Proxy transmission in wireless networks

Abstract

Embodiments include a station (STA) in a wireless network, the STA comprising a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor configured to: receive, from a source STA, a first discovery frame, the first discovery frame comprising one or more services intended for proxy transmission and one or more service identifiers, each service identifier associated with a respective one of the one or more services, identify the one or more services based on the one or more service identifiers, generate a second discovery frame based on the first discovery frame, wherein the second discovery frame comprises the one or more services intended for proxy transmission included in the first discovery frame; and transmit, on behalf of the source STA, the second discovery frame to one or more other STAs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication systems, and more specifically to proxy transmissions in wireless networks, for example, but not limited to. Background Technology

[0002] Since the late 1990s, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology has evolved towards increasing data rates and continues to grow in various markets such as homes, businesses, and hotspots. WLAN allows devices to access the Internet in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz frequency bands. WLAN is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. The IEEE 802.11 standard family is designed to improve speed and reliability and extend the operational range of wireless networks.

[0003] WLAN devices increasingly need to support a variety of latency-sensitive or real-time applications, such as augmented reality (AR), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and autonomous vehicles. To achieve the extremely low latency and extremely high throughput required for such applications, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) has been proposed for WLANs. A WLAN is formed by WLAN devices within a limited area such as a home, school, apartment, or office building. Each WLAN device can have one or more stations (STAs), such as access point (AP) STAs and non-access point (non-AP) STAs.

[0004] Wi-Fi Awareness (also known as Neighbor Aware Networking (NAN)) is a specification proposed by the Wi-Fi Alliance focusing on ad-hoc peer-to-peer (P2P) networking. This specification allows devices to connect to each other to meet specific service-based needs. A key feature of this specification is discovery. NAN discovery can be handled by a NAN discovery engine and can include publishing service announcements for devices within the NAN network. NAN service announcements are typically sent multiple times (e.g., periodically) by devices in a NAN cluster. Devices offering / requesting services can make service announcements. Many devices have limited power, so frequent announcement sending can be an expensive activity.

[0005] There are many ways to publish service announcements. For example, a NAN device can initiate periodic announcements to solicit subscriptions to one or more services. Alternatively, a NAN device can initiate this by repeatedly (e.g., periodically) sending subscription messages to search for another device offering a specific service. In either case, to increase the likelihood of finding a matching publisher / subscriber, it may be necessary to repeat these messages over an extended period of time.

[0006] The descriptions set forth in the Background section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because they are set forth in the Background section. The Background section may describe aspects or embodiments of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure provides a station (STA) in a wireless network, the STA including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive a first discovery frame from a source STA, the first discovery frame including one or more services intended for proxy transmissions and one or more service identifiers, each service identifier associated with a corresponding service among the one or more services. The processor is configured to identify the one or more services based on the one or more service identifiers. The processor is configured to generate a second discovery frame based on the first discovery frame, wherein the second discovery frame includes the one or more services included in the first discovery frame intended for proxy transmissions. The processor is configured to send the second discovery frame on behalf of the source STA to one or more other STAs.

[0009] In some embodiments, the one or more services include a publishing service or a subscription service, wherein the publishing service is a service provided by the source STA to the one or more other STAs, and the subscription service is a service sought by the source STA from the one or more other STAs.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first discovery frame requests the STA to send a second discovery frame.

[0011] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to: receive a trigger frame requesting the STA to send a second discovery frame, and in response to the trigger frame send a second discovery frame to the one or more other STAs.

[0012] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to send a second discovery frame after a time offset following the receipt of the first discovery frame from the source STA.

[0013] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to receive a third discovery frame from a source STA, the third discovery frame including updated one or more services intended for proxy transport and updated one or more service identifiers, each updated service identifier being associated with a corresponding one of the one or more services, generate a fourth discovery frame based on the third discovery frame, wherein the fourth discovery frame includes the updated one or more services intended for proxy transport included in the third discovery frame, and send the fourth discovery frame to one or more other STAs.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first discovery frame is received during the discovery window.

[0015] In some embodiments, a first discovery frame is received in a first frequency band, and a second discovery frame is transmitted in a second frequency band.

[0016] One aspect of this disclosure provides a station (STA) in a wireless network, the STA including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to send a first discovery frame to a proxy STA, the first discovery frame including one or more services intended for proxy transmission and one or more service identifiers, each associated with a corresponding one of the one or more services. The processor is configured to listen for transmissions of a second discovery frame derived from the first discovery frame to one or more other STAs during one or more anticipated discovery windows in which the proxy STA is expected to perform a proxy transmission of a second discovery frame.

[0017] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to determine that the agent STA has not sent the second discovery frame for a predetermined time, and to retransmit the first discovery frame to the agent STA.

[0018] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to send a trigger frame to the agent STA requesting the agent STA to send a second discovery frame.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first discovery frame is sent during the discovery window.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first discovery frame is transmitted in the first frequency band, and the second discovery frame is transmitted in the second frequency band.

[0021] One aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for wireless communication by a station (STA) in a wireless network. The computer-implemented method includes: receiving a first discovery frame from a source STA, the first discovery frame including one or more services intended for proxy transmission and one or more service identifiers each associated with a corresponding service among the one or more services; identifying the one or more services based on the one or more service identifiers; generating a second discovery frame based on the first discovery frame, wherein the second discovery frame includes the one or more services intended for proxy transmission included in the first discovery frame; and transmitting the second discovery frame on behalf of the source STA to one or more other STAs.

[0022] One aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for wireless communication by a station (STA) in a wireless network. The computer-implemented method includes sending a first discovery frame to an agent STA, the first discovery frame including one or more services intended for proxy transmission and one or more service identifiers associated with a corresponding one of the one or more services, and listening for transmissions of a second discovery frame derived from the first discovery frame to one or more other STAs during one or more anticipated discovery windows in which the agent STA is expected to perform proxy transmission of a second discovery frame. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 An example of a wireless network according to an embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 2A An example of an AP according to an embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 2B An example of a STA according to an embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 An example of multi-link communication operation according to an embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 The architecture of a Neighbor-Aware Networking (NAN) engine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 The operation between two devices involved in discovery via a proxy device, according to an embodiment, is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 6 Communication for proxy transmission between a source device and a proxy device according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 7 A block diagram example depicting a source device triggering the transmission of a discovery frame by a proxy device, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0031] Figure 8 An example is shown depicting a source device verifying agent operations by listening to discovery frame transmissions, according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9 This refers to communication between a source device and a proxy device based on a trigger frame, according to an embodiment, for proxy transmission.

[0033] Figure 10 An example is shown depicting a source device sending a discovery frame to be transmitted via a proxy, according to an embodiment, followed by a trigger message for initiating proxy transmission.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, not all components depicted in each figure are necessary, and one or more embodiments may include additional components not shown in the figures. Variations in the arrangement and type of components may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe various embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the subject matter can be practiced. Rather, this detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the invention. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. The same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0036] The following description pertains to certain embodiments for the purpose of describing 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. The examples in this disclosure are based on WLAN communication according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, including the IEEE 802.11be standard and any future revisions to the IEEE 802.11 standard. However, the described embodiments can be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, Bluetooth standard, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunking Radio (TETRA), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolved Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High-Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High-Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G NR (New Radio), AMPS, or other known signals for communicating within wireless, cellular, or Internet of Things (IoT) networks, such as systems utilizing 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G technologies, or further embodiments thereof.

[0037] Depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "access point" or "AP," such as "router" or "gateway." For convenience, the term "AP" is used in this disclosure to refer to a network infrastructure component that provides wireless access to remote terminals. In a WLAN, assuming that the AP also contends for the wireless channel, the AP may also be referred to as a STA. Furthermore, depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "station" or "STA," such as "mobile station," "subscriber station," "remote terminal," "user equipment," "wireless terminal," or "user equipment." For convenience, the terms "station" and "STA" are used in this disclosure to refer to a remote wireless device that wirelessly accesses an AP or contends for a wireless channel in a WLAN, whether the STA is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or smartphone) or a generally considered fixed device (such as a desktop computer, AP, media player, fixed sensor, television, etc.).

[0038] Multilink Operation (MLO) is a key feature currently being developed by the standards body for next-generation Ultra High Throughput (EHT) Wi-Fi systems in IEEE 802.11be. Wi-Fi devices that support MLO are called Multilink Devices (MLDs). Using MLO, a non-AP MLD can discover, authenticate, associate, and establish multiple links with an AP MLD. Channel access and frame switching can occur on each link between the AP MLD and non-AP MLDs.

[0039] Figure 1 An example of a wireless network 100 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the wireless network 100 is for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, wireless network 100 may include multiple wireless communication devices. Each wireless communication device may include one or more stations (STAs). An STA may be a logical entity that is a separate addressable instance of an interface to the Media Access Control (MAC) layer and Physical (PHY) layer of the wireless medium. STAs may be classified as Access Point (AP) STAs and Non-Access Point (Non-AP) STAs. An AP STA may be an entity that provides access to distribution system services to an associated STA via the wireless medium. A Non-AP STA may be a STA not included within an AP-STA. For simplicity, an AP STA may be referred to as an AP, and a Non-AP STA may be referred to as a STA. Figure 1In the example, AP 101 and AP 103 are wireless communication devices, each of which may include one or more AP STAs. In such an embodiment, AP 101 and AP 103 may be AP multilink devices (MLDs). Similarly, STAs 111-114 are wireless communication devices, each of which may include one or more non-AP STAs. In such an embodiment, STAs 111-114 may be non-AP MLDs.

[0041] AP 101 and AP 103 communicate with at least one network 130, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network. AP 101 provides wireless access to network 130 to multiple stations (STAs) 111-114 in the coverage area 120 of AP 101. AP 101 and AP 103 can communicate with each other and with the STAs using Wi-Fi or other WLAN communication technologies.

[0042] Depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "access point" or "AP," such as "router" or "gateway." For convenience, the term "AP" is used in this disclosure to refer to a network infrastructure component that provides wireless access to remote terminals. In a WLAN, assuming that the AP also contends for the wireless channel, the AP may also be referred to as a STA. Furthermore, depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "station" or "STA," such as "mobile station," "subscriber station," "remote terminal," "user equipment," "wireless terminal," or "user equipment." For convenience, the terms "station" and "STA" are used in this disclosure to refer to a remote wireless device that wirelessly accesses an AP or contends for a wireless channel in a WLAN, whether the STA is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or smartphone) or a generally considered fixed device (such as a desktop computer, AP, media player, fixed sensor, television, etc.).

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the dashed lines indicate the approximate extent of the coverage areas 120 and 125 of AP 101 and AP 103, which are shown as approximately circular for illustrative and explanatory purposes. It should be clearly understood that, depending on the configuration of the APs, the coverage areas associated with the APs (such as coverage areas 120 and 125) may have other shapes, including irregular shapes.

[0044] As described in more detail below, one or more APs in an AP may include circuitry and / or procedures for managing MU-MIMO and OFDMA channel detection in a WLAN. Although Figure 1 An example of a wireless network 100 is shown, but more details can be found on other wireless networks. Figure 1Various modifications can be made. For example, wireless network 100 can include any number of APs and any number of STAs in any suitable arrangement. Furthermore, AP 101 can communicate directly with any number of STAs and provide these STAs with wireless broadband access to network 130. Similarly, each of AP 101 and AP 103 can communicate directly with network 130 and provide STAs with direct wireless broadband access to network 130. Additionally, AP 101 and / or 103 can provide access to other or additional external networks, such as external telephone networks or other types of data networks.

[0045] Figure 2A An example of AP 101 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2A The embodiment of AP 101 shown is for illustrative purposes, and Figure 1 AP 103 can have the same or similar configuration. However, APs have a wide variety of configurations, and Figure 2A This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of any particular implementation of AP.

[0046] like Figure 2A As shown, AP 101 may include multiple antennas 204a-204n, multiple radio frequency (RF) transceivers 209a-209n, transmit (TX) processing circuitry 214, and receive (RX) processing circuitry 219. AP 101 may also include a controller / processor 224, a memory 229, and a backhaul or network interface 234. RF transceivers 209a-209n receive incoming RF signals from antennas 204a-204n, such as signals transmitted by STAs in network 100. RF transceivers 209a-209n down-convert the incoming RF signals to generate intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are sent to RX processing circuitry 219, which generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. RX processing circuitry 219 sends the processed baseband signals to controller / processor 224 for further processing.

[0047] TX processing circuit 214 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, network data, email, or interactive video game data) from controller / processor 224. TX processing circuit 214 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. RF transceivers 209a-209n receive the processed baseband or IF signal from TX processing circuit 214 and up-convert the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal transmitted via antennas 204a-204n.

[0048] The controller / processor 224 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the AP 101. For example, the controller / processor 224 may control the RF transceivers 209a-209n, the RX processing circuitry 219, and the TX processing circuitry 214 to receive uplink signals and transmit downlink signals, based on well-known principles. The controller / processor 224 may also support additional functions, such as more advanced wireless communication capabilities. For example, the controller / processor 224 may support beamforming or directional routing operations, where outgoing signals from multiple antennas 204a-204n are weighted differently to effectively direct outgoing signals in a desired direction. The controller / processor 224 may also support OFDMA operations, where outgoing signals are assigned to different subsets of subcarriers for different receivers (e.g., different STAs 111-114). The controller / processor 224 may support a variety of other functions in the AP 101, including combining DLMU-MIMO and OFDMA in the same transmission opportunity. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 224 may include at least one microprocessor or microcontroller. The controller / processor 224 is also capable of executing programs and other processes, such as an operating system, residing in the memory 229. The controller / processor 224 can move data into or out of the memory 229 as needed for the execution process.

[0049] The controller / processor 224 is also coupled to a backhaul or network interface 234. The backhaul or network interface 234 allows the AP 101 to communicate with other devices or systems via a backhaul connection or over a network. Interface 234 can support communication via any suitable wired or wireless connection. For example, interface 234 can allow the AP 101 to communicate via a wired or wireless local area network or via a wired or wireless connection to a larger network, such as the Internet. Interface 234 can include any suitable structure that supports communication via a wired or wireless connection, such as an Ethernet or RF transceiver. Memory 229 is coupled to the controller / processor 224. A portion of memory 229 can include RAM, and another portion of memory 229 can include flash memory or other ROM.

[0050] As described in more detail below, AP 101 may include circuitry and / or procedures for managing the channel detection process in a WLAN. Although Figure 2A An example of AP 101 is shown, but it is possible to compare it with other versions. Figure 2A Various changes can be made. For example, AP101 can include any number of... Figure 2AEach component shown. As a specific example, the AP may include multiple interfaces 234, and the controller / processor 224 may support routing functionality to route data between different network addresses. As another example, although shown as a single instance including TX processing circuitry 214 and a single instance including RX processing circuitry 219, AP 101 may include multiple instances of each (e.g., one for each RF transceiver). Alternatively, only one antenna and RF transceiver path may be included, as in a conventional AP. Moreover, Figure 2A The various components can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added as needed.

[0051] like Figure 2A As shown, in some embodiments, AP 101 may be an AP MLD comprising multiple APs 202a-202n. Each AP 202a-202n is attached to AP MLD 101 and includes multiple antennas 204a-204n, multiple radio frequency (RF) transceivers 209a-209n, transmit (TX) processing circuitry 214, and receive (RX) processing circuitry 219. Each AP 202a-202n may communicate independently with the controller / processor 224 and other components of AP MLD 101. Figure 2A The diagram shows that each AP 202a-202n has multiple antennas individually, but each AP 202a-202n can share multiple antennas 204a-204n without requiring separate multiple antennas. Each AP 202a-202n can represent the physical (PHY) layer and the lower media access control (MAC) layer.

[0052] Figure 2B An example of STA 111 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2B The embodiment of STA 111 shown is for illustrative purposes, and Figure 1 STAs 111-114 can have the same or similar configurations. However, STAs appear in a wide variety of configurations, and Figure 2B This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of any particular implementation of STA.

[0053] like Figure 2B As shown, STA 111 may include an antenna 205, an RF transceiver 210, a TX processing circuit 215, a microphone 220, and an RX processing circuit 225. STA 111 may also include a speaker 230, a controller / processor 240, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 245, a touchscreen 250, a display 255, and a memory 260. The memory 260 may include an operating system (OS) 261 and one or more applications 262.

[0054] RF transceiver 210 receives incoming RF signals transmitted by the AP of network 100 from antenna 205. RF transceiver 210 down-converts the incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are sent to RX processing circuitry 225, which generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. RX processing circuitry 225 sends the processed baseband signals to speaker 230 (e.g., for voice data) or to controller / processor 240 for further processing (e.g., for web browsing data).

[0055] TX processing circuitry 215 receives analog or digital voice data from microphone 220, or other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, email, or interactive video game data) from controller / processor 240. TX processing circuitry 215 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. RF transceiver 210 receives the processed outgoing baseband or IF signal from TX processing circuitry 215 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal transmitted via antenna 205.

[0056] The controller / processor 240 may include one or more processors and executes a basic OS program 261 stored in memory 260 to control the overall operation of STA 111. In one such operation, the controller / processor 240 controls the RF transceiver 210, RX processing circuitry 225, and TX processing circuitry 215 to receive downlink signals and transmit uplink signals according to well-known principles. The controller / processor 240 may also include processing circuitry configured to provide management of the channel detection process in the WLAN. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 240 may include at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0057] The controller / processor 240 is also capable of executing other processes and programs residing in the memory 260, such as operations for managing channel sensing processes in the WLAN. The controller / processor 240 can move data into or out of the memory 260 as needed for the execution of the process. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 240 is configured to execute multiple applications 262, such as applications for channel sensing, including feedback calculations based on received Null Data Packet Advertisements (NDPA) and Null Data Packets (NDP), and sending beamforming feedback reports in response to trigger frames (TF). The controller / processor 240 can operate the multiple applications 262 based on the OS program 261 or in response to signals received from the AP. The controller / processor 240 is also coupled to an I / O interface 245, which provides the STA 111 with the ability to connect to other devices such as laptops and handheld computers. The I / O interface 245 is the communication path between these accessories and the main controller / processor 240.

[0058] The controller / processor 240 is also coupled to input 250 (e.g., a touchscreen) and display 255. An operator of STA 111 can use input 250 to input data into STA 111. Display 255 may be a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, or other display capable of rendering text and / or at least limited graphics (such as from a website). Memory 260 is coupled to the controller / processor 240. A portion of memory 260 may include random access memory (RAM), and another portion of memory 260 may include flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

[0059] although Figure 2B An example of STA 111 is shown, but it is possible to compare it with other models. Figure 2B Make various changes. For example, Figure 2B The various components can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added as needed. In a specific example, STA 111 may include any number of antennas 205 for MIMO communication with AP 101. In another example, STA 111 may not include voice communication, or the controller / processor 240 may be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Furthermore, although... Figure 2B The STA 111 is shown configured as a mobile phone or smartphone, but the STA can be configured to operate as other types of mobile or fixed devices.

[0060] like Figure 2BAs shown, in some embodiments, STA 111 may be a non-AP MLD comprising multiple STAs 203a-203n. Each STA 203a-203n is attached to the non-AP MLD 111 and includes an antenna 205, an RF transceiver 210, a TX processing circuit 215, and an RX processing circuit 225. Each STA 203a-203n may independently communicate with the controller / processor 240 and other components of the non-AP MLD 111. Figure 2B It is shown that each STA 203a-203n has a separate antenna, but each STA 203a-203n can share antenna 205 without requiring a separate antenna. Each STA 203a-203n can represent the physical (PHY) layer and the lower medium access control (MAC) layer.

[0061] Figure 3 An example of multi-link communication operation according to an embodiment is shown. Multi-link communication operation can be used in the IEEE 802.11be standard and any future revisions of the IEEE 802.11 standard. Figure 3 In the middle, AP MLD 310 can be Figure 1 Wireless communication devices 101 and 103 are included, and the non-AP MLD 220 can be... Figure 1 One of the wireless communication devices 111-114 in the series.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, AP MLD 310 may include multiple auxiliary APs, such as AP 1, AP 2, and AP 3. Each auxiliary AP may include a PHY interface to the wireless medium (Link 1, Link 2, or Link 3). AP MLD 310 may include a single MAC Service Access Point (SAP) 318 through which the auxiliary APs of AP MLD 310 communicate with higher layers (Layer 3 or network layer). Each auxiliary AP of AP MLD 310 may have a different MAC address (lower MAC address) than any other auxiliary AP of AP MLD 310. AP MLD 310 may have an MLD MAC address (upper-layer MAC address), and the auxiliary APs share a single MAC SAP 318 to Layer 3. Therefore, the auxiliary APs share a single IP address, and Layer 3 identifies AP MLD 310 by assigning a single IP address.

[0063] A non-AP MLD 320 may include multiple affiliated STAs, such as STA 1, STA 2, and STA 3. Each affiliated STA may include a PHY interface to the wireless medium (Link 1, Link 2, or Link 3). A non-AP MLD 320 may include a single MAC SAP 328, through which affiliated STAs communicate with higher layers (Layer 3 or network layer). Each affiliated STA of a non-AP MLD 320 may have a different MAC address (lower MAC address) than any other affiliated STA of the non-AP MLD 320. A non-AP MLD 320 may have an MLD MAC address (upper-layer MAC address), and the affiliated STAs share the single MAC SAP 328 at Layer 3. Therefore, affiliated STAs share a single IP address, and Layer 3 identifies the non-AP MLD 320 by assigning this single IP address.

[0064] AP MLD 310 and non-AP MLD 320 can establish multiple links between their associated APs and STAs. In this example, AP 1 and STA 1 can establish Link 1, operating in the 2.4 GHz band. Similarly, AP 2 and STA 2 can establish Link 2, operating in the 5 GHz band, and AP 3 and STA 3 can establish Link 3, operating in the 6 GHz band. Each link can independently enable channel access and frame switching between AP MLD 310 and non-AP MLD 320, which can increase data throughput and reduce latency. When associated with an AP MLD on a set of links (link establishment), each non-AP device is assigned a unique Association Identifier (AID).

[0065] Figure 4 The architecture of a NAN engine according to an embodiment is shown. The NAN engine may include a NAN discovery engine module, a ranging module, a NAN data engine module, a NAN scheduler module, a NAN media access control (MAC) layer module, and an 802.11 PHY layer module.

[0066] The NAN discovery engine can be responsible for discovering devices and / or services available on devices for specific services by publishing and subscribing to messages. Publishing messages can announce one or more services provided by NAN devices, and subscribing to messages can announce the willingness to engage with devices that provide one or more services.

[0067] The ranging module estimates the distance between NAN devices that support ranging capabilities. In addition to service discovery mechanisms, ranging can be used to estimate the distance to NAN devices providing specific services. The NAN data engine module provides NAN data link (NDL) capabilities that can be used to establish data links between NAN devices. The NAN scheduler module establishes, maintains, and terminates Wi-Fi radio resource scheduling for NAN operations. The NAN scheduler module is also responsible for coordinating concurrent NAN and non-NAN operations. The NAN MAC layer module processes and manipulates NAN beacon frames and NAN service discovery frames. The 802.11 PHY layer module provides data transmission services to higher layers.

[0068] As described, NAN discovery is performed by the NAN discovery engine (e.g., such as...). Figure 4 (As shown) it processes and is responsible for discovering devices (or services available on devices) for a specific service by publishing and / or subscribing to messages. Publishing messages can announce services provided by NAN devices or make them discoverable, and subscribing to messages can announce the willingness to interact with devices that provide services or to request publishing messages from devices that provide services.

[0069] There are various ways to complete a publish / subscribe handshake. For example, a NAN device may initiate periodic publish messages to request subscription or follow-up to one or more services. Conversely, a NAN device may alternatively initiate this by repeatedly (e.g., periodically) sending subscription messages to search for another device offering a specific service. In either case, to increase the likelihood of finding a matching publisher / subscriber, it may be necessary to repeat these messages over an extended period. A proxy device may publish / subscribe on behalf of one or more other devices. This can provide certain benefits, including saving channel congestion (e.g., in cases where multiple devices use a single proxy) or allowing the source device to save power.

[0070] Figure 5Operation between two devices participating in discovery via a proxy device according to an embodiment is illustrated. These devices may include a source device, which may be a device that wants to send publish and / or subscribe messages via the proxy device. The proxy device may be a device that sends publish and / or subscribe messages 505 on behalf of the source device. The connecting device may be a device that wants to subscribe to (or follow up on) a service of the source device (e.g., the connecting device receives a subscription message 503 transmitted by the proxy device on behalf of the source device) or publish a service to the source device. As shown, the source device may communicate with the proxy device, including sending a Service Discovery Frame (SDF) 501. The proxy device may transmit proxied transmissions 503 to the connecting device, which may include transmitting an SDF derived from the SDF received from the source device. Accordingly, the source device may communicate with the connecting device 505 (e.g., publish, subscribe, or follow up on message sending and receiving).

[0071] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a process may be provided in which a transmission from a source device triggers a proxy device to transmit a proxied message. In some embodiments, after configuring one or more service IDs designated for proxied transmissions for the proxy device, the source device may provide the proxy device with an indication of when the proxied transmission should begin. In addition to the service IDs, the source device may also provide other information that the proxied transmission should include. In some embodiments, the source device may dynamically control when the proxy device can transmit proxied attributes.

[0072] In some embodiments, the source device's SDF can be used as a trigger to initiate SDF transmission by the proxy device. The proxy device's SDF can be derived from the source device's SDF and may include one or more Service Descriptor Attributes (SDAs) and other attributes intended for use in the proxied transmission. The SDA can provide information about the services the device wants to publish or subscribe to. In some embodiments, the SDA may include a service identifier that identifies the services provided by the source device. The SDA may include a unique service identifier along with information indicating which function (e.g., publish, subscribe, follow, etc.) the SDA corresponds to. The SDA may include one or more optional fields that provide more information about the receiving device's use of the service.

[0073] In some embodiments, the source device may configure one or more service IDs for the proxy device to be used for proxied transports. In some embodiments, the SDF may include service IDs that the source device wants the proxy device to transport on its behalf, and other information about the services represented by these service IDs. In some embodiments, the source device may send an SDF that includes one or more SDAs with specified service IDs. In some embodiments, the proxy device may detect an incoming SDF from the source device, wherein the SDF includes one or more SDAs with specified service IDs. The proxy device may identify one or more attributes to be proxied from the SDF, including SDA attributes or SDF attributes. The proxy device may transmit an SDF that may include attributes based on or related to attributes received from the SDF provided by the source device.

[0074] In some embodiments, detection of the source device's SDF can be used to instruct the proxy device that proxy transmission should begin. The proxy device can use the source device's SDF to derive its own SDF, including the proxied attributes.

[0075] In some embodiments, the source device may also include in the transmitted SDF an indication of whether it desires the proxy device to perform the proxied transmission based on the transmitted SDF. In some embodiments, the proxy transmission indication may be carried in the SDA and may be service ID specific. Furthermore, in the SDA, this indication may be carried as a "proxy trigger" of a matched filter <length, value> pair. For example, if the proxy trigger matched filter pair is set to <1, 0xFF>, it may instruct the proxy device to perform the proxy transmission based on the SDA from the source device. However, if the matched filter pair is set to any other value, it may instruct the proxy device to ignore the SDA from the source device or not perform the proxied transmission based on the SDA from the source device. In some embodiments, the proxy device can then proceed as instructed by the source device via the indication included in the SDF.

[0076] In some embodiments, the source device may use its own messages as both the source material from which the proxy device derives the proxied message and as an indicator that the proxy device has begun transmitting the proxy message.

[0077] Figure 6Communication for proxy transport between a source device and a proxy device according to an embodiment is illustrated. In some embodiments, the proxy device may be configured by the source device with one or more specified service IDs. As shown, in operation 601, the source device transmits an SDF to the proxy device having an SDA intended for use in proxy transport. In some embodiments, the SDF may include one or more service identifiers (IDs) designated for the transport being proxied. For example, these are service IDs that the source device wants the proxy device to send on its behalf, along with further information about the services that these service IDs may represent.

[0078] In Operation 603, the agent device detects the SDF from the source device.

[0079] In operation 605, the proxy device identifies a specified service ID intended for use in proxy transports. In some embodiments, the SDF may include an SDA having the specified service ID.

[0080] In operation 607, the proxy device initiates a proxied transmission of an SDF derived from the source device's SDF. In some embodiments, detection of the source device's SDF can be used to instruct the proxy device that a proxied transmission should begin. In some embodiments, the proxy device may use the source device's SDF to derive its own SDF, including proxied attributes. The proxy device's SDF may be derived from the source device's SDF and may include one or more SDAs and other attributes intended for use with the proxied transmission. In some embodiments, the SDA may include a service identifier identifying a service provided by the source device.

[0081] Figure 7 A block diagram example depicting a source device triggering an agent device's SDF transmission with its own SDF transmission during a subsequent discovery window (DW) is shown according to an embodiment. Specifically, the agent device receives a first SDF 701 from the source device on one DW, including an SDA with a specified service ID, and may transmit proxied SDFs 703 and 705 based on the first received SDF on two subsequent DWs. The agent device then receives a second SDF 707 including an SDA with a specified service ID, wherein this second SDF may include information that has been updated or changed compared to the information in the first SDF. The agent device may then transmit proxied SDFs 709 and 711 on the two subsequent DWs based on the second received SDF 707. As shown, because the transmission by the agent device on behalf of the source device is triggered by and based on the source device's most recent direct transmission (publish or subscribe, depending on the situation), the source device may not need to reconfigure the agent device with updated information in dedicated or additional transmissions.

[0082] In some embodiments, the source device may send the trigger SDF asynchronously / outside of the DW. In some embodiments, the source device may transmit within the proxy device's Further Availability Window (FAW). In some embodiments, the source device may be blocked during the DW due to high congestion, but may still transmit within the proxy device's FAW and gain the benefits of proxy transmission in the future.

[0083] In some embodiments, the proxy device may transmit the proxied SDF on different frequency bands with different DW timings. For example, the source device may transmit an SDF in the 2.4 GHz band to trigger an SDF transmission by the proxy device in the 5 GHz band. Transmission in the 2.4 GHz band typically consumes slightly less power than in the 5 GHz band. In some embodiments, the source device may opportunistically determine which frequency band to transmit in, for example, based on where it can first win contention-based channel access.

[0084] In some embodiments, the proxy device may wait for a specific time offset before initiating the transmission of the proxied SDF and after the source device triggers the SDF transmission. For example, the source device may transmit the SDF at DW0 to trigger the proxy device's SDF transmission of the proxied attributes at DWn.

[0085] In some embodiments, after transmitting an SDF (which in turn triggers a proxy device to perform a proxied transmission), the source device can verify whether the proxy device is functioning as expected. Specifically, it determines whether the proxy device has received the SDF transmitted by the source device. In some embodiments, the source device can listen for the proxied transmission during one or more times when it anticipates or requests the proxy device to perform the proxied transmission. The source device can use the detection of the proxied transmission as an implicit ACK (acknowledgment) that the proxy device has received the source's SDF. Since it is possible that even if the proxy device receives the source's SDF, it may not have the opportunity to transmit the proxied SDF due to channel congestion, the source device can choose to listen during more than one proxied transmission period to make a decision. If the source device determines that the proxy device is not transmitting the proxied SDF, it can retransmit the "trigger" SDF.

[0086] Figure 8An example illustrating how a source device verifies proxy operation by listening to SDF transmissions from a proxy device is shown. As illustrated, the source device listens for expected SDF transmissions from the proxy device, including proxy transmissions 803 and 805. The source device listens for and hears proxy transmissions 803 and 805 on 807 and 809, respectively. As shown, the source device detects a suitable proxy operation after the first "trigger" SDF 801 for the proxy session, but detects lost proxy transmissions in proxy sessions 813 and 815, prompting the source device to retransmit SDF 821. Specifically, the source device sends SDF 811 to the proxy device and listens for 813 but does not detect a corresponding proxy transmission for the SDF. Therefore, the source device retransmits SDF 821, the proxy device transmits the proxied transmissions 817 and 819, and the source device accordingly hears proxy transmissions 817 and 819 on 821 and 823, respectively.

[0087] In some embodiments, the source device transmits the SDF to be used to derive the proxied SDF independently of an indication used to trigger the start of the proxy transmission. In some embodiments, the SDF from the source device, including attributes intended for proxy transmission, may be independent of a trigger used to initiate the transmission of the proxied attributes.

[0088] Figure 9 Communication for triggered proxy transmission between a source device and a proxy device according to an embodiment is illustrated. In some embodiments, since the proxy trigger message from the source device is not constrained by SDF transmissions including proxied attributes, the trigger message can be sent completely asynchronously using a completely different radio access technology (RAT).

[0089] In Operation 901, the source device sends an SDF with an SDA intended for use in proxy transport to the proxy device.

[0090] In Operation 903, the agent device detects the SDF from the source device.

[0091] In operation 905, the proxy device identifies a specified service ID intended for use in proxy transports. In some embodiments, the SDF may include an SDA having the specified service ID.

[0092] In operations 907 and 911, the agent device waits for the agent operation to start triggering from the source device and determines whether it has received the trigger frame from the source device.

[0093] If, during operation 911, the agent device determines that it has not yet received a trigger, the agent device returns to 907 and continues to wait.

[0094] In Operation 909, the source device sends a trigger frame to the agent device.

[0095] In operation 911, the agent device determines that it has received the trigger frame from the source device and proceeds to operation 913.

[0096] In operation 913, the proxy device initiates a proxied transport (e.g., publish or subscribe to messages) of an SDF derived from the source device's SDF. In some embodiments, the proxy device may use the source device's SDF to derive its own SDF, including proxied attributes. The proxy device's SDF may be derived from the source device's SDF and may include one or more SDAs and other attributes intended for use with the proxied transport. In some embodiments, the SDA may include a service identifier identifying a service provided by the source device.

[0097] Figure 10 An example is shown depicting a source device first sending an SDF containing attributes to be transmitted via a proxy, followed by another message being sent asynchronously, thereby triggering the proxy device's SDF transmission during a subsequent discovery window (DW). Specifically, Figure 10 An exemplary scenario is illustrated, in which the source device first transmits SDF 1001, including attributes for proxy transmission, and then transmits proxy trigger message 1003. As shown, the proxy message can be sent asynchronously (outside of the discovery window or a further availability window). Some embodiments may use Bluetooth and / or other radio access technologies. Once the proxy device receives the trigger message, it can begin transmitting the SDF including the proxied attributes, including SDF 1005 and 1007.

[0098] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a proxy device that can transmit publish and / or subscribe messages on behalf of one or more other source devices, which can improve channel congestion, thereby allowing multiple devices to use a single proxy to transmit messages. Further benefits may include allowing source devices to save power by using the resources of the proxy device to periodically send messages on their behalf.

[0099] Unless otherwise specified, references to singular elements are not intended to indicate one and only one, but rather one or more. For example, a “one” module can refer to one or more modules. In the absence of further constraints, elements preceded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “the” do not preclude the presence of additional identical elements.

[0100] Titles and subtitles (if any) are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The terms "exemplary" are used to indicate that they are intended as examples or illustrations. Within the scope of the use of terms such as "comprising," "having," etc., such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as interpreted when "comprising" is used as a transitional word in the claims. Relational terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions.

[0101] Phrases such as aspect, that aspect, on the other hand, some aspects, one or more aspects, implementation, that implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, embodiment, that embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, configuration, that configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject matter, disclosure, this disclosure, other variations thereof, etc., are used for convenience and do not imply that disclosures associated with such phrases are essential to the subject matter, or that such disclosures apply to all configurations of the subject matter. Disclosures associated with such phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures associated with such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this similarly applies to other foregoing phrases.

[0102] The phrase "at least one" following a list of items, where any items are separated by the terms "and" or "or," modifies the list as a whole, not each member of the list. The phrase "at least one of..." does not require the selection of at least one item; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any one item, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each item. For example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0103] As described herein, any electronic device and / or part thereof according to any example embodiment may include, be included in, and / or be implemented by one or more processors and / or combinations of processors. A processor is a circuit that performs processing.

[0104] A processor may include processing circuitry, which may more specifically include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application processor (AP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural network processing unit (NPU), an electronic control unit (ECU), an image signal processor (ISP), etc. In some example embodiments, the processing circuitry may include: a non-transitory computer-readable storage device (e.g., memory), such as a DRAM device, storing a program of instructions; and a processor (e.g., a CPU) configured to execute the program of instructions to implement all or some of the functions and / or methods performed by any means, system, module, unit, controller, circuit, architecture, and / or portions thereof according to any example embodiment and / or any part of any example embodiment. Instructions may be stored in memory and / or partitioned among multiple memories.

[0105] Different processors can execute different functions and / or parts of functions. For example, processor 1 can execute functions A and B, and processor 2 can execute function C; or processor 1 can execute a portion of function A, while processor 2 can execute the remainder of function A, and also execute functions B and C. Different processors can be dynamically configured to execute different processes. For example, at one time, processor 1 can execute function A, and at another time, processor 2 can execute function A. Processors can reside on different processing circuits (e.g., client-side processors and server-side processors, device-side processors and cloud computing processors, etc.).

[0106] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the disclosed steps, operations, or processes is illustrative of exemplary solutions. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in a different order. Some steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously, or may be performed as part of one or more other steps, operations, or processes. The appended method claims (if any) present elements of various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order, but this does not imply limitation to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed serially, linearly, in parallel, or in different orders. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software / hardware product or packaged into multiple software / hardware products.

[0107] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the conception of the subject matter. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0108] All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are now or hereafter known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. No claim element is to be based on The provisions of paragraph 6 shall apply unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "apparatus for..." or, in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase "steps for...".

[0109] The title, background art, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are incorporated herein by reference and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as limiting descriptions. It should be understood that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it will become apparent that the description provides illustrative examples and that various features are combined in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. The approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the inventive subject matter lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosure configuration or operation. The appended claims are incorporated herein by reference in the detailed description, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0110] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims and to include all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to include subject matter that does not meet the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A station (STA) in a wireless network, the STA comprising: Memory; and A processor, coupled to the memory, is configured to: Receive a first discovery frame from the source STA. The first discovery frame includes one or more services intended for use in proxy transport and one or more service identifiers, each service identifier being associated with a corresponding service among the one or more services. The one or more services are identified based on the one or more service identifiers; A second discovery frame is generated based on a first discovery frame, wherein the second discovery frame includes one or more services included in the first discovery frame that are intended for use in proxy transmission; and The source STA sends a second discovery frame to one or more other STAs.

2. The STA according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more services include a publishing service or a subscription service, wherein the publishing service is a service provided by the source STA to the one or more other STAs, and the subscription service is a service sought by the source STA from the one or more other STAs.

3. The STA according to claim 1, wherein, The first discovery frame requests the STA to send a second discovery frame.

4. The STA according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to: The STA is requested to send a trigger frame for a second discovery frame; and In response to the trigger frame, a second discovery frame is sent to the one or more other STAs.

5. The STA according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to send a second discovery frame after a time offset following the receipt of the first discovery frame from the source STA.

6. The STA according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to: A third discovery frame is received from the source STA. The third discovery frame includes one or more updated services intended for proxy transport and one or more updated service identifiers, each updated service identifier being associated with a corresponding service among the one or more services. A fourth discovery frame is generated based on the third discovery frame, wherein the fourth discovery frame includes one or more services included in the third discovery frame that are intended for proxy transmission of the update. and Send a fourth discovery frame to one or more other STAs.

7. The STA according to claim 1, wherein, The first discovery frame is received during the discovery window.

8. The STA according to claim 1, wherein, The first discovery frame is received in the first frequency band, and the second discovery frame is transmitted in the second frequency band.

9. A station (STA) in a wireless network, the STA comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: Send a first discovery frame to the agent STA. The first discovery frame includes the one or more services intended for use in the agent transport and one or more service identifiers, each service identifier being associated with a corresponding service among the one or more services. and During one or more expected discovery windows, the proxy STA listens for transmissions of a second discovery frame derived from a first discovery frame to one or more other STAs, during which the proxy STA is expected to perform the proxied transmission of the second discovery frame.

10. The STA according to claim 9, wherein, The processor is also configured to: It was determined that the agent STA did not send a second discovery frame within the predetermined time; and The first discovery frame is retransmitted to the agent STA.

11. The STA according to claim 9, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Send a trigger frame to the agent STA requesting the agent STA to send a second discovery frame.

12. The STA according to claim 9, wherein, The first discovery frame is sent during the discovery window.

13. The STA according to claim 9, wherein, The first discovery frame was transmitted in the first frequency band, and the second discovery frame was transmitted in the second frequency band.

14. A computer-implemented method for wireless communication by a station (STA) in a wireless network, comprising: Receive a first discovery frame from the source STA. The first discovery frame includes one or more services intended for use in proxy transport and one or more service identifiers, each service identifier being associated with a corresponding service among the one or more services. The one or more services are identified based on the one or more service identifiers; A second discovery frame is generated based on a first discovery frame, wherein the second discovery frame includes one or more services included in the first discovery frame that are intended for use in proxy transmission; and The source STA sends a second discovery frame to one or more other STAs.

15. A computer-implemented method for wireless communication by a station (STA) in a wireless network, comprising: Send a first discovery frame to the agent STA. The first discovery frame includes one or more services intended for use in the agent transport and one or more service identifiers, each service identifier being associated with a corresponding service among the one or more services. and During one or more expected discovery windows, the proxy STA listens for transmissions of a second discovery frame derived from a first discovery frame to one or more other STAs, during which the proxy STA is expected to perform the proxied transmission of the second discovery frame.

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