Semi-static switching for dynamic subchannel operation (DSO)

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods, components, devices, and systems for semi-static switching for dynamic subchannel operation (DSO). Some aspects more specifically relate to trigger-based switching for DSO sessions. In some implementations, an access point (AP) can transmit a control frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session at a wireless station (STA), the indicated frequency resources being included in one or more secondary subchannels. The control frame can be an example of a DSO announcement frame, a null data packet (NDP) announcement frame, an enhanced multi-STA block acknowledgement (eMBA) frame, or a block acknowledgement request (BAR) frame. The STA can switch to the one or more secondary subchannels for communication during the DSO session and can remain communicating via the secondary subchannels until a trigger is detected (e.g., a time-based or frame-based trigger) to deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the primary subchannel for communication.

Description

[0001] Priority information

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 598,537, filed November 13, 2023, entitled “SEMI-STATIC SWITCHING FOR DYNAMIC SUBCHANNEL OPERATION (DSO),” and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 938,055, filed November 5, 2024, entitled “SEMI-STATIC SWITCHING FOR DYNAMIC SUBCHANNEL OPERATION (DSO),” each of which is assigned to the assignee of this application, and each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to semi-static handover for dynamic subchannel operation (DSO). Background Technology

[0004] 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 family of standards 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.

[0005] In some WLANs, the access point (AP) supports a relatively wider bandwidth compared to one or more STAs communicating with that AP. If the AP communicates with STAs that cannot support wideband signaling (e.g., signaling via the full bandwidth supported by the AP), a portion of the AP's operating bandwidth may not be used during communication, resulting in relatively poor spectral efficiency for the WLAN. Additionally, handover between sub-channels may involve transmitting multiple frames between the AP and STAs, leading to significant processing and signaling overhead when STAs frequently switch sub-channels for communication. Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-access point (AP) station (STA). The non-AP STA may include a processing system comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code. The processing system may be configured to cause the non-AP STA to: receive a first frame via a primary sub-channel associated with the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a Dynamic Sub-channel Operation (DSO) session for the non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel associated with the AP STA; communicate via the one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple transmission opportunities (TxOPs) based on activation of the DSO session based on the first frame; and communicate via the primary sub-channel based on deactivation of the DSO session based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0008] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method for wireless communication by a non-AP STA. The method may include: receiving a first frame via a primary sub-channel associated with an AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for the non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel associated with the AP STA; communicating for a set of multiple TxOPs via the one or more frequency resources based on activation of the DSO session based on the first frame; and communicating via the primary sub-channel based on deactivation of the DSO session based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0009] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in another non-AP STA for wireless communication. The non-AP STA may include: components for receiving a first frame via a primary sub-channel associated with the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session of the non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel associated with the AP STA; components for communicating via the one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs based on activation of the DSO session based on the first frame; and components for communicating via the primary sub-channel based on deactivation of the DSO session based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive a first frame via a primary sub-channel associated with an AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel associated with the AP STA; communicate via the one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs based on activation of the DSO session based on the first frame; and communicate via the primary sub-channel based on deactivation of the DSO session based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0011] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in an AP STA. The AP STA may include a processing system comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code. The processing system may be configured to cause the AP STA to: transmit a first frame via a primary subchannel of the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session of a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary subchannel of the AP STA; communicate with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs based on activation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on the first frame; and communicate with the non-AP STA via the primary subchannel based on deactivation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0012] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method for wireless communication by an AP STA. The method may include: transmitting a first frame via a primary sub-channel of the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session of a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel of the AP STA; communicating with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs based on activation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on the first frame; and communicating with the non-AP STA via the primary sub-channel based on deactivation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0013] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in another AP STA for wireless communication. The AP STA may include: components for transmitting a first frame via a primary sub-channel of the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session of a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel of the AP STA; components for communicating with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs based on activation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on the first frame; and components for communicating with the non-AP STA via the primary sub-channel based on deactivation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0014] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication. The code may include instructions executable by a processor to: transmit a first frame via a primary subchannel of an AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session at a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary subchannel of the AP STA; communicate with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs based on activation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on the first frame; and communicate with the non-AP STA via the primary subchannel based on deactivation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0015] Details of one or more specific embodiments of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Note that the relative dimensions in the following drawings may not be drawn to scale. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network is shown.

[0017] 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).

[0018] 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.

[0019] Figure 4 A hierarchical format of an example PPDU that can be used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 An example of a wireless communication system that supports semi-static handover for dynamic subchannel operation (DSO) is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 An example of DSO session activation and deactivation technology that supports semi-static switching is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 An example of a process flow that supports semi-static switching for DSO is shown.

[0023] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device that supports semi-static handover for DSO is shown.

[0024] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an example process that can be performed by a non-AP STA that supports semi-static switching for DSO, or that can be performed at that non-AP STA, is shown.

[0025] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example process that can be performed by an AP STA that supports semi-static switching for DSO, or that can be performed at that APSTA, is shown.

[0026] The same reference numerals and names in different figures denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0027] 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 accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the IEEE 802.15 standard, 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 standards or those published by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 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).

[0028] The various aspects collectively relate to semi-static handover for Dynamic Subchannel Operation (DSO). Some aspects more specifically involve a radio station (STA) (which may be referred to as a non-AP STA) switching back to a primary subchannel for DSO based on triggers (such as time-based triggers or frame-based triggers). In some specific implementations, a radio access point (AP) (which may be referred to as an AP STA) may send a first frame (e.g., a control frame) indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session (e.g., a frame exchange sequence or one or more frame exchanges) at the STA. These one or more frequency resources may be included in at least one secondary subchannel of the AP. The control frame may be an example of a DSO announcement frame, a DSO Initiation Control Frame (ICF), a Null Data Packet (NDP) announcement frame, a Block Acknowledgment Request (BAR) frame, an Extended Multi-STA Block Acknowledgment (eMBA) frame, or some combination of these frames or other frames configured to indicate frequency resources for the STA to perform DSO. The STA may activate the DSO session and switch to the indicated frequency resources for DSO. In some implementations, the AP may solicit a response frame from the STA to acknowledge the STA's switch to the assigned frequency resource for DSO. In other implementations, the AP may suppress the solicitation of acknowledgments from the STA. The STA and AP may exchange frames via one or more frequency resources corresponding to one or more secondary sub-channels. In some implementations, the STA may continue operating on one or more secondary sub-channels for one or more transmission opportunities (TxOPs) until the STA detects a trigger for deactivating the DSO session and switching back to the primary sub-channel. In some implementations, the STA may determine a time-based trigger to switch back to the primary sub-channel. In other implementations, the AP may send a frame that acts as a frame-based trigger to cause the STA to switch back to the primary sub-channel. The STA may fall back to communicating via the primary sub-channel based on the detection of a trigger configured for the STA.

[0029] Specific aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some implementations, the described techniques allow STAs to reduce signaling and processing overhead associated with DSO communication through semi-static handover for the DSO. For example, STAs can improve signaling and processing overhead by communicating for multiple TxOPs via one or more secondary sub-channels for the DSO without using multiple DSO initiation frame exchanges, multiple handover operations, or both. Additionally or alternatively, by supporting acknowledgment flexibility at the AP, the AP can improve reliability or efficiency based on one or more system parameters. For example, based on current link or system metrics, the AP can determine whether to solicit acknowledgment from the STA regarding a successful handover to one or more secondary sub-channels. The AP can solicit acknowledgment to improve signaling reliability, or it can suppress acknowledgment solicitation to improve signaling overhead associated with the DSO. In some implementations, by assigning resources for the DSO using DSO announcement frames, DSO ICFs, NDP announcement frames, BAR frames, eMBA frames, or some combination thereof, the AP can support improved flexibility and efficient signaling reuse for the DSO process.

[0030] Figure 1 A 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 WLAN (such as a Wi-Fi network). For example, the wireless communication network 100 may be a network implementing at least one of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard families (such as those defined by the IEEE 802.11-2020 specification or its revisions, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, 802.11bd, 802.11be, 802.11bf, and 802.11bn). In some other specific implementations, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a cellular radio access network (RAN), such as a 5G or 6G RAN implementing one or more cellular protocols (such as those specified in one or more 3GPP standards). In some other implementations, 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 such 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.

[0031] The wireless communication network 100 may include numerous wireless communication devices, including at least one wireless access point (AP) 102 and any number of wireless stations (STAs) 104. Although Figure 1Only 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 (such as 3GPP, 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G) base stations or other cellular network nodes (such as 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] A single AP 102 and its associated set of STA 104s may be referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS), which is managed by the respective AP 102. Figure 1Additionally, an example coverage area 108 of AP 102 is shown, which may represent the Basic Service Area (BSA) of 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 Media Access Control (MAC) address of AP 102. AP 102 may periodically broadcast beacon frames (“beacons”) including the BSSID to enable any STA 104 within the wireless range of AP 102 to “associate” or reassociate with AP 102 to establish or maintain a corresponding communication link 106 (also referred to hereinafter as a “Wi-Fi link”) with AP 102. For example, the beacon may include an identifier or indication of the primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102, 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] As wireless networks become increasingly prevalent, STA 104 may have the opportunity to choose from one of many BSSs within its range or from multiple APs 102 that together form an Extended Service Set (ESS) (comprising multiple connected BSSs). For example, wireless communication network 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system capable of connecting multiple APs 102 in such an ESS. Therefore, STA 104 may be covered by more than one AP 102 and may be associated with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. Additionally, after associating with an AP 102, STA 104 may periodically scan its surroundings to find a more suitable AP 102 to associate with. For example, STA 104 moving relative to its associated AP 102 may perform a “roaming” scan to find another AP 102 with more desirable network characteristics, such as a larger Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) or reduced traffic load.

[0036] In some implementations, STA 104 may 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 implementations, ad hoc networks may be implemented within a larger network, such as wireless communication network 100. In such examples, while STA 104 may be able to communicate with each other via communication link 106 through AP 102, STA 104 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 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.

[0037] In some networks, AP 102 or STA 104, or both, can support applications associated with high throughput or low latency requirements, or provide lossless audio to one or more other devices. For example, AP 102 or STA 104 can support applications and use cases associated with ultra-low latency (ULL), such as ULL gaming, or streaming lossless audio and video to one or more personal audio devices (such as peripherals) or AR / VR / MR / XR headsets. In scenarios where a user uses two or more peripherals, AP 102 or STA 104 can support extended personal audio networks that enable communication with these two or more peripherals. Additionally, AP 102 and STA 104 can support additional ULL applications with ULL and high throughput requirements, such as cloud-based applications (such as VR cloud gaming).

[0038] 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").

[0039] Each PPDU is a composite structure comprising a PHY preamble and a payload in the form of a PHY Service Data Unit (PSDU). The information provided in the preamble can be used by the receiving device to decode subsequent data in the PSDU. In instances where the PPDU is transmitted on a bound channel or a wideband channel, the preamble field may be repeated 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.

[0040] AP 102 and STA 104 in wireless communication network 100 can transmit PPDUs on unlicensed spectrum, which may be a portion of the spectrum including bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technologies, such as the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band, 45 GHz band, and 60 GHz band. Some examples of AP 102 and STA 104 described herein 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] Punching is a wireless communication technique that enables wireless communication devices (such as AP 102 or STA 104) to transmit and receive wireless communications on a portion of a wireless channel that excludes one or more specific sub-channels (hereinafter also referred to as "punched sub-channels"). Specifically, punching can be used to exclude one or more sub-channels from the transmission of a PPDU (including signaling of the preamble) to avoid interference from static sources (such as existing systems) or to avoid interference of a more dynamic nature (such as interference associated with transmissions by other wireless communication devices in an Overlapping BSS (OBSS)). The transmitting device (such as AP 102 or STA 104) can punch the sub-channels on which interference exists and substantially extend the data of the PPDU to cover the remaining portion of the channel's bandwidth. For example, if the transmitting device determines (e.g., detect, identify, determine, or calculate) one or more 20 MHz sub-channels of a wide-bandwidth wireless channel in association with contention operation, it implements punching to avoid communication on these unavailable sub-channels while still utilizing the remaining portion of that bandwidth. Therefore, puncturing allows transmitting devices to increase or maximize throughput by utilizing as much available spectrum as possible, and in some cases, reduce latency. Static puncturing, in particular, enables the continuous use of wideband channels in environments or deployments where there may not be enough available contiguous spectrum, such as in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.

[0043] In some specific implementations, the AP 102 or STA 104 of the wireless communication network 100 can achieve extremely high throughput (EHT) or other characteristics conforming to current and future generations of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards (such as the IEEE 802.11be and 802.11bn revisions) to provide additional capabilities superior to other prior systems (e.g., high-efficiency (HE) systems or other legacy systems). For example, the IEEE 802.11be revision introduces a 320MHz channel, which is twice the width of the channel achievable by the IEEE 802.11ax revision. Therefore, the AP 102 or STA 104 can use the 320MHz channel to achieve twice the throughput and network capacity, as well as rate and range gains at high data rates due to the trade-off between linear bandwidth and logarithmic SNR. EHT and newer wireless communication protocols (such as those known as the IEEE 802.11bn standard revision or related protocols) support flexible operating bandwidth enhancements, such as broadened operating bandwidths or finer-grained operation relative to older operating bandwidths. For example, EHT systems can allow communication across operating bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, and 320 MHz. EHT systems can support various bandwidth modes, such as a continuous 240 MHz bandwidth mode, a continuous 320 MHz bandwidth mode, a non-contiguous 160+160 MHz bandwidth mode, or a non-contiguous 80+80+80+80 (or "4x80") MHz bandwidth mode.

[0044] In some embodiments where the wireless communication device (such as AP 102 or STA 104) operates in a continuous 320MHz bandwidth mode or a 160+160MHz bandwidth mode, the signal to be transmitted may be generated by two different transmit chains of the wireless communication device, each with or associated with a 160MHz bandwidth (and each transmit chain coupled to a different power amplifier). In some other embodiments, two transmit chains can be used to support a 240MHz / 160+80MHz bandwidth mode by puncturing the 320MHz / 160+160MHz bandwidth mode with one or more 80MHz sub-channels. For example, the signal to be transmitted may be generated by two different transmit chains of the wireless communication device, each with a 160MHz bandwidth, one of which outputs a signal with punctured 80MHz sub-channels. In some other embodiments where the wireless communication device operates in a continuous 240MHz bandwidth mode or a non-continuous 160+80MHz bandwidth mode, the signal to be transmitted may be generated by three different transmit chains of the wireless communication device, each with an 80MHz bandwidth. In some other implementations, the signal to be transmitted may be generated by four or more different transmission chains of the wireless communication device, each transmission chain having a bandwidth of 80 MHz.

[0045] In discontinuous examples, the operating bandwidth can span one or more completely different sets of subchannels. For example, a 320 MHz bandwidth can be continuous and located in the same 6 GHz band, or it can be discontinuous and located in different bands or different regions within a band (such as partially located in the 5 GHz band and partially located in the 6 GHz band).

[0046] In some specific implementations, AP 102 or STA 104 may benefit from operability enhancements associated with EHT and the next-generation IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards. For example, AP 102 or STA 104 attempting to gain access to the wireless medium of wireless communication network 100 may perform techniques such as free channel assessment (CCA) operations based on EHT enhancements (such as increased bandwidth, puncturing, or refinement of carrier sense and signal reporting mechanisms), which may include modifications to existing rules, structures, or signaling implemented for legacy systems.

[0047] 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 1Examples 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.

[0048] L-STF 206 generally enables receiving devices (such as 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).

[0049] Figure 3 An example PPDU 350 is shown, capable of being used for communication between a wireless AP and one or more wireless STAs. For example, the AP and STA can be references. 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 indicates to STA 104, which is EHT compliant or later, that PPDU 350 is an EHT PPDU or any later (post-EHT) version of a PPDU conforming to a new wireless communication protocol (conforming to the future IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol standard). 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 those protocol versions. For example, U-SIG 366 can be used by receiving devices (such as AP 102 and STA 104) to interpret bits in one or more of EHT-SIG 368 or data field 374. Similar to L-STF 358, L-LTF360, and L-SIG 362, in instances involving the use of bound channels, the information in U-SIG 366 and EHT-SIG 368 can be repeated and transmitted in each of the component 20MHz channels.

[0050] The non-legacy portion 354 also includes an additional short training field 370 (referred to herein as "EHT-STF 370," but which can be constructed for other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT and carries version-related information for those protocols) and one or more additional long training fields 372 (referred to herein as "EHT-LTF 372," but which can be constructed for other wireless communication protocol versions above EHT and carry version-related information for those protocols). EHT-STF 370 can be used for timing and frequency tracking and AGC, while EHT-LTF 372 can be used for more refined channel estimation.

[0051] 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. The user-specific field is assigned to a specific STA 104 and carries 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.

[0052] 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 MPDUs 416. For example, each PSDU 404 may carry an A-MPDU 406, which includes an aggregation of multiple A-MPDU subframes 408. Each A-MPDU subframe 408 may include an MPDU frame 410, which includes a MAC delimiter 412 and a MAC header 414 preceding an 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. The 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 (such as being an example of MSDU frame 426 or otherwise referred to as MSDU frame 426) and may contain a corresponding MSDU 430 preceding a subframe header 428, and in some specific implementations, following a padding bit 432.

[0053] Returning to reference MPDU frame 410, MAC delimiter 412 can be used as a marker for the start of associated MPDU 416 and to indicate 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.

[0054] In some specific implementations, AP 102 and STA 104 can support various multi-user communications; that is, concurrent transmissions from one device to each of multiple devices (e.g., multiple simultaneous downlink communications from AP 102 to the corresponding STA 104), or concurrent transmissions from multiple devices to a single device (e.g., multiple simultaneous uplink transmissions from the corresponding STA 104 to AP 102). As an example, in addition to MU-MIMO, AP 102 and STA 104 can also support OFDMA. In some respects, OFDMA is a multi-user version of OFDM.

[0055] In the OFDMA scheme, the available spectrum of the radio channel can be divided into multiple RUs, each RU comprising multiple frequency subcarriers (also referred to as "tones"). Different RUs can be allocated by AP 102 at specific times or assigned to different STAs 104. The size and distribution of RUs are referred to as RU allocation. In some specific implementations, RUs can be allocated in 2MHz intervals, and therefore, the minimum RU can include 26 tones, including 24 data tones and 2 pilot tones. Thus, in a 20MHz channel, up to 9 RUs can be allocated (such as 2MHz, 26-tone RUs) (because some tones are reserved for other purposes). Similarly, in a 160MHz channel, up to 74 RUs can be allocated. Other tone RUs, such as 52-tone, 106-tone, 242-tone, 484-tone, and 996-tone RUs, can also be allocated. Adjacent RUs can be separated by empty subcarriers (such as DC subcarriers) to reduce interference between adjacent RUs, reduce receiver DC offset, and avoid leakage of the transmit center frequency.

[0056] For UL MU transmission, AP 102 can send trigger frames to initiate and synchronize ULOFDMA or UL MU-MIMO transmissions from multiple STA 104s to AP 102. Such trigger frames thus enable multiple STA 104s to concurrently transmit UL services to AP 102 in time. The trigger frame can address one or more STA 104s via a corresponding AID, and can assign one or more RUs to each AID (and thus to each STA 104), which can be used to transmit UL services to AP 102. AP can also specify one or more Random Access (RA) RUs that unscheduled STA 104s can contend for.

[0057] Some wireless communication devices (including both AP and STA, such as reference) Figure 1The described AP 102 and STA 104 are capable of multi-link operation (MLO). In some implementations, MLO supports establishing multiple distinct communication links (such as a first link in the 2.4 GHz band, a second link in the 5 GHz band, and a third link in the 6 GHz band) between STA 104 and AP 102, and concurrently and dynamically exchanging packets on one or more communication links. Each communication link may support one or more sets of channels or logical entities. In some implementations, each communication link associated with a given wireless communication device may be associated with a corresponding radio component of the wireless communication device, which may include one or more transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) chains, include or be coupled to one or more physical antennas, or include other components such as signal processing components. A device with MLO capability may be referred to as a multi-link device (MLD). An MLD may include a single upper MAC layer and may include, for example, three independent lower MAC layers and three associated independent PHY layers for the corresponding links in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. This architecture can implement a single association process and security context. The AP MLD may include multiple APs, each configured to communicate with a corresponding STA among multiple STAs 104 that are not AP MLDs (also referred to as "STAMLDs") on a respective communication link. The STA MLD may communicate with the AP MLD at a given time via one or more of the multiple communication links. The MLD may independently compete for access on each of the communication links, which reduces latency by allowing the MLD to send its packets on the first communication link that becomes available.

[0058] Another feature of MLO is traffic routing and Quality of Service (QoS) characterization, which achieves latency reduction and other QoS enhancements by mapping traffic flows with different latency or other requirements to different links. For example, traffic with low latency requirements can be mapped to radio links operating in the 6 GHz band, and more latency-tolerant flows can be mapped to radio links operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.

[0059] One type of MLO is Alternating Multiple Link, where an MLD can simultaneously listen to two different high-performance channels. When an MLD has traffic to transmit, it can use the first channel with access opportunities (such as TXOP). Although an MLD may only use one channel for receiving or transmitting at a time, having access opportunities on two different channels provides low latency during network congestion.

[0060] Another type of MLO is Multi-Link Aggregation (MLA), where traffic associated with a single STA 104 is transmitted simultaneously and in parallel across multiple communication links to maximize the utilization of available resources, thereby achieving higher throughput. This is similar to carrier aggregation in cellular space. That is, during at least some time duration, transmission or portions of transmission can occur simultaneously and in parallel through two or more links. In some implementations, the parallel wireless communication links can support synchronous transmission. In some other implementations, or during some other time durations, transmissions via links can be parallel rather than synchronous or concurrent. In some implementations or time durations, two or more of these links can be used for communication between wireless communication devices in the same direction (such as all uplinks or all downlinks). In some other implementations or time durations, two or more of these links can be used for communication in different directions. For example, one or more links can support uplink communication, and one or more links can support downlink communication. In such examples, at least one of the wireless communication devices operates in full-duplex mode. Generally speaking, full-duplex operation enables bidirectional communication, in which at least one wireless communication device can simultaneously transmit and receive.

[0061] MLA can be implemented in several ways. In some implementations, MLA can be packet-based. For packet-based aggregation, frames of a single service stream (such as all services associated with a given service identifier (TID)) can be transmitted concurrently across multiple communication links. In some other implementations, MLA can be stream-based. For stream-based aggregation, a single available communication link from among multiple available communication links can be used to transmit each service stream (such as all services associated with a given TID). As an example, a single STA MLD can access a web browser while streaming video in parallel. Services associated with web browser access can be communicated via a first communication link, while services associated with the video stream can be communicated in parallel via a second communication link (such that at least some of the data can be transmitted concurrently on the first channel with the data transmitted on the second channel).

[0062] In some other specific implementations, MLA can be implemented as a hybrid of flow-based aggregation and packet-based aggregation. For example, MLD can employ flow-based aggregation when multiple traffic flows are created, and packet-based aggregation in other cases. The decision to switch between MLA techniques or modes may be additionally or alternatively correlated with other metrics, such as time of day, network traffic load, or battery level of wireless communication devices, and other factors or considerations.

[0063] To support MLO technology, the AP MLD and STA MLD can exchange information about supported MLO capabilities (such as supported aggregation types or supported frequency bands, etc.). In some implementations, this exchange can occur via beacon signals, probe requests or responses, association request or response frames, dedicated action frames or Operation Mode Indicators (OMIs), and other examples. In some implementations, the AP MLD can designate a given channel in a given frequency band as an anchor channel (such as a channel on which the AP MLD transmits beacons and other management frames). In such examples, the AP MLD may also transmit beacons (such as beacons containing less information) on other channels for discovery purposes.

[0064] MLO technology can provide several benefits to wireless communication network 100. For example, MLO can improve user-aware throughput (UPT) (e.g., by rapidly refreshing the per-user transmit queue). Similarly, MLO can improve throughput by improving the utilization of available channels and can increase spectrum utilization (e.g., by increasing the bandwidth-time product). Furthermore, MLO can enable smooth transitions between multi-band radio components (e.g., where each radio component can be associated with a given RF band) or implement a framework for separating control and data channels. Other benefits of MLO include reduced modem power-on time, which can benefit wireless communication devices in terms of power consumption. Another benefit of MLO is increased multiplexing opportunities in the case of a single BSS. For example, multi-link aggregation can increase the number of users transmitted per multiplexed segment served by a multi-link AP MLD.

[0065] 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, such as 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 devices 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.

[0066] Such PSD limitations unnecessarily reduce transmission range, decrease packet detection capability, and reduce channel estimation capabilities of AP 102 and STA 104. In some specific implementations where transmission is PSD-limited, AP 102 or STA 104 of the wireless communication network 100 can transmit over a larger transmission bandwidth to increase total transmission power, thereby improving SNR and expanding the coverage of the 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 duplicate (DUP) mode for transmission, in which data in the payload portion of the PPDU is modulated for transmission on a “basic” frequency subband (such as the first RU for OFDMA transmission) and copied (e.g., repeated) to another frequency subband (such as the second RU for OFDMA transmission). 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.

[0067] In some other specific implementations where transmission is PSD-limited, distributed tone mapping operations can be used to increase the bandwidth of uplink communication transmitted by STA 104 to AP 102. As used herein, the term "distributed transmission" refers to PPDU transmission on discontinuous tones (or subcarriers) of a radio 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 allocated 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 a portion thereof that distributes the tones is referred to as the spreading 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.

[0068] Figure 5 An example of a wireless communication system 500 supporting semi-static handover for DSO is shown. The wireless communication system 500 can be as described in the reference. Figure 1 An example of a described wireless communication network 100. Wireless communication system 500 may include an AP 102-a, which may be an AP STA, AP MLD, or as referenced herein. Figure 1 Examples or components of the described AP 102. The wireless communication system 500 may additionally include STA 104-a and STA 104-b, which may be non-AP STAs, non-AP MLDs, or as referenced herein. Figure 1 The STA 104 described is an example or component. AP 102-a can serve coverage area 108-a and can be used as referenced herein. Figures 2 to 4 The described PDUs (such as PPDUs including one or more MPDUs) communicate with STA 104-a, STA 104-b, or both. The wireless communication system 500 may support signaling for DSO. For example, STA 104-a may communicate link-specific DSO information to AP 102-a for link 502-a (e.g., link 502-a between STA 104-a and AP 102-a), while STA 104-b may communicate link-specific DSO information to AP 102-a for link 502-b. In some aspects, the wireless communication system 500 may support semi-static handover for DSO, wherein STA 104-a may switch to a secondary sub-channel for DSO communication and may maintain communication via that secondary sub-channel for multiple TxOPs until a trigger for handover back to the primary channel is detected (e.g., a time-based trigger according to time-based trigger configuration 516 or a frame-based trigger 514).

[0069] In some implementations, STA 104-a may support one or more capabilities to support DSO. STA 104-a can use capability signaling (e.g., signaling the static capabilities of STA 104-a) to indicate one or more capabilities to AP 102-a. STA 104-a may be an example of a narrowband STA, such that STA 104-a cannot support communication across the full operating bandwidth of AP 102-a. That is, the first operating bandwidth of narrowband STA 104-a may be relatively narrower than the second operating bandwidth of AP 102-a (e.g., for a specific link 502-a). To implement DSO, STA 104-a may be able to dynamically switch its radio components from a primary channel (e.g., a primary sub-channel) to at least one non-primary channel (e.g., a secondary sub-channel). Additionally or alternatively, to implement DSO, STA 104-a may be able to receive frames transmitted in a single PPDU on one or more non-primary channels. For example, AP 102-a can transmit a single PPDU spanning a primary channel (e.g., a primary sub-channel) and one or more non-primary channels (e.g., secondary sub-channels). STA 104-a can support multi-user OFDMA, frequency-domain aggregation PPDU (FD A-PPDU), or both, to receive frames via non-primary channels. In some specific implementations, STA 104-a can have its radio components camped on the primary channel (e.g., defaulting to receiving via the primary channel), and if AP 102-a signals STA 104-a to switch to a non-primary channel (e.g., in DSO mode), STA 104-a can switch to communicating via a non-primary channel.

[0070] DSO can be a link-specific feature. For example, AP 102-a and STA 104-a can be MLDs, where each MLD can support DSO on one or more links in a multi-link (ML) setup. In some specific implementations, an MLD (e.g., AP 102-a, STA 104-a) can support DSO on a first subset of links and may suppress support on a second subset of links or otherwise fail to support DSO. DSO support can be relatively more beneficial for supporting relatively high-bandwidth links (e.g., to efficiently utilize relatively high-bandwidth resources). For example, AP 102-a (which could be an example of an AP MLD) can support three links, including a 2.4 GHz band link, a 5 GHz band link, and a 6 GHz band link, corresponding to 20 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz bandwidths, respectively. DSO support can provide a relatively greater resource utilization gain for the 6 GHz band link compared to the 2.4 GHz band link. Therefore, in some specific implementations, AP 102-a can support DSO for 6GHz band links instead of 2.4GHz band links.

[0071] STA 104-a can send signaling indicating its ability to support DSO (e.g., on one or more links). In some implementations, DSO support may be based on link bandwidth, link frequency band, or both. As a first example, if the operating bandwidth of the link for AP 102-a is 160MHz or greater, AP 102-a may support DSO for that link. If the operating bandwidth of the link for AP 102-a is less than 160MHz, AP 102-a may not support (or may suppress support for) DSO for that link. Therefore, AP 102-a may indicate "DSO support" for one or more links based on link bandwidth. As a second example, DSO may not be allowed if the link is in the 2.4GHz band; DSO may be optional if the link is in the 5GHz band; and DSO may be allowed if the link is in the 6GHz band. In some specific implementations, STAs (e.g., AP STAs, non-AP STAs) may support additional rules for determining DSO support based on link bandwidth, frequency band, or other link parameters.

[0072] AP 102-a and STA 104-a can communicate DSO initial frame exchange 504 to allow STA 104-a to enter a DSO frame exchange sequence, which may be referred to as a DSO session. For example, AP 102-a may indicate one or more frequency resources corresponding to one or more secondary sub-channels used for DSO, and STA 104-a may switch to communication via one or more frequency resources corresponding to one or more secondary sub-channels used for link 502-a.

[0073] In some implementations, STA 104-a can dynamically switch for a DSO session. For example, STA 104-a can dynamically switch to communication via one or more secondary sub-channels for a TxOP, and can automatically switch back to communication via the primary sub-channel after the TxOP (e.g., after frame exchange with AP 102-a during the TxOP). However, in some implementations, such dynamic switching can lead to inefficient signaling for the DSO initial frame exchange 504. For example, if the duration of the data frames exchanged via the DSO is relatively short, the overhead associated with the DSO initial frame exchange 504 and switching back to the primary sub-channel may be comparable to the overhead of the exchanged data frames. The DSO initial frame exchange 504 may include a control frame 506 (e.g., a DSO announcement frame or other control frame), padding, a trigger frame 508 (e.g., a Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) trigger frame or another frame triggering a response), a response frame 510 (e.g., a Buffer Status Response (BSR) frame or another frame responding to trigger frame 508), a short interframe interval (SIFS) duration, or any combination thereof. Compared to data frame exchanges during DSO, the DSO initial frame exchange 504 and the handover process performed by STA 104-a for dynamic DSO handover may involve a relatively high proportion of signaling and processing overhead at STA 104-a. For example, the first handover delay from the primary subchannel to the secondary subchannel used for DSO may be approximately 64 microseconds (µs) (or up to 500µs), the duration (e.g., overhead) of the DSO initial frame exchange 504 may be approximately 200µs, and the second handover delay from the secondary subchannel used for DSO back to the primary subchannel may be approximately 100µs. If the duration of data frame exchange during DSO is approximately 1 millisecond (ms), the overhead of the initial DSO frame exchange 504 and the handover process can be approximately 23%, which can significantly impact the efficiency of STA 104-a. If the duration of the exchanged data frames increases, the relative overhead of the initial DSO frame exchange 504 and the handover process may decrease. However, the overhead may still be approximately 5%, which could reduce application layer throughput (e.g., for high-throughput applications).

[0074] Such inefficiency can be based on the dynamic handover aspect of the DSO, where STA 104-a conveys the DSO initial frame exchange 504 and performs handovers to and from the secondary sub-channel for each TxOP (e.g., per frame exchange sequence) of the DSO. To reduce signaling overhead and improve efficiency associated with the DSO, STA 104-a can support semi-static handover for the DSO session. For example, STA 104-a can support a semi-static mode for the DSO, where STA 104-a can continue communicating via the secondary sub-channel for the DSO after the first TxOP (e.g., after the frame exchange sequence). AP 102-a can schedule subsequent communication with STA 104-a (e.g., subsequent frames) in the secondary sub-channel for the DSO, for example, without performing additional DSO initial frame exchange 504 or handover. Therefore, STA 104-a can continue communicating via the secondary sub-channel for the DSO, and the signaling and processing overhead associated with handover to the secondary sub-channel can be reduced. In some respects, the wireless communication system 500 may support a dynamic mode for DSO (e.g., where STA 104-a automatically switches back to the primary sub-channel after the first TxOP), a semi-static mode for DSO (e.g., where STA 104-a remains on the secondary sub-channel until a trigger instructs STA 104-a to switch back to the primary sub-channel), or both.

[0075] STA 104-a (e.g., a non-AP STA) may operate by default on the primary sub-channel of the operating bandwidth. For example, STA 104-a may monitor the primary 20MHz sub-channel (pri20). AP 102-a may send a message (e.g., control frame 506) as part of DSO initiation frame exchange 504, instructing STA 104-a to switch to the secondary sub-channel. DSO initiation frame exchange 504 for semi-static DSO mode may be similar to or the same as DSO initiation frame exchange 504 for dynamic DSO mode. Additionally or alternatively, the operation for switching to the secondary sub-channel for semi-static DSO mode may be similar to or the same as the operation for switching to the secondary sub-channel for dynamic DSO mode. In some specific implementations, DSO initiation frame exchange 504 may include an announcement frame (e.g., control frame 506), followed by a trigger frame 508 (e.g., BSRP trigger frame) to confirm that STA 104-a has switched to the secondary sub-channel. AP 102-a may send both an announcement frame and a trigger frame 508, and STA 104-a may send a response frame 510 via the secondary sub-channel to acknowledge that STA 104-a has switched to the secondary sub-channel. In some other implementations, the DSO initial frame exchange 504 may not include an announcement frame. Instead, the DSO initial frame exchange 504 may include a control frame 506 (e.g., a DSO initial control frame (ICF)) that triggers a response from STA 104-a. AP 102-a may send a DSO ICF indicating the secondary sub-channel for DSO of STA 104-a, and STA 104-a may send a response frame 510 via the secondary sub-channel to acknowledge that STA 104-a has switched to the secondary sub-channel.

[0076] STA 104-a can continue operating via the secondary sub-channel after STA 104-a and AP 102-a (e.g., during TxOP) exchange frames via the secondary sub-channel (e.g., PPDU 512-a). For example, STA 104-a can suppress automatic (e.g., dynamic) switching back to the primary sub-channel at the end of the frame exchange sequence. While STA 104-a remains operating on the secondary sub-channel, AP 102-a can continue to schedule STA 104-a for communication via the secondary sub-channel. STA 104-a can switch back to the primary sub-channel based on a trigger. For example, STA 104-a can switch back to the primary sub-channel based on receiving a frame that triggers the switch (e.g., frame-based trigger 514), at a time agreed upon with AP 102-a (e.g., according to time-based trigger configuration 516), or based on some other trigger. When AP 102-a communicates PPDU 512-a with STA 104-a via the secondary sub-channel (e.g., when STA 104-a is operating in a DSO session), AP 102-a may additionally communicate PPDU 512-b with STA 104-b via the primary sub-channel to efficiently utilize the operating bandwidth of AP 102-a.

[0077] AP 102-a can assign frequency resources corresponding to one or more secondary sub-channels for semi-static DSO mode at STA 104-a based on STA 104-a's preferences. In some implementations, STA 104-a can use a bitmap to send requests for one or more secondary sub-channels or corresponding frequency resources. Additionally or alternatively, AP 102-a can advertise one or more anchor channels (e.g., a temporary primary channel on which STA 104-a can monitor scheduling signaling when STA 104-a is not operating on a primary sub-channel), and STA 104-a can select a subset of anchor channels and indicate this selection to AP 102-a. AP 102-a can assign frequency resources for DSO to STA 104-a based on the subset of anchor channels selected by STA 104-a. In some other implementations, STA 104-a can select one or more anchor channels for communication independent of AP 102-a and transparent to AP 102-a.

[0078] STA 104-a and AP 102-a can communicate via a secondary subchannel (e.g., via one or more indicated frequency resources included in at least one secondary subchannel of the operating bandwidth) during an active DSO session. STA 104-a can activate the DSO session based on switching to a secondary subchannel for DSO communication. AP 102-a can transmit frames to STA 104-a via the secondary subchannel using the MUPPDU format for downlink. STA 104-a can transmit frames to AP 102-a via the secondary subchannel using the trigger-based (TB) PPDU format for uplink. In some implementations, PPDU 512-a can be a HE, EHT, or UHR variant. AP 102-a can schedule resources for communication within the secondary subchannel to STA 104-a until STA 104-a switches back to the primary subchannel. In some implementations, AP 102-a may suppress the transmission of additional DSO announcement frames to STA 104-a when STA 104-a is operating via a secondary sub-channel during an active DSO session. In other implementations, AP 102-a may transmit additional DSO announcement frames to update one or more parameters used for the DSO session (e.g., switching STA 104-a to one or more different secondary sub-channels for DSO without switching STA 104-a back to the primary sub-channel).

[0079] In some implementations, the OBSS device (e.g., OBSS STA or AP) can occupy the primary sub-channel. If STA104-a operates via one or more secondary sub-channels including at least one opportunistic primary (O-primary) sub-channel (e.g., an O-primary 20MHz channel), AP 102-a and STA 104-a can communicate via the O-primary sub-channel, while the OBSS device communicates via the primary sub-channel. For example, if the OBSS device is occupying the primary sub-channel, AP 102-a can send frames to STA 104-a via a secondary sub-channel including the O-primary sub-channel. AP 102-a can send frames in any PPDU format, as the transmission may not be accompanied by transmissions via the OBSS-occupied primary sub-channel (e.g., retransmissions). In some aspects, AP 102-a can initiate frame switching without using a multi-primary ICF. Additionally or alternatively, if STA 104-a detects an OBSS device occupying a primary sub-channel, STA 104-a can compete for one or more secondary sub-channels including the primary sub-channel and can transmit uplink frames via one or more secondary sub-channels. In some implementations, if STA 104-a includes an auxiliary (AUX) radio component for monitoring the primary sub-channel, STA 104-a can detect the OBSS device. In some aspects, STA 104-a can use a multi-master ICF to initiate a TxOP for transmitting uplink frames.

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, AP 102-a may transmit group addressing frames in a repetitive PPDU format, for example, across the AP's operating bandwidth. STA 104-a may receive one or more group addressing frames via a secondary sub-channel based on a repetitive PPDU format (e.g., non-high throughput (HT) repetitive PPDU format or UHR repetitive PPDU format) without switching back to the primary sub-channel. In some aspects, group addressing frames may include beacons.

[0081] STA 104-a, operating on one or more secondary sub-channels for DSO, can monitor the anchor channel (e.g., a temporary primary sub-channel among one or more secondary sub-channels) for incoming PPDU 512-a from AP 102-a. While STA 104-a is operating on one or more secondary sub-channels to support STA 104-a monitoring the anchor channel, STA 104-a can suppress dynamic puncturing of the anchor channel (e.g., puncturing at each TxOP level by indicating the puncturing mode in the PPDU). In some implementations, AP 102-a can support static puncturing of the anchor channel. For example, AP 102-a can statically puncture one or more sub-channels (or at least a portion of the secondary sub-channels) during BSS operation of the AP. If AP 102-a statically punctures the STA's anchor channel, STA 104-a can automatically (e.g., without explicit signaling) switch to the primary sub-channel. Alternatively, AP 102-a may notify STA 104-a of another supported anchor channel associated with one or more secondary sub-channels of the DSO used by STA 104-a, and STA 104-a may switch to the other anchor channel associated with the one or more secondary sub-channels (e.g., instead of falling back to the primary sub-channel). In some specific implementations, AP 102-a may notify STA 104-a of the new anchor channel in the same message (e.g., frame) that announces the static puncturing mode.

[0082] STA 104-a, which communicates semi-statically via a secondary sub-channel for an active DSO session, can switch back to the primary sub-channel based on a trigger. In some implementations, the trigger can be a time-based trigger, where STA 104-a can switch back to the primary sub-channel at a specific time. In some implementations, AP 102-a can specify the duration for STA 104-a to communicate via the secondary sub-channel (e.g., the duration for a DSO session). At the end of the duration (e.g., based on duration expiration, the timer tracking the duration expires), STA 104-a can deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the primary sub-channel. AP 102-a can indicate the duration (e.g., time-based trigger configuration 516) in control frames 506 (such as a DSO announcement frame, a DSO ICF, or another control frame 506 operating as a DSO announcement frame). Additionally or alternatively, AP 102-a can indicate duration to multiple STA 104 in a management frame (e.g., a beacon frame), so that multiple STA 104 can be configured using the same duration for a semi-static DSO session.

[0083] In some other implementations, AP 102-a may specify a TSF value for STA 104-a to switch back to the master sub-channel. For example, AP 102-a may indicate the TSF value (or another indication of a timestamp) in a control frame 506 (such as a DSO announcement frame, DSO ICF, or another control frame 506 operating as a DSO announcement frame). The TSF value may be specific to STA 104-a. STA 104-a may deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the master sub-channel at the time indicated by the TSF value.

[0084] In some other implementations, time-based triggering can be based on an epoch, which can be an example of a periodic or otherwise scheduled time for one or more operations. STA 104-a can store the epoch as a time-based trigger for switching back to the master sub-channel, or AP 102-a can configure STA 104-a with an epoch (e.g., via time-based triggering configuration 516). In some implementations, STA 104-a can deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the master sub-channel at (or based on) the TBTT. STA 104-a can receive beacon frames via the master sub-channel during the TBTT based on the handover for the TBTT. Additionally or alternatively, STA 104-a can deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the master sub-channel at (or based on) the TBTT for delivering Traffic Indication Message (DTIM) beacons. STA 104-a can receive DTIM beacon frames via the master sub-channel during the TBTT based on the handover for the TBTT. Additionally or alternatively, STA104-a may deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the primary / secondary channel at the Target Wake-Up Time (TWT) service period (SP) (such as a restricted TWT SP) (or based on the Target Wake-Up Time (TWT) service period (SP)). For example, STA 104-a may switch back to the primary channel to communicate with AP 102-a during the TWT SP based on the TWT SP negotiated with AP 102-a for frame exchange.

[0085] In some implementations, AP 102-a may suppress the specified time for STA 104-a to switch back to the master sub-channel. For example, AP 102-a may include a default value (e.g., 0) or another value in control frame 506 (such as a DSO announcement frame, DSO ICF, or another control frame 506 operating as a DSO announcement frame). Such a value may instruct STA 104-a to switch back instead based on frame-based trigger 514, or it may instruct STA 104-a to automatically switch back to the master sub-channel after the first TxOP (e.g., after a frame exchange sequence, such as for dynamic DSO switching).

[0086] In some implementations, STA 104-a can deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the primary sub-channel based on receiving a frame indicating a trigger 514 based on a frame. For example, AP 102-a can send a frame requesting STA 104-a to switch back to the primary sub-channel (e.g., via a secondary sub-channel). In some implementations, the frame can be an example of a DSO announcement frame, a DSO ICF, or a trigger frame 508 assigning one or more frequency resources included in the primary sub-channel to STA 104-a. For example, based on resource assignment, STA 104-a can switch back to the primary sub-channel. In some implementations, the frame can indicate other resources. For example, the frame can assign one or more frequency resources included in one or more different secondary sub-channels to STA 104-a. STA 104-a can switch to one or more different secondary sub-channels (e.g., maintaining the same DSO session) based on receiving the frame.

[0087] In some implementations, STA 104-a may support early handover back to the master sub-channel (e.g., before a time-based trigger, before receiving a frame-based trigger 514). For example, STA 104-a may determine to handover back to the master sub-channel before a time specified by AP 102-a. STA 104-a may handover back to the master sub-channel, and a mechanism may be used to notify AP 102-a of the handover. For example, after the handover, STA 104-a may send a frame via the master sub-channel to indicate the handover back to the master sub-channel. In some aspects, STA 104-a may send a QoS empty frame to AP 102-a via the master sub-channel, and AP 102-a may determine that STA 104-a is handing back to the master sub-channel (e.g., early handover) based on receiving the QoS empty frame via the master sub-channel.

[0088] Figure 6 An example of DSO session activation and deactivation technology 600 supporting semi-static switching for DSO is shown. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 5 The described wireless communication network 100 or wireless communication system 500 may support DSO session activation and deactivation technology 600. For example, AP 102 may communicate with multiple STAs 104 according to DSO session activation and deactivation technology 600. For example, if AP 102, one or more STAs 104, or both are operating in DSO mode, AP 102 and one or more STAs 104 may communicate according to DSO session activation and deactivation technology 600 to support semi-dynamic switching of sub-channels, thereby efficiently utilizing the operating bandwidth 602 of AP 102.

[0089] In some aspects, the operating bandwidth 602 of AP 102 may include one or more sub-channels, such as a primary sub-channel 604 (e.g., P20 spanning 20 MHz) and one or more secondary sub-channels. In some specific implementations, the secondary sub-channels may include a first secondary sub-channel 606-a (e.g., S20 spanning 20 MHz), a second secondary sub-channel 606-b (e.g., S40 spanning 40 MHz), and a third secondary sub-channel 606-c (e.g., S80 spanning 80 MHz). One or more STAs 104 may indicate support for one or more of the secondary sub-channels used for DSO. For example, the first STA 104 may not indicate support for DSO, the second STA 104 may indicate support for the second secondary sub-channel 606-b, and the third STA 104 may indicate support for both the second and third secondary sub-channels 606-b and 606-c.

[0090] At time 608-a, STA 104 can communicate via primary sub-channel 604. For example, STA 104 can initially reside on primary sub-channel 604. Based on the operating bandwidth of STA 104, one or more STAs in STA 104 can further communicate via one or more secondary sub-channels. For example, if the first STA 104 operates with a narrowband operating bandwidth of 40MHz, the first STA 104 can communicate via primary sub-channel 604 and first secondary sub-channel 606-a, which both span 40MHz.

[0091] AP 102 may send control frame 610 to STA 104, which assigns a secondary subchannel for DSO to one or more STAs in STA 104. In some implementations, control frame 610 may be based on the indicated secondary subchannel supported by STA 104. For example, control frame 610 may assign a second secondary subchannel 606-b to a second STA 104 (e.g., S40) and may assign a third secondary subchannel 606-c to a third STA 104 (e.g., S80). In some implementations, control frame 610 may assign one or more frequency resources to STA 104, which include frequency portions or blocks that are relatively smaller than the full subchannel span. In some such examples, STA 104 may determine to switch to a subchannel that includes the assigned one or more frequency resources. Additionally or alternatively, control frame 610 may assign frequency resources spanning multiple sub-channels among the indicated sub-channels, and STA 104 may determine, based on control frame 610, to switch to operation via these multiple sub-channels. In some aspects, control frame 610 may be an example of a non-HT DUP frame (e.g., a trigger frame repeated across multiple sub-channels of operating bandwidth 602), a MU-Request Transmit (RTS) frame, or a DSO ICF. Control frame 610 may trigger one or more STA 104s to switch to the assigned secondary sub-channel for DSO communication.

[0092] AP 102 may support one or more types of control frames 610 for assigning resources to a DSO. For example, AP 102 may support DSO announcement frames (e.g., non-HT DUP frames that do not solicit a response), DSO ICFs (e.g., non-HT DUP frames that solicit a response, such as trigger frames), NDP announcement frames, eMBA frames, BAR frames, or any combination thereof.

[0093] AP 102 may transmit random (or semi-random) signaling as padding 612 signaling, or may suppress transmission for a certain padding 612 time period, which provides STA 104 with sufficient time to process control frame 610 and switch to the assigned secondary sub-channel. For example, AP 102 may send padding 612 signaling to occupy the channel while STA 104 switches its operating frequency. In some implementations, the length of padding 612 may be based on STA capabilities. For example, if a second STA 104 can process control frame 610 and tune to the assigned frequency in 16µs (e.g., second secondary sub-channel 606-b), and a third STA 104 can process control frame 610 and tune to the assigned frequency in 32µs (e.g., third secondary sub-channel 606-c), then AP 102 may set the length of padding 612 (e.g., padding 612 signaling) to span at least 32µs. STA104 may report to AP 102 the delay time for processing control frame 610, switching to the assigned sub-channel, or both in capability signaling, operation mode signaling, or both, where the delay time may be STA-specific (e.g., client-specific), link-specific, or both.

[0094] At time 608-b, STA 104 can complete the handover to the assigned sub-channel. For example, the first STA 104 can remain on the primary sub-channel 604 and the first secondary sub-channel 606-a, the second STA 104 can switch to the second secondary sub-channel 606-b (e.g., activate a DSO session for the second secondary sub-channel 606-b), and the third STA 104 can switch to the third secondary sub-channel 606-c (e.g., activate a DSO session for the third secondary sub-channel 606-c). In some implementations, to perform the acknowledgment process 628, AP 102 can send a trigger frame 624 to acknowledge that STA 104 has completed the handover to the designed (e.g., assigned) sub-channel. The trigger frame 624 can be a DSO acknowledgment frame, a BSRP trigger frame, a control frame, or any other trigger frame.

[0095] Once STA 104 has switched to the assigned subchannel, it can perform a free channel assessment (CCA)-energy detection (ED) on the assigned subchannel (e.g., the designated subchannel) during the SIFS duration to determine whether the assigned subchannel is available for communication. For example, AP 102 can assign the second secondary subchannel 606-b to the second STA 104 based on AP 102's failure to detect other communication occurring via the second secondary subchannel 606-b. However, the second STA 104 can switch to the second secondary subchannel 606-b and perform CCA-ED to detect whether another device, hidden from AP 102 but detectable by the second STA 104, is transmitting via the second secondary subchannel 606-b.

[0096] In some implementations, STA 104 may send a response frame to AP 102 via the assigned sub-channel based on determining that the assigned sub-channel is available for communication (e.g., based on CCA-ED results). For example, a first STA 104 may send a response frame 614-a (e.g., a transmit-allowed (CTS) signal) via a primary sub-channel 604 and a first secondary sub-channel 606-a, a second STA 104 may send a response frame 614-b via a second secondary sub-channel 606-b, and a third STA 104 may send a response frame 614-c via a third secondary sub-channel 606-c. The response frame may instruct AP 102 that STA 104 is ready to transmit frames via the assigned sub-channel in DSO mode.

[0097] In some other implementations, to reduce signaling overhead, STA 104 may suppress the transmission of response frames to acknowledge completion of the handover to the assigned sub-channel. For example, acknowledgment procedure 628 may be optional. AP 102 may perform acknowledgment procedure 628 to improve reliability and coordination, or AP 102 may suppress the execution of acknowledgment procedure 628 to reduce signaling overhead associated with the handover to the secondary sub-channel.

[0098] AP 102 may exchange frames with STA 104 during the first TxOP via the assigned subchannel (e.g., in a single PPDU 616-a (such as an EHT MU PPDU)). In some implementations, AP 102 may exchange frames based on receiving a response frame acknowledging that STA 104 has successfully switched to the assigned subchannel. In some other implementations, AP 102 may acknowledge that STA 104 has successfully switched to the assigned subchannel based on successfully exchanging frames during a DSO session. AP 102 may transmit PPDU 616-a comprising multiple MPDUs corresponding to different assigned subchannels. The first STA 104 may receive BSS-transmitted 618-a via the primary sub-channel 604 and the first secondary sub-channel 606-a (e.g., spanning 40MHz), the second STA 104 may receive BSS-transmitted 618-b via the second secondary sub-channel 606-b (e.g., spanning 40MHz), and the third STA 104 may receive BSS-transmitted 618-c via the third secondary sub-channel 606-c (e.g., spanning 80MHz). Additionally or alternatively, STA 104 may transmit PPDU 616-a, MPDU, or a combination thereof to AP 102 via assigned sub-channels. AP 102 and STA 104 may simultaneously exchange more than one SIFS-separated PPDU 616-a while operating in DSO mode via assigned sub-channels.

[0099] In some implementations, based on the exchange of one or more frames via an assigned sub-channel, AP 102, STA 104, or both may send acknowledgment frames to indicate successful reception of one or more frames. For example, the first STA 104 may send acknowledgment frame 620-a via the primary sub-channel 604 and the first secondary sub-channel 606-a, the second STA 104 may send acknowledgment frame 620-b via the second secondary sub-channel 606-b, and the third STA 104 may send acknowledgment frame 620-c via the third secondary sub-channel 606-c. STA 104 (e.g., the second STA 104 and the third STA 104) may continue to monitor the assigned sub-channel after delivering the acknowledgment frame to listen for any additional frames.

[0100] At time 608-c, STA 104 may remain on the assigned sub-channel for DSO. For example, based on operation according to a semi-static handover for DSO, STA 104 may not automatically back off to the primary sub-channel 604 after a frame exchange (e.g., a TxOP for PPDU 616-a). Instead, STA 104 may back off to the primary sub-channel 604 based on a trigger (e.g., time-based triggering or frame-based triggering).

[0101] In some implementations, STA 104 can detect a trigger for backing back to master sub-channel 604 during the first TxOP for DSO communication. STA 104 can switch back to master sub-channel 604 based on the trigger (e.g., before the completion of the first TxOP). In some other implementations, STA 104 can detect the trigger after the first TxOP and can switch back to master sub-channel 604 based on the trigger after the first TxOP (e.g., similar to STA 104 operating according to dynamic handover for DSO). In still other implementations, STA 104 can detect the trigger after multiple TxOPs, wherein STA 104 communicates via the assigned sub-channel for multiple TxOPs during the same DSO session (e.g., without additional DSO initial frame exchange to improve DSO signaling overhead).

[0102] For example, AP 102 can exchange additional frames with STA 104 in a second TxOP via an assigned subchannel (e.g., in a single PPDU 616-b). AP 102 can exchange frames without an additional DSO initial frame exchange procedure. AP 102 can transmit PPDU 616-b including multiple MPDUs corresponding to different assigned subchannels. First STA 104 can receive BSS-transmitted 618-d via primary subchannel 604 and first secondary subchannel 606-a (e.g., across 40MHz), second STA 104 can receive BSS-transmitted 618-e via second secondary subchannel 606-b (e.g., across 40MHz), and third STA 104 can receive BSS-transmitted 618-f via third secondary subchannel 606-c (e.g., across 80MHz). Additionally or alternatively, STA 104 may transmit PPDU 616-b, MPDU, or a combination thereof to AP 102 via the assigned sub-channel. In some specific implementations, the first STA 104 may transmit acknowledgment frame 620-d via primary sub-channel 604 and first secondary sub-channel 606-a, the second STA 104 may transmit acknowledgment frame 620-e via second secondary sub-channel 606-b, and the third STA 104 may transmit acknowledgment frame 620-f via third secondary sub-channel 606-c. At time 608-d, STA 104 may continue to operate on the assigned sub-channel used for DSO.

[0103] STA 104 can detect a trigger for switching back to the primary sub-channel 604. In some implementations, AP 102 can send frame 626 as a frame-based trigger operation to cause STA 104 to deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the primary sub-channel 604. Additionally or alternatively, at time 608-e, STA 104 can determine a time-based trigger and can deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the primary sub-channel 604 based on the time-based trigger. For example, at time 608-e, a second STA 104 can initiate a switch from operation via a second secondary sub-channel 606-b to operation via at least the primary sub-channel 604 based on the time-based trigger, and a third STA 104 can initiate a switch from operation via a third secondary sub-channel 606-c to operation via at least the primary sub-channel 604 in response to receiving frame 626 as a frame-based trigger. The second STA 104 and the third STA 104 can switch back to the master sub-channel 604 at different times based on different triggers (e.g., different frame-based triggers, different time-based triggers, different types of triggers). Additionally or alternatively, the control frame 610 may indicate the duration (e.g., an additional timeout interval 622) for which the STA 104 remains operational via the assigned sub-channel before switching back to the master sub-channel 604 in response to a trigger. In some implementations, the additional timeout interval 622 may include a handover delay for the STA 104 to complete the handover back to the master sub-channel 604. At time 608-f, the STA 104 can communicate via the master sub-channel 604 based on the handover back to the master sub-channel 604 for PPDU communication.

[0104] Figure 7 An example of a process flow 700 supporting semi-static handover for a DSO is shown. Process flow 700 may implement aspects of, or be implemented by, the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communication system 500, or a combination thereof. For example, process flow 700 may include STA 104-c (e.g., a non-AP STA) and AP 102-b (e.g., an AP STA), which may be referenced herein. Figures 1 to 6 Examples of the corresponding devices described. In the following description of process flow 700, operations may be performed in a different order than those shown. Specific operations may also be excluded from process flow 700, or other operations may be added to process flow 700. Furthermore, although some operations or signaling are shown to occur at different times for discussion purposes, these operations may occur simultaneously.

[0105] At 702, AP 102-b and STA 104-c can perform a DSO initiation frame exchange to activate the DSO session at STA 104-c. Activating the DSO session at STA 104-c may involve STA 104-c switching from communicating via the primary sub-channel to communicating via the secondary sub-channel. In some implementations, the DSO session may be an example of a dynamic session, where STA 104-c can switch to the secondary sub-channel for a single TxOP and can switch back to the primary sub-channel after that single TxOP. In some other implementations, the DSO session may be an example of a semi-static DSO session, where STA 104-c can switch to the secondary sub-channel for one or more TxOPs (e.g., multiple TxOPs) and can switch back to the primary sub-channel based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0106] The DSO initial frame exchange can indicate to STA 104-c one or more frequency resources to be used during an active DSO session (e.g., where the one or more frequency resources are included within one or more secondary sub-channels of the operating bandwidth). The DSO initial frame exchange can also switch STA 104-c to communicate via one or more secondary sub-channels. In some implementations, the DSO initial frame exchange can further confirm to AP 102-b that STA 104-c has switched to one or more secondary sub-channels. In some other implementations, AP 102-b and STA 104-c can communicate via one or more secondary sub-channels (e.g., continue DSO frame exchange) without confirming that STA 104-c has switched to one or more secondary sub-channels. If the wireless communication equipment suppresses the transmission of signaling for handover confirmation, AP 102-b, STA 104-c, or both can reduce the signaling and processing overhead associated with the DSO initial frame exchange.

[0107] AP 102-b can use a control frame at 702 for DSO initiation frame exchange. The control frame can indicate one or more frequency resources for STA 104-c to switch to for DSO (e.g., for a DSO session). The control frame can trigger STA 104-c to switch to the indicated frequency resources. In some implementations, the control frame may include padding to provide additional processing time for STA 104-c to perform the switch to the indicated frequency resources. The control frame may or may not solicit confirmation of the switch to one or more frequency resources from STA 104-c (e.g., an immediate response or a relatively low-latency response). For example, at 704, AP 102-b can send an announcement frame, which may be referred to as a DSO announcement frame. The DSO announcement frame can indicate frequency resources corresponding to one or more secondary sub-channels for STA 104-c to switch to. However, in some implementations, the DSO announcement frame may not request or otherwise solicit a response from STA 104-c. AP 102-b can suppress the request to STA 104-c to confirm that STA 104-c has completed the handover to one or more secondary sub-channels, or AP 102-b can use a second frame (e.g., a trigger frame sent at 720 or other frames) to request confirmation from STA 104-c that the handover is complete.

[0108] In some other implementations, at point 706, AP 102-b may send a DSO ICF. The DSO ICF may indicate frequency resources corresponding to one or more secondary sub-channels for a DSO session with STA 104-c, or it may solicit a response from STA 104-c to confirm a completed handover. The DSO ICF, DSO announcement frame, or both may be examples of trigger frames, which may include an RU allocation sub-field in the user information field that corresponds to STA 104-c and indicates one or more frequency resources for DSO.

[0109] In some implementations, AP 102-b may support DSO announcement frames, DSO ICFs, or some combination of these or other control frames for the DSO initiation frame exchange process. For example, AP 102-b may support NDP announcement frames, BAR frames, eMBA frames, or some combination of these or other frames to indicate the frequency resources available for STA 104-c to perform DSO.

[0110] In some implementations, at 708, AP 102-b can send an NDP announcement frame. The NDP announcement frame can support probe operations, ranging operations, or both. In some implementations, an NDP announcement frame used for probe can provide single-user or multi-user probe. AP 102-b can use an NDP announcement frame used for multi-user probe as a DSO announcement frame. An NDP announcement frame may include a frame control field, a duration field, a receiver address (RA) field, a transmitter address (TA) field, a probe session token field, a STA information list field, an FCS field, or any combination of these or other fields. In some implementations, the probe session token field can indicate whether the NDP announcement frame is a DSO announcement frame. For example, if the probe session token field indicates a first value, STA 104-c receiving the NDP announcement frame can determine that the NDP announcement frame indicates a resource for DSO. Additionally or alternatively, the STA information list fields may include STA information for one or more STAs, including an AID subfield (e.g., indicating the ID of a particular STA (such as STA 104-c)) and a partial bandwidth information subfield (e.g., in EHT and HE variants of the NDP announcement frame format), which may indicate one or more frequency resources for a particular STA. The partial bandwidth information subfield for STA 104-c may indicate the bandwidth on which STA 104-c and AP 102-b can perform probe operations. Additionally or alternatively, the partial bandwidth information subfield for STA 104-c may indicate the secondary subchannel (or frequency resources within one or more secondary subchannels) that STA 104-c should switch to for a DSO session.

[0111] By using the NDP announcement frame as the DSO announcement frame, AP 102-b can perform DSO initial frame exchange and probe operations using the same set of signals (e.g., reusing the frame for DSO initial frame exchange to support probe operations). Therefore, AP 102-b can reduce the channel overhead associated with DSO initialization and probe (e.g., by compressing the overhead associated with two different operations into a single set of signals). For example, subsequent frames based on the NDP announcement frame can serve multiple purposes, such as providing probe information and confirming that STA 104-c (e.g., the DSO STA) has switched to the indicated frequency resource for DSO. In some specific implementations, at 710, AP 102-b can send a probe NDP, beamforming report polling (BFRP), or both. Additionally or alternatively, at 712, STA 104-c can send compressed beamforming feedback. Probing NDP, BFRP, compressed beamforming feedback, or any combination thereof can support probes to confirm that STA 104-c has completed the handover to the indicated frequency resource for DSO, or both. For example, AP 102-b and STA 104-c can communicate probe NDP, BFRP, compressed beamforming feedback, or any combination thereof via one or more secondary sub-channels based on STA 104-c's handover to the indicated frequency resource for DSO. In some implementations, to reduce signaling or processing overhead (e.g., if AP 102-b can suppress solicitation of probe information, suppress confirmation of STA 104-c's handover completion, or both), AP 102-b, STA 104-c, or both can suppress the communication of additional frames associated with the NDP announcement frame. For example, AP 102-b, STA 104-c, or both can suppress the communication of probe NDP, BFRP, compressed beamforming feedback, or any combination thereof.

[0112] In some implementations, AP 102-b may include padding in the NDP announcement frame to provide STA 104-c with additional time to perform a handover to a different sub-channel (e.g., one or more secondary sub-channels for DSO). For example, the NDP announcement frame may include MAC padding. AP 102-b may include MAC padding as one or more additional STA information fields in the NDP announcement frame, where the additional STA information fields may include a value in the AID sub-field (e.g., 2046 or some other value) indicating that the additional STA information field represents padding (e.g., empty) content. In some implementations, such padding may be located before the FCS field of the NDP announcement frame. To enable STA 104-c to receive the NDP announcement frame and perform FCS verification before receiving or processing the padding, AP 102-b may include an earlier FCS (e.g., before one or more additional STA information fields including the padding content). AP 102-b may include an early FCS as a STA information field with an AID subfield, the AID subfield being set to a value (e.g., 2044) indicating that the STA information field includes the FCS (e.g., in a partial bandwidth information subfield or in a combination of one or more subfields). STA 104-c may use the early FCS to perform FCS verification (e.g., instead of waiting to receive the FCS at the end of the NDP announcement frame) and may perform a handover to one or more indicated secondary subchannels for DSO at least partially during the reception of the padded STA information field.

[0113] In some specific implementations, at point 714, AP 102-b can transmit an eMBA frame operating as a DSO announcement frame. The eMBA frame format can be generic and can support carrying different kinds of information. For example, the eMBA frame format can support including acknowledgment status information for the same or different STAs with the same or different TIDs. In some aspects, the information in the eMBA frame can be organized as repeating per-AID TID information fields (e.g., within block acknowledgment information). AP 102-b can extend the eMBA frame to include DSO-related information. For example, the eMBA frame can include AID field values, TID field values, acknowledgment type field values, or combinations thereof indicating that the eMBA frame is a DSO announcement frame. For example, if the AID field, TID field, acknowledgment type field, or combinations thereof indicate that the eMBA frame includes DSO information, one or more subsequent fields of the eMBA frame can include RU or subchannel assignment information indicating one or more frequency resources for the DSO of STA 104-c. For example, the block acknowledgment start sequence control field, the block acknowledgment bitmap field, or both can include content indicating one or more frequency resources for the DSO. Additionally or alternatively, the eMBA frame may include padding to allow STA 104-c additional time to perform a switchover to the indicated frequency resource for the DSO. For example, the AID field, TID field, acknowledgment type field, or a combination thereof may indicate that subsequent fields (e.g., block acknowledgment start sequence control field, block acknowledgment bitmap field, or both) include padding (e.g., empty) content or an early FCS, similar to the NDP announcement frame described herein.

[0114] In some specific implementations, at point 716, AP 102-b can transmit a BAR frame as a DSO announcement frame. AP 102-b can set the BAR type subfield of the BAR frame to a value indicating that the BAR frame includes DSO-related information. For example, if the BAR type subfield is set to a value indicating that the BAR frame includes DSO-related information, the BAR information field of the BAR frame may include RU or subchannel assignment information indicating one or more frequency resources for the DSO of STA 104-c. Additionally or alternatively, the BAR type subfield may indicate whether padding, early FCS, or both are included in the BAR frame.

[0115] At 718, STA 104-c can switch to one or more frequency resources indicated for DSO. For example, to initiate a DSO session, STA 104-c can switch from communicating via a primary sub-channel to communicating via one or more secondary sub-channels, which include one or more frequency resources indicated by a received frame operating as a DSO announcement frame (e.g., any control frame indicating frequency resources for DSO, as described herein). In some specific implementations, STA 104-c can switch to one or more secondary sub-channels for DSO communication based on padding content in a frame operating as a DSO announcement frame.

[0116] In some implementations, at 720, AP 102-b can send a trigger frame to trigger a response from STA 104-c. At 722, STA 104-c can send a response frame in response to the trigger frame. The wireless communication device can communicate the trigger frame, response frame, or both via one or more secondary sub-channels for DSO to indicate that STA 104-c is communicating via one or more secondary sub-channels and, accordingly, has successfully switched to one or more secondary sub-channels for DSO. The response frame can operate as an acknowledgment to AP 102-b that STA 104-c has switched to one or more secondary sub-channels for DSO. In some implementations, this acknowledgment can complete the DSO initiation frame exchange at STA 104-c to activate the DSO session.

[0117] At 724, STA 104-c and AP 102-b may communicate one or more PPDUs via one or more secondary sub-channels for DSO (e.g., via one or more frequency resources for the DSO session at STA 104-c). STA 104-c may maintain communication via the one or more secondary sub-channels for DSO until a trigger for switching back to the primary sub-channel is identified (e.g., time-based or frame-based trigger). STA 104-c may terminate the DSO session upon switching back to the primary sub-channel. Therefore, the DSO session may span one or more TxOPs, for example, based on the exchange of a single DSO initiation frame that activates the DSO session. STA 104-c may reduce the signaling overhead associated with activating DSO by maintaining communication via the one or more secondary sub-channels for DSO after the first TxOP ends.

[0118] In some implementations, at 726, AP 102-b may send a frame that triggers STA 104-c to switch back to the master sub-channel for communication. For example, the frame could be an example of a frame-based triggering that disables the DSO session at STA 104-c. Additionally or alternatively, at 728, STA 104-c may determine a time-based trigger. For example, AP 102-b may configure STA 104-c with a time-based triggering for disabling the DSO session (e.g., as referenced herein). Figure 5 The described duration, TSF value, epoch, or some combination thereof.

[0119] At 730, STA 104-c can deactivate the DSO session and switch back to the master / sub-channel for communication, based on frame-based triggering, time-based triggering, or both. At 732, STA 104-c and AP 102-b can transmit one or more additional PPDUs via the master / sub-channel.

[0120] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 800 supporting semi-static handover for DSO is shown. In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 800 is configured to perform reference... Figure 10 The process 1000 is described. Wireless communication device 800 may be an example of a non-AP STA (such as STA 104). Wireless communication device 800 may include one or more chips, system-on-a-chip (SoC), 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 800 and typically processes information (such as inputs or signals) received from and outputs information (such as outputs or signals) to such other components. In some aspects, an example chip may include a processing system, a first interface for outputting or transmitting information, and a second interface for receiving or acquiring information. For example, the first interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a transmitting component, allowing wireless communication device 800 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, allowing wireless communication device 800 to receive information, which is then passed to the processing system. In some such examples, the first interface may also, for example, acquire information from the transmitting component, and the second interface may also, for example, output information to the receiving component.

[0121] The processing system of the wireless communication device 800 includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or more processors, microprocessors, processing units (such as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), or digital signal processor (DSP)), processing blocks, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), or other discrete gate or transistor logic components or circuits (all of which are generally referred to herein individually 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 read-only memory (ROM) or combinations thereof (all of which are generally referred to herein individually 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 the one or more processors, configures the one or more processors to perform the various functions or operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the one or more processors may be pre-configured to perform the various functions or operations described herein without software configuration. The processing system may also include or be coupled to one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE compliant) modem or a cellular (e.g., 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G compliant) modem). 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.

[0122] In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 800 may be configured for or be configured for use in non-APSTA environments (such as reference STA). Figure 1The described STA 104 is used. In some other embodiments, the wireless communication device 800 may be an STA that includes such a processing system as well as other components including multiple antennas. The wireless communication device 800 may be able to transmit and receive wireless communications in, for example, the form of wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device 800 may be able to be configured or be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards. In some other embodiments, the wireless communication device 800 may be able to be configured or 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 embodiments, the wireless communication device 800 also includes one or more application processors or may be coupled to such one or more application processors, which may also be coupled to one or more other memories. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 800 also includes a user interface (UI) (such as a touchscreen or keypad) and a display that may be integrated with the UI to form a touchscreen display coupled to the processing system. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 800 may also include one or more sensors, such as one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors coupled to the processing system.

[0123] Wireless communication device 800 includes a DSO initial frame switching component 825, a DSO session component 830, a master-sub-channel communication component 835, a time-based triggering component 840, a frame-based triggering component 845, and an anchor channel component 850. A portion of one or more of the DSO initial frame switching component 825, DSO session component 830, master-sub-channel communication component 835, time-based triggering component 840, frame-based triggering component 845, and anchor channel component 850 can be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, one or more of the DSO initial frame switching component 825, DSO session component 830, master-sub-channel communication component 835, time-based triggering component 840, frame-based triggering component 845, and anchor channel component 850 can be implemented at least partially by a processor or modem. In some specific implementations, portions of one or more of the DSO initial frame exchange component 825, DSO session component 830, master-sub-channel communication component 835, time-based triggering component 840, frame-based triggering component 845, and anchor channel component 850 may be implemented at least in part by a processor and software in the form of processor-executable code stored in memory.

[0124] According to the examples disclosed herein, wireless communication device 800 can support wireless communication at non-AP STAs. DSO initial frame switching component 825 can be configured or configured to receive a first frame via a primary sub-channel associated with an AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel associated with the AP STA. DSO session component 830 can be configured or configured to communicate via one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs based on activation of the DSO session based on the first frame. Primary sub-channel communication component 835 can be configured or configured to communicate via the primary sub-channel based on deactivation of the DSO session based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0125] In some implementations, the time-based triggering component 840 can be configured or configured to receive an indication of duration for operations used in a DSO session. In some implementations, the time-based triggering component 840 can be configured or configured to switch to the master / sub-channel for communication via the master / sub-channel based on duration expiration, wherein the time-based triggering includes duration. In some implementations, the indication of duration is received in a first frame, a management frame, a beacon frame, or a combination thereof.

[0126] In some implementations, the time-based triggering component 840 can be configured or configured to receive an indication of a TSF value for disabling a DSO session. In some implementations, the time-based triggering component 840 can be configured or configured to switch to the master / sub-channel for communication via the master / sub-channel based on a TSF value, wherein the time-based triggering includes the TSF value. In some implementations, an indication of the TSF value is received in a first frame, a management frame, a beacon frame, or a combination thereof.

[0127] In some specific implementations, the time-based triggering component 840 can be configured or configured to switch to the primary sub-channel for communication via the primary sub-channel based on a first TBTT associated with the APSTA, a second TBTT for a DTIM beacon associated with the APSTA, a TWT SP associated with the APSTA, or a combination thereof, wherein the time-based triggering includes the first TBTT, the second TBTT, the TWT SP, or a combination thereof.

[0128] In some implementations, the frame-based triggering component 845 can be configured or configured to receive a second frame via one or more frequency resources, the second frame indicating that a non-AP STA should switch back to the primary sub-channel. In some implementations, the frame-based triggering component 845 can be configured or configured to switch to the primary sub-channel based on the second frame for communication via the primary sub-channel, wherein the frame-based triggering includes the second frame. In some implementations, the second frame indicates one or more second frequency resources for a non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being at least partially included in the primary sub-channel.

[0129] In some implementations, the frame-based triggering component 845 can be configured or configured to receive a second frame via one or more frequency resources, the second frame indicating one or more second frequency resources for a DSO session at a non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being included in at least one second secondary sub-channel associated with the AP STA, the at least one second secondary sub-channel being different from at least one secondary sub-channel. In some implementations, the frame-based triggering component 845 can be configured or configured to switch to one or more second frequency resources based on the second frame and the DSO session at the non-AP STA.

[0130] In some implementations, the time-based triggering component 840 can be configured or configured to switch to the master-sub channel for communication prior to the time-based triggering. In some implementations, the time-based triggering component 840 can be configured or configured to send a second frame via the master-sub channel to indicate the switch to the master-sub channel.

[0131] In some implementations, to support communication for a set of multiple TxOPs via one or more frequency resources, the DSO session component 830 can be configured or configured to receive one or more MU PPDUs. In some implementations, to support communication for a set of multiple TxOPs via one or more frequency resources, the DSO session component 830 can be configured or configured to transmit one or more TB PPDUs.

[0132] In some implementations, to support communication for a set of multiple TxOPs via one or more frequency resources, the DSO session component 830 can be configured or configured to receive one or more downlink frames based on at least one O master subchannel. In some implementations, to support communication for a set of multiple TxOPs via one or more frequency resources, the DSO session component 830 can be configured or configured to transmit one or more uplink frames based on an OBSS STA occupying a master subchannel and a contention process for at least one O master subchannel.

[0133] In some implementations, in order to support communication for multiple sets of TxOPs via one or more frequency resources, the DSO session component 830 can be configured or configured to receive group addressing frames corresponding to the DUP PPDU format via one or more frequency resources.

[0134] In some specific implementations, in order to support communication for a set of multiple TxOPs via one or more frequency resources, the anchor channel component 850 can be configured or be configured to monitor a portion of at least one auxiliary sub-channel (e.g., corresponding to the anchor channel) for one or more PPDUs.

[0135] In some implementations, the anchor channel component 850 can be configured or configured to receive an indication of static puncturing of at least one secondary subchannel (such as a monitored portion of at least one secondary subchannel, the anchor channel of at least one secondary subchannel, or some other resource of at least one secondary subchannel). In some implementations, the anchor channel component 850 can be configured or configured to switch to the primary subchannel for communication via the primary subchannel based on the indication of static puncturing.

[0136] In some implementations, the anchor channel includes a first anchor channel, and the anchor channel component 850 can be configured or is configured to receive an indication of a second anchor channel for switching from the first anchor channel to at least one secondary sub-channel. In some such implementations, the anchor channel component 850 can be configured or is configured to monitor the second anchor channel for one or more additional PPDUs based on the indication of switching.

[0137] In some implementations, the first frame includes an announcement frame, and the DSO initial frame switching component 825 can be configured or configured to receive a second frame that triggers a handover to one or more frequency resources, wherein communication via one or more frequency resources is based on the second frame.

[0138] In some implementations, the first frame includes a trigger frame that triggers a switch to one or more frequency resources, wherein communication via one or more frequency resources is based on the trigger frame.

[0139] In some implementations, the DSO initial frame switching component 825 can be configured to, or be configured to, send a response frame that confirms the switch to one or more frequency resources for the DSO session.

[0140] In some specific implementations, communication confirmation is made via one or more frequency resources to switch to one or more frequency resources used for the DSO session.

[0141] In some implementations, the first frame includes an NDP announcement frame. In some implementations, the DSO initial frame switching component 825 can be configured or configured to send probe NDP frames, BFRP frames, compressed beamforming feedback frames, or combinations thereof based on the NDP announcement frame, wherein the probe NDP frame, BFRP frame, compressed beamforming feedback frame, or combinations thereof confirms a switch to one or more frequency resources for the DSO session. In some implementations, the NDP announcement frame includes a portion of the bandwidth information field of the STA information field corresponding to a non-AP STA, which indicates one or more frequency resources for the DSO session for the non-AP STA. In some implementations, the NDP announcement frame includes MAC padding, a STA information field including a first value corresponding to the padding content, an initial frame check sequence prior to padding, or combinations thereof.

[0142] In some implementations, the first frame includes an eMBA frame. In some implementations, the eMBA frame includes an AID field, an Acknowledgment Type field, a TID field, or a combination thereof indicating that the eMBA frame is associated with a DSO session. In some implementations, the eMBA frame includes a BA Start Sequence Control field, a BA Bitmap field, or both, indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for a non-AP STA.

[0143] In some implementations, the first frame includes a BAR frame. In some implementations, the BAR frame includes a BAR type field indicating that the BAR frame is associated with a DSO session. In some implementations, the BAR frame includes a BAR information field indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for a non-AP STA.

[0144] Figure 9 A block diagram of an example wireless communication device 900 supporting semi-static handover for DSO is shown. In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 900 is configured to perform reference... Figure 11The process described is 1100. Wireless communication device 900 may be an example of an AP STA (such as AP 102 as described herein). 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 (such as inputs or signals) received from and outputs information (such as outputs or signals) to such other components. In some aspects, an example chip may include a processing system, a first interface for outputting or transmitting information, and a second interface for receiving or acquiring information. For example, the first interface may refer to an interface between the chip's processing system and a transmitting component, allowing 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, allowing 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, such as from the transmitting component, and the second interface may also output information, such as to the receiving component.

[0145] 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 (such as CPUs, GPUs, or DSPs), processing blocks, ASICs, PLDs (such as FPGAs), or other discrete gate or transistor logic components or circuits (all of which are generally referred to herein individually as “processors” or collectively as “processors” or “processor circuitry”). One or more of these processors may be individually or collectively configured to perform, or be 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 RAM or ROM or combinations thereof (all of which are generally referred to herein individually 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 individually or collectively store processor-executable code that, when executed by one or more processors, configures one or more processors to perform the various functions or operations described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more processors in the processing system may be pre-configured to perform the various functions or operations described herein without requiring software configuration. The processing system may also include or be coupled to one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE compliant) modem or a cellular (e.g., 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G, or 6G compliant) modem). In some embodiments, one or more processors in the processing system include or implement one or more modems in the 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 a plurality of antennas. In some embodiments, one or more processors in the processing system include or implement one or more of the radio components, RF chains, or transceivers.

[0146] In some specific implementations, the wireless communication device 900 may be configured to be used for, or be configured to be used for, in an AP (such as a reference). Figure 1The described AP 102 is used. In some other embodiments, the wireless communication device 900 may be an AP that includes such a processing system as well as other components including multiple antennas. The wireless communication device 900 may be able to transmit and receive wireless communications in, for example, the form of wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device 900 may be configured or be configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol family of standards. In some other embodiments, the wireless communication device 900 may be configured or 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 embodiments, the wireless communication device 900 also includes one or more application processors or may be coupled to such application processors, which may also be coupled to one or more other memories. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 900 also includes at least one external network interface coupled to the processing system, which enables communication with the core network or backhaul network implementing the wireless communication device 900 to obtain access to external networks, including the Internet.

[0147] Wireless communication device 900 includes a DSO initial frame switching component 925, a secondary sub-channel communication component 930, a primary sub-channel communication component 935, a time-based triggering component 940, a frame-based triggering component 945, and a puncturing component 950. A portion of one or more of the DSO initial frame switching component 925, secondary sub-channel communication component 930, primary sub-channel communication component 935, time-based triggering component 940, frame-based triggering component 945, and puncturing component 950 can be implemented at least partially in hardware or firmware. For example, one or more of the DSO initial frame switching component 925, secondary sub-channel communication component 930, primary sub-channel communication component 935, time-based triggering component 940, frame-based triggering component 945, and puncturing component 950 can be implemented at least partially by a processor or modem. In some specific implementations, portions of one or more of the DSO initial frame exchange component 925, auxiliary sub-channel communication component 930, primary sub-channel communication component 935, time-based triggering component 940, frame-based triggering component 945, and punching component 950 may be implemented at least in part by a processor and software in the form of processor-executable code stored in memory.

[0148] According to the examples disclosed herein, wireless communication device 900 can support wireless communication at an AP STA. DSO initial frame switching component 925 can be configured or configured to transmit a first frame via the AP STA's primary sub-channel, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel of the AP STA. Secondary sub-channel communication component 930 can be configured or configured to communicate with a non-AP STA via one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs based on activation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on the first frame. Primary sub-channel communication component 935 can be configured or configured to communicate with the non-AP STA via the primary sub-channel based on deactivation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0149] In some implementations, the time-based triggering component 940 can be configured or configured to send an indication of the duration of operations used in a DSO session, wherein the time-based triggering includes the duration. In some implementations, to support the sending of the duration indication, the time-based triggering component 940 can be configured or configured to send a management frame indicating the duration of operations used in a DSO session to a set of at least a plurality of non-AP STAs. In some implementations, the first frame includes the duration indication.

[0150] In some implementations, the time-based triggering component 940 can be configured or is configured to send an indication of a TSF value for disabling DSO sessions at non-AP STAs, wherein the time-based triggering includes the TSF value. In some implementations, the indication of the TSF value is sent in the first frame, the management frame, or a combination thereof.

[0151] In some specific implementations, time-based triggering includes a first TBTT associated with an AP STA, a second TBTT for a DTIM beacon associated with an AP STA, a TWT SP associated with an AP STA, or a combination thereof.

[0152] In some implementations, the frame-based triggering component 945 can be configured or is configured to transmit a second frame via one or more frequency resources, the second frame indicating that a non-AP STA should switch back to the master sub-channel, wherein the frame-based triggering includes the second frame. In some implementations, the second frame indicates one or more second frequency resources for a non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being at least partially included in the master sub-channel.

[0153] In some implementations, the frame-based triggering component 945 can be configured or configured to transmit a second frame via one or more frequency resources, the second frame indicating one or more second frequency resources for a DSO session at a non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being included in at least one second secondary sub-channel of the AP STA, the at least one second secondary sub-channel being different from at least one secondary sub-channel. In some implementations, the frame-based triggering component 945 can be configured or configured to communicate with a non-AP STA via one or more second frequency resources for a second set of multiple TxOPs based on the second frame and the DSO session at the non-AP STA.

[0154] In some implementations, the master sub-channel communication component 935 can be configured or configured to receive a second frame via the master sub-channel, the second frame instructing a non-AP STA to switch to the master sub-channel, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the master sub-channel is based on the second frame.

[0155] In some specific implementations, in order to support communication with non-AP STAs via one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs, the secondary subchannel communication component 930 can be configured or configured to schedule one or more resources within at least one secondary subchannel for communication with non-AP STAs when a DSO session is active at a non-AP STA.

[0156] In some implementations, to support communication between a set of multiple TxOPs and a non-AP STA via one or more frequency resources, the auxiliary sub-channel communication component 930 can be configured or configured to transmit one or more MU PPDUs. In some implementations, to support communication between a set of multiple TxOPs and a non-AP STA via one or more frequency resources, the auxiliary sub-channel communication component 930 can be configured or configured to receive one or more TB PPDUs.

[0157] In some implementations, to support communication for a set of multiple TxOPs via one or more frequency resources, the secondary subchannel communication component 930 can be configured or configured to detect OBSS STAs occupying the primary subchannel. In some implementations, to support communication for a set of multiple TxOPs via one or more frequency resources, the secondary subchannel communication component 930 can be configured or configured to transmit one or more frames via at least one primary subchannel based on the detected OBSS STAs.

[0158] In some specific implementations, in order to support communication between a set of multiple TxOPs and a non-AP STA via one or more frequency resources, the auxiliary subchannel communication component 930 can be configured or be configured to transmit group addressing frames corresponding to the DUP PPDU format via one or more frequency resources.

[0159] In some implementations, the punching component 950 can be configured to or be configured to suppress dynamic punching of the anchor channel for at least one auxiliary sub-channel used for non-APSTA.

[0160] In some implementations, the punching component 950 can be configured or be configured to send an indication of static punching for a portion of at least one secondary sub-channel (e.g., corresponding to an anchor channel) for a non-AP STA, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the primary sub-channel is based on static punching.

[0161] In some specific implementations, the secondary subchannel communication component 930 can be configured or be configured to transmit an indication for a non-APSTA to switch from a first anchor channel of at least one secondary subchannel for a non-APSTA to a second anchor channel of at least one secondary subchannel for a non-APSTA, wherein communication with the non-APSTA via one or more frequency resources is based on the second anchor channel.

[0162] In some implementations, the first frame includes an announcement frame, and the DSO initial frame switching component 925 can be configured or is configured to send a second frame for a non-AP STA to switch to one or more frequency resources, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via one or more frequency resources is based on the second frame.

[0163] In some implementations, the first frame includes an announcement frame, and the DSO initial frame switching component 925 can be configured or configured to determine, based on the OBSS STA, to send a trigger frame for a non-AP STA. In some implementations, the first frame includes an announcement frame, and the DSO initial frame switching component 925 can be configured or configured to determine, and send a trigger frame for a non-AP STA to switch to one or more frequency resources. In some implementations, the first frame includes an announcement frame, and the DSO initial frame switching component 925 can be configured or configured to receive a response frame acknowledging that the non-AP STA has switched to one or more frequency resources for the DSO session based on the trigger frame.

[0164] In some implementations, the first frame includes a trigger frame for a non-AP STA to switch to one or more frequency resources, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via one or more frequency resources is based on the trigger frame.

[0165] In some specific implementations, communication with non-AP STAs via one or more frequency resources confirms that a non-AP STA has switched to one or more frequency resources for a DSO session.

[0166] In some implementations, the first frame includes an NDP announcement frame. In some implementations, the DSO initial frame switching component 925 can be configured or configured to receive probe NDP frames, BFRP frames, compressed beamforming feedback frames, or combinations thereof based on the NDP announcement frame, wherein the probe NDP frame, BFRP frame, compressed beamforming feedback frame, or combinations thereof confirms a non-APSTA handover to one or more frequency resources for a DSO session. In some implementations, the NDP announcement frame includes a portion of the bandwidth information field of the STA information field corresponding to the non-APSTA, which indicates one or more frequency resources for the DSO session for the non-APSTA. In some implementations, the NDP announcement frame includes MAC padding, a STA information field including a first value corresponding to the padding content, an initial frame check sequence prior to padding, or combinations thereof.

[0167] In some implementations, the first frame includes an eMBA frame. In some implementations, the eMBA frame includes an AID field, an Acknowledgment Type field, a TID field, or a combination thereof indicating that the eMBA frame is associated with a DSO session. In some implementations, the eMBA frame includes a BA Start Sequence Control field, a BA Bitmap field, or both, indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for a non-AP STA.

[0168] In some implementations, the first frame includes a BAR frame. In some implementations, the BAR frame includes a BAR type field indicating that the BAR frame is associated with a DSO session. In some implementations, the BAR frame includes a BAR information field indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for a non-AP STA.

[0169] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1000 that can be performed by or at a non-AP STA supporting semi-static handover for a DSO is shown. Operation of process 1000 can be implemented by a non-AP STA (such as STA 104) or components thereof as described herein. For example, process 1000 can be performed by a wireless communication device (such as a reference STA) operating as a wireless STA or within that wireless AP. Figure 8 The process 1000 is performed by the described wireless communication device 800. In some specific implementations, the process 1000 may be performed by a wireless STA (such as reference STA). Figure 1 The STA described in STA 104 is used to perform this action.

[0170] In some implementations, in block 1005, a non-AP STA can receive a first frame via a primary sub-channel associated with an AP STA. This first frame indicates one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for the non-AP STA, which are included in at least one secondary sub-channel associated with the AP STA. Operation of block 1005 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of operation of block 1005 can be derived from references... Figure 8 The DSO initial frame exchange component 825 is described to perform this action.

[0171] In some implementations, in block 1010, a non-AP STA can communicate over one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs based on the activation of the DSO session based on the first frame. The operation of block 1010 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1010 can be derived from references... Figure 8 The described DSO session component 830 is used for execution.

[0172] In some implementations, in block 1015, a non-AP STA can communicate via the master sub-channel based on the deactivation of a DSO session based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both. Operation of block 1015 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of operation of block 1015 can be derived from references... Figure 8 The master-slave channel communication component 835 is described to perform this.

[0173] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating an example process 1100 that can be performed by or at an AP STA supporting semi-static handover for a DSO is shown. Operation of process 1100 can be implemented by an AP STA (such as AP102) or its components as described herein. For example, process 1100 can be performed by a wireless communication device (such as a reference MAC address) operating as a wireless AP or within that wireless AP. Figure 9 The described wireless communication device 900) performs the procedure. In some specific implementations, the process 1100 may be performed by a wireless AP (such as reference 900). Figure 1 The AP described in AP 102 is used to perform this action.

[0174] In some implementations, in block 1105, the AP STA may transmit a first frame via its primary subchannel, indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session for a non-AP STA, which are included in at least one secondary subchannel of the AP STA. Operation of block 1105 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of operation of block 1105 may be provided by reference to [reference needed]. Figure 9 The DSO initial frame exchange component 925 is described to perform this action.

[0175] In some implementations, in block 1110, the AP STA can communicate with a non-AP STA via one or more frequency resources for a set of multiple TxOPs, based on the activation of a DSO session at the non-AP STA in the first frame. The operation of block 1110 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1110 can be derived from references... Figure 9 The auxiliary sub-channel communication component 930 described herein is used to perform this.

[0176] In some implementations, in block 1115, the AP STA can communicate with a non-AP STA via the master sub-channel based on the deactivation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA, triggered by time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both. The operation of block 1115 can be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of block 1115 can be derived from references... Figure 9 The master-slave channel communication component 935 is described to perform this.

[0177] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses: Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a non-AP STA, the method comprising: receiving a first frame via a primary sub-channel associated with an AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session of the non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel associated with the AP STA; communicating for a plurality of TxOPs via the one or more frequency resources based at least in part on activation of the DSO session based on the first frame; and communicating via the primary sub-channel based at least in part on deactivation of the DSO session based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0178] Aspect 2: According to the method of aspect 1, the method further includes: receiving an indication of duration for operations in the DSO session; and switching to the master sub-channel for communication via the master sub-channel based at least in part on the expiration of the duration, wherein the time-based triggering includes the duration.

[0179] Aspect 3: The method according to aspect 2, wherein the indication of the duration is received in the first frame, management frame, beacon frame or a combination thereof.

[0180] Aspect 4: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, the method further comprising: receiving an indication of the deactivated TSF value for the DSO session; and switching to the master sub-channel for communication via the master sub-channel based at least in part on the TSF value, wherein the time-based triggering includes the TSF value.

[0181] Aspect 5: The method according to aspect 4, wherein the indication of the TSF value is received in the first frame, management frame, beacon frame or a combination thereof.

[0182] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, the method further comprising: switching the master sub-channel for communication via the master sub-channel based at least in part on a first TBTT associated with the AP STA, a second TBTT for a DTIM beacon associated with the AP STA, a TWT SP associated with the AP STA, or a combination thereof, wherein the time-based triggering includes the first TBTT, the second TBTT, the TWT SP, or a combination thereof.

[0183] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, the method further comprising: receiving a second frame via the one or more frequency resources, the second frame instructing the non-AP STA to switch back to the primary sub-channel; and switching to the primary sub-channel for communication via the primary sub-channel based at least in part on the second frame, wherein the frame-based triggering includes the second frame.

[0184] Aspect 8: According to the method of aspect 7, wherein the second frame indicates one or more second frequency resources for the non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being at least partially included in the primary sub-channel.

[0185] Aspect 9: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, the method further comprising: receiving a second frame via the one or more frequency resources, the second frame indicating one or more second frequency resources for the DSO session of the non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being included in at least one second secondary sub-channel associated with the AP STA, the at least one second secondary sub-channel being different from the at least one secondary sub-channel; and switching to the one or more second frequency resources based at least in part on the second frame and the DSO session at the non-AP STA.

[0186] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, the method further comprising: switching to the master sub-channel for communication via the master sub-channel prior to the time-based trigger; and sending a second frame via the master sub-channel to indicate the switch to the master sub-channel.

[0187] Aspect 11: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein communicating for the plurality of TxOPs via the one or more frequency resources comprises: receiving one or more MU PPDUs; transmitting one or more TB PPDUs; or both.

[0188] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the at least one secondary subchannel includes at least one primary O subchannel, and wherein communication for the plurality of TxOPs via the one or more frequency resources comprises: receiving one or more downlink frames at least in part based on the at least one primary O subchannel; transmitting one or more uplink frames at least in part based on an OBSS STA occupying the primary subchannel and a contention process for the at least one primary O subchannel; or both.

[0189] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein communicating for the plurality of TxOPs via the one or more frequency resources comprises: receiving a group addressing frame corresponding to a DUP PPDU format via the one or more frequency resources.

[0190] Aspect 14: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein communicating for the plurality of TxOPs via the one or more frequency resources comprises: monitoring a portion of the at least one auxiliary sub-channel for one or more PPDUs.

[0191] Aspect 15: The method according to aspect 14, the method further comprising: receiving an instruction for static puncturing of the at least one secondary sub-channel; and switching to the primary sub-channel for communication via the primary sub-channel based at least in part on the instruction for static puncturing.

[0192] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of Aspects 14 to 15, wherein the portion includes a first anchor channel, the method further comprising: receiving an indication for switching from the first anchor channel to a second anchor channel of the at least one secondary sub-channel; and monitoring the second anchor channel for one or more additional PPDUs based at least in part on the indication for switching.

[0193] Aspect 17: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16, wherein the first frame includes a declaration frame, the method further comprising: receiving a second frame that triggers a switch to the one or more frequency resources, wherein communication via the one or more frequency resources is based at least in part on the second frame.

[0194] Aspect 18: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein the first frame includes a trigger frame for triggering a switch to the one or more frequency resources, wherein communication via the one or more frequency resources is based at least in part on the trigger frame.

[0195] Aspect 19: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 18, the method further comprising: sending a response frame, the response frame confirming a switch to the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session.

[0196] Aspect 20: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 19, wherein a communication confirmation is made via the one or more frequency resources to switch to the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session.

[0197] Aspect 21: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 20, wherein the first frame includes an NDP announcement frame.

[0198] Aspect 22: The method according to aspect 21, the method further comprising: transmitting a probe NDP frame, a BFRP frame, a compressed beamforming feedback frame, or a combination thereof, at least in part based on the NDP announcement frame, wherein the probe NDP frame, the BFRP frame, the compressed beamforming feedback frame, or the combination thereof confirms a switch to the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session.

[0199] Aspect 23: The method according to any one of Aspects 21 to 22, wherein the NDP announcement frame includes a partial bandwidth information field of the STA information field corresponding to the non-AP STA, the partial bandwidth information field indicating the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session of the non-AP STA.

[0200] Aspect 24: The method according to any one of Aspects 21 to 23, wherein the NDP announcement frame includes MAC padding, an STA information field including a first value corresponding to the padding content, an initial FCS prior to padding, or a combination thereof.

[0201] Aspect 25: The method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 24, wherein the first frame includes an eMBA frame.

[0202] Aspect 26: According to the method of aspect 25, the eMBA frame includes an AID field, an acknowledgment type field, a TID field, or a combination thereof indicating that the eMBA frame is associated with the DSO session; and the eMBA frame includes a block acknowledgment start sequence control field, a block acknowledgment bitmap field, or both indicating the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session of the non-AP STA.

[0203] Aspect 27: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 26, wherein the first frame includes a BAR frame.

[0204] Aspect 28: According to the method of aspect 27, wherein the BAR frame includes a BAR type field indicating that the BAR frame is associated with the DSO session; and the BAR frame includes a BAR information field indicating the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session of the non-AP STA.

[0205] Aspect 29: A method for wireless communication at an AP STA, the method comprising: transmitting a first frame via a primary sub-channel of the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a DSO session of a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary sub-channel of the AP STA; communicating with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for a plurality of TxOPs based at least in part on activation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on the first frame; and communicating with the non-AP STA via the primary sub-channel based at least in part on deactivation of the DSO session at the non-AP STA based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

[0206] Aspect 30: The method according to aspect 29 further includes: sending an indication of the duration of an operation for the DSO session, wherein the time-based triggering includes the duration.

[0207] Aspect 31: According to the method of aspect 30, sending the indication of the duration comprises: sending a management frame of the duration indicating the operation in the DSO session to a plurality of non-AP STAs, including at least the non-AP STA.

[0208] Aspect 32: The method according to any one of aspects 30 to 31, wherein the first frame includes the indication of the duration.

[0209] Aspect 33: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 32, the method further comprising: sending an indication of the deactivated TSF value for the DSO session at the non-AP STA, wherein the time-based triggering includes the TSF value.

[0210] Aspect 34: The method according to aspect 33, wherein the indication of the TSF value is transmitted in the first frame, the management frame, or a combination thereof.

[0211] Aspect 35: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 34, wherein the time-based triggering includes a first TBTT associated with the AP STA, a second TBTT for a DTIM beacon associated with the AP STA, a TWT SP associated with the AP STA, or a combination thereof.

[0212] Aspect 36: The method according to any one of aspects 29 to 35, the method further comprising: transmitting a second frame via the one or more frequency resources, the second frame instructing the non-AP STA to switch back to the master sub-channel, wherein the frame-based triggering includes the second frame.

[0213] Aspect 37: According to the method of aspect 36, wherein the second frame indicates one or more second frequency resources for the non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being at least partially included in the primary sub-channel.

[0214] Aspect 38: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 37, the method further comprising: transmitting a second frame via the one or more frequency resources, the second frame indicating one or more second frequency resources for the DSO session of the non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being included in at least one second secondary sub-channel of the AP STA, the at least one second secondary sub-channel being different from the at least one secondary sub-channel; and communicating with the non-AP STA via the one or more second frequency resources for a second plurality of TxOPs at least in part based on the second frame and the DSO session at the non-AP STA.

[0215] Aspect 39: The method according to any one of aspects 29 to 38, the method further comprising: receiving a second frame via the master sub-channel, the second frame instructing the non-AP STA to switch to the master sub-channel, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the master sub-channel is based at least in part on the second frame.

[0216] Aspect 40: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 39, wherein communicating with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for the plurality of TxOPs comprises: scheduling one or more resources within the at least one secondary sub-channel for communication with the non-AP STA when the DSO session is active at the non-AP STA.

[0217] Aspect 41: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 40, wherein communicating with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for the plurality of TxOPs comprises: transmitting one or more MU PPDUs; receiving one or more TB PPDUs; or both.

[0218] Aspect 42: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 41, wherein the at least one secondary sub-channel includes at least one primary O sub-channel, and wherein communicating for the plurality of TxOPs via the one or more frequency resources comprises: detecting an OBSS STA occupying the primary sub-channel; and transmitting one or more frames via the at least one primary O sub-channel based at least in part on the detected OBSS STA.

[0219] Aspect 43: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 42, wherein communicating with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for the plurality of TxOPs comprises: transmitting a group addressing frame corresponding to the DUP PPDU format via the one or more frequency resources.

[0220] Aspect 44: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 43, the method further comprising: suppressing dynamic puncturing of the anchor channel for the at least one auxiliary sub-channel of the non-AP STA.

[0221] Aspect 45: The method according to any one of aspects 29 to 44, the method further comprising: sending an indication for static puncturing of a portion of the at least one secondary sub-channel for the non-AP STA, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the primary sub-channel is at least partially based on the static puncturing.

[0222] Aspect 46: The method according to any one of aspects 29 to 45, the method further comprising: sending an indication for the non-APSTA to switch from a first anchor channel of the at least one secondary sub-channel for the non-APSTA to a second anchor channel of the at least one secondary sub-channel for the non-APSTA, wherein communication with the non-APSTA via the one or more frequency resources is at least partially based on the second anchor channel.

[0223] Aspect 47: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 46, wherein the first frame includes an announcement frame, the method further comprising: sending a second frame for the non-AP STA to switch to the one or more frequency resources, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources is based at least in part on the second frame.

[0224] Aspect 48: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 47, wherein the first frame includes an announcement frame, the method further comprising: determining, at least in part, based on an OBSS STA, to send a trigger frame for the non-AP STA; sending, at least in part, based on the determination, the trigger frame for the non-AP STA to switch to the one or more frequency resources; and receiving a response frame acknowledging that the non-AP STA has switched to the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session, at least in part, based on the trigger frame.

[0225] Aspect 49: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 48, wherein the first frame includes a trigger frame for the non-APSTA to switch to the one or more frequency resources, wherein communication with the non-APSTA via the one or more frequency resources is based at least in part on the trigger frame.

[0226] Aspect 50: The method according to any one of aspects 29 to 49, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources confirms the non-AP STA's switch to the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session.

[0227] Aspect 51: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 50, wherein the first frame includes an NDP announcement frame.

[0228] Aspect 52: The method according to aspect 51, the method further comprising: receiving, at least in part, a probe NDP frame, a BFRP frame, a compressed beamforming feedback frame, or a combination thereof based on the NDP announcement frame, wherein the probe NDP frame, the BFRP frame, the compressed beamforming feedback frame, or the combination thereof confirms that the non-AP STA has switched to the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session.

[0229] Aspect 53: The method according to any one of Aspects 51 to 52, wherein the NDP announcement frame includes a partial bandwidth information field of the STA information field corresponding to the non-AP STA, the partial bandwidth information field indicating the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session of the non-AP STA.

[0230] Aspect 54: The method according to any one of Aspects 51 to 53, wherein the NDP announcement frame includes MAC padding, an STA information field including a first value corresponding to the padding content, an initial FCS prior to padding, or a combination thereof.

[0231] Aspect 55: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 54, wherein the first frame includes an eMBA frame.

[0232] Aspect 56: According to the method of aspect 55, the eMBA frame includes an AID field, an acknowledgment type field, a TID field, or a combination thereof indicating that the eMBA frame is associated with the DSO session; and the eMBA frame includes a block acknowledgment start sequence control field, a block acknowledgment bitmap field, or both indicating the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session of the non-AP STA.

[0233] Aspect 57: The method according to any one of Aspects 29 to 56, wherein the first frame includes a BAR frame.

[0234] Aspect 58: According to the method of aspect 57, wherein the BAR frame includes a BAR type field indicating that the BAR frame is associated with the DSO session; and the BAR frame includes a BAR information field indicating the one or more frequency resources for the DSO session of the non-AP STA.

[0235] Aspect 59: A non-AP STA comprising a processing system including processor circuitry and memory circuitry for storing code, the processing system being configured to cause the non-AP STA to perform the method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 28.

[0236] Aspect 60: A non-AP STA for wireless communication, the non-AP STA comprising at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 28.

[0237] Aspect 61: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, said code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 28.

[0238] Aspect 62: An AP STA including a processing system comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry storing code, the processing system being configured to cause the AP STA to perform the method according to any one of aspects 29 to 58.

[0239] Aspect 63: An AP STA for wireless communication, the AP STA including at least one component for performing the method according to any one of aspects 29 to 58.

[0240] Aspect 64: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, said code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of aspects 29 to 58.

[0241] As used herein, the term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions, and therefore, "determine" can include calculation, computation, processing, derivation, estimation, investigation, searching (such as by searching in a table, database, or other data structure), reasoning, probing, or measurement, among other possibilities. Furthermore, "determine" can include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data stored in memory), or sending (such as sending information), among other possibilities. Additionally, "determine" can include parsing, selecting, obtaining, choosing, building, and other similar actions.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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.

[0245] Various modifications to the examples described in this disclosure 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.

[0246] Additionally, the various features described in this specification in the context of individual examples 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 embodiments, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0247] 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 non-access point (AP) station (STA), the non-access point (AP) station (STA) comprising: The processing system, comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry for storing code, is configured to cause the non-AP STA to: A first frame is received via a primary subchannel associated with the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a dynamic subchannel operation session of the non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary subchannel associated with the AP STA; Based on the activation of the dynamic subchannel operation session at least in part based on the first frame, communication is conducted via the one or more frequency resources for multiple transmission opportunities; as well as Communication is conducted via the main subchannel based on the deactivation of the dynamic subchannel operation session, at least in part, on a time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

2. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the non-AP STA to: Receive a duration indication of the operation for the dynamic subchannel operation session; and The master sub-channel is switched to for communication via the master sub-channel at least in part based on the expiration of the duration, wherein the time-based triggering includes the duration.

3. The non-AP STA of claim 2, wherein the indication of the duration is received in the first frame, management frame, beacon frame, or a combination thereof.

4. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the non-AP STA to: A second frame is received via one or more frequency resources, the second frame instructing the non-AP STA to switch back to the primary sub-channel; and The master-sub-channel is switched to at least in part based on the second frame for communication via the master-sub-channel, wherein the frame-based triggering includes the second frame.

5. The non-AP STA of claim 4, wherein the second frame indicates one or more second frequency resources for the non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being at least partially included in the primary sub-channel.

6. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the non-AP STA to: A second frame is received via the one or more frequency resources, the second frame indicating one or more second frequency resources for the dynamic subchannel operation session of the non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being included in at least one second secondary subchannel associated with the AP STA, the at least one second secondary subchannel being different from the at least one secondary subchannel; and The switch to the one or more second frequency resources is based at least in part on the second frame and the dynamic subchannel operation session at the non-AP STA.

7. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the non-AP STA to: Switching to the master-slave channel before the time-based trigger for communication via the master-slave channel; and A second frame is sent via the master-sub-channel to indicate a switch to the master-sub-channel.

8. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein, in order to communicate via the one or more frequency resources for the plurality of transmission opportunities, the processing system is configured to cause the non-AP STA to: Receive one or more multi-user physical layer protocol data units; Send one or more trigger-based physical layer protocol data units; or both.

9. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein, in order to communicate via the one or more frequency resources for the plurality of transmission opportunities, the processing system is configured to cause the non-AP STA to: Monitor a portion of the at least one auxiliary subchannel for one or more physical layer protocol data units.

10. The non-AP STA of claim 9, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the non-AP STA to: Receive an instruction for static puncturing of the at least one secondary sub-channel; and The master sub-channel is switched to for communication via the master sub-channel, at least in part based on the instruction to the static punch.

11. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein the first frame comprises a declaration frame, and the processing system is further configured to cause the non-AP STA to: A second frame is received that triggers a switch to the one or more frequency resources, wherein communication via the one or more frequency resources is based at least in part on the second frame.

12. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein the first frame includes a trigger frame for triggering a handover to the one or more frequency resources, wherein communication via the one or more frequency resources is based at least in part on the trigger frame.

13. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the non-AP STA to: A response frame is sent, which confirms the switch to the one or more frequency resources for the dynamic subchannel operation session.

14. The non-AP STA of claim 1, wherein a communication confirmation handover is performed via the one or more frequency resources to the one or more frequency resources used for the dynamic subchannel operation session.

15. An access point (AP) station (STA), the access point (AP) station (STA) comprising: A processing system, comprising processor circuitry and memory circuitry for storing code, is configured to cause the AP STA to: A first frame is transmitted via the primary subchannel of the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a dynamic subchannel operation session of a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary subchannel of the AP STA; Based on the activation of the dynamic subchannel operation session at the non-AP STA at least in part based on the first frame, communication with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources is conducted for multiple transmission opportunities; as well as Based on the deactivation of the dynamic subchannel operation session at the non-AP STA at least in part based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both, communication is made with the non-AP STA via the main subchannel.

16. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the AP STA to: Send an indication of the duration of an operation for the dynamic subchannel operation session, wherein the time-based triggering includes the duration.

17. The AP STA of claim 16, wherein in order to send the indication of the duration, the processing system is configured to cause the AP STA to: Send the duration management frame indicating the operation for the dynamic subchannel operation session to a plurality of non-AP STAs, including at least the non-AP STA.

18. The AP STA of claim 16, wherein the first frame includes the indication of the duration.

19. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the AP STA to: A second frame is transmitted via the one or more frequency resources, the second frame instructing the non-AP STA to switch back to the master sub-channel, wherein the frame-based triggering includes the second frame.

20. The AP STA of claim 19, wherein the second frame indicates one or more second frequency resources for the non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being at least partially included in the primary sub-channel.

21. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the AP STA to: A second frame is transmitted via the one or more frequency resources, the second frame indicating one or more second frequency resources for the dynamic subchannel operation session of the non-AP STA, the one or more second frequency resources being included in at least one second secondary subchannel of the AP STA, the at least one second secondary subchannel being different from the at least one secondary subchannel; and Based at least in part on the second frame and the dynamic subchannel operation session at the non-AP STA, communication with the non-AP STA is conducted via the one or more second frequency resources for a second plurality of transmission opportunities.

22. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the AP STA to: A second frame is received via the master sub-channel, the second frame instructing the non-AP STA to switch to the master sub-channel, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the master sub-channel is based at least in part on the second frame.

23. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein, in order to communicate with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for the plurality of transmission opportunities, the processing system is configured to cause the AP STA to: When the dynamic subchannel operation session is active at the non-AP STA, one or more resources within the at least one auxiliary subchannel are scheduled for communication with the non-AP STA.

24. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein, in order to communicate with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources for the plurality of transmission opportunities, the processing system is configured to cause the AP STA to: Send one or more multi-user physical layer protocol data units; Receive one or more trigger-based physical layer protocol data units; or both.

25. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein the first frame includes a declaration frame, and the processing system is further configured to cause the AP STA to: A second frame is sent for the non-AP STA to switch to the one or more frequency resources, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources is based at least in part on the second frame.

26. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein the first frame includes a declaration frame, and the processing system is further configured to cause the AP STA to: The trigger frame to be sent for the non-AP STA is determined at least in part based on the overlapping basic service set STA; The trigger frame for the non-AP STA to switch to the one or more frequency resources is sent at least in part based on the determination; as well as A response frame is received, which confirms that the non-AP STA has switched to the one or more frequency resources for the dynamic subchannel operation session, at least in part, based on the trigger frame.

27. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein the first frame includes a trigger frame for the non-AP STA to switch to the one or more frequency resources, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources is at least partially based on the trigger frame.

28. The AP STA of claim 15, wherein communication with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources confirms the non-AP STA's switch to the one or more frequency resources for the dynamic subchannel operation session.

29. A method for wireless communication at a non-access point (AP) station (STA), the method comprising: A first frame is received via a primary subchannel associated with the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a dynamic subchannel operation session of the non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary subchannel associated with the AP STA; Based on the activation of the dynamic subchannel operation session at least in part based on the first frame, communication is conducted via the one or more frequency resources for multiple transmission opportunities; as well as Communication is conducted via the main subchannel based on the deactivation of the dynamic subchannel operation session, at least in part, on a time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both.

30. A method for wireless communication at an access point (AP) station (STA), the method comprising: A first frame is transmitted via the primary subchannel of the AP STA, the first frame indicating one or more frequency resources for a dynamic subchannel operation session of a non-AP STA, the one or more frequency resources being included in at least one secondary subchannel of the AP STA; Based on the activation of the dynamic subchannel operation session at the non-AP STA at least in part based on the first frame, communication with the non-AP STA via the one or more frequency resources is conducted for multiple transmission opportunities; as well as Based on the deactivation of the dynamic subchannel operation session at the non-AP STA at least in part based on time-based triggering, frame-based triggering, or both, communication is made with the non-AP STA via the main subchannel.

Images