless communication devices of WLAN 100 (e.g., one or more APs, one or more STAs, or combinations thereof). According to one example scenario, the AP MLD can perform simultaneous communication sessions with multiple STAs, such as for supporting multiple access operations, for facilitating communication between STAs, for facilitating media projection from one STA to another, etc. According to another example scenario, the AP MLD can perform simultaneous communication sessions with one or more APs and one or more STAs, such as for supporting mesh network operations, for backhaul communication, etc. According to another example scenario, the STA MLD can perform simultaneous communication sessions with multiple STAs, such as for performing various functions with other STAs (e.g., media projection to the STA, obtaining sensor data, etc.), for facilitating personal area networks (PANs), and for facilitating communication between other STAs. According to yet another example scenario, the STA MLD can perform simultaneous communication sessions with one or more APs and one or more STAs, such as for performing various functions with another STA (e.g., media projection to the STA, obtaining sensor data, etc.), for supporting mesh network operation, etc. (As in the examples above) the pairs of wireless communication devices that communicate with each other via communication sessions in the simultaneous communication session are referred to herein as peer devices.

[0050] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating a wireless communication device performing simultaneous wireless communication for multiple communication sessions is shown. Figure 2 In the example, wireless communication device 202a is performing a first communication session with wireless communication device 202b (shown as communication session 211) and is also performing a second communication session with wireless communication device 202c (shown as communication session 212). Wireless communication devices 202a, 202b, and 202c may, for example, include wireless communication devices of WLAN 100, such as one or more APs 102, one or more STAs 104, or combinations thereof. Wireless communication devices 202a and 202b communicating via communication session 211 may be referred to as a pair of peer-to-peer communication devices. Similarly, wireless communication devices 202a and 202c communicating via communication session 212 may be referred to as a pair of peer-to-peer communication devices.

[0051] Communication sessions 211 and 212 may be executed according to the same or different communication protocols. For example, communication session 211 may be executed according to Wi-Fi, cellular, Zigbee, Thread, or Bluetooth protocols, while communication session 212 may be executed according to the same or different of these protocols. According to a specific example, communication session 211 may be executed according to the Wi-Fi protocol between wireless communication device 202a (e.g., a user computing device operating as a STA within WLAN 100) and 202b (e.g., an AP operating to provide a BSA for WLAN 100), while communication session 212 may be executed according to the Bluetooth protocol between wireless communication device 202a and 202c (e.g., a smartwatch operating with a user computing device in a PAN). In another specific example, communication session 211 may be performed between wireless communication device 202a (e.g., a user computing device operating as a STA within WLAN 100) and 202b (e.g., an AP operating to provide a BSA for WLAN 100) according to a Wi-Fi protocol, while communication session 212 may be performed between wireless communication devices 202a and 202c (e.g., a cellular network base station) according to a cellular protocol. In yet another specific example, communication session 211 may be performed between wireless communication device 202a (e.g., an AP operating to provide a BSA for WLAN 100) and 202b (e.g., a first STA operating in that BSA) according to a Wi-Fi protocol, while communication session 212 may be performed between wireless communication devices 202a and 202c (e.g., a second STA operating in the BSA) according to a Wi-Fi protocol. It should be understood that the foregoing is provided as an example to aid in understanding the concepts presented in this disclosure and is neither exhaustive nor limiting of the number and type of communication sessions that may be performed or the wireless communication devices that perform communication sessions therebetween.

[0052] Communication sessions 211 and 212 are executed simultaneously because one or more aspects of these communication sessions are executed by one or more components of the wireless communication device (e.g., components of multiple Tx / Rx chains implemented by the wireless communication device 202a) during the same or overlapping time periods. For example, the wireless communication device 202a may transmit, receive, or a combination of both operations for the signal of communication session 211, while simultaneously transmitting, receiving, or a combination of both operations for the signal of communication session 212. As another example, one or more components of the wireless communication device 202a (e.g., components of the Tx / Rx chains operated for communication in communication session 211) may be operated to process the signal of communication session 211, while simultaneously one or more other components of the wireless communication device 202a (e.g., components of the Tx / Rx chains operated for communication in communication session 212) may be operated to process the signal of communication session 212.

[0053] In some aspects of operation, communication sessions 211 and 212 may utilize the same frequency band (e.g., communications each within the same band of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz), or may otherwise utilize frequencies that cause interference within the wireless communication device 202a. According to some aspects, the wireless communication device 202a may implement a local oscillator frequency for processing signals from communication session 211, communication session 212, or both, which are harmonics of the signal from another communication session (e.g., another communication session within communication session 211 or 212) and may interfere with the signal of that other communication session. Therefore, the wireless communication device 202a may experience coexistence conditions associated with the execution of communication sessions 211 and 212, such as... Figure 2 As indicated. For example, simultaneous wireless communication using communication session 211 using the first Tx / Rx chain and communication session 212 using the second Tx / Rx chain may cause one or more instances of wireless communication device 202a to experience in-device interference due to communication sessions 211 and 212 performed by wireless communication device 202a.

[0054] Wireless communication device 202a is operable to provide information about coexistence status to one or more peer wireless communication devices (e.g., either or both of wireless communication devices 202b and 202c). Figure 2 In the example, wireless communication device 202a provides information about the coexistence status to wireless communication device 202b via message 231, sent in response to one or more messages (e.g., message 221) from wireless communication device 202b. Message 231 may, for example, carry an indication that wireless communication device 202a is experiencing a coexistence status, coexistence status information, or a combination thereof. According to some aspects, message 221 may be sent by wireless communication device 202b to wireless communication device 202a as part of communication session 211 for purposes other than requesting coexistence status information from wireless communication device 202a. For example, message 221 may include control messages, data messages, or combinations thereof, such as providing control according to the communication protocol of communication session 211, providing data to the data sink of wireless communication device 202a, to a wireless communication device communicating with wireless communication device 202a (e.g., wireless communication device 202c), or combinations thereof. Therefore, according to some aspects, message 231 carrying information about the coexistence status is a message received in response to message 221 (e.g., management message, data message, control message, etc.) from wireless communication device 202b via an existing or otherwise previously established message transmission channel established for message transmission of information other than coexistence status information. By way of example, message 231 carrying information about the coexistence status may include an acknowledgment message, implemented to indicate whether wireless communication device 202a has successfully received or has not yet successfully received data from wireless communication device 202b (e.g., ACK or NACK). In operation according to some examples, such acknowledgment messages (such as those that might conventionally only provide information about successful reception of MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) carried in PPDUs) may be used to carry information about the coexistence status.

[0055] In some aspects of operation, wireless communication device 202b may receive message 231 carrying an indication, coexistence information, or a combination thereof, that wireless communication device 202a is experiencing a coexistence state. In response, wireless communication device 202b may modify one or more aspects of transmissions made to wireless communication device 202a, such as to mitigate, alleviate, or avoid the coexistence state. For example, wireless communication device 202b may modify one or more parameters of the transmission of a signal carrying message 241 (e.g., a message of communication session 211 sent after the coexistence state experienced by wireless communication device 202a) based on or in accordance with the information about the coexistence state carried in message 231. As another example, wireless communication device 202b may suspend, stop, or otherwise interrupt the transmission of signals to wireless communication device 202a based on or in accordance with the information about the coexistence state (e.g., suspend, stop, or otherwise interrupt the transmission of signals in communication session 211 for a period of time).

[0056] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example process 300, which can be performed at a wireless communication device experiencing a coexistence state according to some aspects of this disclosure, supports providing coexistence state information via a response message. Figure 4A flowchart illustrating an example process 400, which supports providing coexistence status information via a response message and can be executed at a wireless communication device according to some aspects of this disclosure, is shown. The wireless communication device is a peer wireless communication device of the wireless communication device experiencing a coexistence status.

[0057] First refer to Figure 3 The operation of process 300 can be implemented by a wireless communication device or its components that experience a coexistence state as described herein. For example, process 300 can be implemented by a means for wireless communication (such as a reference device). Figure 5 The described wireless communication device 500 (or may be included as part of the wireless communication device) performs this function as a wireless access point (e.g., see reference 500). Figure 1 One of the APs described in AP 102, and the wireless STA (e.g., reference). Figure 1 The described STA 104 (one of the STAs) or other configurations of a device for wireless communication that experiences a coexistence state may operate or operate within it. In some examples, process 300 may be referenced. Figure 1 The described wireless device 202a is executed in or by that instance.

[0058] In some examples, in block 301, the device for wireless communication performs a first communication session with the wireless communication device and one or more second communication sessions, in which a coexistence condition is experienced. In some aspects, the coexistence condition is associated with interference at the device, which is experienced as a result of the first communication session and one or more second communication sessions. According to the example, the device for wireless communication (e.g., as a reference) Figure 2 The wireless communication device 202a described herein, or a device for wireless communication operating within such device, may, under the control of a communication manager, use one or more transceiver Tx / Rx chains to perform a first communication session (e.g., communication session 211) with a wireless communication device (e.g., wireless communication device 202b). Additionally, the device for wireless communication may, under the control of a communication manager, use one or more transceiver Tx / Rx chains to perform one or more second communication sessions (e.g., communication session 212) with one or more wireless communication devices (e.g., wireless communication device 202b, wireless communication device 202c, or a combination thereof). One or more of the first and second communication sessions may be conducted according to the same or different communication protocols (e.g., simultaneous communication according to one or more protocols such as Wi-Fi, cellular, ZigBee, THREAD, Bluetooth, etc.) and may utilize the same frequency band, different frequency bands, or a combination thereof.

[0059] In some operations, a device for wireless communication may experience a coexistence condition associated with executing a first communication session and one or more second communication sessions. For example, a portion of the first communication session and a portion of one or more second communication sessions may utilize the same frequency band, or otherwise utilize frequencies that cause interference within the device (e.g., adjacent frequency bands, frequency bands with insufficient guard band isolation, frequency bands with one or more impulse harmonic frequencies, etc.). Furthermore, the Tx / Rx chain of the transceiver used by the first and one or more second communication sessions may implement a local oscillator frequency to process the signal of the respective communication session, which is a harmonic of the signal of another communication session processed by the corresponding wireless communication Tx / Rx chain, causing interference within the device to the signal of that other communication session. This internal harmonic interference may occur even when multiple communication sessions do not utilize the same frequency band.

[0060] As described above, in various situations, due to a first communication session and one or more second communication sessions, a device for wireless communication may experience an intra-device coexistence state, or the device for wireless communication may experience an intra-device coexistence state. Intra-device coexistence is independent of external interference and may occur in addition to external interference introduced by factors such as channel conditions and radio medium multiple access conflicts. The circuitry and logic of the wireless communication device can be configured to identify, detect, or otherwise determine instances of coexistence states. For example, logic implemented by a communication manager, coexistence state logic, etc., can be operated to determine whether a device for wireless communication will experience, is experiencing, or has already experienced an intra-device coexistence state. In scenarios where Wi-Fi and Bluetooth communication are performed simultaneously, the coexistence state can be detected, for example, by software or firmware managing shared resources (such as radio resources, antennas, memory), which triggers a notification event to the Wi-Fi module to indicate that Bluetooth is active and therefore all Wi-Fi activity can be turned off, allowing Wi-Fi to operate under constraints (e.g., reduced antenna size, reduced buffer / memory size, etc.). Similar operations can be performed when Wi-Fi and cellular communications are performed simultaneously and share resources. For instance, in scenarios where Wi-Fi resources are shared between two different Wi-Fi connections (e.g., an infrastructure connection to an access point and a peer-to-peer connection to another device, such as a phone connected to a home AP while simultaneously streaming content to a smart TV), the coexistence status can be detected by the Wi-Fi driver itself, which has hooks to indicate the coexistence status and the degree of resource sharing, potentially leading to actions such as stopping frame switching or operating under constraints.

[0061] The operations used to determine the existence of a coexistence condition may further identify, detect, or otherwise determine various information about the coexistence condition, such as information about the cause of the coexistence condition (e.g., the specific cause of the coexistence condition, the periodicity of the coexistence condition, one or more signal attributes associated with or corresponding to the coexistence condition, etc.), information that promotes the avoidance of the coexistence condition (e.g., one or more transmission or operation parameters to be used for the transmission of the signal, such as frequency resources, time resources, modulation parameters, transmission scheduling, redundancy, etc., the duration of the coexistence condition, requests to change the acknowledgment strategy to be used regarding information about the coexistence condition, etc.), and combinations thereof.

[0062] In some examples, at block 302, the means for wireless communication receives a first message from a wireless communication device. According to the examples, the means for wireless communication (e.g., a means for wireless communication operating as or within wireless communication device 202a) may receive (e.g., receive via, or obtain from, one or more transceiver Tx / Rx links operating under the control of a communication manager) one or more messages from the wireless communication device (e.g., wireless communication device 202b). In some aspects, the first message may be sent by the wireless communication device to the means for wireless communication for purposes other than requesting coexistence status information. According to some examples, the first message may include a management message, a control message, a data message, or a combination thereof.

[0063] According to some aspects, the first message may be conveyed as part of a first communication session (e.g., communication session 211). The first message may, for example, be included in communications during which the device for wireless communication experiences a coexistence state associated with performing the first communication session and one or more second communication sessions. Alternatively, the first message may not be included in communications during which the device for wireless communication experiences a coexistence state. For example, the first message may be conveyed over a period of time via a specific channel using communication resources different from those associated with the coexistence state. In some examples, the first message may be obtained by the device for wireless communication before, simultaneously with, or after experiencing the coexistence state.

[0064] In some examples, in block 303, the means for wireless communication outputs a second message in response to the first message for transmission, wherein the second message carries information about the coexistence status. For example, the information about the coexistence status may be “piggybacked” or otherwise embedded in the second / response message. In some aspects, the second message may be transmitted to the wireless communication device via an existing or otherwise previously established message transmission channel established for message transmission of information other than coexistence status information. That is, the second message / response message may not be intended to collect or convey coexistence information. However, according to some examples, information about coexistence is included in the second message / response message, such as to provide a quick indication of the status to the peer wireless communication device, enabling the transmitter to take appropriate action (e.g., delay, pause or stop transmission, change transmission parameters, change operating parameters, etc.).

[0065] According to examples, a device for wireless communication (e.g., a device for wireless communication operating as or within wireless communication device 202a) may output (e.g., via one or more transceiver Tx / Rx chains operating under the control of a communication manager, provided to such one or more transceiver Tx / Rx chains, etc.) one or more messages (e.g., message 231) in response to a first message (e.g., message 221) for transmission to a wireless communication device (e.g., wireless communication device 202b). According to some examples, a second message may include a response to a management message, a control message, a data message, or a combination thereof.

[0066] The second message may be output or transmitted on the same link or channel experiencing the coexistence condition or on another link or channel. For example, a coexistence condition may occur regarding communication on a first channel (e.g., a first channel in the 2.4 GHz band), and a second message carrying information about the coexistence condition may be transmitted on the first channel (e.g., a first channel in the 2.4 GHz band). In another example, a coexistence condition may occur regarding communication on a first channel (e.g., a first channel in the 2.4 GHz band), and a second message carrying information about the coexistence condition may be transmitted on a second channel (e.g., a second channel in the 5 GHz band). Where a link or channel other than the one experiencing the coexistence condition is used to convey information about the coexistence condition, information providing a link identifier (e.g., a link configured to identify the one experiencing the coexistence condition) may be included in the information about the coexistence condition.

[0067] According to some examples, the circuitry and logic of an apparatus for wireless communication may be configured to analyze a first communication session (e.g., communication session 211) and one or more second communication sessions (e.g., communication session 212) to identify, detect, or otherwise determine information about a coexistence condition. For example, logic implemented by a communication manager, coexistence condition logic, etc., may be operable to, relative to the transmission of the first communication session, perform the following operations: determine an instance of a coexistence condition, determine one or more parameters associated with the coexistence condition (e.g., frequency resources, time resources, modulation parameters, transmission scheduling, redundancy, etc.), determine how to change the one or more parameters, etc., so as to be included as information about the coexistence condition in a second message. Additionally or alternatively, logic implemented by a communication manager, coexistence condition logic, etc., may be operable to determine whether the apparatus for wireless communication is able to continue receiving transmissions of the first communication session, whether to suspend or delay transmissions of the first communication session, and for how long to suspend or delay transmissions of the first communication session, etc., so as to be included as information about the coexistence condition in a second message.

[0068] The second message is a message in response to one or more messages from a wireless communication device, configured, adapted, or otherwise used to carry information about a coexistence state. The information about the coexistence state that can be carried via the second message may, for example, indicate that the device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence state. Additionally or alternatively, the information about the coexistence state carried via the second message may include information about the coexistence state, such as whether the device for wireless communication is able to receive additional data packets while experiencing a coexistence state, information about one or more transmission or operation parameters for transmitting signals for the first communication session, the expected duration of the coexistence state, etc.

[0069] In some examples, the second message may include a response message in the form of an acknowledgment (e.g., ACK or NACK) message, which is implemented to indicate whether the data has been successfully received. Figure 6 An example of an acknowledgment frame that can be used to carry information about the coexistence status is shown. Acknowledgment frame 600 may, for example, provide a frame format of a legacy basic acknowledgment message.

[0070] Figure 6The example acknowledgment frame 600 includes multiple fields, shown as a frame control field 610, a duration field 620, a receive address field 630, and a frame check sequence field 640. One or more of these fields may be configured, adapted, or otherwise used to carry information about the coexistence status. For example, some or all of the aforementioned fields of the acknowledgment frame 600 may include subfields of various bit lengths, whereby bits of one or more such subfields may be used to carry information about the coexistence status. According to some examples, subfields that are not applicable to or were not originally used for the intended purpose of the response message, or are not important to the intended purpose of the response message (e.g., with...) Figure 6 The confirmation message in the example (which is not a particularly relevant subfield) can be repurposed to provide information about the coexistence status.

[0071] exist Figure 6 In the example, frame control field 610 includes multiple subfields, shown as protocol version subfield 611, type subfield 612, subtype subfield 613, destination to distributed system subfield 614, origin from distributed system subfield 615, more fragments subfield 616, retry subfield 617, power management subfield 618, more data subfield 619, protected frame subfield 621, and high throughput control subframe 622. One or more subfields of frame control field 610 (e.g., more fragments subfield 616, retry subfield 617, power management subfield 618, more data subfield 619, high throughput control subframe 622, or combinations thereof) may not be particularly suitable for acknowledgment messages, and therefore one or more such subfields may be used to carry information about coexistence conditions depending on some aspect. For example, a bit of one such subfield may be set to indicate that a device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence condition. Additionally or alternatively, multiple bits of one or more such subfields may be set to provide coexistence condition information. According to some examples, combinations of subfields can be used to indicate that a device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence state, to provide coexistence state information, or a combination of both.

[0072] Figure 7 Another example of an acknowledgment frame that can be used to carry information about the coexistence status is shown. Acknowledgment frame 700 may, for example, provide a frame format for a block acknowledgment message.

[0073] Figure 7The example acknowledgment frame 700 includes multiple fields, shown as a frame control field 710, a duration field 720, a receive address field 730, a transmitter address field 740, a block acknowledgment control field 750, a block acknowledgment information field 760, and a frame check sequence field 770. One or more of these fields may be configured, adapted, or otherwise used to carry information about the coexistence status. For example, some or all of the aforementioned fields of the acknowledgment frame 700 may include subfields of various bit lengths, whereby bits of one or more such subfields may be used to carry information about the coexistence status. According to some examples, subfields that are not applicable to or were not originally used for the intended purpose of the response message, or are not important to the intended purpose of the response message (e.g., with...) Figure 7 The confirmation message in the example (which is not a particularly relevant subfield) can be repurposed to provide information about the coexistence status.

[0074] and Figure 6 Similar to the example, in Figure 7 In the example, frame control field 710 includes multiple subfields, shown as protocol version subfield 711, type subfield 712, subtype subfield 713, destination to distributed system subfield 714, origin from distributed system subfield 715, more fragments subfield 716, retry subfield 717, power management subfield 718, more data subfield 719, protected frame subfield 721, and high throughput control subframe 722. (See above reference) Figure 6 As described, one or more subfields of the frame control field 710 may be used to indicate that a device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence state, to provide coexistence state information, or a combination of both.

[0075] In addition, Figure 7In the example, the block acknowledgment control field 750 includes multiple subfields, shown as a reservation subfield 751, a block acknowledgment type subfield 752, a reservation subfield 753, a no memory reservation subfield 754, a memory configuration tag subfield 755, a management acknowledgment subfield 756, and a transmitter address information subfield 757. One or more subfields of the block acknowledgment control field 750 (e.g., reservation subfield 751, reservation subfield 753, no memory reservation subfield 754, memory configuration tag subfield 755, management acknowledgment subfield 756, and transmitter address information subfield 757, or combinations thereof) may not be particularly suitable for acknowledgment messages, and therefore one or more of these subfields may be used to carry information about the coexistence status, depending on some aspect. For example, a bit of one such subfield may be set to indicate that a device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence status. Additionally or alternatively, multiple bits of one or more such subfields may be set to provide coexistence status information. According to some examples, a combination of block confirmation control subfields (possibly a combination of one or more frame control subfields) can be used to indicate that a device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence state, to provide coexistence state information, or a combination of both.

[0076] Figure 8 Another example of an acknowledgment frame that can be used to carry information about the coexistence status is shown. Acknowledgment frame 800 may, for example, provide a frame format for a multi-station block acknowledgment (multi-STA BA) message. Using multi-station block acknowledgment messages can facilitate the secure and reliable delivery of information about the coexistence status, depending on several aspects. For example, the security of the data in the multi-station block acknowledgment message can be provided using mechanisms intended for protecting control frames, as implemented according to the IEEE 802.11bn communication protocol standard.

[0077] and Figure 7 The example is the same. Figure 8 The example acknowledgment frame 800 includes multiple fields, shown as a frame control field 810, a duration field 820, a receive address field 830, a transmitter address field 840, a block acknowledgment control field 850, a block acknowledgment information field 860, and a frame check sequence field 870. One or more of these fields may be configured, adapted, or otherwise used to carry information about the coexistence status. For example, some or all of the aforementioned fields of the acknowledgment frame 800 may include subfields of various bit lengths, whereby bits of one or more such subfields may be used to carry information about the coexistence status. According to some examples, subfields that are not applicable to or were not originally used for the intended purpose of the response message, or are not important to the intended purpose of the response message (e.g., with...) Figure 8 The confirmation message in the example (which is not a particularly relevant subfield) can be repurposed to provide information about the coexistence status.

[0078] Although in order to simplify Figure 8 The example is not explicitly shown, but it is related to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The example is the same. Figure 8 The frame control field 810 may include multiple subfields (e.g., protocol version subfield, type subfield, subtype subfield, destination to distributed system subfield, origin from distributed system subfield, more fragments subfield, retry subfield, power management subfield, more data subfield, protected frame subfield, high throughput control subframe, etc.). (See above reference.) Figure 6 As described, one or more subfields of the frame control field 810 may be used to indicate that a device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence state, to provide coexistence state information, or a combination of both.

[0079] and Figure 7 Similar to the example, in Figure 8 In the example, the block acknowledgment control field 850 includes multiple subfields, shown as a reservation subfield 851, a block acknowledgment type subfield 852, a reservation field 853, a no memory reservation subfield 854, a memory configuration tag subfield 855, a management acknowledgment subfield 856, and a transmitter address information subfield 857. (See above reference...) Figure 7 As described, one or more subfields of the block acknowledgment control field 850 may be used to indicate that a device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence state, to provide coexistence state information, or a combination of both. According to some examples, a combination of block acknowledgment subfields (possibly a combination with one or more frame control subfields) may be used to indicate that a device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence state, to provide coexistence state information, or a combination of both.

[0080] In addition, Figure 8 In the example, the block confirmation information field 860 includes multiple subfields. Specifically, an instance of each AID TID information subfield can be repeated for each associated identifier (AID), business identifier (TID) tuple. An instance of the AID TID information subfield is shown according to AID TID information field 861a (e.g., the block confirmation information field 860 may include n instances of each AID TID information field). Each instance of each AID TID information subfield may itself include multiple subfields. For example, Figure 8 The example in the diagram shows that each AID TID information subfield 861a includes multiple subfields, illustrated as AID TID information subfield 862a, block acknowledgment start sequence control subfield 863a, and block acknowledgment bitmap 864a. Specific subfields of each AID TID information subfield may vary, such as depending on the AID information. One or more subfields of each AID TID information field may themselves further include multiple subfields. For example, Figure 8 The example AID TID information subfield 862a includes multiple subfields, shown as AID11 subfield 865a, acknowledgment type subfield 866a, and TID subfield 867a. One or more subfields of each instance of the AIDTID information field may be used to carry information about coexistence status, as described in the example above, depending on certain aspects.

[0081] According to some examples, instances of the per-AID TID information field may be included in the block acknowledgment information field 860 to carry information about the coexistence status. That is, according to some aspects, the block acknowledgment information field 860 of the acknowledgment frame 800 may be extended to carry coexistence status information. For example, at least one of the AID11 subfield 865a, the acknowledgment type subfield 866a, or the TID subfield 867a may be configured or otherwise used to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status. Some combination of AID, acknowledgment type, and TID values ​​may, for example, identify information in the per-AID TID information subframe as coexistence status information. Additionally or alternatively, the block acknowledgment bitmap subfield 864a may provide information about the coexistence status. For example, the block acknowledgment bitmap may be missing (e.g., empty ACK) to indicate that a PPDU was received but could not be processed due to coexistence status within the device. According to some examples, a first combination of AID, Acknowledgment Type, and TID values ​​can provide the acknowledgment status of a received MPDU, while a second combination of AID, Acknowledgment Type, and TID values ​​can signal the absence of a block acknowledgment bitmap to indicate that no further MPDUs will be transmitted due to a coexistence condition within the device. According to some examples, combinations of block acknowledgment information subfields (possibly combined with one or more block acknowledgment control subfields, frame control subfields, or combinations thereof) can be used to indicate that a device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence condition, to provide coexistence condition information, or a combination of both.

[0082] The above references Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The described examples each exemplify specific implementations in which coexistence status information is provided via response messages in the form of acknowledgment messages. However, it should be understood that the foregoing examples neither exhaustively list nor limit the types of response messages that can be used to carry information about coexistence status according to aspects of this disclosure. Specifically, in addition to or in lieu of acknowledgment messages, a second message may take the form of a response message. According to some examples, response messages in the form of data or control messages may include information about coexistence status in one or more subfields of a frame control field. Additionally or alternatively, response messages in the form of data or control messages may include information about coexistence status in one or more subfields of an information field (e.g., a control information subfield, a payload information subfield, etc.).

[0083] In an example employing a second message in a form other than a response message, the device for wireless communication experiencing a coexistence condition may output a message to be sent to a peer wireless communication device, indicating that the device for wireless communication is requesting a change in the acknowledgment policy between the device for wireless communication and the peer wireless communication device. While this message responds to communication based on the acknowledgment policy (e.g., acknowledgment policy information is typically carried in each MPDU and can be indicated at a separate frame level), it does not itself provide an acknowledgment message. This communication can be utilized according to some examples so that the device for wireless communication experiencing a coexistence condition does not need to transmit an acknowledgment message immediately (e.g., within SIFS / 16µs), but instead transmits a delayed acknowledgment message. According to some examples, the acknowledgment policy can be changed to a block acknowledgment policy (e.g., to use as referenced above). Figure 7 or Figure 8 The described block acknowledgment message). A device for wireless communication may receive additional messages from a first communication session (in some examples with modified transmission or operation parameters) while experiencing a coexistence state, and subsequently transmit (e.g., merged) acknowledgments for all received MPDUs after it no longer faces a coexistence state. For example, the aforementioned situation may occur when a device for wireless communication is in a receiving state during a coexistence state and entering a transmitting state on a Wi-Fi link could cause interference.

[0084] Regardless of the specific form of the response message, as shown in the examples above, one or more fields, subfields, etc., of the second message may be configured or otherwise used (e.g., by the coexistence state logic of the device for wireless communication) to carry information about the coexistence state. The information about the coexistence state may indicate that the device for wireless communication will experience, is experiencing, or has already experienced a coexistence state within the device. Additionally or alternatively, the information about the coexistence state may provide coexistence state information that facilitates mitigation or avoidance of the coexistence state. According to some examples, one or more subfields of the second message may be used to indicate the coexistence state and signal to the wireless communication device not to send a signal for the first communication session to the device for wireless communication. According to some examples, one or more subfields of the second message may be used to indicate the coexistence state and signal to the wireless communication device to use certain transmission or operating parameters to send a signal for the first communication session to the device for wireless communication.

[0085] Despite Figure 3Not explicitly shown in the example process 300, however, the apparatus for wireless communication may obtain (e.g., receive, or obtain from one or more transceiver Tx / Rx links operating under the control of a communication manager) a signal of a first communication session, which has one or more aspects that change based on information about the coexistence status. For example, frequency resources, timing resources, modulation parameters, transmission schedules, etc., for transmitting the signal for the first communication session may be changed based on information about the coexistence status. Additionally or alternatively, the transmission of the signal for the first communication session may be suspended or delayed based on information about the coexistence status.

[0086] Now for reference Figure 4 The operation of process 400 can be implemented by a wireless communication device or component thereof as described herein, which is a peer of a wireless communication device experiencing a coexistence state. For example, process 400 can be implemented by means for wireless communication (such as a reference device). Figure 5 The described wireless communication device 500 (or may be included as part of the wireless communication device) performs this function as a wireless access point (e.g., reference 500). Figure 1 The AP 102 described herein, and the wireless STA (e.g., reference) Figure 1 The process 400 may operate or operate within other configurations of the described STA 104 (one of the STAs) or a means for wireless communication (which is a peer of a wireless communication device experiencing a coexistence state). In some examples, process 400 may be referenced. Figure 1 An instance of the described wireless communication device 202b is executed.

[0087] In some examples, in block 401, the means for wireless communication outputs a first message for transmission to a wireless communication device. According to examples, the means for wireless communication (e.g., a means for wireless communication operating as or within wireless communication device 202b) may output (e.g., via one or more transceiver Tx / Rx chains operating under the control of a communication manager, output to such one or more transceiver Tx / Rx chains, etc.) one or more messages (e.g., message 221) for transmission to a wireless communication device (e.g., wireless communication device 202a). In some aspects, the first message may be output by the means for wireless communication for transmission to a wireless communication device for purposes other than requesting coexistence status information. According to some examples, the first message may include a management message, a control message, a data message, or a combination thereof.

[0088] As referenced above Figure 3As described, the first message may be conveyed as part of a first communication session (e.g., communication session 211). The first message may or may not be included in communications during which the device for wireless communication experiences and performs a coexistence state associated with the first communication session and one or more second communication sessions. The first message may be conveyed over a period of time using communication resources different from those associated with the coexistence state via a specific channel. The first message may be output by the device for wireless communication before, simultaneously with, or after the wireless communication device experiences the coexistence state.

[0089] In some examples, at block 402, the device for wireless communication receives a second message in response to a first message, wherein the second message carries information about a coexistence condition experienced by the wireless communication device. In some aspects, this coexistence condition is associated with interference at the wireless communication device experienced as a result of a first communication session and one or more second communication sessions performed by the wireless communication device. According to the example, the device for wireless communication (e.g., a device for wireless communication operating as or within wireless communication device 202b) can receive (e.g., receive from, or receive from, one or more transceiver Tx / Rx links operating under the control of a communication manager) one or more messages (e.g., message 231) sent by the wireless communication device (e.g., wireless communication device 202a) in response to a first message (e.g., message 221). The wireless communication device may execute one or more second communication sessions (e.g., communication session 212) with one or more wireless communication devices (e.g., wireless communication device 202b, wireless communication device 202c, or a combination thereof), thereby the wireless communication device experiences a coexistence state due to one or more of the first and second communication sessions.

[0090] As referenced above Figure 3 As described, according to some aspects, the second message is a message responding to one or more messages from a wireless communication device, which is configured, adapted, or otherwise used to carry information about the coexistence status. The second message may, for example, include a response message in the form of an acknowledgment (e.g., ACK or NACK) message, which is implemented to indicate that data has been successfully received or is not configured to carry information about the coexistence status, as referenced above. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As described. Information about the coexistence state that can be carried via the second message may, for example, indicate that the device for wireless communication is experiencing a coexistence state. Additionally or alternatively, the information about the coexistence state carried via the second message may include information about the coexistence state, such as whether the device for wireless communication is able to receive additional data packets while experiencing a coexistence state, information about one or more transmission or operation parameters for transmitting signals for the first communication session, the expected duration of the coexistence state, etc.

[0091] In some examples, in block 403, the means for wireless communication modifies one or more aspects of a transmission associated with a first communication session based on information about the coexistence status. According to some examples, the circuitry and logic of the means for wireless communication may be configured to analyze information about the coexistence status and modify one or more aspects of a subsequent transmission (e.g., message 241) of the first communication session (e.g., communication session 211) based on that information. For example, logic implemented by a communication manager, coexistence status logic, etc., may be operable to determine, based on information about the coexistence status obtained from a second message, one or more transmission or operation parameters to be modified relative to the transmission of the first communication session (e.g., frequency resources, time resources, modulation parameters, transmission scheduling, redundancy, etc.), and how to modify one or more transmission or operation parameters (e.g., changing one or more frequency resources, changing one or more time resources, using a more robust modulation technique, canceling or rescheduling one or more transmissions, adding or increasing data redundancy), etc. Additionally or alternatively, logic implemented by the communication manager, coexistence logic, etc., may be operable to determine, based on information about the coexistence status obtained from the second message, whether to suspend or delay the transmission of the first communication session, and for how long to suspend or delay it.

[0092] The operation of a wireless communication device that modifies one or more aspects of transmission associated with a first communication session based on information about coexistence conditions can facilitate improved or optimized communication relative to one or more of the first and one or more second communication sessions. For example, in a situation where in-device coexistence conditions result in the failure to receive packets of the first communication session at the receiving wireless communication device, the wireless communication device transmitting the signal of the first communication session may implement remedial techniques suitable for resolving other forms of interference (e.g., external interference, such as that introduced by channel conditions, wireless medium multiple access collisions, etc.) (e.g., increased backoff time, more robust modulation schemes, lower bandwidth channels, etc.). However, these remedial techniques generally cannot remedy in-device interference of coexistence conditions and may therefore lead to performance degradation (e.g., lower throughput) without mitigating or avoiding the source of coexistence interference. The response messages carrying information about coexistence conditions provided according to various aspects of this disclosure act as rapid feedback to the transmitter and allow the transmitter to adapt to the coexistence conditions.

[0093] Figure 5 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device is shown, supporting aspects of this disclosure by providing coexistence status information via a response message. In an example where the wireless communication device 500 experiences a coexistence state, the wireless communication device 500 or one or more means for its wireless communication are configured or able to operate to perform a reference... Figure 3 The process 300 described. Additionally or alternatively, in an example where the wireless communication device 500 is a peer of a wireless communication device experiencing a coexistence state, the wireless communication device 500 or one or more means for its wireless communication are configured or able to operate to perform the reference... Figure 4 The process 400 is described. In various examples, the wireless communication device 500 may be a chip, SoC, chipset, package, or device that may include: one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) modem or a cellular modem such as a 3GPP 4G LTE or 5G compatible modem); one or more processors, processing blocks, or processing elements (collectively, “processors”); one or more radio components (collectively, “radio components”); and one or more memories or memory blocks (collectively, “memory”).

[0094] In some examples, the wireless communication device 500 may be used in an AP (such as a reference). Figure 1 The described AP 102) is used and can be referenced. Figure 2The wireless communication device 500 is an example of any of the wireless communication devices described in wireless communication devices 202a, 202b, and 202c. In some other examples, wireless communication device 500 may be an AP including such a chip, SoC, chipset, package, or device, and multiple antennas. Wireless communication device 500 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, the means for wireless communication may be configured or capable of operating to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 series of wireless communication protocol standards. In some examples, wireless communication device 500 also includes an application processor or an application processor that may be coupled to the application processor, which may be further coupled to another memory. In some examples, wireless communication device 500 further includes at least one external network interface that enables communication with a core network or backhaul network to obtain access to external networks, including the Internet.

[0095] In some examples, the wireless communication device 500 may be used for STA (such as reference) Figure 1 The STA104 described herein is used and can be referenced. Figure 2 The wireless communication device 500 is an example of any of the wireless communication devices described in wireless communication devices 202a, 202b, and 202c. In some other examples, wireless communication device 500 may be a STA including such a chip, SoC, chipset, package, or device, and multiple antennas. Wireless communication device 500 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, wireless communication device may be configured or capable of operating to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 series of wireless communication protocol standards. In some examples, wireless communication device 500 also includes an application processor or may be coupled to such an application processor, which may be further coupled to another memory. In some examples, wireless communication device 500 further includes a user interface (UI) (such as a touchscreen or keypad) and a display that may be integrated with the UI to form a touchscreen display. In some examples, wireless communication device 500 may further include one or more sensors, such as, for example, one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors.

[0096] Wireless communication device 500 includes a coexistence logic component 510, a transceiver component 520, and a communication manager component 530. A portion of one or more of components 510, 520, and 530 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, transceiver component 520 may be implemented at least partially by a modem. In some examples, at least some of components 510, 520, and 530 are implemented at least partially by a processor and implemented as software stored in memory. For example, a portion of one or more of components 510, 520, and 530 may be implemented as non-transitory instructions (or "code") executable by a processor to perform the function or operation of a corresponding module.

[0097] In some aspects, the coexistence logic component 510 includes: code for obtaining a first message from a wireless communication device (such as an example of a component for this purpose); and code for outputting a second message in response to the first message for transmission (such as an example of a component for this purpose), wherein the second message carries information about the coexistence state. In some aspects, the transceiver component 520 includes: circuitry for performing a first communication session with the wireless communication device and one or more second communication sessions therein experiencing a coexistence state, wherein the coexistence state is associated with interference at the device experienced as a result of the first communication session and one or more second communication sessions; circuitry for receiving the first message from the wireless communication device (such as an example of a component for this purpose); and circuitry for transmitting a second message in response to the first message (such as an example of a component for this purpose), wherein the second message carries information about the coexistence state.

[0098] In some aspects, coexistence logic 510 includes: code for outputting a first message for transmission to a wireless communication device (as an example of a component for this purpose); and code for receiving a second message in response to the first message (as an example of a component for this purpose), wherein the second message carries information about a coexistence condition experienced by the wireless communication device, and wherein the coexistence condition is associated with interference at the wireless communication device caused by a first communication session and one or more second communication sessions performed by the wireless communication device. In some aspects, transceiver component 520 includes: circuitry for transmitting the first message for transmission to a wireless communication device (as an example of a component for this purpose); and circuitry for receiving a second message in response to the first message (as an example of a component for this purpose), wherein the second message carries information about a coexistence condition experienced by the wireless communication device, and wherein the coexistence condition is associated with interference at the wireless communication device caused by a first communication session and one or more second communication sessions performed by the wireless communication device. In some aspects, communication manager component 530 includes code for modifying one or more aspects of transmission associated with a first communication session based on information about the coexistence condition (as an example of a component for this purpose).

[0099] In some implementations, the processor may be a component of a processing system. A processing system generally refers to a system or series of machines or components that receive inputs and process those inputs to produce a set of outputs (which may be passed to, for example, other systems or components of the wireless communication device 500). For example, the processing system of the wireless communication device 500 may refer to a system that includes various other components or sub-components of the wireless communication device 500, such as a processor, or transceiver component 520, or communication manager component 530, or other components or combinations of components of the wireless communication device 500. The processing system of the wireless communication device 500 may interface with other components of the wireless communication device 500 and may process information (such as inputs or signals) received from other components or output information to other components. For example, the chip or modem of the wireless communication device 500 may include a processing system, a first interface for outputting information, and a second interface for receiving information. In some implementations, the first interface may refer to the interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a transmitter, enabling the wireless communication device 500 to transmit information output from the chip or modem. In some specific implementations, the second interface may refer to the interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and the receiver, enabling the wireless communication device 500 to receive information or signal input, and the information to be transmitted to the processing system. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the first interface can also receive information or signal input, and the second interface can also output information or signal output.

[0100] In some examples, the coexistence state logic component 510 is configured to perform, manage, and / or control various functionalities for communicating information about the coexistence state. According to some examples, the coexistence state logic component 510 includes circuitry and logic configured to perform one or more functions of process 300, process 400, or combinations thereof. The coexistence state logic component 510 may operate in conjunction with transceiver component 520, communication manager component 530, or combinations thereof, such as for communicating information about the coexistence state. According to some examples, the coexistence state logic component 510, or a portion thereof, may be included therein as part of transceiver component 520, communication manager component 530, or both.

[0101] In a specific implementation where the wireless communication device 500 experiences a coexistence state, the coexistence state logic component 510 is capable of, configured to, or operable to identify, detect, or otherwise determine instances of a coexistence state. For example, the coexistence state logic component may be capable of, configured to, or operable to determine whether the wireless communication device 500 will experience, is experiencing, or has already experienced an in-device coexistence state. According to some aspects, the coexistence state logic component 501 is capable of, configured to, or operable to determine one or more parameters associated with the coexistence state relative to the transmission of a first communication session, determine how to change such one or more parameters, etc., so as to be included in a response message as information about the coexistence state. According to some aspects, the coexistence state logic component 501 is capable of, configured to, or operable to determine whether the wireless communication device 500 can continue to receive the transmission of the first communication session, whether to suspend or delay the transmission of the first communication session, and for how long to suspend or delay the transmission of the first communication session, etc., so as to be included in a response message as information about the coexistence state. The coexistence status logic component 510 may be able to, be configured to, or be operable to obtain a first message from a wireless communication device and output a second message in response to the first message, including information about the coexistence status. The coexistence status logic component 510 may be able to, be configured to, or be operable to modify, change its purpose, or otherwise cause one or more fields or subfields of the response message to carry information about the coexistence status.

[0102] In a specific implementation where the wireless communication device 500 is a peer of a wireless communication device experiencing a coexistence state, the coexistence state logic component 510 can be configured to operate to analyze information about the coexistence state obtained from a response message. For example, the coexistence state logic component 510 can be configured to operate to output a first message to the wireless communication device and receive a second message in response to the first message, including information about the coexistence state. The coexistence state logic component 510 can be configured to operate to determine, based on the information about the coexistence state obtained from the response message, one or more transmission or operation parameters to be changed relative to the transmission of the first communication session, how to change one or more transmission or operation parameters, etc. The coexistence state logic component 510 can be configured to operate to determine, based on the information about the coexistence state obtained from the response message, to suspend or delay the transmission of the first communication session, and for how long to suspend or delay, etc. According to some aspects, the coexistence state logic component 501 is capable of, can be configured to, or is operable to manage, guide, control, or otherwise facilitate changes to one or more aspects of subsequent transmissions of the first communication session based on information about the coexistence state.

[0103] Some examples of transceiver component 520 may include one or more wireless radio components, such as one or more Tx / Rx chains coupled to one or more antennas (not shown), or may be included therein as part of such chains. According to some aspects, transceiver component 520 may include various components and hardware, such as one or more modems, transmit processors, MIMO processors, receive processors, MIMO detectors, etc. Transceiver component 520 may operate under the control of communication manager component 530, such as for establishing and maintaining wireless communication with one or more wireless communication devices. Transceiver component 520 may additionally operate in conjunction with coexistence status logic component 510, such as for conveying information about coexistence status.

[0104] In a specific implementation where the wireless communication device 500 experiences a coexistence state, the transceiver component 520 is capable of, configured to, or operable to perform communication in a first communication session with the first wireless communication device. The transceiver component 520 may additionally be capable of, configured to, or operable to perform communication in a second communication session with one or more wireless communication devices (which may or may not include the first wireless communication device). The transceiver component 520 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to receive a first message from the wireless communication device and send a second message in response to the first message.

[0105] In an implementation where the wireless communication device 500 is a peer of a wireless communication device experiencing a coexistence state, the transceiver component 520 is capable of, configured to, or operable to perform communication in a first communication session with a first wireless communication device, and to perform communication in a second communication session with one or more wireless communication devices (which may or may not include the first wireless communication device). The transceiver component 520 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to send a first message to the wireless communication device and receive a second message in response to the first message. In some aspects, the transceiver component 520 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to send subsequent transmissions of the first communication session, the subsequent transmissions having one or more aspects of transmission based on changes in information regarding the coexistence state.

[0106] Some examples of communication manager component 530 are configured to perform, manage, and / or control various communication functionalities with respect to wireless communication device 500. According to some examples, communication manager component 530 includes circuitry and logic configured to manage and control communications via transceiver component 520. Communication manager component 530 may operate in conjunction with coexistence state logic component 510, transceiver component 520, or a combination thereof, such as for conveying information about coexistence states. According to some examples, communication manager component 530, or a portion thereof, may be included therein as part of transceiver component 520.

[0107] In a specific implementation where the wireless communication device 500 experiences a coexistence state, the communication manager component 530 is capable of, configured to, or operable to manage, guide, control, or otherwise facilitate communication in a first communication session with the first wireless communication device. The communication manager component 530 may additionally be capable of, configured to, or operable to manage, guide, control, or otherwise facilitate communication in a second communication session with one or more wireless communication devices (which may or may not include the first wireless communication device). The communication manager component 530 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to manage, guide, control, or otherwise facilitate receiving a first message from the wireless communication device and sending a second message in response to the first message.

[0108] In an implementation where wireless communication device 500 is a peer of a wireless communication device experiencing a coexistence state, communication manager component 530 is capable of, configured to, or operable to manage, guide, control, or otherwise facilitate communication in a first communication session with a first wireless communication device, and to manage, guide, control, or otherwise facilitate communication in a second communication session with one or more wireless communication devices (which may or may not include the first wireless communication device). Communication manager component 530 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to manage, guide, control, or otherwise facilitate the transmission of a first message to a wireless communication device and receive a second message in response to the first message. In some aspects, communication manager component 530 may be capable of, configured to, or operable to manage, guide, control, or otherwise facilitate the transmission of subsequent transmissions of the first communication session, which have one or more aspects of transmission based on changes in information regarding the coexistence state.

[0109] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses: Clause 1. A method for wireless communication, the method supporting: executing a first communication session with a wireless communication device and one or more second communication sessions in which a coexistence state is experienced, wherein the coexistence state is associated with interference at the device, the interference being experienced as a result of the first communication session and the one or more second communication sessions; obtaining a first message from the wireless communication device; and outputting a second message in response to the first message for transmission, wherein the second message carries information about the coexistence state.

[0110] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the information regarding the coexistence state indicates that the device is experiencing the coexistence state, and further indicates whether the device is able to obtain one or more additional packets from the wireless communication device while experiencing the coexistence state.

[0111] Clause 3. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 and 2, wherein the information regarding the coexistence status includes information about one or more parameters to be used by the wireless communication device to communicate with the apparatus.

[0112] Clause 4. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the information regarding the coexistence state indicates the expected duration of the coexistence state.

[0113] Clause 5. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the second message is a confirmation message carrying information about the coexistence status.

[0114] Clause 6. The method described in Clause 5, wherein the confirmation message includes a multi-station block confirmation (multi-STA BA) message.

[0115] Clause 7. The method according to Clause 6, wherein at least one of the association identifier (AID), service identifier (TID), or acknowledgment type of the multiSTA BA message is configured to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status.

[0116] Clause 8. The method according to any one of Clauses 6 and 7, wherein the BA bitmap of the multi-STA BA message is configured to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status.

[0117] Clause 9. The method according to any one of Clauses 6 to 8, wherein one or more reserved bits in the BA control field of the multi-STA BA message are configured to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status.

[0118] Clause 10. The method according to Clause 5, wherein the confirmation message includes a legacy confirmation message having one or more fields configured to carry the information about the coexistence status.

[0119] Clause 11. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory including instructions; and one or more processors configured individually or in any combination to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10.

[0120] Clause 12. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10.

[0121] Clause 13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10.

[0122] Clause 14. A computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer program product comprising code for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10.

[0123] Clause 15. A wireless communication device comprising: at least one transceiver; at least one memory including instructions; and one or more processors configured individually or in any combination to execute the instructions and cause an AP to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to: perform a first communication session with the wireless communication device and one or more second communication sessions; receive a first message from the second wireless communication device; and send a second message in response to the first message.

[0124] Clause 16. A method for wireless communication, the method supporting: outputting a first message for transmission to a wireless communication device; obtaining a second message in response to the first message, wherein the second message carries information about a coexistence condition experienced by the wireless communication device, and wherein the coexistence condition is associated with interference at the wireless communication device, the interference being experienced due to a first communication session and one or more second communication sessions performed by the wireless communication device; and modifying one or more aspects of transmission associated with the first communication session based on the information about the coexistence condition.

[0125] Clause 17. The method according to Clause 16, wherein the change in one or more aspects includes changing one or more parameters of the signal to be used to transmit the first communication session to the wireless communication device.

[0126] Clause 18. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 and 17, wherein the change in one or more aspects includes suspending the output of signals of the first communication session to be transmitted to the wireless communication device.

[0127] Clause 19. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 17, wherein the information regarding the coexistence state indicates that the wireless communication device is experiencing the coexistence state, and further indicates whether the wireless communication device is able to receive additional packets from the device while experiencing the coexistence state.

[0128] Clause 20. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 19, wherein the information regarding the coexistence condition indicates the expected duration of the coexistence condition.

[0129] Clause 21. The method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 20, wherein the second message is a confirmation message carrying information about the coexistence status.

[0130] Clause 22. The method of Clause 21, wherein the acknowledgment message includes a multi-station block acknowledgment (multi-STA BA) message.

[0131] Clause 23. The method according to Clause 22, wherein at least one of the association identifier (AID), service identifier (TID), or acknowledgment type of the multi-STA BA message is configured to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status.

[0132] Clause 24. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 and 23, wherein the BA bitmap of the multi-STA BA message is configured to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status.

[0133] Clause 25. The method according to any one of Clauses 22 to 24, wherein one or more reserved bits in the BA control field of the multi-STA BA message are configured to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status.

[0134] Clause 26. The method according to Clause 21, wherein the confirmation message includes a legacy confirmation having one or more fields configured to carry the information about the coexistence status.

[0135] Clause 27. An apparatus comprising: at least one memory including instructions; and one or more processors configured individually or in any combination to execute the instructions and cause the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 26.

[0136] Clause 28. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 27.

[0137] Clause 29. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 27.

[0138] Clause 30. A computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium, the computer program product comprising code for performing a method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 27.

[0139] Clause 31. A wireless communication device comprising: at least one transceiver; at least one memory including instructions; and one or more processors configured individually or in any combination to execute the instructions and cause an AP to perform a method according to any one of Clauses 16 to 27, wherein the at least one transceiver is configured to: transmit a first message for transmission to a second wireless communication device; and receive a second message in response to the first message.

[0140] 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.

[0141] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of the items” refers to any combination of those items, including a single member. As an 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.

[0142] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated, “based on” is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense. For example, unless otherwise expressly indicated, “based on” may be used interchangeably with “at least partially based on,” “associated with,” or “according to.” Specifically, unless the phrase in the context means “based on only one” or an equivalent, it may be based solely on “one” or on a combination of “one” and one or more other factors, conditions, or information, whether it is “based on one” or “at least partially based on one.”

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] Additionally, the various features described in this specification in the context of individual examples may also be implemented in combination in a single specific embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single specific 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.

[0146] 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. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: A processing system, comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the device to: Execute a first communication session with a wireless communication device and one or more second communication sessions in which a coexistence condition is experienced, wherein the coexistence condition is associated with interference at the device, the interference being experienced as a result of the first communication session and the one or more second communication sessions; Obtain a first message from the wireless communication device; as well as A second message in response to the first message is output for transmission, wherein the second message carries information about the coexistence status.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information regarding the coexistence state indicates that the apparatus is experiencing the coexistence state, and further indicates whether the apparatus is able to obtain one or more additional packets from the wireless communication device while experiencing the coexistence state.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information regarding the coexistence status includes information regarding one or more parameters to be used by the wireless communication device to communicate with the apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information regarding the coexistence state indicates the expected duration of the coexistence state.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second message is a confirmation message carrying information about the coexistence status.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the confirmation message includes a multi-station block confirmation (multi-STA BA) message.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of the association identifier (AID), service identifier (TID), or acknowledgment type of the multi-STA BA message is configured to provide at least a portion of the information regarding the coexistence status.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the BA bitmap of the multi-STA BA message is configured to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein one or more reserved bits in the BA control field of the multi-STA BA message are configured to provide at least a portion of the information regarding the coexistence status.

10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the confirmation message includes a legacy confirmation message having one or more fields configured to carry the information about the coexistence status.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises: At least one transceiver configured to receive the first message and send the second message, wherein the device is configured as a wireless station (STA) or a wireless access point (AP).

12. An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: A processing system, comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the device to: Output the first message for transmission to the wireless communication device; A second message is received in response to the first message, wherein the second message carries information about a coexistence condition experienced by the wireless communication device, and wherein the coexistence condition is associated with interference at the wireless communication device, the interference being experienced due to a first communication session and one or more second communication sessions performed by the wireless communication device; as well as Based on the information about the coexistence status, one or more aspects of the transmission associated with the first communication session are modified.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the change in one or more aspects includes changing one or more parameters of the signal to be used to transmit the first communication session to the wireless communication device.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the change in one or more aspects includes suspending the output of signals for transmission to the wireless communication device from the first communication session.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the information regarding the coexistence state indicates that the wireless communication device is experiencing the coexistence state, and further indicates whether the wireless communication device is able to receive additional packets from the apparatus while experiencing the coexistence state.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the information regarding the coexistence state indicates the expected duration of the coexistence state.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second message is a confirmation message carrying information about the coexistence status.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the confirmation message includes a multi-station block confirmation (multi-STA BA) message.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein at least one of the association identifier (AID), service identifier (TID), or acknowledgment type of the multi-STA BA message is configured to provide at least a portion of the information regarding the coexistence status.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the BA bitmap of the multi-STA BA message is configured to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein one or more reserved bits in the BA control field of the multi-STA BA message are configured to provide at least a portion of the information about the coexistence status.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the confirmation message includes a legacy confirmation having one or more fields configured to carry the information about the coexistence status.

23. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: At least one transceiver configured to receive the first message and send the second message, wherein the device is configured as a wireless station (STA) or a wireless access point (AP).

24. A method for wireless communication that can be performed at a first wireless communication device, the method comprising: Execute a first communication session with a second wireless communication device and one or more second communication sessions therein, wherein the coexistence condition is associated with interference at the first wireless communication device, the interference being experienced as a result of the first communication session and the one or more second communication sessions; Obtain the first message from the second wireless communication device; as well as A second message in response to the first message is output for transmission, wherein the second message carries information about the coexistence status.

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