Method and apparatus for preventing unnecessary NPCA by delivering NPCA mode through management frame in wireless LAN system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for preventing unnecessary NPCA by delivering NPCA mode via a management frame in a wireless LAN system are proposed. Specifically, a receiving STA receives a first management frame from a transmitting STA. The receiving STA transmits a second management frame to the transmitting STA. The receiving STA determines whether to perform channel access for a first non-primary channel based on the first management frame and the second management frame. The first management frame includes a first NPCA mode, which is information about whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel. The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information about whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a scheme for preventing unnecessary NPCA in a wireless LAN system by transmitting NPCA modes via management frames, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for determining whether to perform NPCA by considering the communication environment and intentions of the transmitting and receiving STAs and transmitting their NPCA modes via management frames. Background Technology

[0002] Next-generation Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11be and / or later) is designed to support ultra-high reliability when transmitting signals to STAs. To achieve this, various technologies are considered to support high throughput, low latency, and extended range. For example, procedures for accessing non-master channels can be performed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] This specification provides a method and apparatus for preventing unwanted NPAs in a wireless LAN system by transmitting NPA patterns via management frames.

[0005] Technical solution

[0006] Examples of this disclosure present a method for preventing unwanted NPAs by transmitting NPA modes via management frames based on channel switching time.

[0007] This implementation can be performed in network environments that support next-generation WLAN systems (Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) WLAN systems or next-generation Wi-Fi). Next-generation WLAN systems are WLAN systems that improve upon the 802.11be system and can meet backward compatibility requirements with the 802.11be system.

[0008] This implementation is performed in a receiving STA, and the receiving STA may involve at least one station (STA). The transmitting STA in this implementation may involve an access point (AP).

[0009] This embodiment proposes a method for preventing unwanted NPCA by transmitting NPCA mode (or SCA mode) via management frames. The NPCA mode is information about whether to perform channel access for a non-primary channel.

[0010] The receiving station (STA) receives the first management frame from the sending STA.

[0011] The receiving STA sends a second management frame to the sending STA.

[0012] The receiving STA determines whether to perform channel access for the first non-master channel based on the first management frame and the second management frame.

[0013] The first management frame includes a first non-primary channel access (NPCA) mode, which is information about whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel.

[0014] The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information about whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-master channel.

[0015] If either the first NPCA mode or the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) does not perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. If both the first NPCA mode and the second NPCA mode are set to 1 (only if both are 1), the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) can perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. Both the first and second NPCA modes can consist of 1 bit.

[0016] The first non-primary channel can be a secondary 20MHz channel. While a Network Assignment Vector (NAV) is set in the primary 20MHz channel, backoff can be performed on the secondary 20MHz channel. The NAV set in the primary 20MHz channel can be a basic NAV.

[0017] The first management frame may also include information about whether the transmitting STA has the capability to perform channel access for the first non-primary channel (SCA capability or NPCA capability). The second management frame may also include information about whether the receiving STA has the capability to perform channel access for the first non-primary channel.

[0018] Information regarding whether a transmitting or receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel can indicate whether a capable transmitting or receiving STA can perform channel access (NPCA) by switching to the first non-primary channel based on a basic NAV set in the primary 20MHz channel.

[0019] For example, this embodiment proposes a method for determining whether to perform NPCA by considering the communication environment and intent of the sending STA and receiving STA through a management frame that transmits the NPCA mode of the sending STA and receiving STA.

[0020] Beneficial effects

[0021] According to the method proposed in this embodiment, based on the NPCA mode, even if the receiving STA has NPCA capability, it can choose not to perform NPCA for power saving purposes. Furthermore, regarding Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) services, the transmitting STA can choose not to perform NPCA to ensure transmission fairness in the main channel. Therefore, the following effects are achieved: In cases of high traffic volume, by performing NPCA based on activating the NPCA mode when receiving OBSS services, throughput performance can be improved. Moreover, when the STA's service load is low, by deactivating the NPCA mode when receiving OBSS services, power saving gains can be obtained in the corresponding time period. Therefore, it offers the advantage of providing flexibility in the NPCA modes for both the transmitting and receiving STAs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 Examples of transmitting and / or receiving devices are shown in this specification.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0024] Figure 3 This illustrates a typical link establishment process.

[0025] Figure 4 An example of multi-link (ML) is shown.

[0026] Figure 5 Examples of Physical Protocol Data Units or Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) transmitted / received by the STA of this disclosure are shown.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the layout of a resource unit (RU) for a 20 MHz PPDU.

[0028] Figure 7 The layout of a resource unit (RU) for a 40 MHz PPDU is illustrated.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the layout of a resource unit (RU) for an 80 MHz PPDU.

[0030] Figure 9 The operation related to UL-MU is shown.

[0031] Figure 10 An example of using / supporting / defining a channel within the 2.4 GHz band is shown.

[0032] Figure 11 An example of using / supporting / defining a channel within the 5 GHz band is shown.

[0033] Figure 12 An example of using / supporting / defining a channel within the 6 GHz band is shown.

[0034] Figure 13 An example of the header of a MAC frame is shown.

[0035] Figure 14 Examples of modifications to the transmitting and / or receiving apparatus described herein are illustrated.

[0036] Figure 15 An example of channel access in an 802.11 wireless LAN system is shown.

[0037] Figure 16 An example of the basic procedures for SCA is shown.

[0038] Figure 17 The basic secondary channel access operation procedure for STA is shown.

[0039] Figure 18 An example of BSS channel overlap between APs is shown.

[0040] Figure 19 An example of SCA information included in the control information field of A-Control is shown.

[0041] Figure 20 An example of SCA information included in the control information field of A-Control is shown.

[0042] Figure 21 An example of an SCA based on an AP's SCA-related notice is provided.

[0043] Figure 22 Example 1 illustrates the operation of the secondary channel access mode.

[0044] Figure 23 Example 2 illustrates the operation of the secondary channel access mode.

[0045] Figure 24 An example of the operation process for the transmitting STA and receiving STA for SCA is shown.

[0046] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the transmitting device according to this embodiment.

[0047] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the receiving device according to this embodiment.

[0048] Figure 27This is a flowchart illustrating the process of transmitting a STA accessing a non-master channel and receiving a PPDU according to this embodiment.

[0049] Figure 28 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of receiving a STA accessing a non-primary channel and transmitting a PPDU according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In this disclosure, "A or B" can mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". In other words, in this disclosure, "A or B" can be interpreted as "A and / or B". For example, in this disclosure, "A, B or C" can mean "A only", "B only", "C only", or "any combination of A, B, and C".

[0051] The forward slash ( / ) or comma used in this disclosure can represent "and / or". For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B". Therefore, "A / B" can mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C".

[0052] In this disclosure, "at least one of A and B" can mean "only A", "only B" or "both A and B". Additionally, in this disclosure, the expression "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" can be interpreted as "at least one of A and B".

[0053] The brackets used in this disclosure may indicate "for example". Specifically, when indicated as "control information (UHR-signal field)", it may indicate that the "UHR-signal field" is cited as an example of "control information". In other words, the "control information" of this disclosure is not limited to the "UHR-signal field", and the "UHR-signal field" may also be cited as an example of "control information". Furthermore, when indicated as "control information (i.e., UHR-signal field)", it may also indicate that the "UHR-signal field" is cited as an example of "control information".

[0054] Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, "a" can mean "at least one" or "one or more". Additionally, terms ending in "(s)" can mean "at least one" or "one or more".

[0055] Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the expressions “based on”, “on the basis of”, or “according to” mean “at least partially based on”, and not “based on only”.

[0056] The technical features described individually in one of the accompanying drawings of this disclosure may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0057] The following examples of this disclosure can be applied to various wireless communication systems. For example, the following examples of this disclosure can be applied to wireless local area network (WLAN) systems. For example, this disclosure can be applied to the IEEE 802.11 a / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn standards. Furthermore, the examples of this disclosure can also be applied to next-generation wireless LAN standards such as enhanced Ultra High Reliability (UHR) standards or IEEE 802.11 bn. Additionally, the examples of this disclosure can be applied to new WLAN standards enhanced from EHT standards or IEEE 802.11be standards. Furthermore, the examples of this disclosure can be applied to mobile communication systems. For example, it can be applied to mobile communication systems based on Long Term Evolution (LTE), which relies on 3GPP standards and is based on LTE evolution. Furthermore, the examples of this disclosure can be applied to communication systems based on the 5G NR standard of 3GPP standards.

[0058] In the following text, for the purpose of describing the technical features of this disclosure, technical features applicable to this disclosure will be described.

[0059] Figure 1 Examples of transmitting and / or receiving devices of this disclosure are shown.

[0060] exist Figure 1 In the example, the various technical features described below can be implemented. Figure 1 At least one station (STA) is involved. For example, STA 110 and 120 of this disclosure may also be referred to by various terms such as mobile terminal, wireless device, wireless transceiver unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile subscriber unit, or simply user. STA 110 and 120 of this disclosure may also be referred to by various terms such as network, base station, Node B, access point (AP), repeater, router, relay, etc. STA 110 and 120 of this disclosure may also be referred to by various names such as receiving device, transmitting device, receiving STA, transmitting STA, receiving device, transmitting device, etc.

[0061] For example, STA 110 and 120 can be used as AP or non-AP. That is, STA 110 and 120 of this disclosure can be used as AP and / or non-AP. In this disclosure, AP can be indicated as AP STA.

[0062] In addition to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the STAs 110 and 120 of this disclosure can support various communication standards together. For example, they can support communication standards based on 3GPP standards (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR standards). Furthermore, the STAs of this disclosure can be implemented as various devices such as mobile phones, vehicles, and personal computers. Additionally, the STAs of this disclosure can support various communication services such as voice calls, video calls, data communications, and autonomous driving.

[0063] The STA 110 and 120 disclosed herein may include media access control (MAC) conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard and a physical layer interface for radio media.

[0064] The following will refer to Figure 1 The subgraph (a) is used to describe STA 110 and 120.

[0065] The first STA 110 may include a processor 111, a memory 112, and a transceiver 113. The illustrated processor, memory, and transceiver may be implemented as separate chips, or at least two blocks / functions may be implemented as a single chip.

[0066] The transceiver 113 of the first STA performs signal transmission / reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit / receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be, etc.).

[0067] For example, the first STA 110 can perform the operations expected by the AP. For example, the AP's processor 111 can receive signals via transceiver 113, process receive (RX) signals, generate transmit (TX) signals, and provide control over signal transmission. The AP's memory 112 can store signals received via transceiver 113 (e.g., RX signals) and can store signals to be transmitted via transceiver 113 (e.g., TX signals).

[0068] For example, the second STA 120 can perform operations not expected of an AP STA. For example, a non-AP transceiver 123 performs signal transmission / reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit / receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be packets, etc.).

[0069] For example, a non-AP STA processor 121 can receive signals via transceiver 123, process RX signals, generate TX signals, and provide control over signal transmission. A non-AP STA memory 122 can store signals received via transceiver 123 (e.g., RX signals) and can store signals to be transmitted via transceiver 123 (e.g., TX signals).

[0070] For example, the operation of a device designated as an AP in the disclosure described below can be performed in either the first STA 110 or the second STA 120. For instance, if the first STA 110 is an AP, the operation of the device designated as an AP can be controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 113 controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110. Additionally, control information related to the operation of the AP or the AP's TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 112 of the first STA 110. Similarly, if the second STA 120 is an AP, the operation of the device designated as an AP can be controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 123 controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120. Furthermore, control information related to the operation of the AP or the AP's TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 122 of the second STA 120.

[0071] For example, in the disclosure described below, the operation of a device indicated as a non-AP (or user STA) can be performed in either the first STA 110 or the second STA 120. For instance, if the second STA 120 is a non-AP, the operation of the device indicated as a non-AP can be controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 123 controlled by the processor 121 of the second STA 120. Additionally, control information related to the operation of a non-AP or non-AP TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 122 of the second STA 120. Similarly, if the first STA 110 is a non-AP, the operation of the device indicated as a non-AP can be controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110, and related signals can be transmitted or received via a transceiver 113 controlled by the processor 111 of the first STA 110. Additionally, control information related to the operation of a non-AP or non-AP TX / RX signals can be stored in the memory 112 of the first STA 110.

[0072] In the disclosure described below, devices referred to as (transmitting / receiving) STA, first STA, second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, first AP, second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmitting / receiving) terminal, (transmitting / receiving) device, (transmitting / receiving apparatus), network, etc., may implicitly refer to Figure 1 STAs 110 and 120. For example, devices indicated as (but without specific labels) (transmitting / receiving) STA, First STA, Second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, First AP, Second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmitting / receiving) terminal, (transmitting / receiving) device, (transmitting / receiving) device, network, etc., can be implied. Figure 1 STAs 110 and 120. For example, in the following example, the operation of various STA transmit / receive signals (e.g., PPDU) can be... Figure 1 The operation is performed in transceivers 113 and 123. Additionally, in the following examples, various STAs can generate TX / RX signals or perform data processing and calculations on TX / RX signals in advance. Figure 1 The operations are executed in processors 111 and 121. Examples of operations for generating TX / RX signals or performing prior data processing and calculations may include: 1) operations to determine / obtain / configure / calculate / decode / encode bit information of subfields (SIG, STF, LTF, data) included in the PPDU; 2) operations to determine / configure / obtain time resources or frequency resources (e.g., subcarrier resources) for the subfields (SIG, STF, LTF, data) included in the PPDU; 3) operations to determine / configure / obtain specific sequences (e.g., pilot sequences, STF / LTF sequences, additional sequences applied to SIG) for the subfields (SIG, STF, LTF, data) included in the PPDU; 4) power control operations and / or power-saving operations applied to the STA; and 5) operations related to the determination / obtaining / configuration / decoding / encoding of the ACK signal. Additionally, in the following examples, various information used by various STAs to determine / obtain / configure / calculate / decode / decode the TX / RX signal (e.g., information related to fields / subfields / control fields / parameters / power, etc.) may be stored in the STA. Figure 1 In memory 112 and 122.

[0073] Figure 1 The aforementioned device / STA in subgraph (a) can be as follows Figure 1 The subgraph (b) is modified as shown below. In the following text, the modifications will be based on... Figure 1 The subgraph (b) is used to describe STA 110 and STA 120 of this disclosure.

[0074] For example, Figure 1The transceivers 113 and 123 shown in subgraph (b) can perform operations with Figure 1 The transceiver shown in sub-diagram (a) has the same function as the aforementioned transceiver. For example, Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 shown in sub-figure (b) may include processors 111 and 121 and memories 112 and 122. Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 and the memories 112 and 122 shown in sub-figure (b) can perform operations related to Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 and the memories 112 and 122 shown in sub-figure (a) have the same functions.

[0075] The mobile terminal, wireless device, wireless transceiver unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile subscriber unit, user, user STA, network, base station, node B, access point (AP), repeater, router, relay, receiving unit, transmitting unit, receiving STA, transmitting STA, receiving device, transmitting device, receiving device and / or transmitting device described below may mean Figure 1 The STA 110 and 120 shown in subgraphs (a) / (b) may mean, or Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 are shown in sub-figure (b). That is, the technical features of this disclosure can be... Figure 1 It can be performed in STA 110 and 120 as shown in subgraphs (a) / (b), or it can be performed only in Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 shown in sub-diagram (b) are executed Figure 1 Transceivers 113 and 123 are shown in sub-diagrams (a) and (b). For example, the technical features of transmitting control signals by a STA can be understood as being achieved through... Figure 1 The transceiver 113 illustrated in subgraphs (a) / (b) transmits in Figure 1 The technical features of the control signals generated in processors 111 and 121 are illustrated in sub-figures (a) and (b). Alternatively, the technical features of the STA transmitting control signals can be understood as follows: Figure 1 The technical features of generating control signals to be transmitted to transceivers 113 and 123 in processing chips 114 and 124 are shown in sub-figure (b).

[0076] For example, the technical characteristics of receiving STA control signals can be understood as through... Figure 1 The technical features of transceivers 113 and 123 receiving control signals are shown in sub-figure (a). Alternatively, the technical features of receiving STA control signals can be understood as being achieved through... Figure 1 Processors 111 and 121 shown in subgraph (a) obtain Figure 1The technical features of the control signals received in transceivers 113 and 123 shown in sub-figure (a) are illustrated. Alternatively, the technical features of receiving control signals by the STA can be understood as being achieved through... Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 shown in sub-figure (b) obtain Figure 1 Technical features of the control signals received in transceivers 113 and 123 as shown in sub-figure (b).

[0077] refer to Figure 1 Subgraph (b), software codes 115 and 125 can be included in memories 112 and 122. Software codes 115 and 125 can include instructions for controlling the operation of processors 111 and 121. Software codes 115 and 125 can be included in various programming languages.

[0078] Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 or processing chips 114 and 124 may include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), other chipsets, logic circuits, and / or data processing devices. The processor may be an application processor (AP). For example, Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 or processing chips 114 and 124 may include at least one of the following: a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a modulator and demodulator (modem). For example, Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 or the processor chips 114 and 124 may be SNAPDRAGON™ series processors manufactured by Qualcomm®, EXYNOS™ series processors manufactured by Samsung®, A series processors manufactured by Apple®, HELIO™ series processors manufactured by MediaTek®, ATOM™ series processors manufactured by Intel®, or processors enhanced from these processors.

[0079] In this disclosure, an uplink can mean a link used for communication from a non-AP STA to an AP STA, and uplink PPDUs / packets / signals, etc., can be transmitted via the uplink. Similarly, in this disclosure, a downlink can mean a link used for communication from an AP STA to a non-AP STA, and downlink PPDUs / packets / signals, etc., can be transmitted via the downlink.

[0080] Figure 2 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0081] Figure 2 The upper part illustrates the structure of the Infrastructure Basic Services Set (BSS) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.

[0082] Figure 2 The upper part illustrates the structure of the Infrastructure Basic Services Set (BSS) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.

[0083] refer to Figure 2 The upper part of the wireless LAN system may include one or more infrastructure BSS 200 and 205 (hereinafter referred to as BSS). BSS 200 and 205, as a set of APs and STAs (e.g., access point (AP) 225 and station (STA1) 200-1) that have successfully synchronized to communicate with each other, are not concepts indicating a specific area. BSS 205 may include one or more STAs 205-1 and 205-2 that can join an AP 230.

[0084] BSS may include at least one STA, APs 255 and 230 that provide distributed services, and a distributed system (DS) 210 that connects multiple APs.

[0085] Distributed system 210 can implement an Extended Service Set (ESS) 240 that is expanded by connecting multiple BSSs 200 and 205. ESS 240 can be used as a term to refer to a network configured by connecting one or more APs 225 or 230 via distributed system 210. APs included in an ESS 240 can have the same Service Set Identifier (SSID).

[0086] Portal 220 can be used as a bridge to connect a wireless LAN network (IEEE 802.11) to another network (e.g., 802.X).

[0087] exist Figure 2 The BSS shown at the top allows for networking between APs 225 and 230, as well as between APs 225 and 230 and STAs 200-1, 205-1, and 205-2. However, it also allows for networking between STAs to perform communication even without APs 225 and 230. Networks that enable communication between STAs by configuring networks even without APs 225 and 230 are defined as self-organizing networks or Independent Basic Service Sets (IBSS).

[0088] Figure 2 The lower part illustrates a concept diagram, exemplifying IBSS.

[0089] refer to Figure 2The lower part of the IBSS is a BSS that operates in a self-organizing mode. Since the IBSS does not include access points (APs), there is no centralized management entity performing management functions at the center. That is, in the IBSS, STAs 250-1, 250-2, 250-3, 255-4, and 255-5 are managed in a distributed manner. In the IBSS, all STAs 250-1, 250-2, 250-3, 255-4, and 255-5 can be composed of mobile STAs, and access to DS to form a self-contained network is not permitted.

[0090] Figure 3 This example illustrates the typical link establishment process.

[0091] In S310, the STA can perform network discovery operations. Network discovery operations can include scanning operations by the STA. That is, in order to access a network, the STA needs to discover participating networks. The process of identifying compatible networks before joining a wireless network and identifying networks existing in a specific area is called scanning. Scanning methods include active scanning and passive scanning.

[0092] Figure 3 An example of network discovery operations including active scanning is provided. In active scanning, the STA performing the scan sends a probe request frame and waits for a response to the probe request frame in order to identify which APs are present in the vicinity while moving to a channel. The responder sends a probe response frame to the STA that sent the probe request frame as a response to the probe request frame. Here, the responder can be the STA that sent the last beacon frame in the BSS of the channel being scanned. In the BSS, the AP is the responder because it sends the beacon frame. In the IBSS, the responder is not fixed because the STAs in the IBSS take turns sending beacon frames. For example, when an STA sends a probe request frame via channel 1 and receives a probe response frame via channel 1, the STA can store the BSS-related information included in the received probe response frame, can move to the next channel (e.g., channel 2), and can perform a scan in the same way (e.g., sending a probe request and receiving a probe response via channel 2).

[0093] Although Figure 3As not shown, scanning can be performed using a passive scanning method. In passive scanning, the STA performing the scan can wait for beacon frames while moving to a channel. Beacon frames are one of the management frames in IEEE 802.11 and are periodically sent to indicate the presence of a wireless network and enable the STA performing the scan to find and join the wireless network. In a BSS, the AP periodically sends beacon frames. In an IBSS, STAs in the IBSS take turns sending beacon frames. Upon receiving a beacon frame, the STA performing the scan stores information about the BSS included in the beacon frame and records the beacon frame information for each channel, while moving to another channel. The STA receiving the beacon frame can store the BSS-related information included in the received beacon frame, can move to the next channel, and can perform a scan on the next channel using the same method.

[0094] After network discovery, the STA can perform authentication processing in S320. This authentication processing can be referred to as the first authentication processing to clearly distinguish it from the subsequent security establishment operation in S340. The authentication processing in S320 may include the STA sending an authentication request frame to the AP and the AP sending an authentication response frame to the STA in response. The authentication frame used for the authentication request / response is a management frame.

[0095] An authentication frame may include information about the authentication algorithm number, authentication transaction sequence number, status code, challenge text, robust security network (RSN), and finite cyclic group.

[0096] The STA can send an authentication request frame to the AP. The AP can determine whether to allow the STA's authentication based on the information included in the received authentication request frame. The AP can then provide the authentication processing result to the STA via an authentication response frame.

[0097] When a STA is successfully authenticated, it can perform association processing in S330. Association processing includes the STA sending an association request frame to the AP, and the AP responding by sending an association response frame to the STA. For example, the association request frame may include information about various capabilities, beacon listening interval, service set identifier (SSID), supported rates, supported channels, RSN, mobile domain, supported operation classes, service indication map (TIM) broadcast request, and interoperability service capabilities. Similarly, the association response frame may include information about various capabilities, status codes, association ID (AID), supported rates, enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter set, received channel power indicator (RCPI), received signal-to-noise ratio indicator (RSNI), mobile domain, timeout interval (association recovery time), overlapping BSS scan parameters, TIM broadcast response, and QoS map.

[0098] In the S340, the STA can perform security establishment processes. The security establishment processes in the S340 may include the process of establishing a private key via a four-way handshake (e.g., via Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAPOL) frames over the LAN).

[0099] Figure 4 An example of multi-link (ML) is shown.

[0100] like Figure 4 As illustrated, multiple multi-link devices (MLDs) can communicate via a remote link. MLDs can be classified as AP MLDs, which include multiple AP STAs, and non-AP MLDs, which include multiple non-AP STAs. That is, an AP MLD may include affiliated APs (i.e., AP STAs), and a non-AP MLD may include affiliated STAs (i.e., non-AP STAs or user STAs).

[0101] A multi-link system may include a first link and a second link, and different channel / subchannel / frequency resources may be allocated to the first link and the second link. The first and second multi-links can be identified by a 4-bit (or other n-bit) link ID. The first and second links can be configured in the same 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz frequency band. Alternatively, the first and second links can be configured in different frequency bands.

[0102] Figure 4 The AP MLD includes three affiliated APs. Figure 4 In the example, AP1 can operate in the 2.4 GHz band, AP2 can operate in the 5 GHz band, and AP3 can operate in the 6 GHz band. Figure 4 In the example, the first link in which AP1 and non-AP1 operate can be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 2.4 GHz band. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example, the second link in which AP2 and non-AP2 operate can be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 5 GHz band. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example, the third link in which AP3 and non-AP3 operate can be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 6GHz band.

[0103] exist Figure 4 In the example, AP1 can initiate the multi-link establishment process (ML establishment process) by sending an association request frame to a non-AP STA1. Figure 4 In the example, a non-AP STA1 can send an association response frame in response to an association request frame. Figure 4 The individual APs shown (e.g., AP1 / 2 / 3) can be compared with... Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The APs shown are the same, and Figure 4 The various non-APs shown (e.g., non-AP1 / 2 / 3) can be compared with... Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The STAs shown are the same (i.e., user STAs or non-AP STAs).

[0104] The specific features of this disclosure are not limited to Figure 4 The specific characteristics are as follows. That is, the number of links can be defined in various ways, and multiple links can be defined in at least one frequency band in various ways.

[0105] Figure 5 Examples of Physical Protocol Data Units or Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) transmitted / received by the STA of this disclosure are shown.

[0106] The STA (e.g., AP STA, non-AP STA, AP MLD, non-AP MLD) disclosed herein can send and / or receive. Figure 5 The PPDU described in this disclosure may have, for example... Figure 5 The structure is as follows. Furthermore, the PPDU described in this disclosure may be referred to by various names, such as transmit PPDU, receive PPDU, type 1 or type N PPDU, etc. The PPDU described in this disclosure can be used in WLAN systems defined according to IEEE 802.11bn and / or in next-generation WLAN systems that improve upon IEEE 802.11bn.

[0107] Figure 5 The PPDU can encompass various PPDU types used in UHR systems. For example, Figure 5 Examples can be used for at least one of the following modes related to channel detection: single-user (SU) mode / type / transmission, multi-user (MU) mode / type / transmission, and null packet (NDP) mode / type / transmission. For example, if Figure 5 If the example involves NDP, the data fields shown can be omitted. Figure 5 The PPDU is used in trigger-based (TB) mode and can be omitted. Figure 6 The UHR-SIG. In other words, a STA that has received a trigger frame for uplink-MU (UL-MU) communication can send a UHR-SIG. Figure 5 The UHR-SIG PPDU is omitted in the example.

[0108] exist Figure 5In this context, L-STF or UHR-LTF can be referred to as a preamble or physical preamble, and can be generated / transmitted / received / acquired / decoded at the physical layer (including in the transmit / receive STA).

[0109] Figure 5 The blocks illustrated can be referred to as fields / subfields / signals, etc. These fields / subfields / signals can be named as Traditional Short Training Field (L-STF), Traditional Long Training Field (L-LTF), Traditional Signal (L-SIG), Repeated L-SIG (RL-SIG), Universal Signal (U-SIG), UHR Signal (UHR-SIG), etc., such as... Figure 5 exemplified.

[0110] Figure 5 The subcarrier spacing of the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields can be determined to be 312.5 kHz, and the subcarrier spacing of the UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, and Data fields can be determined to be 78.125 kHz. That is, the tone index (or subcarrier index) of the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields can be represented in units of 312.5 kHz, and the tone index (or subcarrier index) of the UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, and Data fields can be represented in units of 78.125 kHz.

[0111] exist Figure 5 In the PPDU, the L-LTF and L-STF can be the same as those in the conventional domain (e.g., non-HT LTF and non-HT STF defined in conventional WLAN standards).

[0112] Figure 5The L-SIG field can include, for example, 24 bits of bit information. For instance, the 24 bits could include a 4-bit rate field, a 1-bit reserved bit, a 12-bit length field, a 1-bit parity bit, and a 6-bit tail bit. For example, the 12-bit length field could include information related to the length or duration of the PPDU. For example, the 12-bit length field can be determined based on the type of PPDU. For example, when the PPDU is a Non-High Throughput (HT), High Throughput (HT), Very High Throughput (VHT) PPDU, Extremely High Throughput (EHT) PPDU, or UHR PPDU, the value of the length field can be determined to be a multiple of 3. For example, when the PPDU is an HE PPDU, the length field can be determined to be a multiple of 3 + 1 or a multiple of 3 + 2. In other words, for non-HT, HT, VHT, EHT, or UHR PPDUs, the length field value can be set to a multiple of 3, and for high-efficiency (HE) PPDUs, the length field value can be set to either a multiple of 3 + 1 or a multiple of 3 + 2. In other words, the LENGTH field in a UHR PPDU is set to a value that satisfies the condition that LENGTH divided by 3 leaves a remainder of 0.

[0113] For example, a (non-AP and AP) STA can apply BCC encoding based on a 1 / 2 coding rate to the 24 bits of information in the L-SIG field. The transmitting STA then obtains 48 bits of BCC encoded bits. BPSK modulation can be applied to these 48 encoded bits to generate 48 BPSK symbols. The transmitting STA can map these 48 BPSK symbols to positions other than the pilot subcarriers {subcarrier indices -21, -7, +7, +21} and the DC subcarrier {subcarrier index 0}. As a result, the 48 BPSK symbols can be mapped to subcarrier indices -26 to -22, -20 to -8, -6 to -1, +1 to +6, +8 to +20, and +22 to +26. The transmitting STA can additionally map the signal {-1, -1, -1, 1} to subcarrier indices {-28, -27, +27, +28}. The aforementioned signals can be used for channel estimation in the frequency domain corresponding to {-28, -27, +27, +28}.

[0114] For example, a (non-AP and AP) STA can generate an RL-SIG in the same way as the L-SIG. BPSK modulation can be applied to the RL-SIG. Based on the presence of the RL-SIG, the (non-AP and AP) STA can know that the RX PPDU is an HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, or UHR PPDU. In other words, if the RL-SIG is present, the receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can know that the received PPDU is one of an HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, or UHR PPDU. In other words, if the RL-SIG is not present, the receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can know that the received PPDU is one of a non-HT PPDU, HT PPDU, or VHT PPDU. In other words, the RL-SIG field is a repetition of the L-SIG field and is used to distinguish UHR PPDUs from non-HT PPDUs, HT PPDUs, and VHT PPDUs.

[0115] Universal SIG (U-SIG) can be inserted in Figure 5 Following RL-SIG, U-SIG can be referred to by various terms such as First SIG Field, First SIG, First Type SIG, Control Signal, Control Signal Field, First (Type) Control Signal, Common Control Field, Common Control Field, etc.

[0116] U-SIG can include N bits of information and may include information to identify the type of EHT PPDU. For example, U-SIG can be configured based on two symbols (e.g., two consecutive OFDM symbols). Each symbol used for U-SIG (e.g., an OFDM symbol) can have a duration of 4 μs. Each symbol of U-SIG can be used to transmit 26 bits of information. For example, each symbol of U-SIG can be transmitted / received based on 52 data tones and 4 pilot tones.

[0117] Through U-SIG, for example, A bits of information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) can be transmitted. The first symbol of U-SIG can transmit the first X bits of the A bits of information (e.g., 26 uncoded bits), and the second symbol of U-SIG can transmit the remaining Y bits of the A bits of information (e.g., 26 uncoded bits). For example, the transmitting STA can obtain the 26 uncoded bits included in each U-SIG symbol. The transmitting STA can perform convolutional coding (i.e., BCC coding) based on a rate of R=1 / 2 to generate 52 coded bits, and can perform interleaving on the 52 coded bits. The transmitting STA can perform BPSK modulation on the interleaved 52 coded bits to generate 52 BPSK symbols to be assigned to each U-SIG symbol. A U-SIG symbol can be transmitted based on 65 tones (subcarriers) from subcarrier index -28 to subcarrier index +28, except for DC index 0. The 52 BPSK symbols generated by the transmitting STA can be transmitted based on the remaining tones (subcarriers) other than the pilot tone, namely tones -21, -7, +7, and +21.

[0118] For example, the A-bit information generated by U-SIG (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) may include a CRC field (e.g., a 4-bit field) and a tail field (e.g., a 6-bit field). The CRC and tail fields can be sent via the second symbol of U-SIG. The CRC field can be generated based on the 26 bits allocated to the first symbol of U-SIG and the remaining 16 bits from the second symbol excluding the CRC / tail field, and can be generated based on a conventional CRC calculation algorithm. Additionally, the tail field can be used to terminate the trellis of the convolutional decoder and can be set to, for example, "000000".

[0119] The A-bit information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) sent by U-SIG (or the U-SIG field) can be divided into version-independent bits and version-dependent bits. For example, version-independent bits can have a fixed or variable size. For example, version-independent bits can be assigned only to the first symbol of U-SIG, or version-independent bits can be assigned to both the first and second symbols of U-SIG. For example, version-independent bits and version-dependent bits can be referred to using various terms such as first control bit, second control bit, etc.

[0120] For example, the version-independent bits of the U-SIG can include a 3-bit PHY version identifier. For example, the 3-bit PHY version identifier can include information related to the PHY version of the TX / RX PPDU. For example, the first value of the 3-bit PHY version identifier (e.g., a value of 000) can indicate that the TX / RX PPDU is an EHT PPDU. Furthermore, the second value of the 3-bit PHY version identifier (e.g., a value of 001) can indicate that the TX / RX PPDU is a UHR PPDU.

[0121] In other words, when an (AP / non-AP) STA sends an EHT PPDU, the 3-bit PHY version identifier can be set to a first value, and when an (AP / non-AP) STA sends a UHR PPDU, the 3-bit PHY version identifier can be set to a second value. In other words, the receiving (AP / non-AP) STA can determine that the received PPDU is an EHT PPDU based on the PHY version identifier with the first value, and can determine that the received PPDU is a UHR PPDU based on the PHY version identifier with the second value.

[0122] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG may include a 1-bit UL / DL flag field. The first value of the 1-bit UL / DL flag field is related to UL communication, and the second value of the UL / DL flag field is related to DL communication.

[0123] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG can include information related to the transmission opportunity (TXOP) length and information related to the BSS color ID.

[0124] For example, if the UHR PPDU is classified into various types (e.g., types related to SU transmission (based on UL or DL), types related to DL transmission, types related to NDP transmission, types related to DL non-MU-MIMO, types related to DL MU-MIMO, types related to multi-AP operation, types related to Co-BF beamforming (Co-BF), spatial reuse (SR), types related to Co-OFDMA (C-OFDMA), and types related to Co-TDMA (Co-TDMA), then information about the type of UHR PPDU (e.g., 2-bit or 3-bit information) can be included in the version-related bits of the U-SIG.

[0125] For example, U-SIG may include: 1) a bandwidth field including information related to bandwidth; 2) a field including information related to the modulation and demodulation scheme (MCS) applied to UHR-SIG; 3) an indication field including information related to whether a dual subcarrier modulation (DCM) scheme is applied to UHR-SIG; 4) a field including information related to the number of symbols used for UHR-SIG; 5) a field including information related to whether UHR-SIG is generated across the entire frequency band; 6) a field including information related to the type of UHR-LTF / STF; and 7) information related to fields indicating the length of UHR-LTF and the length of CP.

[0126] Can be Figure 5 The PPDU uses a preamble puncturing. A preamble puncturing means that a puncturing is applied to a portion of the full frequency band (e.g., the secondary 20 MHz band). For example, when transmitting an 80 MHz PPDU, the STA can apply a puncturing to the secondary 20 MHz band within the 80 MHz band, and can transmit the PPDU only through the primary 20 MHz band and the secondary 40 MHz band.

[0127] For example, the pattern of the preamble perforation can be pre-configured. For example, when applying the first perforation pattern, perforation can be applied only to the secondary 20 MHz band within the 80 MHz band. For example, when applying the second perforation pattern, perforation can be applied only to any one of the two secondary 20 MHz bands within the secondary 40 MHz band included in the 80 MHz band. For example, when applying the third perforation pattern, perforation can be applied only to the secondary 20 MHz band within the primary 80 MHz band included in the 160 MHz band (or 80+80 MHz band). For example, when applying the fourth perforation pattern, perforation can be applied to at least one 20 MHz channel that does not belong to the primary 40 MHz band, provided that the primary 40 MHz band within the 80 MHz band included in the 160 MHz band (or 80+80 MHz band) is present.

[0128] Information related to the prelead puncture applied to the PPDU can be included in the U-SIG and / or UHR-SIG. For example, the first field of the U-SIG may include information related to continuous bandwidth, and the second field of the U-SIG may include information related to the prelead puncture applied to the PPDU.

[0129] For example, based on the following method, U-SIG and UHR-SIG can include information related to prelead punctures. When the bandwidth of the PPDU exceeds 80 MHz, U-SIG can be configured individually in 80 MHz units. For example, when the bandwidth of the PPDU is 160 MHz, the PPDU can include a first U-SIG for a first 80 MHz band and a second U-SIG for a second 80 MHz band. In this case, the first field of the first U-SIG can include information related to the 160 MHz bandwidth, and the second field of the first U-SIG can include information related to prelead punctures applied to the first 80 MHz band (i.e., information related to the prelead puncture pattern). Additionally, the first field of the second U-SIG can include information related to the 160 MHz bandwidth, and the second field of the second U-SIG can include information related to prelead punctures applied to the second 80 MHz band (i.e., information related to the prelead puncture pattern). Meanwhile, the UHR-SIG consecutive with the first U-SIG may include information related to the prelead via applied to the second 80 MHz band (i.e., information related to the prelead via pattern), and the UHR-SIG consecutive with the second U-SIG may include information related to the prelead via applied to the first 80 MHz band (i.e., information related to the prelead via pattern).

[0130] Additionally or alternatively, U-SIG and UHR-SIG may include information related to the preamble puncture, based on the following method: U-SIG may include information related to the preamble puncture for all frequency bands (i.e., information related to the preamble puncture pattern). That is, UHR-SIG may not include information related to the preamble puncture, while only U-SIG may include information related to the preamble puncture (i.e., information related to the preamble puncture pattern).

[0131] U-SIGs can be configured in 20 MHz units. For example, when an 80 MHz PPDU is configured, U-SIGs can be duplicated. That is, four identical U-SIGs can be included in an 80 MHz PPDU. PPDUs with bandwidths exceeding 80 MHz can include different U-SIGs.

[0132] Figure 5 The UHR-SIG can include control information for receiving STAs. The UHR-SIG can be transmitted using at least one symbol, and a symbol can have a length of 4 μs. Information related to the number of symbols used for the UHR-SIG can be included in the U-SIG.

[0133] UHR-SIG provides additional signals to the U-SIG field to enable the STA to interpret / decode the UHR PPDU. The UHR-SIG field may include U-SIG overflow bits that are typically applied to all users. In addition, the UHR-SIG field includes resource allocation information, allowing the STA to locate resources used in fields including the data field / UHR-STF / UHR-LTF (i.e., the UHR modulation field of the UHR PPDU).

[0134] It can be determined based on the RU (Resource Unit) defined by multiple subcarriers / tones. Figure 5 The frequency resources of the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and data fields illustrated herein. That is, the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and data fields of this disclosure can be transmitted / received through RUs (resource units) defined by multiple subcarriers / tones.

[0135] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the layout of a resource unit (RU) for a 20 MHz PPDU. That is, the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and / or data fields included in the 20 MHz PPDU can be... Figure 6 At least one of the various RUs defined in the code is used to send / receive.

[0136] like Figure 6 As illustrated at the top, 26 units (i.e., units corresponding to 26 tones) can be arranged. Six tones can be used for the guard band in the leftmost band of the 20 MHz band, and five tones can be used for the guard band in the rightmost band of the 20 MHz band. Furthermore, seven DC tones can be inserted in the center band (i.e., the DC band), and 26 units corresponding to 13 tones on each of the left and right sides of the DC band can be arranged. Units of 26, 52, and 106 can be allocated to other bands. Individual units can be assigned to receiving STAs (i.e., users).

[0137] at the same time, Figure 6 The RU layout in the diagram can be used not only for multi-user (MU) but also for single-user (SU). In the single-user case, a 242 unit can be used and three DC tones can be inserted, such as... Figure 6 is illustrated in the bottom part of .

[0138] Although Figure 6Various sizes of RUs have been proposed, namely 26-RU, 52-RU, 106-RU, and 242-RU, but RUs of a specific size can be expanded or increased. Therefore, this embodiment is not limited to individual RUs of a specific size (i.e., the number of corresponding tones). In this specification, an N-RU may be represented as an N-tone RU, etc. For example, a 26-RU may be represented as a 26-tone RU.

[0139] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the layout of a resource unit (RU) for a 40 MHz PPDU.

[0140] With the use of RUs of various sizes Figure 6 Similarly, in Figure 7 Examples of frequencies that can be used include 26-RU, 52-RU, 106-RU, 242-RU, and 484-RU. Additionally, five DC tones can be inserted into the center frequency; 12 tones can be used for the leftmost guard band of the 40 MHz band; and 11 tones can be used for the rightmost guard band of the 40 MHz band.

[0141] like Figure 7 As shown, a 484-RU can be used when the RU layout is for a single user. The specific number of RUs can be similar to... Figure 5 Change.

[0142] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the layout of a resource element (RU) for an 80 MHz PPDU. The layout of the resource element (RU) used in this specification can vary. For example, the layout of the resource element (RU) used in the 80 MHz band can be varied.

[0143] Figure 9 The operation related to the UL-MU is illustrated. As shown, a transmitting STA (e.g., an AP) can perform channel access through contention (i.e., backoff operation) and transmit a trigger frame 930. That is, the transmitting STA (e.g., an AP) can transmit a PPDU 930 including the trigger frame. When the PPDU including the trigger frame is received, a TB (trigger-based) PPDU is transmitted after a delay of SIFS.

[0144] Multiple TB PPDUs 941, 942 can be transmitted simultaneously and can be transmitted from multiple STAs (e.g., user STAs) whose AIDs are indicated in the trigger frame 930. The ACK frame 950 for the TB PPDU can be implemented in various forms.

[0145] Figure 10 An example of using / supporting / defining a channel within the 2.4 GHz band is shown.

[0146] The 2.4 GHz band can also be referred to by other names, such as "first band". Furthermore, the 2.4 GHz band can refer to the frequency range used / supported / defined by channels having a center frequency adjacent to 2.4 GHz (e.g., channels having a center frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz).

[0147] The 2.4 GHz band can include multiple 20 MHz channels. Each 20 MHz channel within the 2.4 GHz band can have multiple channel indices (e.g., indices 1 to 14). For example, the center frequency of channel index 1 for a 20 MHz channel allocation could be 2.412 GHz, the center frequency of channel index 2 for a 20 MHz channel allocation could be 2.417 GHz, and the center frequency of channel index N for a 20 MHz channel allocation could be (2.407 + 0.005 GHz). (N) GHz. The channel index can be referenced by various names such as the channel number. The specific values ​​of the channel index and the center frequency can be changed.

[0148] Figure 10 Four channels within a 2.4 GHz frequency band are illustrated exemplarily. The first frequency region 1010 to the fourth frequency region 1040 shown may each include one channel. For example, the first frequency region 1010 may include channel 1 (the 20 MHz channel indexed as 1). In this case, the center frequency of channel 1 may be set to 2412 MHz. The second frequency region 1020 may include channel 6. In this case, the center frequency of channel 6 may be set to 2437 MHz. The third frequency region 1030 may include channel 11. In this case, the center frequency of channel 11 may be set to 2462 MHz. The fourth frequency region 1040 may include channel 14. In this case, the center frequency of channel 14 may be set to 2484 MHz.

[0149] Figure 11 An example of using / supporting / defining channels within the 5 GHz band is shown.

[0150] The 5 GHz band can be referred to by other names, such as second band / band, etc. The 5 GHz band can refer to the frequency range that uses / supports / defines channels with a center frequency greater than or equal to 5 GHz and less than 6 GHz (or less than 5.9 GHz). Alternatively, the 5 GHz band can include multiple channels between 4.5 GHz and 5.5 GHz. Figure 11 The specific figures shown may vary.

[0151] Multiple channels within the 5 GHz band include the unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII)-1, UNII-2, UNII-3, and ISM. UNII-1 may be referred to as the lower UNII. UNII-2 may include frequency ranges referred to as the middle UNII and the extended UNII-2. UNII-3 may be referred to as the upper UNII.

[0152] Within the 5 GHz band, multiple channels can be configured, and the bandwidth of each channel can be configured differently, such as 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz. For example, the 5170 MHz to 5330 MHz frequency domain / range within UNII-1 and UNII-2 can be divided into eight 20 MHz channels. The 5170 MHz to 5330 MHz frequency domain / range can be divided into four channels using a 40 MHz frequency domain. The 5170 MHz to 5330 MHz frequency domain / range can be divided into two channels using an 80 MHz frequency domain. Alternatively, the 5170 MHz to 5330 MHz frequency domain / range can be divided into one channel using a 160 MHz frequency domain.

[0153] Figure 12 An example of using / supporting / defining a channel within the 6 GHz band is shown.

[0154] The 6 GHz band can be referred to by other names, such as the third band / band. The 6 GHz band can refer to the frequency range that uses, supports, and defines channels with center frequencies higher than 5.9 GHz. Figure 12 The specific values ​​shown may change.

[0155] For example, it can be defined starting from 5.940 GHz. Figure 12 The 20 MHz channel. Specifically, Figure 12 The leftmost channel in the 20 MHz channel array can have an index of 1 (or channel index, channel number, etc.) and be assigned a center frequency of 5.945 GHz. In other words, the center frequency of channel index N can be determined as (5.940 + 0.005 GHz). (N) GHz.

[0156] therefore, Figure 12The index (or channel number) of the 20 MHz channel can be 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, 81, 85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 105, 109, 113, 117, 121, 125, 129, 133, 137, 141, 145, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165, 169, 173, 177, 181, 185, 189, 193, 197, 201, 205, 209, 213, 217, 221, 225, 229, 233. Furthermore, according to the above (5.940+0.005) N)GHz rules, Figure 12 The index of the 40 MHz channel can be 3, 11, 19, 27, 35, 43, 51, 59, 67, 75, 83, 91, 99, 107, 115, 123, 131, 139, 147, 155, 163, 171, 179, 187, 195, 203, 211, 219, 227.

[0157] The structure and type / subtype of MAC frames are described below.

[0158] Figure 13 An example of a MAC frame header is shown. As illustrated, a MAC frame may include a 2-octet frame control field / information, a 2-octet duration field / information, a 6-octet receiver address (RA) field / information, and a 6-octet sender address (TA) field / information. Figure 13 As shown, the four fields can be consecutive. They can be modified in various ways. Figure 13 The MAC header, and new fields can be inserted between the four fields shown, or at least one of the fields shown can be omitted.

[0159] Figure 13 The MAC header shown can be located at the very beginning of the MAC frame. That is, a MAC frame can include, for example... Figure 13 The diagram shows the MAC header and the MAC body fields / information that follow it. This includes... Figure 13 The MAC frame header is inserted / included in the MAC frame. Figure 5 The data fields of the PPDU shown (e.g., UHR PPDU).

[0160] MAC frames included in the data field of the PPDU of this disclosure can be classified into various types. For example, MAC frames of this disclosure can be classified into control frames, management frames, and data frames.

[0161] For example, management frames include association requests, association responses, reassociation requests, reassociation responses, probe requests, probe responses, beacons, disassociation, authentication, and deauthentication frames / signals defined in a regular WLAN. For management frames, Figure 8 The values ​​of type fields B3 and B2 are set to 00. Additionally, Figure 8 The values ​​of the subtype fields B7, B6, B5, and B4 are as follows: Association Request (0000), Association Response (0001), Re-association Request (0010), Re-association Response (0011), Probe Request (0100), Probe Response (0101), Beacon (1000), Disassociation (1010), Authentication (1011), and Disauthentication (1100).

[0162] For example, control frames include trigger beamforming report polling, NDP announcement (NDPA), control frame extension, control wrapping, block Ack request (BlockAckReq), block Ack (BlockAck), PS-polling, RTS, CTS, Ack, and CF-end frames / signals as defined in traditional WLANs. For control frames, Figure 8 The values ​​of type fields B3 and B2 are set to 01. Furthermore, Figure 8 The values ​​of the subtype fields B7, B6, B5, and B4 are as follows: Trigger (0010), Beamforming Report Poll (0100), NDP Announcement (0101), Control Frame Extension (0110), Control Wrapper (0111), BlockAckReq (1000), BlockAck (1001), PS-Polling (1010), RTS (1011), CTS (1100), Ack (1101), and CF-End (1110).

[0163] For example, data frames include (QoS) data, (QoS) space, etc., as defined in a regular WLAN. For management frames, Figure 13 The values ​​of type fields B3 and B2 are set to 10.

[0164] The MAC frames / signals used in this disclosure can be identified by the aforementioned type field / information and subtype field / information. For example, a "trigger frame" in this disclosure may refer to a MAC frame in which type bits B3 and B2 in the frame control field of the MAC header are set to 01, and subtype bits B7, B6, B5, and B4 in the frame control field are set to 0010. The various MAC frames described in this disclosure are inserted into / included in the data fields of various PPDUs (e.g., HE / VHT / HE / EHT / UHR PPDUs).

[0165] Figure 14Examples of modifications to the transmitting and / or receiving apparatus of this disclosure are shown.

[0166] It is possible Figure 14 Modifications shown Figures 1 to 4 The device shown (e.g., AP STA, non-AP STA). Figure 14 The transceiver 630 can be used with Figure 1 The transceivers 113 and 123 are the same. Figure 14 The transceiver 630 may include a receiver and a transmitter.

[0167] Figure 14 The processor 610 can be with Figure 1 The processors 111 and 121 are the same. Alternatively, Figure 14 The processor 610 can be with Figure 1 The processing chips 114 and 124 are the same.

[0168] Figure 14 The memory 150 can be with Figure 1 The memory modules 112 and 122 are identical. Alternatively, Figure 14 The memory 150 can be different Figure 1 Separate external memories for memories 112 and 122.

[0169] Reference Figure 14 The power management module 611 manages the power of the processor 610 and / or transceiver 630. The battery 612 supplies power to the power management module 611. The display 613 outputs the results processed by the processor 610. The keyboard 614 receives input to be used by the processor 610. The keyboard 614 may be displayed on the display 613. The SIM card 615 may be an integrated circuit for securely storing the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and its associated keys, used for identifying and authenticating users in mobile devices such as mobile phones and computers.

[0170] Reference Figure 14 The speaker (640) can output the sound-related results processed by the processor 610. The microphone (641) can receive sound-related inputs to be used by the processor 610.

[0171] 1. Auxiliary channel

[0172] This specification outlines the procedure for secondary channel access, and first defines the primary and secondary channels as follows: The primary channel is the common operating channel for all STAs that are members of the BSS. Based on 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 80 MHz+80 MHz or 320 MHz BSS, the primary channel is the primary 20 MHz channel.

[0173] A secondary channel is a channel used to configure a channel associated with the primary channel that is wider than the primary channel. In 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 80 MHz+80 MHz, or 320 MHz BSS, the secondary channel is a secondary 20 MHz channel. The secondary channel can also be referred to as a non-primary channel or non-primary channel access (NPCA) primary channel. Additionally, secondary channel access (SCA) can also be referred to as non-primary channel access (NPCA). These terms are used interchangeably in the following description.

[0174] 2. Methods for performing Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) or Secondary Channel Access (SCA)

[0175] In the current 802.11 standard, channel access is performed based on the primary channel. For example, a STA can send frames that include a secondary channel that is idle only because the primary channel is idle and the backoff counter (BC) has reached 0. For this purpose, all STAs prioritize performing a free channel assessment (CCA) on the primary channel. Therefore, the AP advertises the primary channel of the BSS and always includes the primary channel in sending management frames such as beacon, probe response frames, etc. This mechanism is effective in terms of protection because all frame exchanges between STAs and the AP are performed without interference. However, on the other hand, relying solely on the primary channel being busy is inefficient in terms of media usage because access to the idle secondary channel is impossible.

[0176] Figure 15 An example of channel access in an 802.11 wireless LAN system is shown.

[0177] Figure 15 This illustrates channel access based on the primary channel within an 80 MHz bandwidth. For example... Figure 15 As shown, this instruction manual covers the following: P20: Main 20 MHz channel S20: Secondary 20 MHz channel (based on a bandwidth of 40 MHz, it represents the remaining 20 MHz secondary channel in addition to P20) S40: Secondary 40 MHz channel (based on a bandwidth of 80 MHz, it represents the remaining 40 MHz secondary channel besides P20 / S20) S80: Secondary 80 MHz channel (based on a bandwidth of 160 MHz, it represents the remaining 80 MHz secondary channel excluding P20 / S20 / S40) S160: Secondary 160 MHz channel (based on a bandwidth of 320 MHz, it represents the remaining 160 MHz secondary channel excluding P20 / S20 / S40 / S80) S320: Secondary 320 MHz channel (based on a bandwidth of 640 MHz, it represents the remaining 320 MHz secondary channel excluding P20 / S20 / S40 / S80 / S160) Since P20 is busy due to CCA or NAV (Network Allocation Vector), BC is not decremented and waits until P20 becomes idle. Through this backoff process, once BC reaches 0, the channel states (i.e., CCA) of S20 and S40 are checked, and a frame is transmitted. In this example, since S40 is busy, the STA transmits frames corresponding to 40 MHz PPDUs via P20 and S20.

[0178] As mentioned above, such as Figure 15 As shown, since P20 is busy and S20 and S40 are idle, the bandwidth corresponding to 60 MHz is wasted, thus reducing the efficiency of media usage. Therefore, this specification proposes a method for accessing the secondary channel when P20 is busy. Additionally, this specification proposes a method to solve the misalignment problem, in which the transmitting STA fails to perform a channel handover due to different channel handover times between the receiving STA and the AP when switching from P20 to S20 or from S20 to P20, resulting in the transmission of frames.

[0179] The designations (names) in this specification may be changed, and STAs may include AP STAs or non-AP STAs.

[0180] 2.2 Secondary Channel Access Method

[0181] 2.2.1 STA Capabilities for Secondary Channel Access

[0182] Essentially, capabilities for Secondary Channel Access (SCA) can be defined. For example, STAs and APs can notify each other whether they support / enable SCA capabilities. For instance, SCA capabilities can be determined primarily based on the ability to decode the Type I Free Channel Assessment (CCA) (called Preamble Detection (PD)) performed in the Primary Channel (PCH) that identifies Wi-Fi frames, within the Secondary Channel (SCH). Thus, NAV can be set even within the SCH.

[0183] - Level 0: No backoff on SCH: In SCH, a second type of CCA is performed as described above. For example, a CCA that can detect Wi-Fi signals (called Guard Interval Detection (GID)) or a CCA that detects signals above a certain strength (called Energy Detection (ED)) is performed.

[0184] - Level 1: Last backoff on SCH: A PD is executed as a Type 1 CCA only in one secondary channel at a time. (For example, it is not possible to execute a CCA simultaneously in multiple SCHs.)

[0185] - Level 2: Simultaneous backoff on SCH: PD performed as Type 1 CCA simultaneously on one or more secondary channels. (For example, CCA performed simultaneously on multiple SCHs is possible.)

[0186] These capabilities can be included in UHR Capability Information Elements (IEs), etc. For example, from the AP's perspective, information about this capability can be included in and sent in beacons, probe response frames, and (re)association response frames, and from the non-AP STA's perspective, information about this capability can be included in probe request frames and (re)association request frames.

[0187] 2.2.2 Basic Process of Secondary Channel Access

[0188] Two NAVs (a basic NAV and a BSS-internal NAV) can be set for the aforementioned STA. The basic NAV can be updated based on PPDUs identified as inter-BSS or PPDUs that cannot be identified as inter-BSS or intra-BSS. The intra-BSS NAV can be updated based on PPDUs identified as intra-BSS.

[0189] Basically, based on the fact that the NAV within the BSS is set in the PCH for the STA, the following situation may occur.

[0190] - The AP performs frame exchange with a STA within its acquired transmission opportunity (TXOP), and sets the NAV within the BSS for other STAs based on the main channel. At this time, the STA with the set NAV within the BSS accesses the SCH and sends a frame to the AP. The AP does not receive the frame during transmission (e.g., DL data, Ack, etc.) (e.g., frames sent from the STA to the AP on the SCH).

[0191] Therefore, STA can perform SCA based on the basic NAV from another BSS besides its own BSS (e.g., OBSS) being set in the PCH.

[0192] For example, STA can perform SCA based on the basic NAV set in PCH.

[0193] Figure 16 An example of the basic procedures for SCA is shown.

[0194] Figure 16The basic SCA procedure is illustrated. Based on the basic NAV set when the STA performs backoff in P20, the STA performs backoff in S20 at the timing of setting the NAV. (For the PD to S20, there may be a handover delay for the PD from P20 to S20.) This differs from the CCA method from the perspective that CCA can be performed in S20, and it can be performed at all levels. The reason for performing backoff in S20 is that if adjacent STAs with the same or similar operating channels simultaneously transmit frames based on channel idleness without performing backoff, a collision occurs and may therefore waste medium.

[0195] The following considerations should be taken into account when implementing SCA.

[0196] i) Frame transmission method

[0197] In related technologies, based on the backoff counter reaching 0 via backoff in P20, frames can be transmitted via P20 and the idle one or more SCHs, depending on whether one or more SCHs are idle / busy. Therefore, for SCA, a change is needed due to the consideration of the case where P20 is busy, and the backoff operation for this is as follows.

[0198] - STA can perform backoff in one or more SCHs based on P20 being busy.

[0199] => The reason for performing backoff in SCH is that if an adjacent STA with the same or similar operating channel as a particular STA is determined to be idle as a CCA result for the channel during a predetermined short period of time (e.g., 1 time slot), and backoff is not performed for the SCH that includes the particular STA or the channel that overlaps with the SCH, and the particular STA and the adjacent STA transmit frames at the same time, a collision occurs and thus may waste media.

[0200] =>Since the remaining NAV timer in the current PCH (P20) is insufficient to acquire the TXOP in the SCH, backoff can be omitted from the SCH.

[0201] - The STA can perform a second type of CCA for SCHs other than one or more SCHs that perform backoff based on the backoff counter becoming 0. For example, it can determine whether the channel is idle or busy by performing CCA for SCHs other than the SCHs that perform backoff during a predetermined time (e.g., PIFS) before the backoff counter becomes 0 in the SCH that performs backoff.

[0202] - Based on the CCA results, the STA transmits frames on a channel that includes one or more idle SCHs and one or more SCHs that are performing backoff.

[0203] For example, in Figure 16 In the example of , backoff is performed in S20, and based on the backoff counter becoming 0, both 20 MHz channels in S40 are idle. Therefore, in this case, an 80 MHz PPDU (including a MAC frame) including signaling with P20 punctured can be transmitted.

[0204] ii) TXOP setting method

[0205] Based on the expiration of the basic NAV in P20, CCA must be basically performed for P20, so the TXOP is obtained in such a way that the end time of the TXOP in the SCH ends before the timing of the expiration of the basic NAV.

[0206] => Based on the TXOP being obtained to end after the timing of the expiration of the basic NAV, a traditional STA or the like can transmit a frame through P20 after the basic NAV set for the STA, so there is a problem that the STA cannot receive this. In addition, based on the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) being set in the middle of the basic NAV, there may be a problem because the AP has to prepare to transmit a beacon immediately after the basic NAV, and there is also a problem that a non-AP STA does not receive the beacon to be transmitted by the AP in time and waits for more time than the schedule. Therefore, normal frame exchange can be performed in P20 by the condition "obtain the TXOP in such a way that the end time of the TXOP ends before the timing of the expiration of the basic NAV".

[0207] => Based on there not being enough time to obtain the TXOP, no frame is transmitted. For example, based on it being difficult to obtain a TXOP as long as the interval between the timing when the backoff counter (BC) is 0 in the SCH and the end timing of the basic NAV in the PCH, no frame is transmitted.

[0208] For example, as in the example of Figure 16 Based on performing backoff in S20 and the backoff counter becoming 0 to obtain the TXOP, it ends earlier than the timing of the end of the basic NAV.

[0209] <STA's SCA operation procedure #1>

[0210] - Here, the STA can be a non-AP STA or an AP.

[0211] In the present disclosure, even during the time period when NAV is set in the PCH, the STA performing SCA can transmit a frame / PPDU on the SCH. For example, the STA can transmit a frame (or PPDU) excluding (or puncturing) the PCH on one or more SCHs determined to be idle based on the CCA results of one or more SCHs where backoff is performed and one or more SCHs where no backoff is performed.

[0212] Alternatively or concurrently, a TXOP that begins with the transmission of a frame or PPDU on the SCH can be configured to end before the expiration of the NAV on the PCH. The length of the TXOP can be set / indicated by the duration / ID field of the corresponding frame. For example, the value of the duration / ID field can be set to include the time (including the inter-frame interval (IFS)) required for the exchange of the corresponding frame or PPDU.

[0213] Alternatively, the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameter set for each SCH performing backoff can be set to the EDCA parameter set in the PCH, the multi-user (MU) EDCA parameter set, or a new EDCA parameter set. This EDCA parameter set can be applied to all SCHs in the same or different ways.

[0214] In this disclosure, even during the NAV period set in the PCH, the STA receiving frames transmitted via the SCA can perform frame detection against the SCH. For example, the STA can perform backoff against the SCH if there is a frame to be transmitted, or it can attempt to receive even if there is no frame to be transmitted to check if there is a frame addressed to itself on the SCA. Additionally, the STA can set / reset the NAV based on the value of the duration / ID field of the frame detected on the SCH.

[0215] Alternatively, the EDCA parameter set for each SCH performing backoff can be set to the EDCA parameter set in the PCH, the MU EDCA parameter set, or a new EDCA parameter set. This EDCA parameter set can be applied to all SCHs in the same or different ways.

[0216] Figure 17 The basic secondary channel access operation procedure for STA is shown.

[0217] Reference Figure 17 The STA's transmission process is as follows.

[0218] Based on the STA receiving a PPDU including a frame from another BSS, the (basic) NAV is set in the primary channel. The STA performs backoff in one or more 20 MHz secondary channels. Based on the backoff counter reaching 0 in the secondary channel where the STA is performing backoff, the STA performs CCA for the other secondary channels. The STA uses the bandwidth of the secondary channel where backoff was performed and the other secondary channels that are idle as a result of the CCA to transmit the PPDU including the frame.

[0219] Reference Figure 17 The STA receiving process is as follows.

[0220] Based on the STA receiving a PPDU including a frame from another BSS, the (basic) NAV is set in the primary channel. The STA performs backoff in one or more 20 MHz secondary channels. Based on the STA receiving a PPDU including one or more frames during backoff, it determines whether the frame is addressed to the STA (i.e., whether the receiver address of the frame is the STA's MAC address). If the frame is addressed to the STA, the STA decodes the frame body. If the frame is not addressed to the STA, the STA sets the NAV using the value of the duration field in the frame's MAC header.

[0221] 2.2.3 AP's Secondary Channel Announcement Regarding Secondary Channel Access

[0222] Figure 18 An example of BSS channel overlap between APs is shown.

[0223] Furthermore, even with SCA capability, the following problem may occur if the STA must switch to S20 and perform SCA during the time period of the basic NAV set in P20.

[0224] First, the BSS operation channel based on the AP (MLD) overlaps with the BSS operation channel of a neighboring AP (e.g., an OBSS AP), and they may interfere with each other during SCA. That is, when one AP successfully performs SCA and uses all SCHs, if the PCHs of another AP overlap, the channel access opportunity may be reduced. For example, suppose... Figure 16 STA in the context is Figure 18 If AP1 is the primary AP, then AP2 cannot use P20 and S20 because AP1's S20 is AP2's P20. This could lead to the following problem: relatively speaking, AP2, which performs SCA based on AP1, doesn't have many existing PCH-based channel access opportunities. Furthermore, fairness may be reduced when one AP has SCA capability but another does not, as the AP with SCA capability may occupy the channel for a longer period.

[0225] Furthermore, in cases where none of the STAs associated with an AP that has SCA capability have SCA capability, if the AP performs SCA, it cannot successfully exchange frames with all STAs; therefore, the AP does not need to perform SCA. Conversely, if the AP does not have SCA capability, even if the STAs associated with that AP have SCA capability, the STAs do not need to perform SCA. Additionally, even if a particular STA has SCA capability, it may not intend to perform SCA for power-saving purposes. Thus, the case where a STA switches to S20 and performs SCA when the basic NAV is set in the PCH is defined as an optional function; the STA and AP cannot determine whether they will perform SCA when the basic NAV is set, and therefore cannot exchange frames with each other. Therefore, APs and STAs with SCA capability must consider the surrounding circumstances and their own intentions to indicate whether to perform SCA. Furthermore, through such indication, a STA may not perform SCA for power-saving purposes even if it has SCA capability, and an AP may not perform SCA to ensure fairness in PCH-based transmissions to the OBSS. The AP may include at least one piece of information specified below regarding secondary channel access operations. This information may be included in a management frame, which includes beacon, probe response, and (re)association response of the AP in the UHR Operation IE or a new IE form. Additionally or alternatively, 802.11bn defines new action frames (referred to in this specification as SCA mode notification frames, and the name may be changed without restriction).

[0226] - Secondary Channel Access Capability: Indicates whether a UHR STA or UHR AP has the capability to perform SCA.

[0227] => For example, if the information has 1 bit, a value "1" means that it has SCA capability, and a value "0" means that it does not have SCA capability.

[0228] - Secondary Channel Access Mode (SCA Mode): Indicates whether a STA or AP in which the Secondary Channel Access Capability field is set to 1 (e.g., having SCA capability) performs SCA based on switching to the secondary channel when the basic NAV is set in the PCH.

[0229] => For example, if the information has 1 bit, a value of "1" means to execute SCA, and a value of "0" means not to execute SCA.

[0230] Alternatively, a STA or AP with a secondary channel access capability of 1 (i.e., having secondary channel access capability) must always indicate a secondary channel access mode value.

[0231] 1) An AP whose secondary channel access capability is set to 1 announces SCA mode by setting it to 0: 1-1) STAs associated with the AP notify the AP of their own secondary channel access mode fields according to their own intentions, but they do not switch to SCH regardless of the SCA mode (in any case, STAs with SCA mode set to 1 know that the AP will not switch even based on the handover), thereby preventing unnecessary SCA execution by STAs and AP.

[0232] 1-2) STAs associated with the AP can set their own secondary channel access mode field to 0, the same as the AP.

[0233] 1-2-1) The STAs associated with the AP will maintain the SCA mode as 0 until the AP announces the SCA mode as 1 again, and based on the AP announcing the SCA mode as 1, they will return to the SCA mode set by the original STA.

[0234] 1-2-2) Based on the AP announcing the SCA mode as 1 again, all STAs indicate their own SCA mode through the SCA mode notification frame.

[0235] 2) APs whose secondary channel access capability is set to 1 advertise this field by setting it to 1: Each STA indicates its own SCA mode field by setting it to 0 or 1. The AP does not perform SCA with STAs that have their SCA mode set to 0, but can perform frame exchange via SCA with STAs that have their SCA mode set to 1. Figure 22 , Figure 23 ).

[0236] 2-1) The AP can maintain its own SCA mode without switching to the secondary channel. This is because it is currently known that all STAs have set their SCA mode to 0, and it is known that no STA can perform SCA.

[0237] 2-2) Based on all STAs setting the SCA mode to 0, APs can change their own SCA mode to 0.

[0238] 2-2-1) Based on one or more STAs updating and indicating their own SCA mode as 1, the AP sets its own SCA mode back to 1 and performs SCA with the corresponding STA.

[0239] Alternatively or additionally, in the absence of an AP announcing SCA mode (process 1), an AP with SCA capability always sets SCA mode to enabled, and only STAs indicate their own SCA mode. The AP also performs SCA based on the presence of an enabled STA, and may not perform SCA based on the presence of all disabled STAs.

[0240] The AP can transmit corresponding information by including it in a management frame, which includes beacon, probe response, and correlation response in the UHR Operation IE or a new IE format.

[0241] Additionally or alternatively, in beacon, probe request / response, and association request / response, only secondary channel access capability is exchanged between the AP and STA. The AP and the STA associated with it are initially connected in secondary channel access mode with the default disabled state, and based on the intention to change the SCA mode, the AP or STA can send it by setting the secondary channel access mode value to 1.

[0242] Additionally or alternatively, in beacon, probe request / response, and association request / response, only secondary channel access capability is exchanged between the AP and STA. The AP and the STA associated with it are initially connected in the secondary channel access mode with the default enabled state, and based on the intention to change the SCA mode, the AP or STA can send it by setting the secondary channel access mode value to disabled.

[0243] The AP determines that it will not perform secondary channel access for STAs that indicate secondary channel access mode as 0. Therefore, the AP will not send frames to the corresponding STAs through secondary channel access, but can send frames to STAs that set secondary channel access mode to 1. Figure 22 ).like Figure 22 As shown, it can be confirmed that the AP and STA1, whose secondary channel access mode is set to 1, are performing SCA. This information can be included in a management frame, which includes the STA's probe request and (re)association request, in the form of a new IE.

[0244] Additionally or alternatively, APs and STAs intending to change their own secondary channel access modes after the association process can do so via an SCA mode notification frame. For example, based on an AP announcing the secondary channel access mode value via a beacon by setting it to 1, when a particular STA sends an association request frame for power saving purposes, including whether it will not perform SCA (secondary channel access mode = 0), that STA will not perform SCA, and the AP, having recognized this, will not send a frame to that STA when performing SCA. Subsequently, based on the STA's intention to perform SCA by sending an updated secondary channel access mode to the AP by setting the secondary channel access mode value to 1 in the SCA mode notification frame, it can convey the meaning that they will perform SCA on each other, since the AP is also enabled (…). Figure 22 ).

[0245] Additionally or alternatively, the STA may notify the SCA mode by utilizing the reserved bits (control ID values ​​7-14) present in the A-Control subfield of the HE variant HT control field. For example, assuming control ID value 7 is a control ID value indicating the information required to perform SCA, it may notify its own mode by including the SCA mode in the control information subfield.

[0246] Additionally or alternatively, the STA may notify the SCA mode by utilizing reserved bits in the Compressed Block Acknowledgment (BA) frame. For example, it may notify its own mode by including the SCA mode using reserved bits in the BA control field.

[0247] - SCA Disable Count Unit: Indicates the unit of time for the SCA disable count. A value of 2 bits indicates the time period. A value of 0 indicates the secondary channel access mode will remain at 0 regardless of time until the SCA mode is explicitly updated (beacon, SCA mode notification frame, A-Control, or compressed block acknowledgment). A value of 1 indicates a time unit of 256 µs; a value of 2 indicates a time unit of 1 TU; and a value of 3 indicates a time unit of 1 TBTT. This information (or field) can be indicated solely based on the secondary channel access mode being set to 0, and a value of 1 may be absent (0 bits).

[0248] - SCA Disable Count: Indicates that a STA or AP that does not perform SCA (i.e., the secondary channel access mode is set to 0) will enable SCA again after the time specified in the corresponding field. In other words, it indicates the duration for which the SCA mode is disabled. This corresponding field may exist only if the secondary channel access mode is set to 0 and the SCA disable count unit value is not 0.

[0249] Additionally or alternatively, the STA can set an SCA disable count value to reflect interference caused by the coexistence of non-WiFi STA devices.

[0250] => For example, a STA can determine whether interference caused by periodic or non-periodic traffic from a non-WiFi STA persists in the PCH for a specific duration. The STA can perform SCA (Self-Controlled Action) based on switching to a secondary channel when the PCH becomes unavailable due to the corresponding interference. Additionally, it can notify neighboring STAs of the unavailability time information in the PCH (start time / end time / period / duration) and the bandwidth information of the interference.

[0251] For example, if the PCH becomes unavailable due to services provided by a non-WiFi STA, the mobile AP can broadcast unavailability time information and bandwidth information indicating interference. Upon receiving this, the non-AP STA can perform SCA with the mobile AP during the corresponding time period by switching to the SCH.

[0252] For example, based on such information, if the bandwidth occupied by a non-WiFi STA is included in the secondary access channel configured by the AP, then the AP where SCA mode is enabled will change its own SCA mode to disabled, and can notify it by setting the value of the time interval reflecting the interference of the non-WiFi STA as the SCA disabled count value. Upon receiving this, the STA can determine that the AP will not switch to SCH during the corresponding time period and will be unable to send / receive frames due to the traffic of the non-WiFi STA, and from the STA's perspective, it can prevent backoff based on switching to an unnecessary SCH.

[0253] Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding information may be included in a management frame, which includes the STA's probe request and (re)association request, in the form of a new IE.

[0254] Additionally or alternatively, 802.11bn defines new action frames (referred to in this specification as SCA mode notification frames, and the name may be changed and is not limited thereto), and after association, AP and STA can send corresponding information based on what is included in the SCA mode notification frame, the A-control field, and the compressed block acknowledgment.

[0255] Figure 19 An example of SCA information included in the control information field of A-Control is shown.

[0256] Additional or alternative land, such as Figure 19 As illustrated, the STA can announce the SCA disable count by utilizing reserved bits (Control ID values ​​7-14) present in the A-Control subfield of the HE variant HT control field. For example, assuming Control ID value 7 is a Control ID value indicating the information required to perform SCA, it can include the information needed to enable / disable the SCA mode, including the SCA mode, the SCA disable count, and the SCA disable count unit. Figure 19 In the example, SCA mode is disabled, the SCA disable count unit is TBTT, and the SCA disable count value is 3. Therefore, this can mean that the SCA mode of the STA sending the corresponding information is enabled after 3 TBTTs.

[0257] Figure 20 An example of SCA information included in the control information field of A-Control is shown.

[0258] Additional or alternative land, such as Figure 20 As illustrated, the STA can announce the SCA disabled count by utilizing reserved bits in the Compressed Block Acknowledgment (BA) frame. For example, when a reserved bit (B0) is used in the BA control field for the aforementioned SCA mode, based on the SCA mode being 0, it can be identified that the field with the SCA disabled count unit and the SCA disabled count value is included after the BA information, which means that the SCA mode is disabled.

[0259] - Secondary channel access bandwidth: The maximum PPDU bandwidth that can be transmitted when SCA is executed.

[0260] => For example, it indicates a bandwidth of 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320MHz (additionally, it can have a bandwidth of 640MHz).

[0261] => This bandwidth cannot exceed the BSS operating bandwidth. Here, the BSS operating bandwidth (or the bandwidth of the BSS operating channel) refers to the bandwidth corresponding to the BSS operation. This is announced by the AP via beacon or probe response frames. For example, even if Figure 16 The BSS operating bandwidth is 160MHz and one or more SCHs of S80 are idle. The maximum PPDU bandwidth based on AP announcements is 80MHz. S80 is not included. Figure 16 It is included in the frame and transmitted in 80MHz PPDU format.

[0262] - Secondary access channel: One or more secondary channels used as references when performing SCA (i.e., channels for backoff).

[0263] => This can be indicated by specifying which secondary channel it is, based on the aforementioned BSS operating bandwidth or maximum PPDU bandwidth.

[0264] => For example, a bitmap can be used. Figure 16 In this case, since backoff is performed based on the first secondary channel, assuming a bandwidth of 80MHz and each bit based on a 20MHz channel, it can be indicated as 100 using three bitmaps. (Based on four bitmaps including the PCH, it can be indicated as 0100.)

[0265] => Each bit of the bitmap can be associated with the channel in the following ways: From the first to the last, it can be considered as going from the lowest frequency 20MHz channel to the highest frequency 20MHz channel, or vice versa, from the highest frequency 20MHz channel to the lowest frequency 20MHz channel.

[0266] - Secondary Channel CCA Threshold: This is a standard threshold used to determine whether a channel is idle or busy via CCA during one or more SCHs performing SCA. That is, the channel is determined to be busy based on measured power greater than or equal to this threshold. The lower the value, the higher the probability that the channel will be determined to be busy even at low power levels.

[0267] => For example, this can be determined as a fixed / reference value (e.g., -82dBm, -72dBm). Alternatively or additionally, it can be determined as a value obtained by adding a variation value (e.g., 4dBm, 8dBm) to that fixed value. In this case, only the variation value can be sent.

[0268] => This threshold can be applied to either Type I CCA or Type II CCA.

[0269] Figure 21 An example of an SCA based on an AP's SCA-related notice is provided.

[0270] Figure 21 This example illustrates an AP that allows SCA and advertises a maximum PPDU bandwidth of 40MHz, and can be based on a second SCH ( Figure 21 SCA is performed on the first SCH of S40. In this example, the bitmap indicates from the lowest frequency to the highest frequency, i.e., in ascending order from a frequency perspective. Therefore, the STA performs backoff based on the first SCH of S40, and transmits a frame based on the backoff counter becoming 0 and the next SCH being idle. At this time, even if any SCH of S160 is idle, CCA is not performed on any SCH of S160 due to the maximum PPDU bandwidth of 40MHz, and it is not utilized. In this way, even if the PCH is busy, the channel can be used efficiently by utilizing the SCH.

[0271] Figure 22 Example 1 illustrates the operation of the secondary channel access mode.

[0272] Figure 23 Example 2 illustrates the operation of the secondary channel access mode.

[0273] Figure 22 An example of secondary channel access mode operation is illustrated. First, the AP announces its support for secondary channel access mode via a beacon (the AP sets this to 1). STs receiving this indicate their own secondary channel access mode in the association request frame. For example, as follows... Figure 22As shown, STA1 sets the secondary channel access mode to 1 to perform SCA, while STA2 sets the secondary channel access mode to 0 to indicate that it does not perform SCA. Based on this, when the basic NAV is set in the PCH, it can be confirmed that the AP performs frame exchange with STA1 that sets the secondary channel access mode to 1 through SCA, and the SCA of STA2 is disabled.

[0274] As Figure 23 illustrated, after the AP associates with the STA, STA1 initially sets the secondary channel access mode to 0 and sets the SCA disable count unit to 0 during the association, thereby indicating that it will not perform SCA until it sends its updated SCA mode (the corresponding SCA mode can be included in the SCA mode notification frame, A-Control, or compressed block acknowledgment). To update its secondary channel access mode value, such STA1 sends an SCA mode notification frame including the updated secondary channel access mode value to indicate that it will perform SCA. It can be confirmed that the AP that receives this then performs SCA with STA1 when the basic NAV is set in the PCH, and STA1 and the AP can perform SCA.

[0275] <SCA operation process of STA #2>

[0276] - The STA can be a non-AP STA or an AP.

[0277] Figure 24 Examples of the operation processes of the transmitting STA and the receiving STA for SCA are illustrated.

[0278] Refer to Figure 24 , the transmission process of the STA is as follows.

[0279] The transmitting AP with SCA capability sets its own SCA mode to 0 or 1 and announces it. The AP receives responses regarding the transmitted SCA mode from the receiving non-AP STAs. Based on the SCA modes of all non-AP STAs being set to 0, even if the PCH is busy due to OBSS PPDUs, the AP does not switch to the SCH. Based on the SCA mode of a non-AP STA being set to 1, even if the PCH is busy due to OBSS PPDUs, the AP switches to the SCH and performs SCA with the non-AP STA whose SCA mode is set to 1.

[0280] Refer to Figure 24 , the reception process of the STA is as follows.

[0281] Non-AP STAs receive frames indicating their SCA mode from a transmitting AP with SCA capability. Based on this, the AP-based SCA mode is 0, and the non-AP STAs notify the AP of their own SCA mode or set their SCA mode to 0. Non-AP STAs maintain their SCA mode at 0 until the AP's SCA mode is updated to 1, and then they return to the SCA mode originally set by the non-AP STA. Non-AP STAs that receive notification from the AP notify the AP of their own SCA mode based on the AP's SCA mode being 1. Non-AP STAs only perform SCA based on switching to SCH if the AP's SCA mode is 1 and the PCH is busy due to OBSS PPDU.

[0282] In this disclosure, an STA performing SCA can transmit frames / PPDUs on the SCH even during the NAV period set in the PCH. For example, an STA can transmit frames or PPDUs on one or more SCHs in an idle state by excluding (or puncturing) the PCH, which is determined by the CCA results of backoff performed on one or more SCHs and the one or more SCHs in which backoff was not performed.

[0283] Additionally or alternatively, a TXOP that begins with the transmission of a frame or PPDU on the SCH can be set to terminate before the NAV termination time on the PCH. The TXOP length can be set / indicated by the duration / ID field of the corresponding frame. For example, the value of the duration / ID field can be set to include the time required for the exchange of frames or PPDUs following the corresponding frame or PPDU (including the inter-frame interval (IFS)).

[0284] Additionally or alternatively, information regarding whether a frame / PPDU can be transmitted on a SCH, and if so, regarding the execution of one or more SCHs with backoff, can be obtained from management frames (e.g., beacons) transmitted by the AP. The STA performing SCA is the AP, and it can use information transmitted by itself (information regarding whether frame / PPDU transmission is possible, and if so, regarding the execution of one or more SCHs with backoff).

[0285] Additionally or alternatively, the maximum bandwidth information capable of transmitting frames / PPDUs on the SCH can be obtained from management frames (e.g., beacons) transmitted by the AP. Since the STA performing SCA is the AP, it can use the information transmitted by itself (the maximum bandwidth information capable of transmitting frames / PPDUs).

[0286] Additionally or alternatively, the threshold for determining whether a channel on the SCH is busy or idle (based on measured power exceeding this threshold to determine busy) for either Type I CCA or Type II CCA can be obtained from management frames (e.g., beacons) sent by the AP. Since the STA performing the SCA is the AP, it can use information sent by itself (the threshold for determining whether a channel on the SCH is busy or idle for both Type I CCA and Type II CCA).

[0287] Additional or alternative land, such as Figure 24 As shown, STAs and APs with SCA capability can determine whether to perform SCA by including an indicator of whether to perform SCA in management frames (e.g., beacon, probe request / response frames) based on the basic NAV set in the PCH.

[0288] Additionally or alternatively, the indicator for SCA mode can also be transmitted in SCA mode notification frames, A-Control, compressed block acknowledgments, etc.

[0289] => Based on the SCA mode being disabled, it has an SCA disabled count unit and an SCA disabled count field.

[0290] => Since the SCA-disabled count unit value is 0, the value of the SCA-disabled count field may not exist.

[0291] => AP can always enable SCA mode by default.

[0292] like Figure 24 As shown, the operation process when notifying AP and STA of SCA mode is as follows.

[0293] => Based on the AP announcing the SCA mode value by setting it to disabled, STAs can maintain their own SCA mode but may not switch it, or they can temporarily set the SCA mode to disabled like the AP, until the AP announces it as enabled.

[0294] => Based on the AP announcing the SCA mode value by setting the SCA mode value to enabled, the STA informs the AP of its own SCA mode, and the AP and STA with the SCA mode set to 1 can perform SCA.

[0295] Additionally or alternatively, based on the SCA mode being disabled (SCH access allowed is set to 0), information regarding when the SCA mode is disabled can be provided through the SCA disable count unit and the SCA disable count field.

[0296] => Based on the overlap between the bandwidth used by the non-WiFi STA and the SCH used for SCA backoff, the corresponding SCA disable count value can be set by the STA that sets the SCA mode to disable and reflects the time value of a specific interval during which non-WiFi STAs interfere, in order to set the SCA disable count unit and the SCA disable count value.

[0297] <STA Operation Procedure for SCA #3>

[0298] - STA can be a non-AP STA or AP.

[0299] In this disclosure, an STA performing SCA can transmit frames / PPDUs on a SCH even during a time period when NAV is set in the PCH. For example, an STA can transmit frames / PPDUs for excluded / punctured PCHs on one or more SCHs in an idle state, which is determined by the CCA results of backoff performed on one or more SCHs and the one or more SCHs in which backoff was not performed.

[0300] Additionally or alternatively, the TXOP that begins with the transmission of a frame / PPDU on the SCH can be set to terminate before the NAV termination time on the PCH. The TXOP length can be set / indicated by the duration / ID field of the corresponding frame. For example, the value of the duration / ID field can be set to include the time (including IFS) required for the exchange of frames / PPDUs following the corresponding frame / PPDU.

[0301] Additionally or alternatively, information regarding whether a frame / PPDU can be transmitted on a SCH, and if so, regarding the execution of one or more SCHs with backoff, can be obtained from management frames (e.g., beacons) transmitted by the AP. The STA performing SCA is the AP, and it can use information transmitted by itself (information regarding whether frame / PPDU transmission is possible, and if so, regarding the execution of one or more SCHs with backoff).

[0302] Additionally or alternatively, information regarding one or more SCHs that perform backoff may be transmitted based on a subset of channels obtained by dividing the bandwidth of the entire BSS operating channel into units (e.g., 40MHz / 80MHz). For example, determining and transmitting the SCHs that perform backoff in each divided channel subset. Determining the SCHs that perform backoff at the same location within each channel subset.

[0303] => Additionally or alternatively, based on the backoff counter becoming 0 in the SCH where backoff is performed in a subset of channels, channels for which Type II CCA can be performed can be applied only to other SCHs within the same subset of channels. This can be applied equivalently to other subsets of channels.

[0304] Alternatively or additionally, the EDCA parameter set for each SCH used to perform backoff can be set to the EDCA parameter set in the PCH or the MU EDCA parameter set, or a new EDCA parameter set. This EDCA parameter set can be applied to all SCHs in the same or different ways.

[0305] Additionally or alternatively, the maximum bandwidth information capable of transmitting frames / PPDUs on the SCH can be obtained from management frames (e.g., beacons) transmitted by the AP. Since the STA performing SCA is the AP, it can use the information transmitted by itself (the maximum bandwidth information capable of transmitting frames / PPDUs).

[0306] Additionally or alternatively, the threshold for determining whether a channel on the SCH is busy or idle (based on measured power exceeding this threshold to determine busy) for either Type I CCA or Type II CCA can be obtained from management frames (e.g., beacons) sent by the AP. Since the STA performing the SCA is the AP, it can use information sent by itself (the threshold for determining whether a channel on the SCH is busy or idle for both Type I CCA and Type II CCA).

[0307] In this disclosure, the STA receiving a frame transmitted via the SCA can perform frame detection on the SCH even during the NAV period set in the PCH. For example, the STA can perform backoff on the SCH based on the presence of a frame to be transmitted, and even if there is no frame to be transmitted, it can attempt to receive to check if a frame addressed to itself exists on the SCA. Additionally, the STA can perform NAV setting / resetting based on the value of the duration / ID field of the frame detected on the SCH.

[0308] Additionally or alternatively, information regarding whether a frame / PPDU can be received on the SCH, and if so, regarding the execution of one or more SCHs with backoff, can be obtained from management frames (e.g., beacons) sent by the AP. The STA performing SCA is the AP, and it can use information sent by itself (information regarding whether frame / PPDU reception is possible, and if so, regarding the execution of one or more SCHs with backoff).

[0309] Additionally or alternatively, information regarding one or more SCHs that perform backoff may be transmitted based on a subset of channels obtained by dividing the bandwidth of the entire BSS operating channel into units (e.g., 40MHz / 80MHz). For example, SCHs that perform backoff may be determined and transmitted in each divided channel subset. There may be no SCHs that perform backoff in a channel subset.

[0310] The PPDUs that transmit / receive signals in this specification may include data fields.

[0311] The data field includes user data and may include grouping for higher-level processing. That is, it may include MPDU (MAC frame).

[0312] For example, based on support for channel access operations on secondary channels, the duration / ID field in the MAC header of the MPDU can be set to a value that includes the duration of frame exchange following the frame or PPDU sent with the PCH excluded (or punctured). For example, the TXOP termination time determined based on the value of the duration / ID field can be set before the termination time of the NAV set on the primary channel.

[0313] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the transmitting device and the receiving device may each include a memory, a processor, and a transceiver.

[0314] The memory can store information about the multiple secondary channel accesses described in this specification.

[0315] The processor can perform backoff in the secondary channel, generate various RUs, and configure PPDUs based on information stored in memory. The processor can be configured to execute all or part of the <STA Operation Procedure #1 for SCA>, <STA Operation Procedure #2 for SCA>, and <STA Operation Procedure #3 for SCA> described in this specification.

[0316] Specifically, the transceiver (113) of the transmitting device includes an antenna and can perform analog signal processing. Specifically, the processor (111) can control the transceiver (113) to transmit PPDUs generated by the processor (111).

[0317] Alternatively, the processor (111) may generate a transmit PPDU and store information about the transmit PPDU in memory (112).

[0318] For example, the processor (111) of the transmitting device may be configured to perform the operation of transmitting STA according to the example of this disclosure. For example, the processor (111) may be configured to transmit a frame on the SCH via transceiver (113) during the time period when the NAV is set in the PCH. For example, the processor (111) may be configured to perform backoff and determine the idle state of one or more SCHs via transceiver (113). For example, the processor (111) may be configured to transmit frames / PPDUs of excluded / punctured PCHs via transceiver (113) on one or more SCHs. Additionally or alternatively, the processor (111) may be configured to generate a frame including a duration / ID field, the duration / ID field being set to a value such that a TXOP that begins with the transmission of a frame / PPDU on the SCH terminates before the time point when the NAV on the PCH ends.

[0319] Additionally, the transceiver (123) of the receiving device can receive PPDUs based on the control of the processor (121). For example, the transceiver (123) may include multiple detailed units (not shown). For example, the transceiver (123) includes at least one receiving antenna and may include filters for the corresponding receiving antenna.

[0320] The PPDU received by the transceiver (123) can be stored in the memory (122). The processor (121) can process the decoding of the received PPDU through the memory (122). The processor (121) obtains control information (e.g., SIG) about BW / tone plan / RU included in the PPDU and can store the obtained control information in the memory (122).

[0321] The processor (121) can perform decoding on the received PPDU. Additionally, the processor (121) can process the decoded data. For example, the processor (121) can perform processing operations to deliver information about the decoded data fields to a higher layer (e.g., the MAC layer). Furthermore, it can perform subsequent operations based on a generation signal from the higher layer to the PHY layer in response to the data delivered to the higher layer.

[0322] For example, the processor parses the data field of the PPDU received through the transceiver to obtain the MACPDU, which is obtained by PHY decoding.

[0323] For example, the processor (121) of the receiving device can be configured to perform the operation of receiving STA according to the example of this disclosure. For example, the processor (121) can attempt to perform frame detection on the SCH via the transceiver (123) during the time period when the NAV is set on the PCH. The processor (121) can be configured to decode / parse frames addressed to itself based on frames received on the SCH. In addition, the processor (121) can be configured to set / reset the NAV based on the duration / ID field value of frames not addressed to itself.

[0324] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the transmitting device according to this embodiment.

[0325] Figure 25 Examples can be performed by the transmitting device (AP and / or non-AP STA).

[0326] Figure 25 A portion of each step (or detailed sub-steps described later) in the example can be skipped / omitted.

[0327] Through step S2510, the transmitting device (transmitting STA) can obtain information about the tone plan described above. As mentioned above, the information about the tone plan includes the size and location of the RU, control information related to the RU, information about the frequency band including the RU, and information about the STA receiving the RU, etc.

[0328] In step S2520, the transmitting device can construct / generate a PPDU based on the obtained control information. Configuring / generating a PPDU may include configuring / generating each field of the PPDU. Specifically, step S2520 includes configuring an EHT-SIG field containing control information regarding tone planning. Specifically, step S2520 includes configuring a field containing control information (e.g., an N-bitmap) indicating the size / location of the RU; and / or configuring a field containing an identifier (e.g., an AID) of the STA receiving the RU.

[0329] Additionally, step S2520 may include generating an STF / LTF sequence transmitted via a specific RU. The STF / LTF sequence may be generated based on a preset STF generation sequence / LTF generation sequence.

[0330] Additionally, step S2520 may include generating a data field (i.e., MPDU) sent through a specific RU.

[0331] The transmitting device can send the PPDU constructed in step S2520 to the receiving device based on step S2530.

[0332] While performing step S2530, the transmitting device may perform at least one of operations such as CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operation, and GI insertion.

[0333] The signals / fields / sequences constructed according to this specification can be used as follows: Figure 5 Send in the form of.

[0334] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the receiving device according to this embodiment.

[0335] The above PPDU can be based on Figure 26 The example is used to receive.

[0336] Figure 26 Examples can be performed by the receiving device / app (AP and / or non-AP STA).

[0337] Figure 26 A portion of each step (or detailed sub-steps described later) in the example can be skipped / omitted.

[0338] The receiving device (receiving STA) can receive all or part of the PPDU through step S2610. The received signal can be... Figure 5 In the form of.

[0339] The sub-steps of step S2610 can be based on Figure 25 Step S2530 is determined. That is, in step S2610, the results of the CSD, spatial mapping, IDFT / IFFT operations and GI insertion operations applied in step S2530 can be recovered.

[0340] In step S2620, the receiving device can decode all or part of the PPDU. Additionally, the receiving device can obtain control information related to the tone plan (i.e., RU) from the decoded PPDU.

[0341] More specifically, the receiving device can decode the L-SIG and EHT-SIG of the PPDU based on conventional STF / LTF and obtain the information included in the L-SIG and EHT SIG fields. Information on the various tone schemes (i.e., RUs) described in this specification can be included in the EHT-SIG, and the receiving STA can obtain information about the tone scheme (i.e., RU) through the EHT-SIG.

[0342] In step S2630, the receiving device can decode the remaining parts of the PPDU based on the information about the tone scheme (i.e., RU) obtained in step S2620. For example, the receiving STA can decode the STF / LTF field of the PPDU based on the information about a scheme (i.e., RU). Additionally, the receiving STA can decode the data field of the PPDU based on the information about the tone scheme (i.e., RU) and obtain the MPDU included in the data field.

[0343] Additionally, the receiving device can perform a processing operation to deliver the data decoded in step S2630 to a higher layer (e.g., the MAC layer). Furthermore, when a generation signal is indicated from the higher layer to the PHY layer in response to data sent to the higher layer, subsequent operations can be performed.

[0344] The following text will refer to Figures 1 to 26 The above-described implementation method is described.

[0345] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of transmitting a STA accessing a non-master channel and receiving a PPDU according to this embodiment.

[0346] Figure 27 The example can be implemented in network environments that support next-generation wireless LAN systems (Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) wireless LAN systems or next-generation Wi-Fi). Next-generation wireless LAN systems are improved versions of the 802.11be system and meet backward compatibility requirements with the 802.11be system.

[0347] Figure 27 The example is performed by the sending station (STA), and the sending STA can correspond to an access point (AP). Figure 27 The receiving STA in the STA can correspond to at least one station (STA).

[0348] This embodiment proposes a method for preventing unwanted NPCA by transmitting NPCA mode (or SCA mode) via management frames, the NPCA mode being information about whether to perform channel access for a non-primary channel.

[0349] In step S2710, the transmitting station (STA) sends a first management frame to the receiving STA.

[0350] In step S2720, the sending STA receives the second management frame from the receiving STA.

[0351] In step S2730, the transmitting STA determines whether to perform channel access for the first non-master channel based on the first management frame and the second management frame.

[0352] The first management frame includes a first non-primary channel access (NPCA) mode, which is information about whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel.

[0353] The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information about whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-master channel.

[0354] If either the first NPCA mode or the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) does not perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. If both the first NPCA mode and the second NPCA mode are set to 1 (only if both are 1), the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) can perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. Both the first and second NPCA modes can consist of 1 bit.

[0355] The first non-primary channel can be a secondary 20MHz channel. While the Network Allocation Vector (NAV) is set in the primary 20MHz channel, backoff can be performed on this secondary 20MHz channel. The NAV set in the primary 20MHz channel can be a basic NAV.

[0356] The first management frame may also include information about whether the transmitting STA has the capability to perform channel access for the first non-primary channel (SCA capability or NPCA capability). The second management frame may also include information about whether the receiving STA has the capability to perform channel access for the first non-primary channel.

[0357] Information regarding whether a transmitting or receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel can indicate whether a transmitting or receiving STA with this capability can perform channel access (NPCA) by switching to the first non-primary channel based on a basic NAV set in the primary 20MHz channel.

[0358] For example, this embodiment proposes a method for determining whether to perform NPCA by transmitting the NPCA modes of the transmitting and receiving STAs via a management frame, taking into account the communication environment and intentions of the transmitting and receiving STAs. Based on the NPCA mode, even if the receiving STA has NPCA capability, it can choose not to perform NPCA for power-saving purposes, and the AP can choose not to perform NPCA to ensure fairness in the transmission of OBSS services in the main channel. Therefore, it has the following advantages: under high traffic conditions, performing NPCA when receiving OBSS services by activating the NPCA mode can improve throughput performance, and under low traffic conditions, deactivating the NPCA mode when receiving OBSS services allows for power-saving gains in the corresponding time period, thus providing the advantage of providing flexibility for the NPCA modes of the transmitting and receiving STAs.

[0359] The method for determining whether to perform channel access for non-master channels based on the values ​​of the first NPCA mode and the second NPCA mode is as follows.

[0360] For example, based on the first NPCA mode being 0, regardless of the second NPCA mode, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) may not perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. That is, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) can recognize that the first NPCA mode is 0, and will not perform unnecessary NPCA without switching to the first non-primary channel.

[0361] After receiving the first management frame, the second NPCA mode can be set to 0, the same as the first NPCA mode. That is, based on the recognition that the first NPCA mode is 0, the second NPCA mode of the receiving STA can also be set to 0, the same as the first NPCA mode of the sending STA.

[0362] However, the operation after the value of the first NPCA mode is changed is as follows.

[0363] The transmitting STA can send a third management frame to the receiving STA (the receiving STA can receive the third management frame from the transmitting STA). The third management frame may include a first NPCA mode that has been changed to 1. After receiving the third management frame, the second NPCA mode can be changed (or reset) to the value initially set by the receiving STA.

[0364] The following are the operations after the value of the second NPCA mode is changed.

[0365] The transmitting STA can receive a notification frame from the receiving STA regarding the changed second NPCA mode (the receiving STA can send a notification frame regarding the changed second NPCA mode to the transmitting STA). Based on this notification frame, and based on the identification that both the first and second NPCA modes are set to 1, the receiving STA (or the transmitting STA) performs channel access for the first non-primary channel and can perform frame switching through the first non-primary channel.

[0366] As another example, based on the first NPCA mode being 1 and the second NPCA mode being 0, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) may not perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. That is, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) can recognize that the second NPCA mode is 0, and will not perform unnecessary NPCA without switching to the first non-primary channel.

[0367] At this point, the second management frame may also include information about the time during which the second NPCA mode remains at 0 until it is changed to 1. Based on the change of the second NPCA mode to 1, the transmitting STA can receive a notification frame from the receiving STA regarding the changed second NPCA mode (the receiving STA can send a notification frame regarding the changed second NPCA mode to the transmitting STA).

[0368] Information regarding the time it takes for the second NPCA mode to remain at 0 until it is changed to 1 exists only based on the second NPCA mode being 0, and can be specifically described as follows.

[0369] Based on the second NPCA mode being 0, information about the time during which the second NPCA mode remains 0 until it is changed to 1 may include information about the NPCA deactivation count unit (SCA disable count unit or NPCA disable count unit) and information about the NPCA deactivation count (SCA disable count or NPCA disable count).

[0370] Since the information about the NPCA deactivation count unit is set to 0, the information about the NPCA deactivation count does not exist, and the second NPCA mode can remain at 0 until a notification frame is sent.

[0371] Based on the information about the NPCA deactivation count being set to 1 and the information about the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode can be maintained at 0 up to 256. K us.

[0372] Based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to 2 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode can be maintained at 0 up to 1. K is a unit of time (TU).

[0373] Based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to 3 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode can be maintained at 0 up to 1. K-Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT).

[0374] Information about NPCA deactivation count units and NPCA deactivation counts can be set based on the value of the time when interference occurs due to the bandwidth used by non-WiFi STAs being included in the first non-primary channel.

[0375] The first management frame can be a beacon, probe response frame, or (re)association response frame. The second management frame can be a probe request frame or (re)association request frame.

[0376] Alternatively, the above information can be included in the NPCA mode notification frame, A-control field, or compressed block acknowledgment after association by defining a new action frame instead of a management frame.

[0377] The transmitting STA (or receiving STA) can perform backoff for the first non-primary channel. Based on a backoff value of 0 for the first non-primary channel, the transmitting STA (or receiving STA) can perform channel access for the second non-primary channel. The transmitting STA (or receiving STA) can transmit or receive Physical Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) through an idle channel between the first and second non-primary channels. The second non-primary channel can be a remaining secondary channel in the Basic Service Set (BSS) operating channels after excluding the first non-primary channel. The PPDU can be an initial control frame.

[0378] Figure 28 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of receiving a STA accessing a non-primary channel and transmitting a PPDU according to this embodiment.

[0379] Figure 28 The example can be implemented in network environments that support next-generation wireless LAN systems (Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) wireless LAN systems or next-generation Wi-Fi). Next-generation wireless LAN systems are improved versions of the 802.11be system and meet backward compatibility requirements with the 802.11be system.

[0380] Figure 28 The example is performed by the receiving station (STA), and the receiving STA can correspond to at least one STA. Figure 28 The sending STA in the diagram can correspond to an access point (AP).

[0381] This embodiment proposes a method for preventing unwanted NPCA by transmitting NPCA mode (or SCA mode) via management frames, the NPCA mode being information about whether to perform channel access for a non-primary channel.

[0382] In step S2810, the receiving station (STA) receives the first management frame from the transmitting STA.

[0383] In step S2820, the receiving STA sends a second management frame to the sending STA.

[0384] In step S2830, the receiving STA determines whether to perform channel access for the first non-master channel based on the first management frame and the second management frame.

[0385] The first management frame includes a first non-primary channel access (NPCA) mode, which is information about whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel.

[0386] The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information about whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-master channel.

[0387] If either the first NPCA mode or the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) does not perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. If both the first NPCA mode and the second NPCA mode are set to 1 (only if both are 1), the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) can perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. Both the first and second NPCA modes can consist of 1 bit.

[0388] The first non-primary channel can be a secondary 20MHz channel. While the Network Allocation Vector (NAV) is set in the primary 20MHz channel, backoff can be performed on this secondary 20MHz channel. The NAV set in the primary 20MHz channel can be a basic NAV.

[0389] The first management frame may also include information about whether the transmitting STA has the capability to perform channel access for the first non-primary channel (SCA capability or NPCA capability). The second management frame may also include information about whether the receiving STA has the capability to perform channel access for the first non-primary channel.

[0390] Information regarding whether a transmitting or receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel can indicate whether a transmitting or receiving STA with this capability can perform channel access (NPCA) by switching to the first non-primary channel based on a basic NAV set in the primary 20MHz channel.

[0391] For example, this embodiment proposes a method for determining whether to perform NPCA by transmitting the NPCA modes of the transmitting and receiving STAs via a management frame, taking into account the communication environment and intentions of the transmitting and receiving STAs. Based on the NPCA mode, even if the receiving STA has NPCA capability, it can choose not to perform NPCA for power-saving purposes, and the AP can choose not to perform NPCA to ensure transmission fairness for OBSS services in the main channel. Therefore, it has the following advantages: under high traffic conditions, performing NPCA upon receiving OBSS services by activating the NPCA mode can improve throughput performance, and under low traffic conditions, deactivating the NPCA mode allows for power-saving gains during the corresponding time period upon receiving OBSS services, thus providing the advantage of providing flexibility for the NPCA modes of the transmitting and receiving STAs.

[0392] The method for determining whether to perform channel access for non-master channels based on the values ​​of the first NPCA mode and the second NPCA mode is as follows.

[0393] For example, based on the first NPCA mode being 0, regardless of the second NPCA mode, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) may not perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. That is, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) can recognize that the first NPCA mode is 0, and will not perform unnecessary NPCA without switching to the first non-primary channel.

[0394] After receiving the first management frame, the second NPCA mode can be set to 0, the same as the first NPCA mode. That is, based on the recognition that the first NPCA mode is 0, the second NPCA mode of the receiving STA can also be set to 0, the same as the first NPCA mode of the sending STA.

[0395] However, the operation after the value of the first NPCA mode is changed is as follows.

[0396] The transmitting STA can send a third management frame to the receiving STA (the receiving STA can receive the third management frame from the transmitting STA). The third management frame may include a first NPCA mode that has been changed to 1. After receiving the third management frame, the second NPCA mode can be changed (or reset) to the value initially set by the receiving STA.

[0397] The following are the operations after the value of the second NPCA mode is changed.

[0398] The transmitting STA can receive a notification frame from the receiving STA regarding the changed second NPCA mode (the receiving STA can send a notification frame regarding the changed second NPCA mode to the transmitting STA). Based on this notification frame, and based on the identification that both the first and second NPCA modes are set to 1, the receiving STA (or the transmitting STA) performs channel access for the first non-primary channel and can perform frame switching through the first non-primary channel.

[0399] As another example, based on the first NPCA mode being 1 and the second NPCA mode being 0, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) may not perform channel access for the first non-primary channel. That is, the receiving STA (or transmitting STA) can recognize that the second NPCA mode is 0, and will not perform unnecessary NPCA without switching to the first non-primary channel.

[0400] At this point, the second management frame may also include information about the time during which the second NPCA mode remains at 0 until it is changed to 1. Based on the change of the second NPCA mode to 1, the transmitting STA can receive a notification frame from the receiving STA regarding the changed second NPCA mode (the receiving STA can send a notification frame regarding the changed second NPCA mode to the transmitting STA).

[0401] Information regarding the time it takes for the second NPCA mode to remain at 0 until it is changed to 1 exists only based on the second NPCA mode being 0, and can be specifically described as follows.

[0402] Based on the second NPCA mode being 0, information about the time during which the second NPCA mode remains 0 until it is changed to 1 may include information about the NPCA deactivation count unit (SCA disable count unit or NPCA disable count unit) and information about the NPCA deactivation count (SCA disable count or NPCA disable count).

[0403] Since the information about the NPCA deactivation count unit is set to 0, the information about the NPCA deactivation count does not exist, and the second NPCA mode can remain at 0 until a notification frame is sent.

[0404] Based on the information about the NPCA deactivation count being set to 1 and the information about the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode can be maintained at 0 up to 256. K us.

[0405] Based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to 2 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode can be maintained at 0 up to 1. K is a unit of time (TU).

[0406] Based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to 3 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode can be maintained at 0 up to 1. K-Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT).

[0407] Information about NPCA deactivation count units and NPCA deactivation counts can be set based on the value of the time when interference occurs due to the bandwidth used by non-WiFi STAs being included in the first non-primary channel.

[0408] The first management frame can be a beacon, probe response frame, or (re)association response frame. The second management frame can be a probe request frame or (re)association request frame.

[0409] Alternatively, the above information can be included in the NPCA mode notification frame, A-control field, or compressed block acknowledgment after association by defining a new action frame instead of a management frame.

[0410] The transmitting STA (or receiving STA) can perform backoff for the first non-primary channel. Based on a backoff value of 0 for the first non-primary channel, the transmitting STA (or receiving STA) can perform channel access for the second non-primary channel. The transmitting STA (or receiving STA) can transmit or receive Physical Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) through an idle channel between the first and second non-primary channels. The second non-primary channel can be a remaining secondary channel in the Basic Service Set (BSS) operating channels after excluding the first non-primary channel. The PPDU can be an initial control frame.

[0411] <Device Configuration>

[0412] The technical features described above in this specification can be applied to various devices and methods. For example, they can be used... Figure 1 and / or Figure 14 The apparatus is used to perform / support the above-described technical features of this specification. For example, the above-described technical features of this specification may be applied only to... Figure 1 and / or Figure 14 Part of it. For example, the aforementioned technical features of this specification can be based on Figure 1 The processing chips (114 and 124) are implemented based on Figure 1 Implemented using processors (111 and 121) and memory (112 and 122), or based on Figure 14 The processor (610) and memory (620) are implemented. For example, the apparatus of this specification receives a first management frame from a transmitting station (STA); transmits a second management frame to the transmitting STA; and determines, based on the first management frame and the second management frame, whether to perform channel access for a first non-master channel.

[0413] The technical features of this specification can be implemented based on a computer-readable medium (CRM). For example, the CRM proposed in this specification is at least one computer-readable medium (CRM) comprising instructions executed by at least one processor.

[0414] The CRM can store instructions for performing operations including: receiving a first management frame from a transmitting station (STA); sending a second management frame to the transmitting STA; and determining, based on the first and second management frames, whether to perform channel access for a first non-primary channel. The instructions stored in the CRM of this specification can be executed by at least one processor. The at least one processor associated with the CRM of this specification may be... Figure 1 The processors (111 and 121) or processing chips (114 and 124), or Figure 14 The processor (610). Furthermore, the CRM in this manual can be... Figure 1 The memory (112 and 122), Figure 14 The memory (620) or a separate external memory / storage medium / disk, etc.

[0415] The aforementioned technical features in this specification are applicable to various applications or business models. For example, the aforementioned technical features can be applied to wireless communication in devices that support artificial intelligence (AI).

[0416] Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the field of research concerning artificial intelligence or the methods used to create it, while machine learning refers to the field of research concerning methods for defining and solving various problems within the field of AI. Machine learning is also defined as an algorithm that improves operational performance through stable operational experience.

[0417] Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are models used in machine learning, and can refer to models that solve problems in general, including artificial neurons (nodes) that form a network by combining synapses. An artificial neural network can be defined by the connection patterns between neurons in different layers, the learning process that updates model parameters, and the activation function that generates the output value.

[0418] An artificial neural network may include an input layer, an output layer, and optionally one or more hidden layers. Each layer includes one or more neurons, and the artificial neural network may include synapses connecting the neurons. In an artificial neural network, each neuron can output the function value of an activation function of the input signal input through synapses, weights, and biases.

[0419] Model parameters refer to the parameters determined through learning, and include the weights of synaptic connections and the biases of neurons. Hyperparameters refer to the parameters that are set before learning in a machine learning algorithm, and include the learning rate, number of iterations, minimum batch size, and initialization function.

[0420] Learning artificial neural networks may aim to determine model parameters used to minimize a loss function. The loss function can be used as a metric for determining the optimal model parameters during the learning process of an artificial neural network.

[0421] Machine learning can be divided into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0422] Supervised learning refers to the method of training an artificial neural network using labels provided for the training data. When the training data is input into the artificial neural network, the labels indicate the correct answer (or result value) that the network should infer. Unsupervised learning refers to the method of training an artificial neural network without providing labels for the training data. Reinforcement learning can be a training method used to train an agent defined in an environment to select actions or sequences of actions to maximize the cumulative reward in each state.

[0423] Machine learning implemented using deep neural networks (DNNs) with multiple hidden layers is called deep learning, and deep learning is a part of machine learning. In the following text, machine learning is interpreted as including deep learning.

[0424] The aforementioned technical features can be applied to wireless communication for robots.

[0425] A robot can be defined as a machine that automatically processes or operates a given task using its own capabilities. In particular, a robot that has the ability to recognize its environment and make autonomous judgments to perform operations can be called an intelligent robot.

[0426] Depending on their application or field, robots can be categorized into industrial, medical, household, and military robots, among others. Robots can include actuators or drives that include motors to perform various physical operations, such as moving robot joints. Additionally, mobile robots can include wheels, brakes, propellers, etc., in their drives to move on the ground or fly in the air.

[0427] The aforementioned technical features can be applied to devices that support extended reality.

[0428] Extended reality is collectively referred to as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). VR technology is a computer graphics technology that provides real-world objects and backgrounds only in CG images; AR technology is a computer graphics technology that provides virtual CG images on top of real object images; and MR technology is a computer graphics technology that provides virtual objects that are mixed and combined with the real world.

[0429] MR technology is similar to AR technology in that it can display real and virtual objects together. However, in AR technology, virtual objects are used as a supplement to real objects, while in MR technology, virtual and real objects are used as equals.

[0430] XR technology can be applied to head-mounted displays (HMDs), head-up displays (HUDs), mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, televisions, digital signage, and more. Devices that utilize XR technology can be referred to as XR devices.

[0431] The claims disclosed in this specification can be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features in the method claims of this specification can be combined to be implemented as a device, and the technical features in the device claims of this specification can be combined to be implemented by a method. Furthermore, the technical features in the method claims and device claims of this specification can be combined to be implemented as a device, and the technical features in the method claims and device claims of this specification can be combined to be implemented by a method.

Claims

1. A method in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the method comprising: The receiving station (STA) receives the first management frame from the sending station (STA); The receiving STA sends a second management frame to the sending STA; as well as The receiving STA determines whether to perform channel access for the first non-master channel based on the first management frame and the second management frame. The first management frame includes a first non-primary channel access (NPCA) mode, which is information regarding whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel. The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information regarding whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-master channel. Wherein, if the first NPCA mode or the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the receiving STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-master channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first management frame also includes information about whether the transmitting STA has the capability to perform the channel access for the first non-master channel. The second management frame also includes information about whether the receiving STA has the capability to perform channel access for the first non-master channel, and The first non-primary channel is a secondary 20MHz channel, which can perform backoff on the secondary 20MHz channel while setting the network allocation vector (NAV) in the primary 20MHz channel.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Since the first NPCA mode is 0, regardless of the second NPCA mode, the receiving STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-primary channel.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, After receiving the first management frame, the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the same as the first NPCA mode. The method further includes: The receiving STA receives the third management frame from the sending STA. The third management frame includes the first NPCA mode that has been changed to 1, and Upon receiving the third management frame, the second NPCA mode is changed to the value initially set by the receiving STA.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The receiving STA sends a notification frame to the sending STA regarding the changed second NPCA mode.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Based on the first NPCA mode being 1 and the second NPCA mode being 0, the receiving STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-primary channel. The second management frame also includes information about the time during which the second NPCA mode remains at 0 until it is changed to 1, and Based on the change of the second NPCA mode to 1, the receiving STA sends a notification frame to the sending STA regarding the changed second NPCA mode.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Based on the second NPCA mode being 0, the information regarding the time during which the second NPCA mode remains 0 until it is changed to 1 includes information about the NPCA deactivation count unit and information about the NPCA deactivation count. Specifically, the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit is set to 0, the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count does not exist, and the second NPCA mode remains at 0 until the notification frame is sent. Wherein, based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit being set to 1 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode remains at 0 for 256K us. Wherein, based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit being set to 2 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode is maintained at 0 for 1K time units TU. Wherein, based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit being set to 3 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode remains at 0 for a period of 1. K target beacon transmission time TBTT, and The information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count are set based on the value of the time of interference caused by the bandwidth used by non-WiFi STAs being included in the first non-master channel.

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Based on the first NPCA mode being 1 and the second NPCA mode being 1, the receiving STA performs the channel access for the first non-primary channel.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: The receiving STA performs backoff for the first non-master channel; The receiving STA performs channel access for the second non-primary channel based on a backoff value of 0 for the first non-primary channel; as well as The receiving STA transmits or receives Physical Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) through an idle channel among the first non-primary channel and the second non-primary channel. The second non-primary channel is the remaining secondary channel in the basic service set (BSS) operation channel of the transmitting STA after excluding the first non-primary channel.

10. A receiving station (STA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the receiving STA comprising: Memory; transceiver; as well as A processor operatively connectable to the memory and the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: Receive the first management frame from the transmitting STA; Send a second management frame to the sending STA; and Based on the first management frame and the second management frame, it is determined whether to perform channel access for the first non-master channel. The first management frame includes a first non-primary channel access (NPCA) mode, which is information regarding whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel. The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information regarding whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-master channel. Wherein, if the first NPCA mode or the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the receiving STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-master channel.

11. A method in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the method comprising: The transmitting station (STA) sends the first management frame to the receiving station (STA); The sending STA receives the second management frame from the receiving STA; as well as The transmitting STA determines whether to perform channel access for the first non-master channel based on the first management frame and the second management frame. The first management frame includes a first non-primary channel access (NPCA) mode, which is information regarding whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel. The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information regarding whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-master channel. Wherein, if the first NPCA mode or the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the receiving STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-master channel.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first management frame also includes information about whether the transmitting STA has the capability to perform the channel access for the first non-master channel. The second management frame also includes information about whether the receiving STA has the capability to perform channel access for the first non-master channel, and The first non-primary channel is a secondary 20MHz channel, which can perform backoff on the secondary 20MHz channel while setting the network allocation vector (NAV) in the primary 20MHz channel.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Since the first NPCA mode is 0, regardless of the second NPCA mode, the transmitting STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-primary channel.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, After receiving the first management frame, the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the same as the first NPCA mode. The method further includes: The transmitting STA sends a third management frame to the receiving STA. The third management frame includes the first NPCA mode that has been changed to 1, and Upon receiving the third management frame, the second NPCA mode is changed to the value initially set by the receiving STA.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The sending STA receives a notification frame from the receiving STA regarding the changed second NPCA mode.

16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Based on the first NPCA mode being 1 and the second NPCA mode being 0, the transmitting STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-primary channel. The second management frame also includes information about the time during which the second NPCA mode remains at 0 until it is changed to 1, and Based on the change of the second NPCA mode to 1, the sending STA receives a notification frame from the receiving STA regarding the changed second NPCA mode.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Based on the second NPCA mode being 0, the information regarding the time during which the second NPCA mode remains 0 until it is changed to 1 includes information about the NPCA deactivation count unit and information about the NPCA deactivation count. Specifically, the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit is set to 0, the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count does not exist, and the second NPCA mode remains at 0 until the notification frame is sent. Wherein, based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit being set to 1 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode remains at 0 for 256K us. Wherein, based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit being set to 2 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode is maintained at 0 for 1K time units TU. Wherein, based on the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit being set to 3 and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count being set to K, the second NPCA mode remains at 0 for a period of 1. K target beacon transmission time TBTT, and The information regarding the NPCA deactivation count unit and the information regarding the NPCA deactivation count are set based on the value of the time of interference caused by the bandwidth used by non-WiFi STAs being included in the first non-master channel.

18. A transmitting station (STA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the transmitting STA comprising: Memory; transceiver; as well as A processor operatively connectable to the memory and the transceiver. The processor is configured as follows: Send the first management frame to the receiving STA; Receive a second management frame from the receiving STA; and Based on the first management frame and the second management frame, it is determined whether to perform channel access for the first non-master channel. The first management frame includes a first non-primary channel access (NPCA) mode, which is information regarding whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel. The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information regarding whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-master channel. Wherein, if the first NPCA mode or the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the receiving STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-master channel.

19. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that are executed by at least one processor to perform a method, the method comprising the steps of: Receive the first management frame from the transmitting station STA; Send a second management frame to the sending STA; as well as Based on the first management frame and the second management frame, it is determined whether to perform channel access for the first non-master channel. The first management frame includes a first non-primary channel access (NPCA) mode, which is information regarding whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel. The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information regarding whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-master channel. Wherein, if the first NPCA mode or the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the receiving STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-master channel.

20. An apparatus in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the apparatus comprising: Memory; as well as A processor, operatively connected to the memory. The processor is configured as follows: Receive the first management frame from the transmitting station STA; Send a second management frame to the sending STA; and Based on the first management frame and the second management frame, it is determined whether to perform channel access for the first non-master channel. The first management frame includes a first non-primary channel access (NPCA) mode, which is information regarding whether the transmitting STA performs channel access for the first non-primary channel. The second management frame includes a second NPCA mode, which is information regarding whether the receiving STA performs channel access for the first non-master channel. Wherein, if the first NPCA mode or the second NPCA mode is set to 0, the receiving STA does not perform the channel access for the first non-master channel.

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