Indication of medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (MPDU) encoding

Abstract

This disclosure provides methods, components, apparatus, and systems for indicating the encoding of Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Units (MPDUs). A first wireless device may receive a message indicating the format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple MPDU frames, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for one or more first fields, or both. The first wireless device may receive the MPDU frame and decode it according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for one or more first fields, or both. In some examples, the message may be carried in one or more second fields of the MPDU delimiter; the message may be a Physical Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) or a MAC header.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 505,926, filed November 9, 2023, entitled “INDICATION OF MEDIUM ACCESS CONTROL (MAC) PROTOCOL DATA UNIT (MPDU) ENCODING”, which has been assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to instructions for encoding Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Units (MPDUs).

[0004] Related technical descriptions

[0005] A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can be formed by one or more wireless access points (APs) that provide a shared wireless communication medium for use by multiple client devices (also known as wireless stations (STAs)). The basic building block of a WLAN conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard family is the Basic Service Set (BSS) managed by the AP. Each BSS is identified by a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) advertised by the AP. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames to enable any STA within the AP's wireless range to establish or maintain a communication link with the WLAN.

[0006] In some WLANs, a first wireless device (e.g., a STA or AP) may send a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) to a second wireless device (e.g., a STA or AP). The MPDU may carry data in one or more fields, and the second wireless device may decode one or more fields of the MPDU. The MPDU may be carried within a Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). In some implementations, the first wireless device may transmit an aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU) comprising multiple MPDU frames via the PPDU. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The systems, methods, and apparatus disclosed herein each have some innovative aspects, but no single aspect is solely responsible for the desired properties disclosed herein.

[0008] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method for wireless communication by a first wireless device. The method may include: receiving a message indicating a format of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) frame from a set of multiple formats, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; receiving the MPDU frame; and decoding the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0009] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a first wireless device for wireless communication. The first wireless device may include a processing system comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code. The processing system may be configured to cause the first wireless device to: receive a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; receive the MPDU frame; and decode the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a first wireless device for wireless communication. The first wireless device may include: components for receiving a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; components for receiving the MPDU frame; and components for decoding the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0011] Another inventive aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication. The code may include instructions executable by one or more processors to: receive a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; receive the MPDU frame; and decode the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0012] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the message may be carried in one or more second fields of an MPDU delimiter corresponding to the MPDU frame, and the one or more second fields indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0013] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the message may be a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and one or more second fields in the preamble of the PPDU, one or more service fields of the PPDU, or both indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0014] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the message may be a MAC header, and one or more second fields in the MAC header may indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0015] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both, indicate at least one of the following: protection of the MAC header, that one or more second fields of the MPDU frame may be extended, or that one or more third fields of the MPDU frame carry timestamp information, or a combination thereof.

[0016] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method for wireless communication by a first wireless device. The method may include: sending a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; and sending the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0017] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a first wireless device for wireless communication. The first wireless device may include a processing system comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code. The processing system may be configured to cause the first wireless device to: transmit a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; and transmit the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0018] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a first wireless device for wireless communication. The first wireless device may include: a component for transmitting a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; and a component for transmitting the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0019] Another inventive aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication. The code may include instructions executable by one or more processors to: send a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; and send the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0020] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the message may be carried in one or more second fields of an MPDU delimiter corresponding to the MPDU frame, and the one or more second fields indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0021] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the message may be a PPDU, and one or more second fields in the preamble of the PPDU, one or more service fields of the PPDU, or both indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0022] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the message may be a MAC header, and one or more second fields in the MAC header may indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0023] In some examples of the methods described herein, the first wireless device, and the nontransitory computer-readable medium, the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both, indicate at least one of the following: protection of the MAC header, that one or more second fields of the MPDU frame may be extended, or that one or more third fields of the MPDU frame carry timestamp information, or a combination thereof.

[0024] Details of one or more specific embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. It should be noted that the relative dimensions in the following drawings may not be drawn to scale. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 An example Protocol Data Unit (PDU) is shown that can be used for communication between a wireless access point (AP) and one or more wireless stations (STA).

[0027] Figure 3 An example physical layer (PHY) protocol data unit (PPDU) capable of being used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A hierarchical format of an example PPDU capable of being used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 An example of an MPDU frame that supports the encoding of Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 An example of a data frame that supports instructions for MPDU encoding is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 An example of a data frame that supports instructions for MPDU encoding is shown.

[0032] Figure 8An example of a process flow that supports instructions for MPDU encoding is shown.

[0033] Figure 9 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device that supports instructions for MPDU encoding is shown.

[0034] Figure 10 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device that supports instructions for MPDU encoding is shown.

[0035] Figures 11 to 13 A flowchart illustrating an example process that can be executed by or at a first wireless device that supports instructions for MPDU encoding is shown.

[0036] The same reference numerals and names in different figures denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following description refers to certain specific examples in order to illustrate the innovative aspects of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of different ways. Some or all of the examples described can be applied in Bluetooth systems that meet the requirements of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, IEEE 802.15, or Bluetooth as defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). ® This can be implemented in any device, system, or network that transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals according to one or more of the following standards, or those published by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP): Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G, or 5G (New Radio (NR)). The described examples can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to one or more of the following technologies or techniques: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA), Rate Split Multiple Access (RSMA), Multi-User Shared Access (MUSA), Single-User (SU) Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), and Multi-User (MU) MIMO (MU-MIMO). The described examples can also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of the following networks: Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN), or Internet of Things (IoT).

[0038] In some wireless communication systems, a first wireless device may transmit Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) frames to a second wireless device. In some specific implementations, the first wireless device may transmit an aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU) that includes the MPDU frame and one or more other MPDU frames. The MPDU frame may include various enhancements, such as protection of fields within the MAC header of the MPDU (e.g., using one or more security fields in the MPDU frame), extension of the sequence number space, or extension of the high throughput (HT) control field, etc. The first wireless device may have the capability to support some enhancements of the MPDU but not others, or the first wireless device may conditionally apply enhancements to the MPDU frame based on some network conditions. Therefore, without additional signaling, the second wireless device receiving the MPDU frame may not be aware of which enhancements are enabled for the MPDU frame or which enhancements are applicable to the MPDU frame, which may lead to decoding errors or data loss.

[0039] In some implementations, the first wireless device may indicate to the second wireless device the format of an MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more fields of the MPDU. The format of the MPDU frame may indicate the presence or absence of one or more fields in the MPDU frame. The interpretation configuration may indicate how the second wireless device will interpret the one or more fields of the MPDU. The indicated format of the MPDU frame may be one of a set of multiple formats for the MPDU frame. Similarly, the interpretation configuration for the one or more fields may be one of a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more fields of the MPDU frame. The second wireless device may receive the MPDU frame and decode it using the format indicated by the first wireless device, the interpretation configuration for the one or more fields, or both.

[0040] By instructing the first wireless device to interpret the format and / or fields used to encode and transmit the MPDU frame, the first wireless device can support improved communication reliability and reduced latency. For example, instructing the interpretation of the format and fields enables the second wireless device to parse data from the MPDU more efficiently and accurately. Furthermore, because the second wireless device is familiar with the encoding technique used for the MPDU, the instructions made by the first wireless device can reduce errors in decoding, thereby improving spectral efficiency and reducing the number and frequency of retransmissions, thus reducing power consumption and processing.

[0041] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network 100 is shown. Depending on some aspects, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., a Wi-Fi network). For example, the wireless communication network 100 may be a network implementing at least one of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard families (e.g., those defined by the IEEE 802.11-2020 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, 802.11bd, 802.11be, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn). In some other examples, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a cellular radio access network (RAN), such as a 5G RAN or 6G RAN implementing one or more cellular protocols (e.g., those specified in one or more 3GPP standards). In some other examples, the wireless communication network 100 may include a WLAN that operates in an interoperable or converged manner with one or more cellular RANs to provide greater or enhanced network coverage to wireless communication devices within the wireless communication network 100, or to enable these devices to connect to the core of the cellular network, such as to access network management capabilities and functionality provided by the cellular network core.

[0042] The wireless communication network 100 may include numerous wireless communication devices, such as at least one wireless access point (AP) 102 and any number of wireless stations (STA) 104. Although Figure 1 Only one AP 102 is shown, but the wireless communication network 100 may include multiple APs 102. AP 102 may be or represent various different types of network entities, including but not limited to home networking APs, enterprise APs, single-band APs, dual-band synchronous (DBS) APs, tri-band synchronous (TBS) APs, standalone APs, non-standalone APs, software-enabled APs (software APs), and multi-link APs (also known as AP multi-link devices (MLDs)), as well as cellular (e.g., 3GPP, 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G) base stations or other cellular network nodes (e.g., Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), gNB, Transmit / Receive Point (TRP)) or another type of equipment or apparatus included in the radio access network (RAN), including open RAN (O-RAN) network entities such as central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs).

[0043] Each STA 104 may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), mobile device, mobile phone, wireless phone, access terminal (AT), user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), or subscriber unit, etc. STA 104 can represent a variety of devices, such as mobile phones, other handheld or wearable communication devices, netbooks, laptops, tablets, laptops, Chromebooks, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), or extended reality (XR) wireless headsets or other peripherals, wireless earbuds, other wearable devices, display devices (e.g., televisions, computer monitors, or video game consoles), video game controllers, navigation systems, music or other audio or stereo devices, remote control devices, printers, kitchen appliances (including smart refrigerators) or other household appliances, remote keys (e.g., for passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, vehicles, etc.

[0044] A single AP 102 and its associated set of STA 104s may be referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS), which is managed by the respective AP 102. Figure 1 Additionally, an example coverage area 108 of AP 102 is shown, which may represent the Basic Service Area (BSA) of wireless communication network 100. The BSA can be identified by STA 104 and other devices via a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), which may be the MAC address of AP 102. AP 102 may periodically broadcast beacon frames (“beacons”) including the BSSID to enable any STA 104 within the wireless range of AP 102 to “associate” or reassociate with AP 102 to establish or maintain a corresponding communication link 106 (also referred to hereinafter as a “Wi-Fi link”) with AP 102. For example, the beacon may include an identifier of the primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102 or an indication of that primary channel, and a Timing Synchronization Function (TSF) for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with AP 102. AP 102 can provide access to external networks to each STA 104 in the wireless communication network 100 via the corresponding communication link 106.

[0045] To establish a communication link 106 with AP 102, each STA 104 is configured to perform a passive or active scanning operation (“scan”) on frequency channels in one or more frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz bands). To perform a passive scan, STA 104 listens for beacons transmitted by the corresponding AP 102 at periodic time intervals (referred to as the Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT)). To perform an active scan, STA 104 generates probe requests and transmits these requests sequentially on each channel to be scanned, and listens for probe responses from AP 102. Each STA 104 can identify, determine, detect, or select an AP 102 to associate with based on the scanning information obtained through passive or active scanning, and performs authentication and association operations to establish a communication link 106 with the selected AP 102. The selected AP 102 assigns an association identifier (AID) to STA 104 at the end of the association operation, and AP 102 uses the association identifier (AID) to track STA 104.

[0046] As wireless networks become increasingly prevalent, STA 104 may have the opportunity to choose from one of many BSSs within its range or from multiple APs 102 that together form an Extended Service Set (ESS) (comprising multiple connected BSSs). For example, wireless communication network 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system capable of connecting multiple APs 102 in such an ESS. Therefore, STA 104 may be covered by more than one AP 102 and may be associated with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. Additionally, after associating with an AP 102, STA 104 may periodically scan its surroundings to find a more suitable AP 102 to associate with. For example, STA 104 moving relative to its associated AP 102 may perform a “roaming” scan to find another AP 102 with more desirable network characteristics (e.g., a larger Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or reduced traffic load).

[0047] In some cases, STA 104 can form a network without AP 102 or other equipment besides STA 104 itself. An example of such a network is an ad hoc network (or wireless ad hoc network). Ad hoc networks may also be referred to as mesh networks or peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. In some cases, ad hoc networks can be implemented within a larger network (e.g., wireless communication network 100). In such examples, while STA 104 may be able to communicate with each other via communication link 106 through AP 102, STA 104 may also communicate directly with each other via direct wireless communication link 110. Additionally, two STA 104 may communicate via direct wireless communication link 110, regardless of whether the two STA 104 are associated with and served by the same AP 102. In such ad hoc systems, one or more STAs among STA 104 may assume the role played by AP 102 in the BSS. Such STA 104 may be referred to as the group owner (GO) and may coordinate transmissions within the ad hoc network. Examples of direct wireless communication links 110 include Wi-Fi direct connections, connections established by using Wi-Fi Tunneling Direct Link Establishment (TDLS) links, and other P2P group connections.

[0048] In some networks, AP 102 or STA 104, or both, may support applications associated with high throughput or low latency requirements, or provide lossless audio to one or more other devices. For example, AP 102 or STA 104 may support applications and use cases associated with ultra-low latency (ULL), such as ULL gaming, or the transmission of lossless audio and video streams to one or more personal audio devices (e.g., peripherals) or AR / VR / MR / XR headsets. In scenarios where a user uses two or more peripherals, AP 102 or STA 104 may support extended personal audio networks enabling communication with these two or more peripherals. Additionally, AP 102 and STA 104 may support additional ULL applications with ULL and high throughput requirements, such as cloud-based applications (e.g., VR cloud gaming).

[0049] As indicated above, in some implementations, AP 102 and STA 104 may operate and communicate according to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards (via the corresponding communication link 106). These standards define WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the physical (PHY) layer and MAC layer. AP 102 and STA 104 transmit and receive wireless communications to and from each other in the form of PHY Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) (also referred to below as "Wi-Fi communication" or "wireless packets").

[0050] Each PPDU is a composite structure comprising a PHY preamble and a payload in the form of a PHY Service Data Unit (PSDU). The information provided in the preamble can be used by the receiving device to decode subsequent data in the PSDU. In instances where the PPDU is transmitted on a bound channel or a wideband channel, the preamble field may be copied and transmitted in each of the multiple component channels. The PHY preamble may include both a legacy portion (or "legacy preamble") and a non-legacy portion (or "non-legacy preamble"). The legacy preamble can be used for other purposes such as packet detection, automatic gain control, and channel estimation. The legacy preamble is also typically used to maintain compatibility with legacy equipment. The format, decoding, and information provided in the non-legacy portion of the preamble are associated with the specific IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol to be used to transmit the payload.

[0051] AP 102 and STA 104 in the WLAN wireless communication network 100 can transmit PPDUs on unlicensed spectrum, which may be a portion of the spectrum including bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technologies (e.g., the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band, 45 GHz band, and 60 GHz band). Some examples of AP 102 and STA 104 described herein can also communicate in other bands that can support both licensed and unlicensed communication. For example, AP 102 or STA 104, or both, may also be able to communicate on licensed operating bands, where multiple operators may have corresponding licenses to operate in the same or overlapping frequency ranges. Such licensed operating bands may be mapped to or associated with the frequency ranges specified for FR1 (410MHz–7.125GHz), FR2 (24.25GHz–52.6GHz), FR3 (7.125GHz–24.25GHz), FR4a or FR4–1 (52.6GHz–71GHz), FR4 (52.6GHz–114.25GHz), and FR5 (114.25GHz–300GHz).

[0052] Each of these frequency bands may include multiple sub-bands and frequency channels (also referred to as sub-channels). For example, PPDUs conforming to revisions of the IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, and 802.11bn standards may be transmitted on one or more of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz frequency bands, each of which is divided into multiple 20 MHz channels. Therefore, these PPDUs are transmitted on physical channels with a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz, but larger channels can be formed through channel bonding. For example, PPDUs may be transmitted on physical channels with bandwidths of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz by bonding multiple 20 MHz channels together.

[0053] Figure 2 An example protocol data unit (PDU) 200 capable of wireless communication between a wireless access point (AP) and one or more wireless STAs is shown. For example, the AP and STA can be reference... Figure 1 Examples of AP 102 and STA 104 are described. PDU 200 can be configured as a PPDU. As shown, PDU 200 includes a PHY preamble 202 and a PHY payload 204. For example, preamble 202 may include a legacy portion, which itself includes a legacy short training field (L-STF) 206 consisting of two symbols, a legacy long training field (L-LTF) 208 consisting of two symbols, and a legacy signal field (L-SIG) 210 consisting of two symbols. The legacy portion of preamble 202 may be configured according to the IEEE 802.11a wireless communication protocol standard. Preamble 202 may also include a non-legacy portion, which includes one or more non-legacy fields 212, for example, conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard family.

[0054] L-STF 206 generally enables receiving devices (e.g., AP 102 or STA 104) to perform coarse timing and frequency tracking, as well as automatic gain control (AGC). L-LTF 208 generally enables receiving devices to perform fine timing and frequency tracking, and also to perform initial estimation of the radio channel. L-SIG 210 generally enables receiving devices to determine (e.g., acquire, select, identify, detect, determine, calculate, or compute) the duration of the PDU and use the determined duration to avoid transmission over the PDU. The legacy portion of the preamble can be modulated according to a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation scheme, including L-STF 206, L-LTF 208, and L-SIG 210. The payload 204 can be modulated according to a BPSK modulation scheme, a quadrature BPSK (Q-BPSK) modulation scheme, a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulation scheme, or another suitable modulation scheme. Payload 204 may include a PSDU containing a data field (DATA) 214, which in turn may carry higher-level data in the form of, for example, MAC Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) or Aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU).

[0055] Figure 3 An example physical layer (PHY) protocol data unit (PPDU) 350 capable of being used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs is shown. For example, the AP and STA can be reference... Figure 1Examples of AP 102 and STA 104 are described below. As shown, PPDU 350 includes a PHY preamble (which includes a legacy portion 352 and a non-legacy portion 354) and a payload 356 (which includes a data field 374). The legacy portion 352 of the preamble includes L-STF 358, L-LTF 360, and L-SIG 362. The non-legacy portion 354 of the preamble includes a repetition of L-SIG (RL-SIG) 364 and multiple wireless communication protocol version-related signal fields following RL-SIG 364. For example, the non-legacy portion 354 may include a general signal field 366 (referred to herein as "U-SIG 366") and an EHT signal field 368 (referred to herein as "EHT-SIG 368"). The presence of RL-SIG 364 and U-SIG 366 ensures compatibility with EHT or later versions. STA 104 indicates that PPDU 350 is an EHT PPDU or a PPDU conforming to a new wireless communication protocol (conforming to future IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standards). One or both of U-SIG 366 and EHT-SIG 368 can be constructed as other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT that are associated with a revision of the IEEE standards family and carry version-related information. For example, U-SIG 366 can be used by receiving devices (e.g., AP102 and STA 104) to interpret bits in one or more of EHT-SIG 368 or data field 374. Similar to L-STF358, L-LTF 360, and L-SIG 362, in instances involving the use of bound channels, the information in U-SIG 366 and EHT-SIG368 can be repeated and transmitted in each of the component 20MHz channels.

[0056] The non-legacy portion 354 also includes an additional short training field 370 (referred to herein as "EHT-STF 370," though it can also be constructed for other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT and carry version-related information) and one or more additional long training fields 372 (referred to herein as "EHT-LTF 372," though they can also be constructed for other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT and carry version-related information). EHT-STF 370 can be used for timing and frequency tracking as well as AGC, while EHT-LTF 372 can be used for more refined channel estimation.

[0057] EHT-SIG 368 can be used by AP 102 to identify one or more STAs 104 and notify those STAs that AP 102 has scheduled uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) resources for them. EHT-SIG 368 can be decoded by each compatible STA 104 served by AP 102. EHT-SIG 368 can generally be used by the receiving device to interpret the bits in data field 374. For example, EHT-SIG 368 may include resource element (RU) allocation information, spatial flow configuration information, and per-user (e.g., STA-specific) signaling information. Each EHT-SIG 368 may include a common field and at least one user-specific field. In the context of OFDMA, the common field may indicate the RU distribution across multiple STAs 104, indicate RU assignment in the frequency domain, indicate which RUs are allocated for MU-MIMO transmission and which RUs correspond to OFDMA transmission, and the number of users in the allocation, etc. User-specific fields are assigned to specific STAs 104 and carry STA-specific scheduling information, such as user-specific MCS values ​​and user-specific RU allocation information. This information enables the corresponding STA 104 to identify and decode the corresponding RU in the associated data field 374.

[0058] Figure 4 A hierarchical format of an example PPDU capable of being used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs is shown. For example, the AP and STA can be references. Figure 1Examples of AP 102 and STA 104 described. As described, each PPDU 400 includes a PHY preamble 402 and a PSDU 404. Each PSDU 404 may represent (or “carry”) one or more MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) 416. For example, each PSDU 404 may carry an aggregated MPDU (A-MPDU) frame 406, which includes an aggregation of multiple A-MPDU subframes 408. Each A-MPDU subframe 408 may include an MPDU frame 410, which includes an MPDU delimiter 412 and a MAC header 414 preceding the accompanying MPDU 416, which includes the data portion (“payload” or “frame body”) of the MPDU frame 410. Each MPDU frame 410 may also include a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field 418 for error detection (e.g., the FCS field 418 may include a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)) and padding bits 420. MPDU 416 may carry one or more MAC Service Data Units (MSDUs) 430. For example, MPDU 416 may carry an aggregated MSDU (A-MSDU) 422, which comprises multiple A-MSDU subframes 424. Each A-MSDU subframe 424 may be associated with an MSDU frame 426 (e.g., as an example of that MSDU frame or otherwise referred to as that MSDU frame) and may contain a corresponding MSDU 430, which is preceded by a subframe header 428 and, in some cases, followed by padding bits 431.

[0059] Returning to reference MPDU frame 410, MPDU delimiter 412 can be used as a marker to indicate the start of associated MPDU 416 and the length of associated MPDU 416. MAC header 414 may include multiple fields containing information defining or indicating the characteristics or attributes of the data encapsulated within the frame body. MAC header 414 includes a duration field indicating the duration from the end of the PPDU to at least the end of an acknowledgment (ACK) or block ACK (BA) to be sent by the receiving wireless communication device to the PPDU. The use of the duration field is to preserve the wireless medium for the indicated duration and to enable the receiving device to establish its Network Allocation Vector (NAV). MAC header 414 also includes one or more fields indicating the address of the data encapsulated within the frame body. For example, MAC header 414 may include a combination of source address, transmitter address, receiver address, or destination address. MAC header 414 may also include a frame control field containing control information. The frame control field may specify the frame type, such as a data frame, control frame, or management frame.

[0060] In certain environments, locations, or conditions, regulatory agencies may impose power spectral density (PSD) limits on one or more communication channels or an entire frequency band (e.g., the 6 GHz band). PSD is a measure of transmit power as a function of bandwidth (e.g., per 1 MHz). Therefore, the total transmit power is the product of the PSD and the total bandwidth transmitted. Unlike the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established PSD limits for low-power devices operating in the 6 GHz band. The FCC has defined three power levels for operation in the 6 GHz band: standard power, low-power indoor, and very low power. Some AP 102 and STA 104 operating in the 6 GHz band may meet the low-power indoor (LPI) power level, which limits the transmit power of AP 102 and STA 104 to 5 dBm / MHz and –1 dBm / MHz, respectively. In other words, the transmit power in the 6 GHz band is subject to PSD limitation on a per MHz basis.

[0061] Such PSD limitations unnecessarily reduce transmission range, decrease packet detection capability, and reduce channel estimation capabilities of AP 102 and STA 104. In some examples where transmission is PSD-limited, AP 102 or STA 104 of wireless communication network 100 can transmit over a larger transmission bandwidth to increase total transmission power, thereby improving SNR and expanding the coverage of wireless communication devices. For example, to overcome or relax PSD limitations and improve the SNR of low-power devices operating in PSD-limited bands, 802.11be introduced a repeat (DUP) mode for transmission, in which data in the payload portion of the PPDU is modulated for transmission on a “basic” frequency subband (e.g., the first RU transmitted by OFDMA) and copied (e.g., repeated) to another frequency subband (e.g., the second RU transmitted by OFDMA). In DUP mode, two copies of the data are transmitted, and dual-carrier modulation (DCM) is used for each of the repeating RUs. This also has the effect of replicating the data, so that each of the repeating RUs carries two copies of the data, resulting in, for example, four copies of the data being transmitted. While the data rate for each copy of user data transmitted using DUP mode can be the same as that transmitted using "normal" mode, the transmit power using DUP mode is essentially doubled according to the number of copies of data being transmitted, at the cost of increased bandwidth. Therefore, using DUP mode may extend range but reduce spectral efficiency.

[0062] In some other examples where transmission is PSD-limited, distributed tone mapping operations can be used to increase the bandwidth that STA 104 transmits to AP 102 via. As used herein, the term "distributed transmission" refers to PPDU transmission on discontinuous tones (or subcarriers) of a wireless channel. In contrast, the term "continuous transmission" refers to PPDU transmission on continuous tones. As used herein, a logical RU represents the multiple tones or subcarriers assigned to a given STA 104 for transmitting PPDUs. As used herein, the term "regular RU" (or rRU) refers to any undistributed RU or MRU tone scheme, such as a configuration supported by 802.11be or earlier versions of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. As used herein, the term "distributed RU" (or dRU) refers to tones distributed across a set of discontinuous subcarrier indexes mapped to by a logical RU. The term "distributed tone scheme" refers to the set of discontinuous subcarrier indexes associated with a dRU. The channel or portion of the channel that distributes the distributed tones is called the spread spectrum bandwidth, which can be, for example, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or higher. The use of dRUs may be limited to uplink communication, as the benefits of overcoming PSD limitations may only exist in uplink communication.

[0063] Some wireless devices (e.g., Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) AP 102 and / or UHR STA 104) may support various enhancements to MPDU frame 410 that may alter the format of MPDU frame 410 or the interpretation of fields carried within MPDU frame 410 (such as configuration interpretation). For example, MPDU frame 410 may implement protection for fields within MAC header 414, and the format of MPDU frame 410 may be altered to carry additional security fields. In some specific implementations (e.g., for group addressing management frames), additional security fields may be carried within elements (e.g., new elements) or one or more fields following MAC header 414, as referenced. Figure 6 As described in more detail. A first wireless device (e.g., AP 102, STA 104) and a second wireless device (e.g., AP 102, STA 104) may exchange signaling to identify which scheme the first wireless device uses to transmit the MPDU frame 410. For example, the first wireless device may indicate the format of the MPDU frame 410 or the interpretation configuration for one or more fields of the frame, and the second wireless device may decode the MPDU frame 410 based on the format or the interpretation configuration.

[0064] In some implementations, MPDU frame 410 may have an expanded sequence number space. The expanded sequence number space may be indicated by different interpretations of one or more fields. For example, the Packet Number (PN) field or Fragment Number (FN) field may indicate that the sequence number space is expanded (e.g., by indicating the size of the sequence number space in octets). In some implementations, MPDU frame 410 may have an expanded high throughput control field that supports relatively high flexibility in the aggregation control (A-control) field within MPDU frame 410. In some implementations, MPDU frame 410 may include one or more fields carrying timing information (e.g., timestamp information) for low-latency packetization.

[0065] The first wireless device may send an MPDU frame 410 to the second wireless device, the MPDU frame including one or more enhancements to the MPDU frame 410 (e.g., extensions to one or more fields, protection of the MAC header 414, fields carrying timing information, etc.), but not other enhancements. The enhancements to be included in the MPDU frame 410 may be based on the capabilities of the first wireless device, the second wireless device, or both. For example, the second wireless device may indicate support for receiving the MPDU frame 410 in one or more formats and / or having one or more interpretation configurations for one or more fields carried in the MPDU frame 410. The first wireless device may provide such indications to the second wireless device during an association process with the second wireless device (e.g., association signaling, initiation).

[0066] In some wireless communication systems, where multiple different candidate format or interpretation configurations may exist for MPDU frame 410, the first and second wireless devices may negotiate or dynamically indicate which format or interpretation configurations can be used during communication between the two devices. For example, a first wireless device (e.g., a transmitting STA) that can support some enhancements to MPDU frame 410 (and may not support some other enhancements) may conditionally apply one or more of these enhancements to MPDU frame 410 based on various conditions (e.g., the capabilities of one or more wireless devices, radio link quality, and other considerations, etc.).

[0067] The first wireless device may utilize or implement a signaling mechanism to instruct the receiver how to interpret the contents of MPDU frame 410. That is, the first wireless device may instruct the encoding scheme for MPDU frame 410, the format of MPDU frame 410, or the interpretation configuration for one or more fields of MPDU frame 410, or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, one or more enhancements to MPDU frame 410 may be applied based on the intended receiver being a UHR STA. For example, the first wireless device may apply one or more enhancements to a separately addressed PPDU 400 to a UHR receiver, or to a group-addressed PPDU 400 in UHR PPDU format (e.g., a PPDU format that can be decoded by a UHR STA), or only to a broadcast RU intended for use by a UHR STA. Therefore, one or more enhancements to MPDU frame 410 may support backward compatibility.

[0068] MPDU frame 410 may correspond to A-MPDU subframe 408, which may be one of a plurality of A-MPDU subframes 408 transmitted by the first wireless device via A-MPDU frame 406. In some embodiments, the first wireless device may indicate different formats of MPDU frame 410 for different A-MPDU subframes 408, or different interpretations of fields used in the MPDU frame. For example, the first wireless device may indicate a first format of MPDU frame 410 and / or a first interpretation configuration of fields used in the MPDU frame, and may indicate a second format of a second MPDU frame and / or a second interpretation configuration of fields used in the second MPDU frame, the second format and / or the second interpretation configuration being included together with MPDU frame 410 in A-MPDU frame 406. The first wireless device may also indicate a third format of a third MPDU frame and / or a third interpretation configuration of fields used in the third MPDU frame, the third format and / or the third interpretation configuration being included together with MPDU frame 410 and the second MPDU frame in A-MPDU frame 406. In other words, the first wireless device may instruct the corresponding format and / or corresponding interpretation configuration for each A-MPDU subframe 408 of the A-MPDU frame 406.

[0069] In some implementations, the first wireless device may indicate the format of the MPDU frame 410 or the interpretation configuration for one or more fields of the MPDU frame 410 via the PHY preamble 402. For example, the PHY preamble 402 of the PPDU 400 may carry one or more fields to indicate the format of the MPDU frame 410 or how to interpret those fields. Additionally or alternatively, the first wireless device may indicate the format of the MPDU frame 410 or the interpretation configuration for one or more fields of the MPDU frame 410 via the service field 432 of the PPDU 400. A combination or a single value carried in the service field 432 may provide an indication of the MPDU format or an interpretation of the fields within the MPDU frame 410.

[0070] Figure 5 An example of an MPDU frame 500 supporting instructions for MPDU encoding is shown. MPDU frame 500 can be an example of MPDU frame 410 and can be included in A-MPDU subframe 408, as shown in the reference. Figure 4 As described above, MPDU frame 500 may include MPDU delimiters 412-a and MPDU 416-a, which may be as described in reference [reference] Figure 4 Examples of MPDU delimiters 412 and 416 described.

[0071] In some implementations, the first wireless device may indicate enhancements to the MPDU frame 500 (e.g., format, interpretation configuration of one or more fields) via MPDU delimiter 412-a, as referenced. Figure 4 As described in more detail. For example, the reserved field 505 in MPDU delimiter 412-a may signal that the MAC header field is protected and that the MPDU frame 500 includes additional security fields, the sequence number space is extended (e.g., via the FN or PN field), the HT control size exceeds a threshold size (e.g., greater than 4 octets), the MPDU frame 500 includes timestamp information (e.g., for low-latency packets), or other formats of the MPDU frame 500, the interpretation configuration of one or more fields of the MPDU frame, enhancements to the MPDU frame 500, or combinations thereof.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, the first wireless device may indicate one or more format or interpretation configurations suitable for MPDU frame 500 via delimiter signature field 515. Delimiter signature field 515 may include a pattern (e.g., the U.S. Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) value 0x4E for the character “N”) that can be used by the second wireless device to detect MPDU delimiter 412-a when scanning MPDU delimiter 412-a.

[0073] In some implementations, the delimiter signature field 515 of MPDU delimiter 412-a may carry a value (different from "N") indicating that MPDU frame 500 includes one or more format or interpretation configurations. For example, delimiter signature field 515 may carry the value "U" (e.g., the ACII value of the character "U") to signal that MPDU frame 500 is in a certain format (enhanced format), or has an interpretation configuration with one or more fields (enhanced interpretation configuration), or a combination of both. In some other implementations, delimiter signature field 515 may carry the value "L" (e.g., the ACII value of the character "L"). The value "L" may indicate that MPDU frame 500 carries low-latency data. The format of MPDU frame 500 or the interpretation configuration of the fields used for MPDU frame 500 may enable MPDU frame 500 to carry information related to low-latency operation or low-latency communication, enabling the indication of such low-latency information to a second wireless device, or both.

[0074] Figure 6 An example of a data frame 600 that supports instructions for MPDU encoding is shown. Data frame 600 can be as follows (refer to...). Figure 5 and Figure 4 Examples of MPDU frames 500 or 410 described herein. Data frame 600 may include a MAC header 620 and a frame body 615, which may be as described in reference [reference] Figure 4 Examples of MAC header 414 and MPDU 416 described.

[0075] An example of the format of a data frame 600 used to signal notifications using the techniques described herein, or an example of the configuration for interpreting one or more fields of the data frame 600, could be an extension of the HT control field 610. A reserved field 660 within the MAC header 620, a combination of values ​​carried in two or more fields of the MAC header 620, or one or more values ​​carried in a single field of the MAC header 620 could indicate that the extension of the HT control field 610 is greater than a threshold size (e.g., four octets). For example, a first wireless device could indicate this via one or more fields of the MAC header 620, or using any other signaling mechanism described herein (e.g., MPDU delimiter 412, fields of the PPDU 400, the size of the HT control field 610). In some examples, a combination of a first value in the frame control field 665 of the MAC header 620 and a second value in the sequence control field 605 of the MAC header 620 could indicate an extension of the HT control. Any other field of the MAC header 620 could also include combinations of values ​​indicating an extension of the HT control, including fields not shown.

[0076] In some implementations, the first wireless device may indicate a format or interpretation configuration via one or more signaling mechanisms, which indicates that data frame 600 includes an HT control extension field 655, which may be an extension of HT control field 610. In some implementations, HT control extension field 655 may be referred to as a UHR control field. HT control extension field 655 may carry information related to UHR features, including the format of data frame 600, the interpretation configuration for data frame 600, or a combination thereof. For example, HT control extension field 655 may indicate which one or more UHR features are enabled, the presence of one or more fields (e.g., security fields) in data frame 600, the priority of data frame 600 or packets, timing information associated with data frame 600 or packets, or a combination thereof.

[0077] The HT control extension field 655 may be an A control field with a control identifier greater than a threshold (e.g., a control identifier greater than 10). In some implementations, the HT control extension field 655 may reuse or utilize one or more reserved fields that indicate extended HT control information or additional HT control information other than the HT control information indicated in the HT control field 610.

[0078] In some implementations, the HT control field 610 (having a size greater than four octets) or the HT control extension field 655 may include a dedicated field carrying a bitmap to indicate the format or interpretation configuration (e.g., UHR feature) to be applied to the MPDU frame or the format or interpretation configuration enabled for the MPDU frame. For example, the bitmap may include a first bit indicating MAC header protection (e.g., the presence of a security field in the MPDU frame), a second bit indicating sequence number space extension, a third bit indicating extension of the HT control field 610, a fourth bit indicating that the MPDU frame includes timestamp information, or any combination thereof.

[0079] Any of the signaling mechanisms described herein can be used to signal which format or interpretation configuration in these format or interpretation configurations is applicable to the MPDU frame or to the bitmap that is enabled in the MPDU frame. In one example, see reference... Figure 5 As described, the delimiter signature field 515, set to "U", can indicate an extension of the HT control field 610, and the extended HT control field 610 can carry a bitmap indicating which UHR features, formats, interpretation configurations, enhancements, or combinations thereof are applied to the MPDU. Additionally or alternatively, the first wireless device can, via one or more fields of the MPDU delimiter 412-a (as referenced...), Figure 4(as described), via one or more fields of MAC header 620, via PHY preamble or service field 432 of PPDU 400 (as referenced) Figure 4 (as described), or any combination thereof, to signal instructions for the bitmap.

[0080] Another example of the format of the data frame 600, or the configuration for interpreting the fields of the data frame 600, indicated by the first wireless device via a bitmap or other signaling mechanisms described herein, could be an extension of the sequence number space. The size of the sequence number field 630, which may be included in the sequence control field 605 of the data frame 600, may correspond to the sequence number space. The first wireless device may indicate that the sequence number field 630 is extended via the FN field 625 of the sequence control field 605 (e.g., by indicating the size of the sequence number field 630 in octets). Additionally or alternatively, the PN field may indicate that the sequence number field 630 is extended.

[0081] Another example of the format of data frame 600, or the configuration for interpreting fields of data frame 600, indicated by the first wireless device via a bitmap or other signaling mechanisms described herein, could be protection of the MAC header 620 in data frame 600. For example, the first wireless device could indicate that data frame 600 includes a security field 635. Security field 635 could include a PN field 640, a key identifier field 645, a header message integrity check (MIC) field 650, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the first wireless device could indicate the presence of one or more of the PN field 640, key identifier field 645, or header MIC field 650 in data frame 600, and such fields could be located in other fields of data frame 600 (e.g., in reserved fields of the MAC header 620).

[0082] One or more fields in the MAC header 620 may indicate any one or more format or interpretation configurations used for the data frame 600 described herein. For example, the protocol version field of the MAC header 620 may be set to a value (e.g., 2) that indicates the presence of one or more format or interpretation configurations in the data frame 600, or the type / subtype field in the MAC header 620 may indicate the presence of one or more format or interpretation configurations. In some implementations, the value carried in the A control field of the HT control field 610 may indicate the format of the data frame 600 or how one or more fields in the data frame 600 are interpreted. Additionally or alternatively, the type / subtype field may indicate that the data frame 600 is a subtype of type "data," which may indicate that the data frame 600 includes one or more elements that signal the format of the data frame 600 or the interpretation configuration of the fields used for that data frame, as referenced in [reference]. Figure 8 The description is in more detail.

[0083] In some implementations, the first wireless device may indicate a format or interpretation configuration via one or more signaling mechanisms, which indicates that data frame 600 includes a low-latency control field 670. For example, the first wireless device may indicate that data frame 600 has a low-latency format, which may indicate to the second wireless device that data frame 600 includes a low-latency control field 670. The low-latency control field 670 may carry latency-related information, such as the latency limits of data frame 600 (e.g., MPDU), the cumulative latency experienced since entering the MAC Serving Access Point (SAP), and other latency information, etc.

[0084] Figure 7 An example of a data frame 700 that supports instructions for MPDU encoding is shown. Data frame 700 can be as follows (refer to...). Figure 5 and Figure 4 Examples of MPDU frames 500 or 410 are described. Data frame 700 may include a MAC header 735 and a frame body 725, which may be as shown in the reference. Figure 4 Examples of MAC header 414 and MPDU 416 described.

[0085] Data frame 700 may include one or more elements 720 that indicate one or more format or interpretation configurations of the MPDU frame (e.g., one or more enhancements, UHR features), as described herein. In some specific implementations, data frame 700 may include a dedicated element field 730 that includes one or more elements 720 (e.g., an element list 720). Each element in the element field 730 may include an element identifier 705 that identifies the element 720, a length field 710 that indicates the length of the element 720 in octets, and an information field 715 that indicates the format of the data frame 700 or the interpretation configuration of fields used for the data frame.

[0086] In the example, element 720-a may include element identifier 705-a, length field 710-a, and information field 715-a indicating that data frame 700 includes one or more security fields associated with protection of MAC header 735. Element 720-b may include element identifier 705-b, which distinguishes element 720-b from element 720-a. Element 720-b may also include length field 710-b and information field 715-b, the information field indicating that data frame 700 includes an extension of the HT control field, an extension of the sequence number space, or both.

[0087] In some implementations, as an alternative or supplement to the data frame including element field 730, the frame body 725 of data frame 700 may include one or more elements 720, such as element 720-c. Element 720-c may include identifier 705-c, which is used to distinguish element 720-c from elements 720-a and 720-b. Element 720-c may also include a length field 710-c and an information field 715-c, which indicates that data frame 700 includes timestamp information corresponding to one or more low-latency packets. Other elements 720 that may be included in one or more fields of element field 730, frame body 725, or MAC header 735 may include additional formatting or interpretation configurations enabled or applied to data frame 700.

[0088] Figure 8 An example of a process flow 800 supporting instructions for MPDU encoding is shown. Process flow 800 can implement aspects of wireless communication network 100, PDU 200, PDU 350, and PPDU 400. For example, process flow 800 may include wireless devices 805-a and 805-b, which may be as described in reference... Figure 1 Examples of STA 104 or AP 102 described herein. In the following description of process flow 800, operations between wireless devices 805-a and 805-b may be transmitted in a different order than the example order shown, or operations performed by wireless devices 805-a and 805-b may be performed in a different order or at different times. Some operations may also be omitted from process flow 800, and other operations may be added to process flow 800.

[0089] At 810, wireless device 805-a may send a message indicating that wireless device 805-a supports a first capability of an MPDU frame from one or more formats of a set of multiple formats. Additionally or alternatively, the message may indicate that wireless device 805-b supports a second capability of one or more interpretation configurations of a set of multiple interpretation configurations for one or more fields of the MPDU frame.

[0090] At 815, wireless device 805-a may receive a message indicating the format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for one or more fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both. For example, wireless device 805-b may indicate that the format of the MPDU frame includes a security field for protecting the MAC header and / or at least one of a PN field or an FN field will be interpreted by wireless device 805-a as an extension of the sequence number space. Additionally or alternatively, wireless device 805-b may indicate that the HT control field exceeds a threshold size or that the MPDU frame includes timing information for low-latency packets.

[0091] In some implementations, the message is carried in one or more fields corresponding to (e.g., included in) an MPDU delimiter of an MPDU frame. The MPDU delimiter may include one or more reserved fields or delimiter signature fields that indicate the format of the MPDU frame or the interpretation of one or more fields of the MPDU frame. In some other examples, the message is a PPDU, and one or more fields in the PPDU preamble, or one or more security fields of the PPDU, or both, indicate the format of the MPDU frame or the configuration of the interpretation of those one or more fields of the MPDU frame. In yet another example, the message is a MAC header, and one or more fields in the MAC header (e.g., protocol version subfield, type / subtype field, A control field in the HT control field, one or more reserved fields) indicate the format of the MPDU frame or the configuration of the interpretation of one or more fields of the MPDU frame.

[0092] In some implementations, the message includes a bitmap. The first bit of the bitmap may indicate whether the MPDU frame includes one or more security fields (e.g., fields that grant protection to the MAC header of the MPDU header). The second bit of the bitmap may indicate whether one or more fields of the MPDU frame (e.g., sequence number space or HT control field) are extended.

[0093] At 820, wireless device 805-a can receive MPDU frames. At 825, wireless device 805-a can decode the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for one or more fields of the MPDU frame, or both. For example, wireless device 805-a can determine based on the format that the MPDU frame includes one or more security fields or that the MAC header of the MPDU frame is protected. In some implementations, the wireless device can determine that the sequence number space or HT control field of the MPDU frame is extended based on decoding the MPDU frame with knowledge of or indication of the interpretation configuration. Wireless device 805-a can receive additional sequence number or HT control information via one or more extended fields. Additionally or alternatively, wireless device 805-a can receive timestamp information of one or more delay packets based on decoding and indication of the format or interpretation configuration of the MPDU frame.

[0094] Figure 9 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 900 supporting indication of MPDU encoding is shown. In some examples, the wireless communication device 900 is configured to perform respective references Figure 11 and Figure 12 The processes 1100 and 1200 are described. Wireless communication device 900 may include one or more chips, SoCs, chipsets, packages, components, or devices that individually or collectively constitute or include a processing system. The processing system may interface with other components of wireless communication device 900 and typically processes information received from such other components (e.g., inputs or signals) and outputs information (e.g., outputs or signals) to such other components. In some aspects, an example chip may include a processing system, a first interface for outputting or transmitting information, and a second interface for receiving or acquiring information. For example, the first interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a transmitting component, enabling wireless communication device 900 to transmit information output from the chip. In such examples, the second interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a receiving component, enabling wireless communication device 900 to receive information, which is then passed to the processing system. In some such examples, the first interface may also acquire information from the transmitting component, and the second interface may also output information to the receiving component, for example.

[0095] The processing system of the wireless communication device 900 includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or more processors, microprocessors, processing units (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), or digital signal processor (DSP)), processing blocks, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), or other discrete gate or transistor logic components or circuits (all of which may be individually referred to herein as “processors” or collectively as “processors” or “processor circuitry”). One or more of these processors may be individually or collectively configured to perform the various functions or operations described herein. The processing system may also include memory circuitry in the form of one or more memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements, or other discrete gate or transistor logic components or circuitry, each of which may include tangible storage media such as random access memory (RAM) or ROM or combinations thereof (all of which may be individually referred to herein as “memory” or collectively as “memory” or “memory circuitry”). One or more of these memories may be coupled to one or more processors and may store processor-executable code, individually or collectively, which, when executed by one or more processors, configures one or more processors to perform the various functions or operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more processors may be pre-configured to perform the various functions or operations described herein without software configuration. The processing system may also include or be coupled to one or more modems (e.g., Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE compliant) modems or cellular (e.g., 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G compliant) modems). In some embodiments, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more modems. The processing system may also include or be coupled to multiple radio components (collectively, “radio components”), multiple RF chains, or multiple transceivers, each of which may in turn be coupled to one or more antennas. In some embodiments, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the radio components, RF chains, or transceivers.

[0096] In some examples, the wireless communication device 900 may be configured to be used for or configured to be used in a STA (e.g., reference STA). Figure 1The described STA 104) is used. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 900 may be an STA that includes such a processing system and other components including multiple antennas. The wireless communication device 900 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device 900 may be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 series of wireless communication protocol standards. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 900 may be configured to transmit and receive signals and communications conforming to one or more 3GPP specifications, including those for 5G NR or 6G. In some examples, the wireless communication device 900 also includes one or more application processors or may be coupled to one or more application processors, which may also be coupled to one or more other memories. In some examples, the wireless communication device 900 also includes a user interface (UI) (e.g., a touchscreen or keypad) and a display that may be integrated with the UI to form a touchscreen display coupled to the processing system. In some examples, such as wireless communication device 900, one or more sensors may also be included, such as one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors coupled to the processing system.

[0097] Wireless communication device 900 includes a configuration component 925, an MPDU frame component 930, a decoding component 935, a data frame component 940, an A-MPDU component 945, and a capability component 950. A portion of one or more of the configuration component 925, MPDU frame component 930, decoding component 935, data frame component 940, A-MPDU component 945, and capability component 950 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, one or more of the configuration component 925, MPDU frame component 930, decoding component 935, data frame component 940, A-MPDU component 945, and capability component 950 may be implemented at least partially by at least one processor or modem. In some examples, a portion of one or more of the configuration component 925, MPDU frame component 930, decoding component 935, data frame component 940, A-MPDU component 945, and capability component 950 may be implemented at least partially by a processor and software in the form of processor-executable code stored in memory.

[0098] Wireless communication device 900 can support wireless communication according to the examples disclosed herein. Configuration component 925 can be configured to receive a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both. MPDU frame component 930 can be configured to receive the MPDU frame. Decoding component 935 can be configured to decode the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0099] In some examples, the message is carried in one or more second fields of the MPDU delimiter corresponding to the MPDU frame. In some examples, the one or more second fields indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0100] In some examples, the MPDU delimiter includes one or more reserved fields that indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0101] In some examples, the MPDU delimiter includes a delimiter signature field. In some examples, the value of the delimiter signature field indicates the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration used for one or more first fields, or both.

[0102] In some examples, the message is a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). In some examples, one or more second fields in the preamble of the PPDU, one or more service fields of the PPDU, or both indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0103] In some examples, the message is a MAC header. In some examples, one or more second fields in the MAC header indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0104] In some examples, the message includes a bitmap. In some examples, the first bit of the bitmap indicates whether the MPDU frame includes one or more security fields. In some examples, the second bit of the bitmap indicates whether one or more second fields of the MPDU frame are extended.

[0105] In some examples, the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: protection of the MAC header, expansion of one or more second fields of the MPDU frame, or one or more third fields of the MPDU frame carrying timestamp information, or a combination thereof.

[0106] In some examples, the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: the size of the high throughput control field exceeds a threshold; one or more security fields associated with the protection of the MAC header are present in the MPDU frame; the sequence number space is extended based on the FN field; the sequence number space is extended based on the PN field; or an interpretation of one or more third fields in the MAC header from a set of multiple interpretations for the one or more third fields in the MAC header, or a combination thereof.

[0107] In some examples, to support receiving the message, the data frame component 940 can be configured to receive a data frame associated with the MPDU frame, wherein the data frame includes one or more elements indicating the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0108] In some examples, configuration component 925 can be configured to receive a second message indicating a second format for a second MPDU frame, or a second interpretation configuration for one or more third fields of the second MPDU frame, or both. In some examples, A-MPDU component 945 can be configured to receive an aggregated MPDU including the MPDU frame and at least the second MPDU frame.

[0109] In some examples, capability component 950 can be configured to send a second message indicating that the first wireless device supports a first capability of one or more formats of the MPDU frame, a second capability of supporting one or more interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both, wherein the one or more formats include at least the format from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, and the one or more interpretation configurations include at least the interpretation configuration from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields.

[0110] Figure 10 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 1000 that supports indications of MPDU encoding is shown. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1000 is configured to perform reference... Figure 13The process described is 1300. Wireless communication device 1000 may include one or more chips, SoCs, chipsets, packages, components, or devices that individually or collectively constitute or include a processing system. The processing system may interface with other components of wireless communication device 1000 and typically processes information received from such other components (e.g., inputs or signals) and outputs information (e.g., outputs or signals) to such other components. In some aspects, an example chip may include a processing system, a first interface for outputting or transmitting information, and a second interface for receiving or acquiring information. For example, the first interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a transmitting component, enabling wireless communication device 1000 to transmit information output from the chip. In such examples, the second interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a receiving component, enabling wireless communication device 1000 to receive information, which is then passed to the processing system. In some such examples, the first interface may also acquire information from the transmitting component, and the second interface may also output information to the receiving component, for example.

[0111] The processing system of the wireless communication device 1000 includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or more processors, microprocessors, processing units (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), or digital signal processor (DSP)), processing blocks, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), or other discrete gate or transistor logic components or circuits (all of which may be individually referred to herein as “processors” or collectively as “processors” or “processor circuitry”). One or more of these processors may be individually or collectively configured to perform the various functions or operations described herein. The processing system may also include memory circuitry in the form of one or more memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements, or other discrete gate or transistor logic components or circuitry, each of which may include tangible storage media such as random access memory (RAM) or ROM or combinations thereof (all of which may be individually referred to herein as “memory” or collectively as “memory” or “memory circuitry”). One or more of these memories may be coupled to one or more processors and may store processor-executable code, individually or collectively, which, when executed by one or more processors, configures one or more processors to perform the various functions or operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, one or more processors may be pre-configured to perform the various functions or operations described herein without software configuration. The processing system may also include or be coupled to one or more modems (e.g., Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE compliant) modems or cellular (e.g., 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G compliant) modems). In some embodiments, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more modems. The processing system may also include or be coupled to multiple radio components (collectively, “radio components”), multiple RF chains, or multiple transceivers, each of which may in turn be coupled to one or more antennas. In some embodiments, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the radio components, RF chains, or transceivers.

[0112] In some examples, the wireless communication device 1000 may be configured to be used for or configured to be used in an AP (e.g., reference). Figure 1The described AP 1000 is used in the AP 102. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 1000 may be an AP that includes such a processing system as well as other components including multiple antennas. The wireless communication device 1000 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications, for example, in the form of wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device 1000 may be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 series of wireless communication protocol standards. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 1000 may be configured to transmit and receive signals and communications conforming to one or more 3GPP specifications, including those for 5G NR or 6G. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1000 also includes one or more application processors or may be coupled to one or more application processors, which may also be coupled to one or more other memories. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1000 also includes at least one external network interface coupled to the processing system, which enables communication with a core network or backhaul network that allows the wireless communication device 1000 to access external networks, including the Internet.

[0113] The wireless communication device 1000 includes a configuration manager 1025, an MPDU frame manager 1030, a data frame manager 1035, an A-MPDU manager 1040, and a capability manager 1045. A portion of one or more of the configuration manager 1025, MPDU frame manager 1030, data frame manager 1035, A-MPDU manager 1040, and capability manager 1045 may be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, one or more of the configuration manager 1025, MPDU frame manager 1030, data frame manager 1035, A-MPDU manager 1040, and capability manager 1045 may be implemented at least partially by at least one processor or modem. In some examples, a portion of one or more of the configuration manager 1025, MPDU frame manager 1030, data frame manager 1035, A-MPDU manager 1040, and capability manager 1045 may be implemented at least partially by a processor and software in the form of processor-executable code stored in memory.

[0114] Wireless communication device 1000 can support wireless communication according to the examples disclosed herein. Configuration manager 1025 can be configured to or be configured to send a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both. MPDU frame manager 1030 can be configured to or be configured to send the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0115] In some examples, the message is carried in one or more second fields of the MPDU delimiter corresponding to the MPDU frame. In some examples, the one or more second fields indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0116] In some examples, the MPDU delimiter includes one or more reserved fields that indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0117] In some examples, the MPDU delimiter includes a delimiter signature field. In some examples, the value of the delimiter signature field indicates the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration used for one or more first fields, or both.

[0118] In some examples, the message is a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). In some examples, one or more second fields in the preamble of the PPDU, one or more service fields of the PPDU, or both indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0119] In some examples, the message is a MAC header. In some examples, one or more second fields in the MAC header indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0120] In some examples, the message includes a bitmap. In some examples, the first bit of the bitmap indicates whether the MPDU frame includes one or more security fields. In some examples, the second bit of the bitmap indicates whether one or more second fields of the MPDU frame are extended.

[0121] In some examples, the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: protection of the MAC header, expansion of one or more second fields of the MPDU frame, or one or more third fields of the MPDU frame carrying timestamp information, or a combination thereof.

[0122] In some examples, the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: the size of the high throughput control field exceeds a threshold; one or more security fields associated with the protection of the MAC header are present in the MPDU frame; the sequence number space is extended based on the FN field; the sequence number space is extended based on the PN field; or an interpretation of one or more third fields in the MAC header from a set of multiple interpretations for the one or more third fields in the MAC header, or a combination thereof.

[0123] In some examples, to support receiving the message, the data frame manager 1035 can be configured to receive data frames associated with the MPDU frame, wherein the data frame includes one or more elements indicating the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0124] In some examples, configuration manager 1025 can be configured to receive a second message indicating a second format for a second MPDU frame, or a second interpretation configuration for one or more third fields of the second MPDU frame, or both. In some examples, A-MPDU manager 1040 can be configured to receive an aggregated MPDU including the MPDU frame and at least the second MPDU frame.

[0125] In some examples, the capability manager 1045 can be configured to send a second message indicating that the first wireless device supports a first capability of one or more formats of the MPDU frame, a second capability of supporting one or more interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both, wherein the one or more formats include at least the format from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, and the one or more interpretation configurations include at least the interpretation configuration from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields.

[0126] Figure 11A flowchart illustrating an example process 1100 that can be executed by or at a first wireless device supporting instructions for MPDU encoding is shown. Operation of process 1100 may be implemented by a first wireless device or its components as described herein. For example, process 1100 may be implemented by a wireless communication device operating as a wireless STA or within that wireless AP (e.g., reference...). Figure 9 The described wireless communication device 900) performs the procedure. In some examples, the procedure 1100 may be performed by a wireless STA (e.g., reference STA). Figure 1 The described STA 104 is executed.

[0127] In some examples, in block 1105, the first wireless device may receive a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both. Operation of block 1105 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1105 may be provided by reference to [reference]. Figure 9 The configuration component 925 described is used to execute.

[0128] In some examples, in block 1110, the first wireless device may receive MPDU frames. Operation of block 1110 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1110 may be as described in the references... Figure 9 The MPDU frame component 930 described is used for execution.

[0129] In some examples, in block 1115, the first wireless device may decode the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both. The operation of block 1115 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1115 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 9 The described decoding component 935 is used to perform this.

[0130] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1200 that can be executed by or at a first wireless device supporting instructions for MPDU encoding is shown. Operation of process 1200 may be implemented by a first wireless device or its components as described herein. For example, process 1200 may be implemented by a wireless communication device operating as a wireless STA or within a wireless STA (e.g., see reference 1200). Figure 9 The described wireless communication device 900) performs the procedure. In some examples, the procedure 1200 may be performed by a wireless STA (e.g., reference STA). Figure 1 The described STA 104 is executed.

[0131] In some examples, in block 1205, the first wireless device may send a second message indicating that the first wireless device supports a first capability of one or more formats of MPDU frames, a second capability of supporting one or more interpretation configurations for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame, or both, wherein the one or more formats include at least a format from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU, and the one or more interpretation configurations include at least an interpretation configuration from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields. Operation of block 1205 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1205 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 9 The described capability component 950 is used to perform this.

[0132] In some examples, in block 1210, the first wireless device may receive a message indicating the format of the MPDU frame from one of a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from one of a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both. Operation of block 1210 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1210 may be provided by reference to [reference]. Figure 9 The described configuration component 925 is executed.

[0133] In some examples, in block 1215, the first wireless device may receive MPDU frames. Operation of block 1215 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1215 may be as described in the references... Figure 9 The MPDU frame component 930 described is executed.

[0134] In some examples, in block 1220, the first wireless device may decode the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both. The operation of block 1220 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1220 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 9 The described decoding component 935 is executed.

[0135] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1300 that can be executed by or at a first wireless device supporting instructions for MPDU encoding is shown. Operation of process 1300 may be implemented by a first wireless device or its components as described herein. For example, process 1300 may be implemented by a wireless communication device operating as a wireless AP or within a wireless STA (e.g., see reference 1300). Figure 10The described wireless communication device 1000 performs this process. In some examples, process 1300 may be performed by a wireless AP (e.g., reference 1000). Figure 1 The described AP 102 is executed.

[0136] In some examples, in block 1305, the first wireless device may send a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a set of multiple formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a set of multiple interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both. Operation of block 1305 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1305 may be provided by reference to [reference]. Figure 10 The configuration manager 1025 described is executed.

[0137] In some examples, in block 1310, the first wireless device may transmit the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both. Operation of block 1310 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some specific implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1310 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 10 The MPDU frame manager 1030 described is executed.

[0138] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses: Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: receiving a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a plurality of formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a plurality of interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; receiving the MPDU frame; and decoding the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0139] Aspect 2: According to the method of aspect 1, wherein the message is carried in one or more second fields of an MPDU delimiter corresponding to the MPDU frame, and the one or more second fields indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0140] Aspect 3: According to the method of aspect 2, wherein the MPDU delimiter includes one or more reserved fields, the one or more reserved fields indicating the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0141] Aspect 4: The method according to any one of Aspects 2 to 3, wherein the MPDU delimiter includes a delimiter signature field, and the value of the delimiter signature field indicates the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0142] Aspect 5: According to the method of aspect 1, wherein the message is a PPDU, and one or more second fields in the preamble of the PPDU, one or more service fields of the PPDU, or both indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0143] Aspect 6: According to the method of aspect 1, wherein the message is a MAC header, and one or more second fields in the MAC header indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0144] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the message includes a bitmap, the first bit of which indicates whether the MPDU frame includes one or more security fields, and the second bit of which indicates whether one or more second fields of the MPDU frame are extended.

[0145] Aspect 8: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: protection of the MAC header, expansion of one or more second fields of the MPDU frame, or one or more third fields of the MPDU frame carrying timestamp information, or a combination thereof.

[0146] Aspect 9: According to the method of aspect 8, the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: the size of the high throughput control field exceeds a threshold, the presence of one or more security fields in the MPDU frame associated with the protection of the MAC header, the sequence number space being extended at least partially based on the fragment number field, the sequence number space being extended at least partially based on the block number field, or an interpretation of one or more third fields in the MAC header from a plurality of interpretations for the one or more third fields in the MAC header, or a combination thereof.

[0147] Aspect 10: According to the method of aspect 1, receiving the message includes: receiving a data frame associated with the MPDU frame, wherein the data frame includes one or more elements indicating the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0148] Aspect 11: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, the method further comprising: receiving a second message indicating a second format of a second MPDU frame, or a second interpretation configuration for one or more third fields of the second MPDU frame, or both; and receiving an aggregated MPDU, the aggregated MPDU including the MPDU frame and at least the second MPDU frame.

[0149] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, the method further comprising: sending a second message, the second message indicating that the first wireless device supports a first capability of one or more formats of the MPDU frame, a second capability of supporting one or more interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both, the one or more formats including at least the format from the plurality of formats of the MPDU frame, the one or more interpretation configurations including at least the interpretation configuration from the plurality of interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields.

[0150] Aspect 13: A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: sending a message indicating a format of an MPDU frame from a plurality of formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from a plurality of interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; and sending the MPDU frame according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0151] Aspect 14: According to the method of aspect 13, wherein the message is carried in one or more second fields of an MPDU delimiter corresponding to the MPDU frame, and the one or more second fields indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0152] Aspect 15: According to the method of aspect 14, the MPDU delimiter includes one or more reserved fields, the one or more reserved fields indicating the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0153] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of Aspects 14 to 15, wherein the MPDU delimiter includes a delimiter signature field, and the value of the delimiter signature field indicates the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0154] Aspect 17: According to the method of aspect 13, wherein the message is a PPDU, and one or more second fields in the preamble of the PPDU, one or more service fields of the PPDU, or both indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0155] Aspect 18: According to the method of aspect 13, wherein the message is a MAC header, and one or more second fields in the MAC header indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0156] Aspect 19: The method according to any one of Aspects 13 to 18, wherein the message includes a bitmap, the first bit of which indicates whether the MPDU frame includes one or more security fields, and the second bit of which indicates whether one or more second fields of the MPDU frame are extended.

[0157] Aspect 20: The method according to any one of Aspects 13 to 19, wherein the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: protection of the MAC header, expansion of one or more second fields of the MPDU frame, or one or more third fields of the MPDU frame carrying timestamp information, or a combination thereof.

[0158] Aspect 21: According to the method of aspect 20, the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: the size of the high throughput control field exceeds a threshold, the presence of one or more security fields in the MPDU frame associated with the protection of the MAC header, the sequence number space being extended at least partially based on the fragment number field, the sequence number space being extended at least partially based on the block number field, or an interpretation of one or more third fields in the MAC header from a plurality of interpretations for the one or more third fields in the MAC header, or a combination thereof.

[0159] Aspect 22: According to the method of aspect 13, receiving the message includes: receiving a data frame associated with the MPDU frame, wherein the data frame includes one or more elements indicating the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

[0160] Aspect 23: The method according to any one of aspects 13 to 22, the method further comprising: receiving a second message indicating a second format of a second MPDU frame, or a second interpretation configuration for one or more third fields of the second MPDU frame, or both; and receiving an aggregated MPDU, the aggregated MPDU including the MPDU frame and at least the second MPDU frame.

[0161] Aspect 24: The method according to any one of Aspects 13 to 23, the method further comprising: sending a second message, the second message indicating that the first wireless device supports a first capability of one or more formats of the MPDU frame, a second capability of supporting one or more interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both, the one or more formats including at least the format from the plurality of formats of the MPDU frame, the one or more interpretation configurations including at least the interpretation configuration from the plurality of interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields.

[0162] Aspect 25: A first wireless device for wireless communication, the first wireless device comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the first wireless device to perform a method according to any one of aspects 1 to 12.

[0163] Aspect 26: A first wireless device for wireless communication, the first wireless device comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 12.

[0164] Aspect 27: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, said code including instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 12.

[0165] Aspect 28: A first wireless device for wireless communication, the first wireless device comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and capable of operating individually or jointly to execute the code to cause the first wireless device to perform a method according to any one of aspects 13 to 24.

[0166] Aspect 29: A first wireless device for wireless communication, the first wireless device comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 13 to 24.

[0167] Aspect 30: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, said code including instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of aspects 13 to 24.

[0168] As used herein, the term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions, and therefore, "determine" can include calculation, computation, processing, derivation, estimation, investigation, lookup (e.g., via searching in a table, database, or other data structure), reasoning, discovery, or measurement, as well as other possibilities. Furthermore, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data stored in memory), or sending (e.g., sending information), as well as other possibilities. Additionally, "determine" can include parsing, selecting, obtaining, choosing, creating, and other similar actions.

[0169] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” or “one or more of” refers to any combination of these items, including a single member. For example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc. As used herein, “or” is intended to be interpreted as inclusive unless otherwise explicitly stated. For example, “a or b” could include only a, only b, or a combination of a and b. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrase referring to “one” element means one or more of such elements that act individually or collectively to perform the stated function. Additionally, “set” refers to one or more items, and “subset” refers to less than the entire set, but not empty.

[0170] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated, “based on” is intended to be interpreted in an inclusive sense. For example, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, “based on” may be used interchangeably with “at least partially based on,” “associated with,” “associated with,” or “according to.” Specifically, unless the phrase in the context means “based on only one” or an equivalent, whether it is “based on one” or “at least partially based on one”, it may be based solely on “one” or based on a combination of “one” and one or more other factors, conditions, or information.

[0171] As used in this article, depending on the context, "meeting the threshold" can mean a value greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, etc.

[0172] The various exemplary components, logic units, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the examples disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents. This interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software has been generally described in terms of its functionality and exemplified in the various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether this functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0173] Various modifications to the examples described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein, but are to be granted the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0174] Furthermore, the various features described in the context of individual examples in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple examples. Thus, although features may be described above as functioning in a particular combination, and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may involve sub-combinations or variations of sub-combinations.

[0175] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a specific order in the diagrams, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or to perform all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the accompanying figures may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of flowcharts or flow diagrams. However, other operations not depicted may be incorporated into the schematically illustrated example processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the illustrated operations. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the examples described above should not be construed as requiring such separation in all examples, but rather should be understood as meaning that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or encapsulated in multiple software products.

Claims

1. A first wireless device, the first wireless device comprising: The processing system, including processor circuitry and memory circuitry for storing code, is configured to cause the first wireless device to: Receive a message indicating a format of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) frame from one of a variety of formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration of one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from one of a variety of interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; Receive the MPDU frame; as well as The MPDU frame is decoded according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

2. The first wireless device according to claim 1, wherein: The message is carried in one or more second fields of the MPDU delimiter corresponding to the MPDU frame, and The one or more second fields indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

3. The first wireless device of claim 2, wherein the MPDU delimiter includes one or more reserved fields, the one or more reserved fields indicating the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

4. The first wireless device according to claim 2, wherein: The MPDU delimiter includes a delimiter signature field, and The value of the delimiter signature field indicates the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

5. The first wireless device according to claim 1, wherein: The message is a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and One or more second fields in the preamble of the PPDU, one or more service fields of the PPDU, or both indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

6. The first wireless device according to claim 1, wherein: The message contains a MAC header, and One or more second fields in the MAC header indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

7. The first wireless device according to claim 1, wherein: The message includes a bitmap. The first bit of the bitmap indicates whether the MPDU frame includes one or more security fields, and The second bit of the bitmap indicates whether one or more second fields of the MPDU frame are extended.

8. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: protection of the MAC header, expansion of one or more second fields of the MPDU frame, or one or more third fields of the MPDU frame carrying timestamp information, or a combination thereof.

9. The first wireless device of claim 8, wherein the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both indicate at least one of the following: the size of the high throughput control field exceeds a threshold; one or more security fields in the MPDU frame are associated with the protection of the MAC header; the sequence number space is extended at least partially based on the fragment number field; the sequence number space is extended at least partially based on the block number field; or an interpretation of one or more third fields in the MAC header from a plurality of interpretations for the one or more third fields in the MAC header, or a combination thereof.

10. The first wireless device according to claim 1, wherein, In order to receive the message, the processing system is configured to cause the first wireless device to: Receive the data frame associated with the MPDU frame. The data frame includes one or more elements that indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

11. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: Receive a second message, the second message indicating a second format of the second MPDU frame, or a second interpretation configuration for one or more third fields of the second MPDU frame, or both; and Receive an aggregated MPDU, the aggregated MPDU including the MPDU frame and at least the second MPDU frame.

12. The first wireless device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless device to: Send a second message indicating that the first wireless device supports a first capability of one or more formats of the MPDU frame, a second capability of supporting one or more interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both, wherein the one or more formats include at least the formats from the plurality of formats of the MPDU frame, and the one or more interpretation configurations include at least the interpretation configurations from the plurality of interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields.

13. A first wireless device, the first wireless device comprising: The processing system, including processor circuitry and memory circuitry for storing code, is configured to cause the first wireless device to: Send a message indicating a format of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) frame from one of a variety of formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration for one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from one of a variety of interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; and The MPDU frame is sent according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

14. The first wireless device according to claim 13, wherein: The message is carried in one or more second fields of the MPDU delimiter corresponding to the MPDU frame, and The one or more second fields indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

15. The first wireless device of claim 14, wherein the MPDU delimiter includes one or more reserved fields, the one or more reserved fields indicating the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

16. The first wireless device according to claim 14, wherein: The MPDU delimiter includes a delimiter signature field, and The value of the delimiter signature field indicates the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

17. The first wireless device according to claim 13, wherein: The message is a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and One or more second fields in the preamble of the PPDU, one or more service fields of the PPDU, or both indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

18. A method for wireless communication by a first wireless device, the method comprising: Receive a message indicating a format of a Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) frame from one of a variety of formats of the MPDU frame, or an interpretation configuration of one or more first fields of the MPDU frame from one of a variety of interpretation configurations for the one or more first fields, or both; Receive the MPDU frame; as well as The MPDU frame is decoded according to the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: The message is carried in one or more second fields of the MPDU delimiter corresponding to the MPDU frame, and The one or more second fields indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein: The message is a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), and One or more second fields in the preamble of the PPDU, one or more service fields of the PPDU, or both indicate the format of the MPDU frame, or the interpretation configuration for the one or more first fields, or both.

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