Method, system and apparatus for simultaneous reception for non-primary channel access

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, and systems provide a recovery mechanism for simultaneous reception of non-primary channel access. In the context of a method, the method comprises transmitting a first message via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message comprising first information indicating a first capability of a device to communicate via a non-primary channel access; and receiving, in response to the first message, a second message from the second device via the first primary channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the second device to communicate via the non-primary channel access.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to techniques for non-primary channel access (NPCA), and more specifically to a framework for simultaneous reception for NPCA. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication networks, such as Wi-Fi networks, can support latency-sensitive applications at Wi-Fi stations (STAs). Some such applications include virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and augmented reality (XR) applications. In some cases, reliable and nondeterministic channel access (such as for broadband transmission) may limit the performance of latency-sensitive applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Methods, apparatus, and systems for Non-Master Channel Access (NPCA) are disclosed. In this regard, the methods, apparatus, and systems are configured to support a framework for simultaneous reception for NPCA. For example, the methods, apparatus, and systems are configured to support the exchange of NPCA information between NPCA-enabled devices. By providing the exchange of NPCA information between NPCA-enabled devices, the methods, apparatus, and systems can reduce latency and improve the performance of wireless communication in a network.

[0004] In at least one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code (e.g., instructions) configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least: transmit a first message via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of the apparatus to communicate via non-primary channel access; and, in response to the first message, receive a second message from a second apparatus via the first primary channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the second apparatus to communicate via non-primary channel access.

[0005] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: transmit third information indicating the activation of a first capability at the device.

[0006] In at least one exemplary embodiment, in order to transmit third information, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: transmit a message including the third information over a plurality of time-domain resources, wherein a first or more time-domain resources of the plurality of time-domain resources are associated with the transmission of the third information, and wherein a second or more time-domain resources of the plurality of time-domain resources are associated with a switch from a first primary channel to at least one primary channel associated with access to a non-primary channel.

[0007] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the number of time-domain resources included in the second or more time-domain resources is at least partially based on the second capability.

[0008] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive fourth information indicating at least one of the following in response to third information: confirmation of the activation of a first capability, a set of one or more candidate primary channels for non-primary channel access, or the capability to detect packets on both the first primary channel and at least one channel associated with non-primary channel access.

[0009] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the transmission of the third information is based at least in part on at least one of the following: the number of devices associated with the basic service set that have the ability to communicate via non-main channel access, the ability of a device or a second device to support a threshold bandwidth associated with non-main channel access, or the determination that one or more devices associated with the basic service set will communicate via non-main channel access.

[0010] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: transmit a third message, at least in part, based on a second capability, the third message indicating activation of non-master channel access for communication between the device and a second device.

[0011] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the third message indicates at least one of the following: an indication of a second primary channel for non-primary channel access, an indication of the operating bandwidth associated with the second primary channel, or an indication of the center frequency associated with the second primary channel.

[0012] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: perform at least one of carrier sensing or packet detection on a first primary channel and at least one primary channel associated with non-primary channel access, based at least in part on a first capability.

[0013] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: transmit a fourth message to a second device via a second primary channel associated with non-primary channel access, based at least in part on a second capability.

[0014] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: select, at least in part, a transmission bandwidth for transmitting a fourth message via a second main channel based on one or more criteria.

[0015] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first message indicates a set of candidate primary channels for non-primary channel access, and wherein the second primary channel is one of the candidate primary channels.

[0016] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second message indicates the selection of a second primary channel from the set of candidate primary channels.

[0017] In at least one exemplary embodiment, when executed by at least one processor, the instructions cause the device to select a second primary channel based at least in part on the following: the second primary channel satisfies a criterion, the position of the second primary channel relative to the first primary channel in the frequency domain, or the second primary channel includes one or more frequencies of an operating bandwidth associated with the second device.

[0018] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the device is an access point, and the second primary channel is based at least in part on a basic service set identifier associated with the access point and one or more other access points.

[0019] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: receive from a second device a request to communicate via one or more master channels associated with non-master channel access.

[0020] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: transmit third information indicating a first capability disabled at the device; and transmit a message on a first main channel based at least in part on the disabled capability.

[0021] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first capability includes the ability of the device to simultaneously perform packet detection on a first primary channel and at least one channel associated with non-primary channel access, and wherein the second capability includes the ability of the second device to simultaneously perform packet detection on the first primary channel and at least one channel associated with non-primary channel access.

[0022] In at least one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code (e.g., instructions) configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a first message from a second device via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of the second device to communicate via a non-primary channel access; and, in response to the first message, transmit a second message to the second device via the first primary channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the device to communicate via a non-primary channel access.

[0023] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: receive third information indicating the activation of a first capability at a second device.

[0024] In at least one exemplary embodiment, in order to receive third information, instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive a message including third information on a plurality of time-domain resources, wherein a first or more time-domain resources of the plurality of time-domain resources are associated with the reception of the third information, and wherein a second or more time-domain resources of the plurality of time-domain resources are associated with a switch from a first primary channel to at least one primary channel associated with access to a non-primary channel.

[0025] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: perform a switching from a first master channel to at least one master channel on a second or more time-domain resources.

[0026] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the number of time-domain resources included in the second or more time-domain resources is at least partially based on the second capability.

[0027] In at least one exemplary embodiment, when executed by at least one processor, the instructions cause the apparatus to: transmit fourth information in response to third information, the fourth information indicating at least one of the following: confirmation of the activation of a first capability, one or more candidate primary channels for non-primary channel access, or capability for detecting packets on both the first primary channel and at least one channel associated with non-primary channel access.

[0028] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the reception of the third information is based at least in part on at least one of the following: the number of devices associated with the basic service set that have the ability to communicate via non-main channel access, the ability of a device or a second device to support a threshold bandwidth associated with non-main channel access, or the determination that one or more devices associated with the basic service set will communicate via non-main channel access.

[0029] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: receive a third message at least in part based on a second capability, the third message indicating activation of non-master channel access for communication between the device and a second device.

[0030] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the third message indicates at least one of the following: an indication of a second primary channel for non-primary channel access, an indication of the operating bandwidth associated with the second primary channel, or an indication of the center frequency associated with the second primary channel.

[0031] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: perform at least one of carrier sensing or packet detection on a first primary channel and a second primary channel associated with non-primary channel access, at least in part based on a second capability; and determine, at least in part based on said at least one of carrier sensing or packet detection, to communicate with a second device using the first primary channel or the second primary channel.

[0032] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: receive a fourth message from a second device via a second primary channel associated with non-primary channel access, based at least in part on a second capability.

[0033] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine, at least in part, the transmission bandwidth for transmitting the fourth message via the second main channel based on one or more criteria.

[0034] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: select a second primary channel from a set of candidate primary channels, wherein a second message indicates the second primary channel.

[0035] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second primary channel is based, in part, on at least one of the following: a primary channel shared by a set of devices associated with the basic service set or a coordination scheme associated with the basic service set.

[0036] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: transmit to a second device a request to communicate via one or more master channels associated with non-master channel access.

[0037] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: receive third information indicating a first capability disabled at a second device; and receive a message on a first main channel based at least in part on the disablement.

[0038] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first capability includes the ability of the second device to simultaneously perform packet detection on a first primary channel and at least one channel associated with non-primary channel access, and wherein the second capability includes the ability of the device to simultaneously perform packet detection on a first primary channel and at least one channel associated with non-primary channel access.

[0039] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a method is provided, the method comprising: transmitting a first message via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of a device to communicate via a non-primary channel access; and receiving a second message from a second device via the first primary channel in response to the first message, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the second device to communicate via a non-primary channel access.

[0040] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a method is provided, the method comprising: receiving a first message via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of a device to communicate via access via a non-primary channel; and in response to the first message, transmitting a second message to the device via the first primary channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of a first device to communicate via access via a non-primary channel.

[0041] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes computer instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to: transmit a first message via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of the device to communicate via a non-primary channel access; and, in response to the first message, receive a second message from a second device via the first primary channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the second device to communicate via a non-primary channel access.

[0042] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes computer instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to: receive a first message via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of the device to communicate via a non-primary channel access; and, in response to the first message, transmit a second message to the device via the first primary channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the first device to communicate via a non-primary channel access.

[0043] In at least one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus including components for: transmitting a first message via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of the apparatus to communicate via a non-primary channel access; and receiving a second message from a second apparatus via the first primary channel in response to the first message, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the second apparatus to communicate via a non-primary channel access.

[0044] In at least one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus including components for: receiving a first message via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of the apparatus to communicate via a non-primary channel access; and in response to the first message, transmitting a second message to the apparatus via the first primary channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the first apparatus to communicate via a non-primary channel access.

[0045] The above overview is provided merely to outline at least some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way. It should also be understood that the scope of this disclosure covers many potential embodiments in addition to those summarized herein, some of which will be further described below. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Therefore, certain exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described in general terms, and reference will be made to the accompanying drawings below, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: Figure 1 An exemplary communication network is shown that one or more examples disclosed herein can be applied; Figure 2A An exemplary communication system is shown that one or more examples disclosed herein can be applied; Figure 2B An exemplary timing diagram is shown for a broadband transmission to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied; Figures 3 to 6 An exemplary timing diagram is shown that can be applied to one or more examples disclosed herein; Figure 7 An exemplary signaling diagram is shown that one or more examples disclosed herein can be applied; Figure 8 An exemplary flowchart is shown that can be applied to one or more examples disclosed herein; Figure 9 An exemplary flowchart is shown that can be applied to one or more examples disclosed herein; Figure 10 An exemplary block diagram of an apparatus to which one or more of the examples disclosed herein may be applied is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to embodiments as "a," "an," or "some" in several places in the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment, or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, whether explicitly described or not, the application of such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0048] For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” and “A and / or B” mean (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrases “A, B, and / or C” mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0049] The described embodiments can be implemented in a communication network, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMAX, GSM (2G), GSMEDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS, 3G) based on Basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), LTE, LTE Advanced, and Enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also known as NR), or any future RAT (such as 6G). Furthermore, communication within the communication network can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0050] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. For example, a terminal device can be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or mobile station (MS). Terminal devices can include mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet computers, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and recycle bins, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongles, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and so on.

[0051] As used herein, the term "resource" can refer to radio resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, and / or code domain. Some examples of resources include, for example, physical resource blocks (PRBs), radio frames, subframes, time slots, subbands, frequency regions, subcarriers, beams, etc. The terms "transmission" and / or "reception" can refer to the wireless transmission and / or reception on radio resources via a radio propagation channel.

[0052] In some examples, the communication system may be deployed in a wireless local area network (WLAN) (such as a Wi-Fi network). That is, in some examples, the communication system may be an example of a WLAN system. The WLAN system may support wireless communication between one or more communication devices according to one or more Wi-Fi protocols, such as protocols based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard and / or related drafts (such as 802.11-2020, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, 802.11bn and / or other drafts).

[0053] In some examples, Wi-Fi communication can occur via one or more radio frequency bands, such as 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 60 GHz, and / or the like. In some such examples, each radio frequency band can support one or more channels (e.g., a 20 MHz channel) on which data can be transmitted. In some examples, multiple devices can simultaneously use multiple channels to communicate via WLAN.

[0054] A WLAN system may include one or more communication devices, such as access points (APs) and / or stations (STAs), which are also referred to herein as non-AP STAs. For example, a device configured to support one or more Wi-Fi protocols may be an example of an AP (e.g., operating according to AP mode) and / or a example of a non-AP STA (e.g., operating according to non-AP STA mode). In some examples, an AP may control Wi-Fi communication for one or more non-AP STAs. For example, an AP may be (or may be connected to) a central entity for establishing (and / or controlling) one or more connections between one or more non-AP STAs and another network (e.g., the Internet). In other words, in some examples, an AP may connect a wired network (e.g., the Internet) to a wireless network (e.g., a WLAN). In some instances, a Wi-Fi network may be identified via one or more identifiers, such as a Service Set Identifier (SSID) or a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID).

[0055] In some examples, the access point (AP) of a WLAN system includes at least one distributed system access function configured to facilitate data communication beyond the AP. Additionally or alternatively, non-AP STAs may be configured as terminal devices that rely on association with the AP to communicate with devices other than the AP. The AP may be configured to connect to a wired local area network (LAN), for example, via Ethernet. The AP may allow one or more client devices (e.g., non-AP STAs) to access the wireless connection via WLAN. Client devices may also be referred to as "WLAN clients." WLAN clients can include a variety of devices and / or various types of devices, including laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and / or other devices.

[0056] A WLAN system can support one or more architectures (types of logical relationships between devices). For example, a WLAN system can support autonomous, centralized, cooperative, and / or other types of architectures. In some examples of autonomous architectures, an AP is an independent AP configured with features and capabilities useful for operating without relying on another device. In some examples of centralized architectures, a centralized network manager can regulate the operation of the WLAN. In other words, the network manager can be an AP or one or more APs that can be connected to within the WLAN. For example, an AP can connect (e.g., wirelessly and / or via a wired connection) to a central entity that can be configured to act as a network manager. In some examples, the network manager is a cloud-based entity that can reside in a private or public cloud. In some examples of cooperative architectures (also known as network managerless or controllerless architectures), a virtual management (e.g., cloud-based) system can be used to control the WLAN. For example, a virtual management system can employ cooperative communication methods between one or more APs to control the WLAN. In other examples, a centralized network manager can use a wireless system to provide local connectivity to clients (e.g., STAs). For example, a centralized network manager can be a controller configured to perform operations related to authentication, authorization, (e.g., via an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server) and / or other operations.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, a WLAN system may support one or more topologies (the types of physical connections between various devices within a WLAN system). For example, a WLAN system may support an infrastructure topology that can include a combination of wired and wireless connections. In some examples of infrastructure topologies, the infrastructure topology may include one or more wired devices (e.g., one or more APs, each connected to a switch via a cable) with wired connections to the network, and the one or more wired devices may support one or more wireless connections to one or more wireless devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, cellular phones), enabling the wireless devices to wirelessly connect to the network. In other words, one or more wired devices can act as bridges between wireless and wired networks. Additionally or alternatively, a WLAN system may support self-organizing topologies that do not rely on infrastructure (e.g., cables, routers, servers, or APs). In some examples of self-organizing networks, one or more non-AP STAs (also called clients or client devices) can wirelessly connect to other devices in a peer-to-peer network. Additionally or alternatively, a WLAN system may support a mesh topology in which multiple network devices are interconnected via wireless connections. For example, according to a mesh topology, one or more APs (e.g., each AP) can wirelessly connect to one or more STAs (e.g., one or more APs and / or one or more non-AP STAs) and communicate wirelessly with one or more other APs.

[0058] According to one or more Wi-Fi protocols, data can be wirelessly transmitted between two devices (e.g., an AP and a non-AP STA) via packets called Protocol Data Units (PDUs). In other words, Wi-Fi communication may include the transmission and reception of one or more PDUs. For example, data may be transmitted via frames (e.g., Media Access Control (MAC) frames), which may include one or more PDUs. In some instances, multiple frames may include the same PDU. In some examples, a PDU may include data (called a payload), and one or more headers (e.g., a sequence of one or more fields) and / or one or more trailers (e.g., a sequence of bits appended to the PDU after the payload). In some examples, the data included in a PDU may be user data, control data, management data, and / or other types of data. In some examples, a frame may include a data type frame, a control type frame, a management type frame, and / or other types of frames. At least one frame type (e.g., each frame type) may be included in a PDU, wherein the payload of the PDU may include user data, control data, management data, and / or other data. In some examples, a WLAN system may implement one or more security protocols to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Wi-Fi communication.

[0059] In some examples, WLAN systems can support Transmission Opportunities (TXOPs) to increase throughput, such as for high-priority data, by providing contention-free channel access for a period of time. TXOPs can be available in Quality of Service (QoS) mode as part of Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA), and / or can be a limited-time period of contention-free channel access available to the station that has acquired the channel (e.g., the TXOP holder). During such a period, the TXOP holder (which can be a non-AP STA or AP) can transmit multiple frames that meet criteria that may have been determined for the use of the TXOP. In some examples, the criteria may allow transmission of frames belonging to an AC other than the Access Class (AC) for which the TXOP has already been acquired. In some examples, TXOPs can increase throughput and / or reduce latency of QoS data frames by eliminating contention periods between transmissions. In some examples, TXOPs can be used in conjunction with frame aggregation and block acknowledgments to further improve throughput.

[0060] In some examples, the access class has different channel access parameters, such as Arbitrated Inter-Frame Spacing (AIFS), duration, contention window size, and TXOP limit. In some examples, the values ​​of these parameters can be set in a way that increases the likelihood that higher-priority packets take precedence over lower-priority packets. For example, the parameter value can be set such that a non-AP STA waits for a shorter duration before sending a higher-priority packet compared to the duration a non-AP STA might typically wait before sending a lower-priority packet. Additionally or alternatively, the parameter value can be set such that the contention window for higher-priority packets is smaller than the contention window for lower-priority packets, and / or that multiple packets can be sent in a TXOP. In some examples, the TXOP holder, which could be a non-AP STA or an AP, can send frames to multiple receivers during the TXOP. In addition to QoS data frames, other frames such as acknowledgments (ACKs), BlockAckReq / BlockAck frames, and / or other control and management frames can also be exchanged during the TXOP.

[0061] In some examples, WLAN systems use multi-link operation (MLO) to improve data transmission (e.g., via transmission using multiple frequency bands). In some examples, MLO also includes various features, including simultaneous transmit and receive (STR), multiple channel multiple radio (MCMR), enhanced multiple access point roaming (E-MAR), non-simultaneous transmit and receive (NSTR), multiple link multiple radio (MLMR), and / or other features.

[0062] An AP that supports MLO can be referred to as an AP Multilink Device (MLD). A client that supports MLO (e.g., a non-AP STA) can be referred to as a non-AP MLD. Such a client device can have two or more non-AP STAs utilizing links it can establish to the AP MLD. The connection between a non-AP STA and the AP can represent a link between the AP MLD and a non-AP MLD. In some examples, an AP that does not support MLO can be a multiband AP having two or more APs operating in different frequency bands and / or channels. The AP can operate in one or more frequency bands and / or channels, and client devices can connect to the AP via one or more of these frequency bands and / or channels. For example, a client device can be associated with an AP in one of the channels. An AP MLD can operate as a multiband AP while providing a means for multilink-enabled clients (non-AP MLDs) to simultaneously use two or more of their radios and / or APs to communicate with a single associated AP. An AP MLD can be an MLMR configured to communicate with its associated AP simultaneously using its associated non-AP MLD. Non-AP MLDs can have constraints (e.g., NSTRs) that indicate that simultaneous communication via the established link is not possible. Therefore, in some such cases, a non-AP MLD can be associated with an AP MLD. Thus, a non-AP MLD can be associated on two or more frequency bands and / or channels and can communicate with the AP belonging to the AP MLD on the established link.

[0063] WLAN devices configured with STR can be configured to allow simultaneous transmission and / or reception via different corresponding frequency bands, which can reduce latency. WLAN devices configured with MCMR can be configured to allow data transmission via two or more radios and / or channels, which can improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and / or increase network speed. WLAN devices configured with EMLSR can be configured to allow client devices to switch between multiple corresponding APs while maintaining their connection, which allows for more consistent connectivity. WLAN devices configured with NSTR can be configured to allow client devices to perform non-simultaneous transmission and / or reception via different corresponding frequency bands, which can reduce latency (especially compared to single-link operation). WLAN devices configured with MLMR can be configured to allow different corresponding radios and / or channels to be used to manage the corresponding link, which can reduce interference and / or improve network performance.

[0064] WLAN systems can be configured with various types of service sets, such as Basic Service Sets (BSS) and / or Extended Service Sets (ESS). A BSS can include an Access Point (AP) and one or more client devices associated with the AP (e.g., non-AP STAs). One or more client devices can have one or more common physical layer (PHY) media access characteristics (e.g., radio frequency, modulation scheme, security settings, and / or the like). A BSSID can define a BSS such that one or more client devices within the BSS share the same BSSID.

[0065] In some examples, two or more BSSs may have overlapping coverage areas, and they may operate using some or all of the same radio frequency channels. In such an example of an overlapping BSS (OBSS), a client device can transmit frames from the overlapping area, and one or more other client devices can sense this transmission. In response to sensing the transmission, one or more other client devices can stop their own transmissions. In some examples, if other client devices do not sense the transmission, they can become hidden terminals against the transmitting client device.

[0066] Figure 1 An exemplary communication system 100 is illustrated, to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied. Communication system 100 may include a cloud network 105, one or more access points (APs) (e.g., AP 110-a, AP 110-b), and one or more client devices (also referred to herein as non-AP STAs) connected to one or more APs. For example, communication system 100 may include non-AP STAs 115-a and 115-b connected to AP 110-a, and non-AP STAs 115-c and 115-d connected to AP 110-b. In some examples, AP 110 may be a mobile access point (mAP) with restricted functionality. In some such examples, the configuration including mAPs and non-AP STAs may be implemented as part of a peer-to-peer connection, such as in Wi-Fi Direct or Wi-Fi Awareness. In some examples, a device may operate simultaneously as both a non-AP STA and an AP. One such example is a multi-AP network that includes two or more devices that can act as access points and use Wi-Fi for wireless backhaul connections based on a non-AP STA-AP connection model.

[0067] In some wireless communication systems, an Access Point (AP) can provide wireless connectivity to one or more non-AP STAs according to Wi-Fi standards, such as those that are subsets of the IEEE 802 family of standards. For example, the MAC and PHY specifications for Wi-Fi access points are defined by IEEE 802.11 for transmitting and receiving data in frequency bands such as 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 60 GHz, and / or similar bands. APs and non-AP STAs can communicate via the transmission of frames, which include data frames, management frames, and / or control frames that can be transmitted as unicast, broadcast, or multicast messages. The 802.11 standard defines the inter-frame interval (IFS) as the nominal time (in microseconds (μs) during which the MAC and PHY receive the last symbol of a frame, process the frame, and respond with the first symbol of a response frame (e.g., the earliest possible response frame).

[0068] exist Figure 1 In the example, a non-AP STA 115 can be configured to wirelessly connect to at least one Wi-Fi AP (e.g., AP 110). The functionality of at least one Wi-Fi AP can be implemented by various entities and / or entity types, such as AP, mAP, access node, node, host, server, base station, and / or other entities suitable for this use. The functionality of at least one client device can be implemented by various entities and / or entity types, such as client-side user equipment, non-AP STA, UE, and / or other entities suitable for this use. For example, communication system 100 can support radio frequency sensing during IFS.

[0069] Communication system 100 can support latency-sensitive applications at Wi-Fi devices (e.g., APs, non-AP STAs). Some such applications may include, for example, virtual reality applications, mixed reality applications, and augmented reality (XR) applications. In some cases, reliable and nondeterministic channel access (such as for broadband transmission) may limit the performance of latency-sensitive applications. For example, for broadband transmission (or channel bonding), a device may use a primary 20MHz channel to transmit control and management frames, and may transmit data frames by bonding the primary BSS channel with one or more other available 20MHz channels, referred to as secondary channels. Channel bonding is introduced to support transmission on multiple consecutive 20MHz channels. In some instances, channel bonding can support transmission over a total bandwidth of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz.

[0070] In some examples, if the device assesses the BSS primary channel as idle, it can perform broadband transmission across a bandwidth including the BSS primary channel or the BSS primary channel and one or more adjacent secondary channels (e.g., a total of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz). However, in some cases, overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) transmissions may overlap (partially or completely) with the BSS primary channel. In some such instances, the device may determine that the BSS primary channel is busy and may therefore postpone broadband transmission. Consequently, secondary channels may remain idle until the BSS primary channel becomes available, which could lead to performance degradation for applications such as those sensitive to latency.

[0071] Various aspects of this disclosure provide a framework for simultaneous reception of Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA). For example, this framework enables an AP (e.g., AP 110-a, AP 110-b) to enable or disable NPCA and to support relevant information exchange between NPCA-enabled devices. Additionally, in some examples, the framework allows the AP to select the NPCA primary channel independently or through negotiation with associated non-AP STAs (e.g., one or more of non-AP STAs 115). Furthermore, in some examples, the framework may specify a switch to the NPCA primary channel based on one or more triggers detected, for example, on the BSS primary channel or the NPCA primary channel, which can be achieved by simultaneously listening to and / or decoding transmissions on both the BSS primary channel and the NPCA primary channel.

[0072] For example, according to this framework, AP 110-a can transmit a first message to non-AP STA 115-a (or non-AP STA 115-b) via a first primary channel associated with a BSS including AP 110-a and non-AP STA 115. The first message may include first information indicating a first capability of the device to communicate via NPCA. In response to the first message, non-AP STA 115-a (or non-AP STA 115-b) can transmit a second message to AP 110-a via the first primary channel. The second message may include second information indicating a second capability of the second device to communicate via NPCA. In some examples, by exchanging NPCA capability information (e.g., via the first and second messages), AP 110-a and non-AP STA 115-a (or non-AP STA 115-b) can coordinate NPCA communication, which can improve resource utilization and reduce latency, thereby improving performance for latency-sensitive applications.

[0073] Figure 2A An exemplary communication system 200 is shown, to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied. The communication system 200 may be composed of… Figure 1 Show and reference Figure 1 An example of a described communication system. For instance, communication system 200 may include one or more access points (APs) and one or more client devices (e.g., non-AP STAs) connected to the one or more APs. Figure 2A As shown in the example, communication system 200 may include AP 110-a (denoted as AP1) providing coverage area 112-a, AP 110-b (denoted as AP2) providing coverage area 112-b, and AP 110-c (denoted as AP3) providing coverage area 112-c. AP 110 (e.g., each AP 110) may be provided by… Figure 1 Show and reference Figure 1 Examples of APs are described. The communication system 200 may also include non-AP STA 115-a (denoted as STA1), non-AP STA 115-b (denoted as STA2), and non-AP STA 115-c (denoted as STA3). Non-AP STA 115 can be... Figure 1 Show and reference Figure 1 Examples of non-AP STAs described (e.g., each could be an example).

[0074] Communication system 200 can support latency-sensitive applications at Wi-Fi STAs. Some such applications include VR, MR, and XR applications. In some cases, reliable and non-deterministic channel access (such as for broadband transmission) may limit the performance of latency-sensitive applications.

[0075] Figure 2B An exemplary timing diagram 201 is shown, illustrating a broadband transmission to which one or more examples disclosed herein can be applied. For example, in Figure 2A The example shown illustrates AP1 and STA1, which can be associated with a BSS having a BSS bandwidth of 245 (also referred to as the reference bandwidth). The BSS bandwidth 245 can include multiple channels (e.g., multiple 20MHz channels). To perform wideband transmission using some (or all) of the BSS bandwidth 245, STA1 can perform a Listen-After-Speak (LBT) procedure (e.g., EDCA or Clear Channel Access (CCA) procedure) on one or more of the multiple channels (e.g., each 20MHz channel). In some instances, one of the channels can be selected as the BSS master channel, which is used by AP1 and STA1 as a reference channel to transmit control frames (e.g., critical control frames) and management frames between STA1 and AP1. Figure 2BAs shown in the example, the first 20MHz channel (BSS primary channel 205) can be selected as the BSS primary channel. In some such examples, STA1 can transmit data frames across multiple channels (e.g., the entire bandwidth) by binding the BSS primary channel 205 with one or more other available secondary channels 215. However, in some examples, for STA1 to capture a TXOP and perform wideband transmission, STA1 can first obtain (e.g., via an EDCA procedure) access to the BSS primary channel 205. That is, if STA1 fails to capture the BSS primary channel 205, STA1 can avoid performing wideband transmission regardless of whether one or more secondary channels 215 are idle. In some instances, STA1 can obtain access to a channel (e.g., one or more of the secondary channels 215 and / or the BSS primary channel 205) via the Point Coordination Function (PCF) Inter-Frame Space (PIFS) CCA procedure. In other words, STA1 can perform EDCA and / or CCA procedures to obtain access to one or more channels of the BSS bandwidth for transmission within the BSS. For example, if the EDCA / CCA result 240 for a channel is positive (indicated by a thumbs-up icon), STA1 can determine that the channel is available (e.g., idle). Conversely, if the EDCA / CCA result 240 for a channel is negative (indicated by a thumbs-down icon), STA1 can determine that the channel is unavailable (e.g., busy).

[0076] In some examples, the device (e.g., STA1 or AP1) may determine to perform broadband transmission across 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and 320MHz transmission bandwidths formed from one or more adjacent 20MHz channels. In some such instances, the device may assess the BSS primary channel as idle and therefore use one 20MHz channel (e.g., the BSS primary channel) or multiple consecutive 20MHz channels (e.g., the BSS primary channel plus one or more secondary channels, with a total bandwidth of 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, or 320MHz) for broadband transmission. However, in other instances, the device may determine that OBSS transmissions (e.g., reference broadband transmissions) (partially or completely) overlap with broadband transmissions. For example, the device may determine that one or more secondary channels are idle, but the BSS primary channel is busy due to OBSS transmissions. In such examples, the device may avoid broadband transmissions, and therefore one or more secondary channels may be idle (e.g., unused).

[0077] For example, during the first transmission period, the device may determine that no OBSS transmission exists, and therefore, the device may transmit intra-BSS transmissions across the entire 160MHz band. In some examples, during the second transmission period, the device may determine that an OBSS transmission exists in the last 20MHz of the 160MHz band. In some such examples, transmissions may be constrained to consecutive 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, or 160MHz bands. Therefore, based on the OBSS transmission using a portion of the 160MHz band (e.g., the last 20MHz of the 160MHz band), intra-BSS transmissions may be constrained to the first adjacent 80MHz. Consequently, 60MHz of available spectrum may remain unused. In some examples, during the third transmission period, the device may determine that an OBSS transmission conflicting with the BSS main channel exists in the first 20MHz of the 160MHz band. In some such examples, the device may not be able to obtain access to the BSS main channel, and therefore may avoid transmitting intra-BSS transmissions, and 140MHz of available spectrum may remain unused.

[0078] In some cases, to improve resource utilization and reduce the likelihood of unused channels, devices (e.g., APs or non-AP STAs) can use preamble puncturing to create bandwidth from one or more idle channels (e.g., any CCA idle channel). That is, in some situations, devices can use preamble puncturing to achieve broadband transmission across non-contiguous 20MHz channels. However, in some such cases, broadband transmission may depend on the device first obtaining (e.g., via EDCA) access to the BSS master channel. Given the increasing amount of spectrum available for Wi-Fi transmission, requiring the device to first obtain access to the BSS master channel can result in a relatively large unused portion of the spectrum. In other words, requiring the device to first obtain access to the BSS master channel can lead to bottlenecks in system performance and spectrum utilization.

[0079] For example, devices in the BSS (e.g., AP1 and STA1) can be configured with BSS bandwidth, which may include the BSS primary channel and one or more secondary channels. In some examples, OBSS transmissions (e.g., 20MHz OBSS transmissions) from adjacent APs and / or non-AP STAs (or any other devices utilizing the same frequency carrier) can overlap with the BSS bandwidth. In other words, a 20MHz OBSS transmission can overlap with a reference 160MHz BSS intra-channel transmission (e.g., transmissions from a reference AP and / or non-AP STA included in the BSS). In some examples, OBSS transmissions can overlap with secondary channels, allowing the device to gain access to the BSS primary channel. Therefore, the device can use puncturing to remove the secondary channel used by the OBSS transmission from the BSS bandwidth and can continue transmitting BSS intra-channel transmissions on a reduced, discontinuous bandwidth (e.g., including the BSS primary channel). In some other examples, OBSS transmissions can overlap with the BSS primary channel. In some such examples, the device can determine to postpone BSS intra-channel transmissions due to busy BSS primary channels. Therefore, because the equipment delays transmissions within the BSS, secondary channels (e.g., all of the BSS bandwidth except for the first 20 MHz used by OBSS transmissions) can remain idle until the BSS primary channel becomes available. Consequently, requiring the equipment to first gain access to the BSS primary channel can lead to increased latency, degraded system performance, and reduced spectrum utilization.

[0080] For example, during the first transmission period, the device can determine that there is no OBSS transmission. In such an example, the device can determine that it will transmit an intra-BSS transmission over the entire 160MHz bandwidth. In some other examples, during the second transmission period, the device can determine that there is an OBSS transmission in the last 20MHz of the 160MHz bandwidth. In some such examples, the device can use preamble punching to transmit an intra-BSS transmission over the first 140MHz, thus reserving the last 20MHz for OBSS transmission. In such examples, no portion of the spectrum is unused. However, in some examples, during the third transmission period, the device can determine that there is an OBSS transmission in the first 20MHz of the 160MHz band, which conflicts with the BSS master channel (e.g., the BSS master channel). Therefore, in such an example, the device can determine to postpone the intra-BSS transmission because the BSS master channel is busy. Therefore, because the device postpones the intra-BSS transmission, the remaining 140MHz of available spectrum may be unused. In other words, all of the BSS bandwidth except for the first 20MHz used by the OBSS transmission may be idle until the BSS master channel becomes available. Therefore, requiring equipment to first gain access to the BSS main channel may lead to increased latency, reduced system performance, and reduced spectrum utilization.

[0081] The limitation imposed by requiring devices to gain initial access to the BSS primary channel can increase the complexity associated with resource allocation and the allocation of non-overlapping primary channels in adjacent BSSs during Wi-Fi deployments. Additionally, in some cases, such a limitation may prevent devices from having relatively high bandwidth support (as relatively high bandwidth may have an increased likelihood of overlap with adjacent primary channels). Therefore, this limitation can lead to inefficient use of available spectrum resources and ineffective system throughput. The limitation imposed by requiring devices to gain initial access to the BSS primary channel can be exacerbated by increases in the operating bandwidth (e.g., maximum operating bandwidth) of subsequent Wi-Fi generations.

[0082] To improve spectrum utilization, devices (e.g., STA1, AP1) can be configured to support NPCA. For example, in instances where the BSS primary channel is occupied due to OBSS traffic or otherwise unavailable, NPCA allows the device to utilize idle secondary channels as alternative primary channels (referred to herein as NPCA primary channels). Figure 2B As shown in the example, OBSS transmission 220 can occupy the BSS primary channel 205, and therefore, the device can use the NPCA primary channel 210 (e.g., an idle secondary channel 215) as an alternative primary channel 225 for intra-BSS transmission 230. For example, the device can access the secondary channel when the BSS primary channel is known to be busy due to OBSS traffic or other conditions, and determine that the secondary channel is idle and can be used as an alternative primary channel 225. The device may (or may not) be able to detect or decode frames to obtain Network Allocation Vector (NAV) information on the secondary channel simultaneously with the BSS primary channel.

[0083] In some examples, when the BSS primary channel is known to be busy due to OBSS traffic or other conditions, the BSS can be associated with a single (pre-assigned) NPCA primary channel on which the device operates. For example, the device can be constrained to wait for a trigger frame before sending a PPDU. In some examples, the device (e.g., an AP or a non-AP STA) can detect the presence of OBSS transmissions on the BSS primary channel. In some such examples, the device can switch from the BSS primary channel to the pre-assigned NPCA primary channel based on some (predefined) criteria. That is, in some examples, both the AP STA and the non-AP STA can switch to the NPCA primary channel when the BSS primary channel is determined to be busy due to OBSS traffic or other conditions. However, in some such examples, the AP and the non-AP STA may lack a mechanism for coordinating the switch to the NPCA primary channel. For example, the AP and the non-AP STA may have different understandings about whether the BSS primary channel is busy. In such examples, one of the AP and the non-AP STA may switch to the NPCA primary channel while the other may not, resulting in communication interruption and connection loss between the AP and the non-AP STA.

[0084] exist Figure 2A In the example, STA1 and STA3 can be associated with the first BSS (BSS1) that includes AP1 (e.g., belonging to the first BSS (BSS1)). Additionally, in Figure 2A In some examples, STA2 may be associated with a second BSS (BSS2). In some examples, STA2 may perform OBSS transmission 220 on the BSS master channel used for BSS1. In some such examples, AP1 and STA1 may detect OBSS transmission 220 and switch to the NPCA master channel 210. However, OBSS transmission 220 may be hidden from STA3 (e.g., STA3 may not detect OBSS transmission 220), and therefore, STA3 may remain on the BSS master channel 205. In some examples, by remaining on the BSS master channel 205, STA3 may not detect requests for transmit (RTS) transmissions (such as multi-user RTS (MU-RTS) transmissions from AP1) on the NPCA master channel 210. Therefore, STA3 may not return a clear transmit (CTS) transmission. STA3 returning a CTS transmission failure may prevent STA3 from establishing communication with AP1, and therefore, STA3 may not be able to receive data.

[0085] Various aspects of this disclosure provide a framework that enables an AP to trigger a switch to the NPCA primary channel for a non-AP STA that supports NPCA, regardless of whether the non-AP STA detects OBSS transmissions on the assigned BSS primary channel. In other words, various aspects of this disclosure provide a mechanism that triggers a non-AP STA that supports NPCA to switch to the NPCA primary channel if the associated AP switches to the NPCA primary channel, for example, even when the non-AP STA supporting NPCA fails to detect the assigned primary channel as unavailable (e.g., busy).

[0086] In some examples, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, AP1 may transmit a first message to STA3 via BSS master channel 205 associated with BSS1. The first message may include first information indicating a first capability of AP1 to communicate via NPCA (e.g., using NPCA master channel 210). In response to the first message, STA3 may transmit a second message to AP1 via BSS master channel 205. The second message may include second information indicating a second capability of STA3 to communicate via NPCA (e.g., using NPCA master channel 210). In some examples, by exchanging NPCA capability information (e.g., via the first and second messages), AP1 and STA3 may coordinate NPCA communication, which can improve resource utilization, reduce latency, and provide improved performance for latency-sensitive applications.

[0087] For example, according to various aspects of this disclosure, AP1 can activate or deactivate NPCA in BSS1 for uplink and / or downlink. In some examples, AP1 can activate or deactivate NPCA via an information field in a beacon or by negotiating with one or more associated non-AP STAs (e.g., STA1, STA3) or by sending action or management frames.

[0088] In some examples, according to various aspects of this disclosure, for control and data transmission purposes when the BSS primary channel is busy, a non-AP STA may signal (to AP1) its ability to transmit and / or receive on the NPCA primary channel. In some such examples, a non-AP STA may propose one or more secondary channels (e.g., specifying which secondary channel(s)) can be used by the non-AP STA as the NPCA primary channel. In such examples, a non-AP STA may be able to simultaneously listen to the BSS primary channel and one or more proposed NPCA primary channels.

[0089] In some examples, based on information about secondary channels obtained from one or more associated non-AP STAs, such as when the BSS primary channel is busy, one or more non-AP STAs can use these secondary channels (e.g., as the NPCA primary channel) for control and data transmission, the AP can allocate the NPCA primary channel to one or more associated non-AP STAs.

[0090] In some examples, the AP can signal on the assigned NPCA primary channel to the associated non-AP STA that it has the capability to transmit and / or receive control and data transmissions on the secondary channel.

[0091] In some examples, when the NPCA is active in the BSS, an NPCA-enabled device (e.g., an AP or a non-AP STA) can perform physical carrier sensing and packet detection on both the BSS main channel and the NPCA main channel simultaneously.

[0092] The assigned NPCA primary channel (e.g., the NPCA primary channel selected by the AP) can be within or outside the current operating bandwidth of the BSS. For example, the BSS may be associated with a 160MHz band, and the AP may operate the BSS on 80MHz. In such an example, the AP may assign an NPCA primary channel to the BSS that is within a certain band, namely the 160MHz band, but outside the current 80MHz operating bandwidth.

[0093] Figure 3 An exemplary timing diagram 300 is shown, to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied. Timing diagram 300 includes operations (e.g., signaling) performed at AP 110 (denoted as AP1), non-AP STA 115-a (denoted as STA1), non-AP STA 115-b (denoted as STA2), and non-AP STA 115-c (denoted as STA3). AP 110 and non-AP STA 115 can be determined by… Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B Show and reference Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B Examples of the corresponding devices described. Figure 3 In the example, AP1, STA1, and STA3 are associated with BSS, and STA2 is associated with OBSS. Figure 3As shown in the example, STA3 hides from STA2 (and therefore cannot detect transmissions from STA2). For example, STA3 may not be able to detect OBSS transmissions from STA2 on the BSS main channel associated with the BSS during the TXOP duration 305. AP1 and STA3 can be configured to coordinate NPCA communication between AP1 and STA3 using one or more aspects of this disclosure, regardless of whether STA3 can detect OBSS transmissions on the BSS main channel.

[0094] For example, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, AP1 may transmit one or more messages to STA3 (and STA1) to activate or deactivate NPCA in the BSS uplink and / or downlink. In some examples, AP1 may activate or deactivate NPCA for uplink and / or downlink communication within the BSS (e.g., between AP1 and STA1 and / or between AP1 and STA3) via information fields in a beacon frame or another broadcast frame or during negotiation between AP1 and STA1 and / or between AP1 and STA3.

[0095] In some examples, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, AP1 may signal (to STA1 and / or STA3) its ability to transmit and / or receive on the NPCA primary channel, for example, for control and data transmission when the BSS primary channel is unavailable. In some examples, AP1 may propose that AP1 and STA1 and / or STA3 can be used as one or more secondary channels of the NPCA primary channel. That is, in some examples, AP1 may indicate one or more candidate NPCA primary channels to the associated non-AP STA.

[0096] In some examples, AP1 may transmit a first NPCA capability indication to STA3. The first NPCA capability indication may indicate that AP1 supports NPCA capabilities (e.g., transmitting and / or receiving on an NPCA primary channel). In some examples, the first NPCA capability indication may indicate that AP1 is capable of simultaneously listening to both the BSS primary channel and one or more NPCA primary channels (e.g., performing channel sensing and packet detection on both the BSS primary channel and one or more NPCA primary channels).

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, STA3 may signal (to AP1) its ability to transmit and / or receive on the NPCA primary channel, for example, for control and data transmission when the BSS primary channel is unavailable. In some examples, STA3 may propose that it can be used as one or more secondary channels of the NPCA primary channel.

[0098] Alternatively, STA3 may transmit a second NPCA capability indication to AP1. The second NPCA capability indication may indicate STA3's ability to transmit and / or receive on the NPCA primary channel. For example, the second NPCA capability indication may indicate that STA3 is capable of simultaneously listening to both the BSS primary channel and one or more NPCA primary channels (e.g., performing channel sensing and packet detection on both the BSS primary channel and one or more NPCA primary channels).

[0099] In some examples, AP1 can allocate the NPCA primary channel to STA3 based on the second NPCA capability indication. In other words, based on information gathered from one or more associated non-AP STAs (e.g., from STA3 and / or STA1) regarding the associated non-AP STAs' use for control and data transmission purposes when the BSS primary channel is busy, AP1 can select a secondary channel to allocate as the NPCA primary channel for the associated non-AP STA.

[0100] In some examples, STA 3 can be configured to listen to both the BSS primary channel and the NPCA primary channel, and can switch to the NPCA primary channel when MU-RTS transmission is detected on the NPCA primary channel, even if the BSS primary channel is not detected to be busy.

[0101] For example, at 320, and based on the second NPCA capability, AP1 can transmit MU-RTS to STA3 on the (assigned) NPCA primary channel. That is, AP1 can select a secondary channel to be assigned as the NPCA primary channel, and can transmit on the NPCA primary channel to the associated non-AP STA that has been signaled to have the capability to transmit and / or receive control and data transmissions on the selected secondary channel.

[0102] In some examples, based on NPCA activation in the BSS, STAs supporting NPCA (e.g., AP1 and STA3) can simultaneously perform physical carrier sensing (and packet detection) on both the BSS primary channel and the NPCA primary channel. Therefore, STA3 can detect (at 320) a MU-RTS transmission from AP1 and can transmit a MU-CTS to AP1 in response to the MU-RTS.

[0103] In some examples, STA3 can switch to the NPCA main channel in response to the detection of MU-RTS transmissions on the NPCA main channel (e.g., even though the BSS main channel is not detected as unavailable). For example, STA3 and STA1 can detect MU-RTS from AP1 on the NPCA main channel. In such examples, STA1 and STA3 can switch to the NPCA main channel based on AP1 activating NPCA communication (e.g., between AP1 and STA3 and between AP1 and STA1). In other words, STA3 can listen to both the BSS main channel and the NPCA main channel, and can switch to the NPCA main channel in response to the detection of MU-RTS transmissions from AP1 on the NPCA main channel, even though the BSS main channel is not detected as busy (e.g., even though no OBSS transmissions from STA2 are detected). In some examples, at 325, after the TXOP duration 305 expires, AP1, STA1, and STA3 can switch from the NPCA main channel to the BSS main channel.

[0104] Figure 4 An exemplary timing diagram 400 is shown, to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied. Timing diagram 400 includes operations (e.g., signaling) performed at AP 110 (denoted as AP1), non-AP STA 115-a (denoted as STA1), and non-AP STA 115-b (denoted as STA2). AP 110 and non-AP STA 115 can be determined by… Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 Show and reference Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 Examples of the corresponding devices described. Figure 4 In the example, AP1 and STA1 are associated with BSS, and STA2 is associated with OBSS. For example... Figure 4 As shown in the example, STA2 can perform one or more OBSS transmissions on the BSS master channel associated with the BSS. AP1 and STA1 can be configured to coordinate NPCA communication between AP1 and STA1 using one or more aspects of this disclosure, regardless of whether STA1 (or AP1) can detect OBSS transmissions from STA2 on the BSS master channel.

[0105] like Figure 4As shown in the example, AP1 and STA1 can support one or more actions and one or more signaling exchanges for STA1 to indicate (e.g., announce) that STA1 supports NPCA and intends to operate using NPCA (e.g., intend to enable NPCA features). Additionally, AP1 and STA1 can support one or more actions and one or more signaling exchanges that enable or disable NPCA for AP1. In other words, Figure 4 An example of how to establish NPA communication between AP1 and STA1 is shown.

[0106] At 410, AP1 may send a beacon frame indicating a first NPCA capability associated with AP1 (e.g., AP1's ability to communicate via an NPCA). In other words, at 410, AP1 sends a beacon frame with element information (or fields) indicating that AP1 supports an NPCA. In some examples, the beacon frame may also indicate that an NPCA is enabled at AP1.

[0107] At 415, STA1 may transmit a probe request to AP1 indicating a second NPCA capability associated with STA1 (e.g., the ability of STA1 to communicate via an NPCA). For example, STA1 may determine that it is operating according to an NPCA. In such an example, STA1 may indicate that it supports an NPCA via information elements (or fields) in the probe request. In some examples, STA1 may transmit the probe request based on AP1 indicating that AP1 supports an NPCA and that an NPCA is enabled at AP1. In some examples, the probe request may also (e.g., explicitly or implicitly via a second NPCA capability) indicate that STA1 intends to operate via an NPCA.

[0108] At 420, in response to a probe request, AP1 can transmit a probe response indicating to STA1 that the NPCA is activated. For example, the probe request could reiterate that the NPCA is enabled and instruct STA1 to act according to the NPCA (e.g., for subsequent communication with the AP). In other words, the probe response can activate NPCA communication between AP1 and STA1.

[0109] In some examples, beacon frames (at 410), probe requests (at 415), and probe responses (at 420) can be transmitted via the BSS main channel. In some such examples, a probe response (at 420) can trigger AP1 and STA1 to switch from communicating on the BSS main channel to communicating on the NPCA main channel.

[0110] For example, at 425, AP1 and STA1 can switch to communicating via the NPCA main channel based on a probe response indicating activation of NPCA communication between AP1 and STA1 (e.g., indicating that STA1 can indeed operate via NPCA for subsequent communication). Therefore, after a probe response transmission via the BSS main channel (at 420), AP1 can transmit MU-RTS via the NPCA main channel. In some such examples, in response to MU-RTS, STA1 can send MU-CTS transmission via the NPCA main channel.

[0111] In some examples, AP1 and STA1 can switch to the NPCA primary channel during the TXOP duration of 405. In some such examples, after the TXOP duration of 405 expires, AP1 and STA1 can switch back to the BSS primary channel. For example, at 430, AP1 and STA1 can switch from the NPCA primary channel to the BSS primary channel.

[0112] although Figure 4 The example shows AP1 indicating the first NPCA capability via a beacon frame (and NPCA being enabled at AP1), but AP1 could indicate the first NPCA capability (and indicate that NPCA is enabled at AP1) via one or more other types of frames. Additionally, although... Figure 4 The example shows AP1 indicating NPCA activation via a probe response, but AP1 can indicate NPCA activation via one or more other types of frames. In other words, AP1 can transmit NPCA-related information (e.g., including a first NPCA capability indication) via one or more types of frames. For example, AP1 can be configured to transmit NPCA-related information via beacon frames, probe frames, and / or one or more other types of management or action frames.

[0113] In some examples, AP1 may transmit NPCA-related information via one or more types of frames, which may include one or more operational elements (e.g., 802.11bn operational elements) or fields carrying NPCA-related information. For example, operational elements carried in beacon frames, probe frames, and / or other types of management frames transmitted by AP 110 may include NPCA-related information in the form of element or field information. In some such examples, operational elements (e.g., NPCA information carried in operational elements) may include information indicating the NPCA primary channel (e.g., a 20MHz channel for transmitting management and / or control information if the BSS primary channel is assessed as busy). Additionally or alternatively, operational elements (or another operational element) may include information indicating the NPCA operational bandwidth (e.g., a value indicating the operational bandwidth when using the NPCA primary channel). Additionally or alternatively, operational elements (or another operational element) may include information indicating the NPCA center frequency index (e.g., an identifier pointing to the center of the (wider) NPCA primary channel). Additionally or alternatively, an operational element (or another operational element) may include information indicating whether an NPCA is enabled or disabled (e.g., it may include an indication of whether an NPCA feature is enabled or disabled).

[0114] In some examples, information related to the NPCA operating bandwidth and NPCA center frequency index may be excluded from one or more operating elements transmitted by AP1 (e.g., not carried). For example, the NPCA operating bandwidth may be equal to the BSS bandwidth minus the BSS primary channel and one or more (punctured) secondary channels. The one or more (punctured) secondary channels may include those indicated in the disabled subchannel bit mapping subfield included in the operating element or in the Very High Throughput (EHT) operating element. In such examples, AP1 may avoid including the NPCA operating bandwidth and / or NPCA center frequency index in the operating elements transmitted to STA1 (e.g., in beacon frames, probe responses, or another management frame).

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, information indicating whether an NPCA is enabled or disabled may be excluded from the operational element (e.g., not carried in the operational element). For example, STA1 may be configured to determine whether an NPCA is enabled (or disabled) based on the presence (or absence) of other information related to the NPCA. In other words, AP1 may exclude NPCA enable or disable indicators from operational elements transmitted to STA1 (e.g., in a beacon frame, probe response, or another management frame), where STA1 is configured to determine whether an NPCA is enabled or disabled based on the presence or absence of one or more other NPCA-related fields (e.g., a field indicating the location of the NPCA primary channel). Additionally or alternatively, AP1 may exclude NPCA enable or disable indicators from operational elements transmitted to STA1, where STA1 is configured to determine whether an NPCA is enabled or disabled based on whether one or more other NPCA-related fields include valid information.

[0116] In some examples, AP1 can indicate whether an NPCA is enabled or disabled via an enhanced RTS or MU-RTS frame. For instance, AP1 can indicate whether an NPCA is enabled (or disabled) via MU-RTS after a probe response, rather than via a beacon frame (at 410) or a probe response (at 420). In other words, AP1 can transmit multiple operational elements (e.g., in multiple frames) to indicate both the first NPCA capability and whether the NPCA is enabled or disabled.

[0117] In some examples, AP1 can transmit NPCA-related information via a dedicated frame format in which an NPCA enable or disable indicator can be explicitly indicated. In some such examples, the NPCA enable or disable indicator can be explicitly indicated along with information about the NPCA main channel, NPCA operating bandwidth, and / or NPCA center frequency index.

[0118] In some examples, upon receiving information indicating that NPCA has been enabled or disabled (e.g., via a beacon frame, probe frame, enhanced RTS, MU-RTS, or another dedicated frame), STA1 may perform one or more actions. For example, AP1 may indicate that NPCA is enabled (or activated). In such examples, STA1 may determine to switch to the NPCA primary channel based on NPCA being enabled and based on one or more handover criteria being met. In some other examples, AP1 may indicate that NPCA is disabled (or deactivated). In some such examples, STA1 may determine to remain on the BSS primary channel (e.g., to avoid switching to the NPCA primary channel) based on NPCA being disabled. For example, in response to AP1 indicating that NPCA is disabled, STA1 may determine to avoid switching to the NPCA primary channel regardless of whether one or more handover criteria are met.

[0119] In some examples, the handover criteria may include a rule that instructs (e.g., via energy detection) a device performing packet detection to switch to an alternative primary channel in response to the device detecting an OBSS transmission overlapping with the BSS primary channel. Additionally or alternatively, the handover criteria may include a rule that instructs a device to switch to an alternative primary channel in response to the device decoding packets from the OBSS transmission and determining from the preamble of the OBSS transmission (e.g., from basic NAV information) that the length of the OBSS transmission is sufficiently long to prevent the device from transmitting for a specific duration.

[0120] like Figure 4 As shown in the example, STA1 can transmit a block acknowledgment (BA) confirming receipt of a message indicating that NPCA is enabled or disabled (e.g., confirming receipt of an NPCA enable or disable indicator). In some examples, in response to the block acknowledgment, AP1 can determine that STA1 will switch to the NPCA primary channel based on NPCA being enabled and based on one or more handover criteria being met. Additionally or alternatively, in response to the block acknowledgment, AP1 can determine that STA1 will avoid switching to the NPCA primary channel based on NPCA being disabled, regardless of whether one or more handover criteria are met.

[0121] In some examples, in response to receiving a block acknowledgment (or probe request) from STA1, AP1 can determine that STA1 supports NPCA and intends to operate in NPCA. Therefore, in some such examples, AP1 can perform one or more NPCA operations, such as selecting the NPCA primary channel and / or transmitting NPCA-related information to STA1. Additionally or alternatively, in response to STA1 indicating that STA1 supports NPCA and intends to operate in NPCA, AP1 can switch to the NPCA primary channel (e.g., the indicated NPCA primary channel) based on the BSS primary channel being unavailable (e.g., busy).

[0122] In some examples, STA1 may transmit information to AP1 indicating the status of NPCA capability at STA1 (e.g., whether STA1 has NPCA capability). Additionally or alternatively, STA1 may transmit a request to AP1 to enable NPCA. In some such examples, STA1 may transmit an indication of the status and / or request to AP1 via information elements in a probe request or reassociation request (e.g., via dedicated information elements or other fields). In some examples, in addition to indicating that STA1 supports NPCA (which may implicitly indicate a request for STA1 to operate via NPCA), STA1 may also (e.g., explicitly) indicate whether STA1 intends to operate in NPCA when NPCA capability is enabled at STA1. In other words, the probe request at 415 may indicate that STA1 has NPCA capability and that STA1 intends to operate in accordance with NPCA.

[0123] In some examples where STA1 supports NPCA, AP1 can enable / disable NPCA communication for STA1. In other words, AP1 can activate or deactivate NPCA communication between AP1 and one or more NPCA-supporting STAs, regardless of whether the NPCA capability of those one or more NPCA-supporting STAs is enabled. In some such examples, AP1 can enable or disable NPCA communication based on non-AP STAs or based on the BSS. For example, AP1 can enable / disable NPCA for a single NPCA-supporting STA (e.g., a specific NPCA-supporting STA) or for multiple NPCA-supporting STAs within the BSS (e.g., each NPCA-supporting STA).

[0124] In some examples, AP1 may determine whether to enable NPCA based on one or more criteria. In such examples, the criteria may include one or more STAs associated with AP1 that support NPCA. For instance, AP1 may identify a certain number of associated non-AP STAs that support NPCA and may determine whether to enable NPCA communication based on the number meeting a threshold.

[0125] Additionally or alternatively, criteria may include AP1 and / or one or more STAs supporting NPCA supporting bandwidth that meets the threshold bandwidth for NPCA. In other words, criteria may include AP1 and / or one or more STAs supporting NPCA having a supported bandwidth (e.g., minimum supported bandwidth) or an operating bandwidth greater than the threshold (e.g., approximately 80 MHz or another suitable bandwidth). Additionally or alternatively, criteria may include one or more non-AP STAs associated with AP1 enabling (or intending to enable) NPCA. For example, AP1 may determine a certain number of associated non-AP STAs intending to enable NPCA. In such an example, AP1 may determine to enable NPCA communication based on the number meeting the threshold.

[0126] Figure 5 An exemplary timing diagram 500 is shown, to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied. Timing diagram 500 includes operations (e.g., signaling) performed at AP 110 (denoted as AP1), non-AP STA 115-a (denoted as STA1), and non-AP STA 115-b (denoted as STA2). AP 110 and non-AP STA 115 can be determined by… Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Show and reference Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Examples of the corresponding devices described. Figure 5 In the example, AP1 and STA1 are associated with BSS, and STA2 is associated with OBSS. For example... Figure 5 As shown in the example, STA2 can perform one or more OBSS transmissions on the BSS main channel associated with the BSS. AP1 and STA1 can be configured to coordinate NPCA communication between AP1 and STA1 using one or more aspects of this disclosure, regardless of whether STA1 (or AP1) can detect an OBSS transmission from STA2 on the BSS main channel during the TXOP duration 505. Figure 5 An example of how AP1 and STA1 can negotiate the selection of the NPA primary channel is shown.

[0127] In some examples, AP1 can use one or more criteria to select the NPCA primary channel. One or more criteria may instruct AP1 to select a predefined NPCA primary channel or to select a pre-configured operating channel belonging to the same transmission bandwidth or BSS bandwidth, wherein the original transmission (e.g., RTS transmission, data transmission, CTS transmission) for that same transmission bandwidth or BSS bandwidth is intended to use the BSS primary channel.

[0128] Additionally or alternatively, the criteria may instruct AP1 to select the NPCA primary channel from a predefined or pre-configured set of operating channels (e.g., a logical group) belonging to the same transmission bandwidth or BSS bandwidth, using the BSS primary channel for transmission intentions within that same transmission bandwidth or BSS bandwidth. In some such examples, the criteria may instruct AP1 to select the NPCA primary channel based on one or more scheduling policies and / or load balancing techniques (e.g., round-robin). In some examples, according to such criteria, AP1 may select the NPCA primary channel from secondary channels within the BSS bandwidth.

[0129] In some examples, AP1 can be configured to randomly (or uniformly randomly) select the NPCA primary channel from a predefined or pre-configured set of operational channels belonging to the same transmission bandwidth or BSS bandwidth, using the BSS primary channel for transmission intentions within that same transmission bandwidth or BSS bandwidth. In some such examples, the set of operational channels that can be used as the NPCA primary channel can be indicated by AP1, for example, via a bitmap indicating one or more channels (e.g., which or which channels) can be used as the NPCA primary channel.

[0130] In some examples, the NPCA primary channel may be a predefined or pre-configured operational channel that may (but not necessarily) belong to the same transmission bandwidth or BSS bandwidth as the transmission bandwidth or BSS bandwidth used for the transmission intent against which the BSS primary channel is used.

[0131] In some examples, the selection of the NPCA primary channel can be conditional on its position in the frequency domain of the BSS primary channel. For example, AP1 can select the NPCA primary channel such that the BSS primary channel and the NPCA primary channel are not adjacent in the frequency domain. In some examples, by selecting an NPCA primary channel that is not adjacent to the BSS primary channel, AP1 can reduce the probability of in-band transmission between the BSS primary channel and the NPCA primary channel. In some such examples, AP1 can choose to separate it from the BSS primary channel. (in The NPCA primary channel. Additionally or alternatively, AP1 may select the NPCA primary channel based on whether it meets a rejection level (e.g., a minimum rejection level), which indicates the tolerance for adjacent channel interference from the BSS primary channel. The rejection level may depend on one or more characteristics of the original transmission intended to be carried out using the BSS primary channel. For example, the rejection level may depend on the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) of the original transmission, the bandwidth of the original transmission, and / or the carrier frequency of the original transmission. In some examples, the rejection level can be measured by setting the signal strength 3 dB above the rate-dependent sensitivity and gradually increasing the power of the interfering signal with a W MHz bandwidth until, for binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) modulation using dual-carrier modulation (DCM), it results in approximately a packet error rate (PER) of approximately 10% for a Physical Layer Convergence Process (PLCP) Service Data Unit (PSDU) of 2048 octets (or another suitable number of octets) (or 4096 octets for all other modulations). In some examples, interference tolerances can be predefined to define adjacent interference tolerances for the NPCA main channel.

[0132] In some examples, AP1 can select the NPCA primary channel such that it falls within the operating bandwidth of the associated STA (e.g., the operating bandwidth of STA1). Additionally or alternatively, AP1 can select the NPCA primary channel based on one or more capabilities of the associated STA (e.g., AP1 may consider the capabilities of associated non-AP STAs). For example, AP1 may avoid selecting an NPCA primary channel outside the supported bandwidth of a non-AP STA intending to participate in NPCA communication.

[0133] In some examples, such as those employing multi-AP coordination, AP1 can select that the NPCA primary channel is shared for multiple (e.g., all) non-AP STAs within the BSS. Alternatively, AP1 can select that the NPCA primary channel is shared across multiple (e.g., all) non-AP STAs associated with each other in a BSS that is coordinated with each other.

[0134] In some examples, different NPCA primary channels can be assigned to non-AP STAs associated with different APs (e.g., non-AP STAs belonging to different BSSs). That is, in some examples, AP1 can assign multiple (e.g., different) NPCA primary channels to multiple (e.g., different) BSSs. In such examples, the NPCA primary channel can be different for non-AP STAs associated with different APs (e.g., but shared across non-AP STAs within the same BSS). In some other examples, the NPCA primary channel can be the same for non-AP STAs associated with different APs.

[0135] In some examples, AP1 can use a coordination scheme to determine whether to select a common or different NPCA primary channel across the coordination BSS. For example, for Coordinated Spatial Reuse (C-SR), the NPCA primary channel can be the same across the coordination BSS.

[0136] In some examples where the BSS includes co-hosted APs (e.g., APs belonging to a co-hosted BSSID set and sharing the same operating class, channel, and receive / transmit antenna connector), each co-hosted AP may broadcast a corresponding beacon frame (e.g., but all co-hosted APs use the same master channel). In some such examples, NPCA-enabled APs belonging to the same BSSID set may use the same NPCA master channel. Additionally or alternatively, in some such examples, NPCA-enabled APs belonging to the same BSSID set may use the same handover criteria and / or triggering conditions.

[0137] In some examples, NPCA-enabled APs belonging to a BSSID set may have the same NPCA primary channel (e.g., because these APs may share the same antenna connector). Additionally, in some such examples, handover criteria (e.g., criteria for determining when to handover) can be applied in the same way to co-managed APs. In some examples, NPCA-enabled APs belonging to a co-managed BSSID set may also have the same NPCA primary channel. In some such examples, AP1 can indicate the selected NPCA primary channel via operational elements carried in beacon frames, probe frames, and / or another management frame. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown in the example, AP1 can indicate the NPCA primary channel in the probe response at 520. In such an example, STA1 can use the indicated NPCA primary channel for NPCA operation (e.g., when STA1 operates an NPCA feature).

[0138] In some other examples, the selection of the NPCA primary channel can be performed via negotiation between the AP and its associated non-AP STA. In some such examples, the negotiation may include one or more BSSs. For example, in response to an indication that the AP supports NPCA and that NPCA is enabled, a non-AP STA may indicate one or more candidate NPCA primary channels (e.g., a set of candidate NPCA primary channels) to the AP. In some examples, the non-AP STA may include the indication of one or more candidate NPCA primary channels via a probe request, association request, or reassociation request (e.g., via a dedicated information element or field). Figure 5 As shown in the example, STA1 can indicate one or more candidate NPCA main channels to AP1 via a probe request at 515.

[0139] In some examples, STA1 can select one or more candidate NPCA primary channels from a set of candidate NPCA primary channels provided by AP1. In some such examples, AP1 can provide the set of candidate NPCA primary channels to STA1 via operational elements carried in beacon frames, probe frames, and / or another management frame. Figure 5 In the example, AP1 can indicate a set of candidate NPCA primary channels to STA1 via a beacon frame at 510. In such an example, STA1 can select one or more candidate NPCA primary channels from the indicated set. Then, at 515, STA1 can indicate the selected one or more candidate NPCA primary channels to AP1 via a probe request. In response, AP1 can determine whether to use the one or more candidate NPCA primary channels indicated via the probe request. For example, the probe request can indicate a single candidate NPCA primary channel selected by STA1. In such an example, AP1 can accept (or reject) the single candidate NPCA primary channel selected by STA1 (and indicated via the probe request). Alternatively, the probe request can indicate multiple candidate NPCA primary channels selected by STA1. In some such examples, AP1 can select one of the multiple candidate NPCA primary channels selected by STA1 (and indicated via the probe request). In some other examples, AP1 can reject the multiple candidate NPCA primary channels indicated via the probe request. In some such examples, AP1 can select another NPCA primary channel. In other words, in response to receiving a probe request, AP1 can select a suitable NPA main channel based on one or more criteria indicated by the probe request and / or one or more candidate NPA main channels.

[0140] In some examples, after selecting the NPCA primary channel, AP1 can indicate the selected NPCA primary channel via a probe response, a correlation response, or a recorrelation response (e.g., via a dedicated information element or via field information). Figure 5 As shown in the example, AP1 can indicate the selected NPCA primary channel via a probe response at 520. In some examples, AP1 and STA1 can switch to the selected NPCA primary channel at 525. In some such examples, AP1 and STA1 can switch back to the BSS primary channel at 530 (e.g., based on the expiration of TXOP duration 505).

[0141] In some other examples, in response to receiving a probe request, AP1 may fail to identify a suitable NPCA primary channel and therefore may avoid transmitting a probe response (or may avoid including NPCA information in the probe response). For example, the NPCA primary channel selected by STA1 may not be suitable for AP1.

[0142] In some examples, the NPCA primary channel selected by AP1 may not be suitable for STA1. For example, STA1 may not be able to use the NPCA primary channel selected by AP1 (and indicated via probe response). In some such examples, STA1 may select another candidate NPCA primary channel to provide to AP1 (e.g., via another probe frame or other type of frame). In other words, the negotiation between AP1 and STA1 for identifying the appropriate NPCA primary channel can be iterative (e.g., AP1 and / or STA1 may repeatedly propose candidate NPCA primary channels until AP1 and STA1 agree on the appropriate NPCA primary channel).

[0143] In some examples, the negotiation process can be applied to the coordinating AP. In some such examples, the coordinating APs can indicate one or more candidate NPCA primary channels (e.g., a set of potential NPCA primary channels) to each other, and select a common NPCA primary channel across multiple BSSs based on the indicated candidate NPCA primary channels, or select a different NPCA primary channel for each BSS.

[0144] In some other examples, AP1 and STA1 can have multiple negotiated operating channel sets, where each set can include a primary channel that can be used as the NPCA primary channel. In some such examples, each operating channel set and the NPCA primary channel can be selected semi-dynamically. In some examples, EDCA may fail on the NPCA primary channel. In some such examples, another (different) operating channel set can be selected, and the BSS primary channel within the (different) operating channel set can be selected as the NPCA primary channel for operation.

[0145] In some instances, one or more sets of operating channels may have the same size (e.g., may contain the same number of operating channels). In some other instances, different sets of operating channels may include different numbers of channels and / or different total bandwidths. In some instances, sets of operating channels (e.g., each set of operating channels) may include consecutive / simultaneous channels in the frequency domain. In some instances, sets of operating channels (e.g., each set of operating channels) may overlap or partially overlap in the frequency domain (e.g., they are non-overlapping except for the BSS primary channel and the NPCA primary channel).

[0146] In some examples, after selecting the NPCA primary channel, AP1 (or STA1) can select the transmission bandwidth for one or more transmissions via the NPCA primary channel. In some such examples, AP1 (or STA1) can select the transmission bandwidth for transmissions on the NPCA primary channel based on one or more criteria. In some examples, one or more criteria may indicate that the operating channel forming the transmission bandwidth is the same as (or includes a subset of) the original transmission bandwidth associated with the original transmission intended to be performed using the BSS primary channel (which is assessed as busy). In such examples, one of the operating channels for the original transmission bandwidth can be used as the NPCA primary channel.

[0147] In some other examples, one or more criteria may indicate that the operating channels forming the transmission bandwidth are orthogonal to the set of original operating channels forming the original transmission bandwidth (excluding those original operating channels that can be used as NPCA master channels). In some examples, one or more criteria may indicate that the operating channels forming the transmission bandwidth are orthogonal to the set of original operating channels forming the original transmission bandwidth (including those original operating channels that can be used as NPCA master channels). In some examples, one or more criteria may indicate that the operating channels forming the transmission bandwidth are part of a (logically) predefined set associated with a particular BSS master channel or NPCA master channel.

[0148] Figure 6 An exemplary timing diagram 600 is shown, to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied. Timing diagram 600 includes operations (e.g., signaling) performed at AP 110 (denoted as AP1), non-AP STA 115-a (denoted as STA1), non-AP STA 115-b (denoted as STA2), and non-AP STA 115-c (denoted as STA3). AP 110 and non-AP STA 115 can be determined by… Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Show and reference Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Examples of the corresponding devices described. Figure 6 In the example, AP1, STA1, and STA3 are associated with BSS, and STA2 is associated with OBSS. Figure 6 As shown in the example, STA3 hides from STA2 (and therefore cannot detect transmissions from STA2). For example, STA3 may not be able to detect OBSS transmissions from STA2 on the BSS master channel associated with the BSS during TXOP duration 605. AP1 and STA3 can be configured to coordinate NPCA communication between AP1 and STA3 using one or more aspects of this disclosure, regardless of whether STA3 can detect OBSS transmissions on the BSS master channel. Figure 6 An example of how padding can be used to facilitate simultaneous detection in NPCA features is shown.

[0149] In some examples, due to the challenges associated with hidden nodes, the AP and one or more NPCA-enabled non-AP STAs associated with the AP may lack a mechanism for determining whether the BSS primary channel might be unavailable (and therefore may be ambiguous about this). For example, because STA3 is hidden from STA2, STA3 and AP1 may have different understandings about whether they should switch to the NPCA primary channel, and in some cases, STA3 may continue to operate on the BSS (reference) primary channel even though AP1 has switched to the NPCA primary channel. In some examples, if the AP and NPCA-enabled non-AP STAs fail to switch to the same primary channel simultaneously, the NPCA may not function properly.

[0150] One or more aspects of this disclosure enable an AP and one or more associated non-AP STAs to simultaneously switch to the same primary channel. For example, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, an SA3 (e.g., a non-AP STA) can determine whether to switch to the NPCA primary channel by evaluating whether one or more criteria (e.g., a given set of rules) are met and / or by simultaneously performing carrier sensing and / or packet detection on transmissions from AP1 in both the BSS primary channel and the NPCA primary channel. As used herein, carrier sensing refers to preparing for transmission. Additionally, as used herein, packet detection refers to receiving packets.

[0151] In some examples, STA3 can perform carrier sense and packet detection simultaneously to assess whether AP1 has switched to the NPCA primary channel. For instance, based on simultaneous carrier sense and packet detection on both the BSS primary channel and the NPCA primary channel, STA3 can detect transmissions from AP1 on the NPCA primary channel and therefore can switch to the NPCA primary channel. In some examples, if STA3 determines that AP1 has switched to the NPCA primary channel, STA3 can also switch to the NPCA primary channel (e.g., follow AP1), regardless of whether other conditions that would prevent STA3 from switching have been met.

[0152] In some examples, STA3 (e.g., a non-AP STA supporting NPCA) can perform carrier sensing and / or packet detection simultaneously on both the BSS main channel and the NPCA main channel. In some such examples, STA3 can detect transmissions (e.g., RTS or MU-RTS) from AP1 on the NPCA main channel for which STA3 is involved (e.g., STA3 is associated with AP1 and has previously exchanged information with AP1 to activate NPCA communication between STA3 and AP1 via the NPCA main channel). In some such examples, STA3 can independently switch to the NPCA main channel based on assessing it as idle. In some examples, STA3 can respond to AP1 on the NPCA main channel (e.g., using CTS or MU-CTS). Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, STA3 can disable (e.g., power off) the radio frequency (RF) chain used for monitoring the BSS main channel until STA3 switches back to the BSS main channel.

[0153] In some examples, the AP can add padding to one or more transmissions (e.g., the initial transmission) on the NPCA primary channel. For example, to compensate for potential handover delays arising from using multiple parallel RF chains and shutting down one of the RF chains while operating on another RF chain, padding can be appended at the end of the initial transmission performed by the AP on the NPCA primary channel. In some examples, padding can be appended at the end of the initial transmission performed by the PA on the NPCA primary channel so that a non-AP STA supporting NPCA can correctly detect a transmission from the associated AP on one of the two monitored channels and then perform a handover. The initial transmission may include a transmission that triggers a non-AP STA to handover to the NPCA primary channel (or handover back to the BSS primary channel). In some examples, for non-AP STAs configured to handover based on predefined rules, the handover can occur simultaneously with the AP.

[0154] like Figure 6As shown in the example, padding 610 can be appended to the MU-RTS transmission to enable STA3 to switch to the NPCA main channel. In some examples, the length of padding 610 can be predefined or configured based on a specific set of values ​​that may depend on one or more capabilities of STA3 (e.g., based on one or more capabilities of a non-AP STA that supports NPCA), e.g., via AP1. For example, at 620, AP1 can transmit a MU-RTS transmission to STA3 on the NPCA main channel. The MU-RTS can instruct STA3 (e.g., and STA1) to switch to the NPCA channel for a TXOP duration of 605 (which can be set by STA2). In such an example, the MU-RTS may include padding 610 to enable STA3 to detect the MU-RTS and then perform a switch to the NPCA main channel. In some examples, padding 610 may include one or more bits or characters used to fill unused space (or extend packets, frames, or fields) in a packet, frame, or field. In some examples, padding 610 may be added to the end of the transmission structure (e.g., ...). Figure 6 (as shown in the example) or added to another part of the transmission structure. In some examples, padding 610 can include a null character, a whitespace character, or a bit set to a specific value (e.g., 1 or 0). Figure 6 As shown in the example, at 625, AP1, STA1, and STA3 can switch back to the BSS primary channel in response to the expiration (e.g., end, elapse) of the TXOP duration 605.

[0155] Figure 7 An exemplary signaling diagram 700 is shown, to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied. Signaling diagram 700 illustrates a signaling configuration based on one or more aspects of this disclosure, such as that of a non-AP STA 115 and AP 110. Figure 1 or Figure 2A Operations performed within the system. Non-AP STA 115 and AP 110 can be... Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown and referenced Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6Examples of corresponding devices described. In some examples, non-AP STA 115 and / or AP 110 may be examples of UEs. One or more operations performed at non-AP STA 115 and / or AP 110 may be performed in a different order than the exemplary order shown. Additionally or alternatively, one or more operations performed at non-AP STA 115 and / or AP 110 may be omitted and / or one or more other operations may be added. Signaling diagram 700 may support a framework for simultaneous reception for NPCA as described herein.

[0156] At 710, AP 110 can transmit a first NPCA capability indicator to a non-AP STA 115. For example, AP 110 can transmit a first message via the first primary channel associated with the BSS. The first message can be transmitted by… Figures 3 to 6 Show and reference Figures 3 to 6 Examples of beacon frames, probe frames, and / or one or more other types of management frames described. For example, a first message may include first information indicating a first NPCA capability (e.g., a first capability of the device to communicate via an NPCA).

[0157] At 712, AP 110 can receive a second NPCA capability indicator from non-AP STA 115. For example, AP 110 can receive a second message from a second device via a first main channel in response to a first message. The second message can be generated by... Figures 3 to 6 Show and reference Figures 3 to 6 Examples of probe frames and / or one or more other types of management frames described. For example, a second message includes second information indicating a second NPCA capability (e.g., a second capability of a second device to communicate via an NPCA).

[0158] In some examples, at 714, AP 110 may transmit an NPCA enable or disable indicator to non-AP STA 115. For example, AP 110 may transmit third information indicating that a first capability is enabled at AP 110. In some examples, AP 110 may transmit both a first NPCA capability indicator and an NPCA enable or disable indicator in the same message. For example, AP 110 may transmit a beacon frame indicating that AP 110 has NPCA capability and that NPCA is enabled at AP 110. In some other examples, AP 110 may transmit the NPCA enable or disable indicator via another type of frame, such as a MU-RTS. In such examples, the MU-RTS may trigger non-AP STA 115 to switch to the NPCA primary channel and may include padding (e.g., appended to the end of the MU-RTS) to enable the non-AP STA to perform the handover. For example, AP 110 can transmit messages (e.g., MU-RTS) on multiple time-domain resources, where a first or more time-domain resources are associated with the transmission of third information (e.g., for the transmission of third information), and a second or more time-domain resources include padding to allow a non-AP STA to switch from a first primary channel to at least one primary channel associated with an NPCA. In some such examples, the length of the padding (e.g., the number of time-domain resources included in the second or more time-domain resources) can be based on the second NPCA capability.

[0159] In some examples, a non-AP STA may respond to a first NPCA capability indicator and / or an NPCA enable or disable indicator. For example, in response to a first message and / or a third message, AP 110 may receive a fourth message indicating the enablement of a first capability (e.g., a block acknowledgment), one or more candidate primary channels for an NPCA (e.g., an indication of one or more candidate NPCA primary channels), and / or a second NPCA capability indicator (e.g., an indication that a non-AP STA has the capability to detect packets on both primary channels and at least one channel associated with an NPCA).

[0160] In some examples, AP 110 may transmit an NPCA enable or disable indicator based on the number of non-AP STAs in the BSS that have the ability to communicate via NPCA, the ability of AP 110 and / or non-AP STA 115 to support threshold bandwidth for NPCA, and / or the determination that one or more non-AP STAs in the BSS intend to communicate via NPCA.

[0161] In some examples, non-AP STA 115 and / or AP 110 may perform carrier sensing and / or packet detection on the first primary channel and at least one primary channel associated with the NPCA. For example, in response to AP 110 enabling the NPCA (e.g., via an NPCA enable indicator), non-AP STA 115 may determine whether to switch to the NPCA primary channel based on performing carrier sensing and / or packet detection on the first primary channel and at least one primary channel associated with the NPCA.

[0162] For example, if a non-AP STA 115 detects that the first primary channel (e.g., the BSS primary channel) is busy due to OBSS transmissions, and NPCA is enabled, the non-AP STA 115 may switch to at least one primary channel associated with NPCA. In some other examples, if the non-AP STA 115 does not (e.g., by listening to the first primary channel) detect that the first primary channel is busy, and has not yet (e.g., by listening to at least one primary channel associated with NPCA) detected transmissions from AP 110 via at least one primary channel associated with NPCA, the non-AP STA 115 may avoid switching to at least one primary channel associated with NPCA. However, in some examples, if the non-AP STA 115 does not (e.g., by listening to the first primary channel) detect that the first primary channel is busy, and does (e.g., by listening to at least one primary channel associated with NPCA) detect transmissions from AP 110 via at least one primary channel associated with NPCA, the non-AP STA may switch to at least one primary channel associated with NPCA.

[0163] In some other examples, in response to AP 110 disabling NPCA (e.g. via an NPCA disable indicator), non-APSTA 115 can avoid switching to at least one primary channel associated with NPCA, regardless of carrier sense and / or packet detection.

[0164] In some examples, at 716, a non-AP STA 115 can switch to the NPCA master channel. For example, based on carrier sense and / or packet detection, a non-AP STA 115 can detect a transmission from AP 110 and therefore determine that AP 110 has switched to the NPCA master channel. In such examples, a non-AP STA 115 can also switch to the NPCA master channel (e.g., a non-AP STA 115 can follow AP 110). In such examples, a non-AP STA 115 can receive one or more messages from AP 110 via the NPCA master channel.

[0165] In some examples, AP 110 may provide NPCA-related information to non-AP STA 115 via one or more types of frames. For example, AP 110 may transmit to non-AP STA 115 a message indicating a second primary channel for NPCA, an indication of the operating bandwidth associated with the second primary channel, and / or an indication of the center frequency associated with the second primary channel. In some examples, AP 110 may include NPCA-related information in the same message as the first NPCA capability indicator and / or the NPCA enable or disable indicator.

[0166] In some examples, in response to a first NPCA capability indicator, AP 110 can receive a request from non-AP STA 115 to communicate via one or more primary channels associated with the NPCA. In some such examples, AP 110 may transmit a message to non-AP STA 115 instructing the activation of the NPCA to enable communication between AP 110 and non-AP STA 115. For example, the message may instruct non-AP STA 115 to operate the NPCA for subsequent (e.g., future) transmissions. In some examples, the message may also indicate the channels available for non-AP STA 115 to use as primary channels for the NPCA. In some examples, by exchanging information related to the NPCA, AP 110 and non-AP STA 115 can coordinate NPCA communication, which can result in reduced latency and improved resource utilization.

[0167] Figure 8 An exemplary flowchart 800 illustrates a method to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied. This method may be implemented by a computer. The method may be implemented by a device (such as...) Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figures 3 to 6 Show and reference Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figures 3 to 6 The UE or AP described is used to perform this action. In some examples, the AP can be executed by... Figure 10 Show and reference Figure 10 Example of the described device 10.

[0168] like Figure 8As shown, at block 810, the AP transmits a first message to a second device (e.g., a non-AP STA) via a first primary channel associated with the basic service set. The first message includes first information indicating a first capability of the AP to communicate via the NPCA. For example, the AP may include components (e.g., processor 12, memory 14, wireless interface 16) for transmitting the first message to the non-AP STA via the first primary channel associated with the basic service set, wherein the first message includes first information indicating a first capability of the AP to communicate via the NPCA.

[0169] like Figure 8 As shown, at block 812, the AP receives a second message from a non-AP STA via a first primary channel in response to a first message. The second message includes second information indicating a second capability of the non-AP STA to communicate via an NPCA. For example, the AP may include components (e.g., processor 12, memory 14, wireless interface 16) for receiving the second message from a non-AP STA via the first primary channel in response to the first message, wherein the second message includes second information indicating a second capability of the non-AP STA to communicate via an NPCA.

[0170] Figure 9 An exemplary flowchart 900 illustrates a method to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied. The method may be implemented by a computer. The method may be implemented by a device (such as...) Figures 1 to 6 Show and reference Figures 1 to 6 The described UE (or non-AP STA) performs the operation. In some examples, the non-AP STA can be executed by... Figure 9 Show and reference Figure 9 Example of the described device 10.

[0171] like Figure 9 As shown, a non-AP STA receives a first message at block 910 from a second device (e.g., an AP) via a first primary channel associated with the BSS. The first message includes first information indicating a first capability of the AP to communicate via an NPCA. For example, the AP may include components (e.g., processor 12, memory 14, wireless interface 16) for receiving the first message from the AP via the first primary channel associated with the BSS, wherein the first message includes first information indicating a first capability of the AP to communicate via an NPCA.

[0172] like Figure 9As shown, at block 912, a non-AP STA transmits a second message to the AP via the first master channel in response to a first message. The second message includes second information indicating a second capability of the non-AP STA to communicate via the NPCA. For example, the non-AP STA may include components (e.g., processor 12, memory 14, wireless interface 16) for transmitting the second message to the AP via the first master channel in response to the first message, wherein the second message includes second information indicating a second capability of the device to communicate via the NPCA.

[0173] Figure 10 An exemplary block diagram of a device 10 to which one or more examples disclosed herein may be applied is shown. Figure 10 A block diagram of apparatus 10 is shown by way of example. Apparatus 10 includes, for example, at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 storing instructions 15, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause apparatus 10 to perform at least the methods or methods disclosed herein and any embodiments thereof. In the example, at least one memory and instructions (e.g., computer program code, software) are configured, together with at least one processor, to cause apparatus 10 to perform the methods or methods disclosed herein and any embodiments thereof.

[0174] Processor 12 may include, or be configured as, circuits or circuits configured to perform stages of a method according to one or more exemplary embodiments described herein. As used herein, the term “circuit” may refer to one or more of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only, such as an implementation only in analog and / or digital circuits; and (b) a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as applicable to: (i) a combination of (one or more) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and (ii) any cooperating portion of (one or more) hardware processors with software (including (one or more) digital signal processors, software, and (one or more) memories) that together enable a device (such as a user equipment) to perform various functions; and (c) one or more hardware circuits and / or one or more processors that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, such as one or more microprocessors or portions thereof, but the software may be absent when operation is not required. This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term herein, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also encompasses only hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, and if applicable to certain claim elements, the term "circuit" also encompasses baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices or other computing or network devices.

[0175] The memory 14 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may include a database for storing data. The memory 14 may be at least partially external to the device 10, but the device 10 may be accessible.

[0176] Instruction 15 may be included in a computer-readable medium or a non-transitory computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term non-transitory refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., random access memory, RAM, and read-only memory, ROM).

[0177] For example, device 10 can be an AP, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figures 3 to 7 The device can be included in an AP, for example, as part of a chipset configured to control the AP. Device 10 can be prompted or configured to at least perform... Figure 8 The methods and / or any one or more of the described embodiments.

[0178] As another example, device 10 could be Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figures 3 to 7 The non-AP STA. In another example, the device can be included in such a non-AP STA, for example, as part of a chipset configured to control a non-AP STA. Device 10 can be prompted or configured to at least perform Figure 9 The methods and / or any one or more of the described embodiments.

[0179] In some examples, device 10 may be a UE or another type of terminal device.

[0180] The apparatus may include one or more entities of any protocol layer, such as a MAC entity, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) entity, a Radio Link Control (RLC) entity, a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity, or a PHY entity. In at least one embodiment, the entity is configured to at least perform Figure 8 and Figure 9 The methods and / or any one or more embodiments described herein.

[0181] In some examples, device 10 may include a wireless interface 16. Wireless interface 16 may provide communication capabilities to device 10. Wireless interface 16 may include a receiver configured to receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Wireless interface 16 may include a transmitter configured to transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Receivers may include more than one receiver. Transmitters may include more than one transmitter. Wireless interface 16 may include a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Transceivers may include more than one transceiver.

[0182] Device 10 may include a user interface 18, which includes at least one of, for example, a keypad, microphone, touch display, display, speaker, etc. User interface 18 can be used to control the device by a user. User interface 18 may be external to device 10. For example, device 10 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, via a wireless or wired connection, and device 10 may be controlled by a user via the computer.

[0183] In some examples, device 10 may include a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving signals. The transceiver may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (e.g., using a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field-programmable gate array (FPGA)), or as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) including different modules for implementing the transceiver's functionality. Device 10 may also include at least one processor 12 and / or at least one memory 14. At least one processor 12 may be used to execute instructions stored in at least one memory 14 and / or store information (e.g., the results of executed instructions) in at least one memory 14.

[0184] In some examples, at least one processor 12 may communicate with at least one memory 14 via a bus to transfer information between components of the device 10. The at least one memory 14 may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non-volatile memories. For example, the at least one memory 14 may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium) including gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that can be retrieved by a machine (e.g., a computing device such as a processor). The at least one memory 14 may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, etc., for enabling the device to perform various functions according to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0185] In some examples, device 10 includes one or more transceivers for transmitting and / or receiving signals, for example, via a backbone and / or via an access interface. The transceivers may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (e.g., using a single ASIC or FPGA) or as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) including different modules for implementing the transceiver's functionality. In some examples, device 10 is in or implemented by a user equipment, where resources on the access interface can be allocated and distributed to that user equipment.

[0186] In some examples, device 10 is implemented in a chip or chipset. For example, device 10 may include one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) that include materials, components, and / or wires on a structural component (e.g., a substrate). The structural component may provide physical strength, dimensional retention, and / or limitation of electrical interactions for the component circuitry included thereon. Thus, in some cases, device 10 may be configured to implement embodiments of this disclosure on a single chip or as a single system-on-a-chip (SoC). Thus, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute components for performing one or more operations to provide the functions described herein.

[0187] In some examples, at least one processor 12 can be implemented in a variety of different ways. For example, at least one processor 12 can be implemented by processing circuitry. For example, at least one processor 12 can be implemented as one or more of a variety of hardware processing components, such as a coprocessor, microprocessor, controller, digital signal processor (DSP), processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other circuitry including integrated circuits (such as, for example, ASIC, FPGA, microcontroller unit (MCU), hardware accelerator, application-specific computer chip, and / or the like). Thus, in some embodiments, at least one processor 12 may include one or more processing cores configured to execute independently. Multi-core processors can implement multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, at least one processor 12 may include one or more processors configured in series via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelines, and / or multiple threads.

[0188] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one processor 12 may be configured to execute instructions stored in at least one memory 14 or otherwise accessible by at least one processor 12. Alternatively or additionally, at least one processor 12 may be configured to perform hard-coded functions. Thus, whether configured by hardware or software methods or by a combination thereof, at least one processor 12 may represent an entity (e.g., physically implemented in a circuit) capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure when appropriately configured. Thus, for example, when at least one processor 12 is implemented as an ASIC, FPGA, and / or the like, at least one processor 12 may be hardware specifically configured to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, as another example, when at least one processor 12 is implemented as an executor of instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, at least one processor 12 may be a processor of a particular device (e.g., an image or video processing system) configured to implement embodiments of the present disclosure by further configuring the processor by instructions to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein. At least one processor 12 may include, in particular, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and / or logic gates configured to support the operation of at least one processor 12.

[0189] Wireless interface 16 (e.g., a communication interface) may be a device and / or circuitry implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software, configured to receive and / or transmit data, including media content in the form of video or image files, one or more audio tracks, and / or the like. In this regard, wireless interface 16 may include, for example, antennas (or antennas) and supporting hardware and / or software for enabling communication with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, wireless interface 16 may include circuitry for interacting with the antennas to induce signal transmission via the antennas or for processing signals received via the antennas (or antennas). In some environments, the communication interface may alternatively or also support wired communication. Thus, for example, the communication interface may include a communication modem and / or other hardware / software to support communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), USB, or other mechanisms.

[0190] In some examples, device 10 may be an access point (AP) or non-AP station (STA) (e.g., a client device) that can be used in a Wi-Fi network that is capable of operating according to a wireless standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 standard).

[0191] In at least one embodiment, at least some of the processes described herein can be performed by means including components for performing at least some of the described processes. Components for performing the methods disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of means 10. For example, at least one processor 12, memory 14, and computer program code form components for performing the methods or methods disclosed herein and any embodiments thereof. The term “means” as used in the specification and claims may refer to one or more individual elements configured to perform a corresponding recounted function or multiple functions, or it may refer to several elements performing such function or multiple functions. Furthermore, the functions recounted in the claims may be performed by the same individual components or a combination of the same components. For example, performing such function or multiple functions may be initiated in the means by a processor executing instructions stored in the means's memory.

[0192] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to examples in accordance with the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be modified in several ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly, and they are intended to illustrate rather than limit the embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways as technology advances. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments can, but are not required to, be combined with other embodiments in various ways.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: A first message is transmitted via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of the device to communicate via a non-primary channel access; as well as In response to the first message, a second message is received from the second device via the first main channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the second device to communicate via the non-main channel access.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Transmit third information indicating the activation of the first capability at the device.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, in order to transmit the third information, the instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: A message including the third information is transmitted over multiple time-domain resources, wherein a first or more of the multiple time-domain resources are associated with the transmission of the third information, and wherein a second or more of the multiple time-domain resources are associated with a handover from the first primary channel to at least one primary channel associated with the non-primary channel access.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the second capability, a third message indicating the activation of the non-master channel access for communication between the device and the second device is transmitted.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the third message indicates at least one of the following: an indication of a second primary channel for the non-primary channel access, an indication of the operating bandwidth associated with the second primary channel, or an indication of the center frequency associated with the second primary channel.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the first capability, at least one of carrier sensing or packet detection is performed on the first primary channel and at least one primary channel associated with the non-primary channel access.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the second capability, a fourth message is transmitted to the second device via a second primary channel associated with the non-primary channel access.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: The transmission bandwidth for transmitting the fourth message via the second main channel is selected, at least in part, based on one or more criteria.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Transmit third information indicating that the first capability is disabled at the device; and Messages are transmitted on the first primary channel, at least in part, based on the aforementioned disabling.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first capability includes the ability of the apparatus to simultaneously perform packet detection on the first primary channel and at least one channel associated with the non-primary channel access, and wherein the second capability includes the ability of the second apparatus to simultaneously perform packet detection on the first primary channel and the at least one channel associated with the non-primary channel access.

11. An apparatus for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: A first message is received from a second device via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of the second device to communicate via a non-primary channel access; as well as In response to the first message, a second message is transmitted to the second device via the first main channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the device to communicate via the non-main channel access.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Receive third information indicating the activation of the first capability at the second device.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein, in order to receive the third information, the instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: Messages including the third information are received on multiple time-domain resources, wherein a first or more of the multiple time-domain resources are associated with the reception of the third information, and wherein a second or more of the multiple time-domain resources are associated with a handover from the first primary channel to at least one primary channel associated with the non-primary channel access.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the second capability, a third message indicating the activation of the non-master channel access for communication between the device and the second device is received.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the second capability, perform at least one of carrier sensing or packet detection on the first primary channel and the second primary channel associated with the non-primary channel access; and Based at least in part on at least one of the carrier sensing or packet detection, it is determined that the first primary channel or the second primary channel will be used to communicate with the second device.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Based at least in part on the second capability, a fourth message is received from the second device via a second primary channel associated with the non-primary channel access.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: The transmission bandwidth for transmitting the fourth message via the second main channel is determined at least in part based on one or more criteria.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: Receive third information indicating that the first capability is disabled at the second device; and Messages are received on the first main channel, at least in part, based on the aforementioned disabling.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the first capability includes the ability of the second apparatus to simultaneously perform packet detection on the first primary channel and at least one channel associated with the non-primary channel access, and wherein the second capability includes the ability of the apparatus to simultaneously perform packet detection on the first primary channel and the at least one channel associated with the non-primary channel access.

20. A method for communication, comprising: A first message is received via a first primary channel associated with a basic service set, the first message including first information indicating a first capability of the device to communicate via a non-primary channel access; as well as In response to the first message, a second message is transmitted to the device via the first main channel, the second message including second information indicating a second capability of the first device to communicate via the non-main channel access.

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