Padding and backoff operations when transmitting in a WLAN via multiple frequency segments

Abstract

A communication device determines that simultaneous transmission and reception across multiple frequency bands is not permitted in a WLAN. The communication device transmits a first packet in a first frequency band starting from a first time, and transmits a second packet in a second frequency band starting from a second time different from the first time. The transmission of the second packet overlaps with the transmission of the first packet in time. In response to the determination that simultaneous transmission and reception across multiple frequency bands is not permitted, the communication device includes padding in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur simultaneously.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / US2020 / 038820, international application date of June 19, 2020, entry into the Chinese national phase date of February 18, 2022, Chinese national application number 202080058423.2, and invention title "Music User Interface".

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 863699, filed June 19, 2019, entitled “Multi-Band Operation: Synchronized and Unsynchronized,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to simultaneous transmission and / or reception in multiple frequency bands in a wireless local area network (WLAN). Background Technology

[0004] Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) have progressed rapidly over the past two decades, and the development of WLAN standards such as the IEEE 802.11 series has improved peak data rates per user. One way to increase data rates is to increase the frequency bandwidth of the communication channels used in WLANs. For example, the IEEE 802.11n standard allows the aggregation of two 20 MHz sub-channels to form a 40 MHz aggregated communication channel, while the newer IEEE 802.11ax standard allows the aggregation of up to eight 20 MHz sub-channels to form an aggregated communication channel of up to 160 MHz. Now, work has begun on a new version of the IEEE 802.11 standard, known as the IEEE 802.11be standard or Extremely High Throughput (EHT) WLAN. The IEEE 802.11be standard could allow the aggregation of up to 16 20 MHz sub-channels (or even more) to form an aggregated communication channel of up to 320 MHz (or even wider aggregated communication channels). Furthermore, the IEEE 802.11be standard allows the aggregation of 20 MHz sub-channels in different frequency bands (e.g., separated by frequency gaps) to form corresponding communication links. Additionally, the IEEE 802.11be standard allows the aggregation of 20 MHz sub-channels in different radio frequency (RF) bands to form a single aggregated channel, or allows the aggregation of 20 MHz sub-channels in different RF bands to form corresponding communication links.

[0005] The current IEEE 802.11 standard (referred to as the "IEEE 802.11 standard" in this document for simplicity) specifies that a first communication device sends packets to a second communication device via a single communication channel. The IEEE 802.11 standard also provides a mechanism for devices to determine whether a single communication channel is busy or idle, in order to determine whether a device can transmit on a single communication channel. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for simultaneously transmitting in multiple frequency bands includes: determining at a communication device that simultaneous transmission and reception via the multiple frequency bands is not permitted; transmitting a first packet by the communication device in a first frequency band starting from a first time; transmitting a second packet by the communication device in a second frequency band starting from a second time different from the first time, wherein the transmission of the second packet overlaps with the transmission of the first packet in time; and in response to determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via the multiple frequency bands is not permitted, including padding in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

[0007] In another embodiment, the first communication device includes a wireless network interface device configured to communicate via multiple frequency bands. The wireless network interface device includes one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices configured to: determine that simultaneous transmission and reception via the multiple frequency bands is not permitted; control the wireless network interface device to transmit a first packet in a first frequency band starting from a first time; control the wireless network interface device to transmit a second packet in a second frequency band starting from a second time different from the first time, wherein the transmission of the second packet overlaps temporally with the transmission of the first packet; and in response to having determined that simultaneous transmission and reception via the multiple frequency bands is not permitted, include padding in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method for simultaneously transmitting in multiple frequency bands includes: performing a backoff operation at a communication device corresponding to one of the multiple frequency bands, the backoff operation involving decrementing a backoff counter associated with the one frequency band; determining at the communication device whether the backoff counter of the communication device has expired; and in response to determining that the backoff counter has expired, having the communication device simultaneously transmit corresponding transmissions in the corresponding frequency bands starting from the same time.

[0009] In another embodiment, the communication device includes a wireless network interface device configured to communicate via multiple frequency bands. The wireless network interface device includes one or more IC devices and a backoff counter implemented on the one or more IC devices. The one or more IC devices are configured to: perform a backoff operation corresponding to one of the multiple frequency bands, the backoff operation involving decrementing the backoff counter associated with that frequency band; determine whether the backoff counter has expired; and, in response to determining that the backoff counter has expired, control the wireless network interface device to simultaneously transmit corresponding transmissions in the corresponding frequency band starting from the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an example communication system according to one embodiment, in which communication devices wirelessly exchange information via multiple frequency bands.

[0011] Figure 2A According to one embodiment, by Figure 1 The diagram shows an example communication channel used by the communication system, which corresponds to multiple frequency bands.

[0012] Figure 2B According to another embodiment, by Figure 1 A diagram of another example communication channel used by the communication system, which corresponds to multiple frequency bands.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an example wireless network interface device configured to communicate via multiple frequency bands according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of asynchronous transmission in multiple frequency bands according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an example method for simultaneously transmitting in multiple frequency bands according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of another example method for simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of synchronous and simultaneous transmission across multiple frequency bands according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram of another example of synchronous and simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of another example method for simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a diagram of another example of synchronous and simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands according to another embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of synchronous and simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Next-generation wireless local area network (WLAN) protocols (such as the IEEE 802.11be standard, sometimes referred to as the Ultra High Throughput (EHT) WLAN standard) can allow the aggregation of up to 16 (or even more) 20 MHz sub-channels to form a 320 MHz aggregated communication channel (or even a wider aggregated communication channel). Furthermore, the IEEE 802.11be standard can allow the aggregation of 20 MHz sub-channels in different frequency bands (e.g., separated by frequency gaps) to form corresponding communication links. Additionally, the IEEE 802.11be standard can allow the formation of multiple WLAN communication links corresponding to specific frequency bands. Multiple WLAN communication links can be used to simultaneously transmit / receive different information.

[0023] In some embodiments described below, multiple packets are transmitted simultaneously in corresponding frequency bands starting at different times. Padding is included in one or more packets such that the transmission of multiple packets ends at the same time.

[0024] In some embodiments described below, corresponding backoff operations are performed in conjunction with the respective frequency bands to determine when simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands can begin. In other embodiments described below, a single backoff operation is performed in conjunction with only one frequency band to determine when simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands can begin.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an example WLAN 110 using multiple communication links in multiple frequency bands or different radio frequency (RF) bands according to one embodiment. WLAN 110 includes an access point (AP) 114, which includes a host processor 118 coupled to a wireless network interface device 122. The wireless network interface device 122 includes one or more media access control (MAC) processors 126 (sometimes referred to herein as "MAC processor 126" for simplicity) and one or more PHY processors 130 (sometimes referred to herein as "PHY processor 130" for simplicity). The PHY processor 130 includes multiple transceivers 134, and the transceivers 134 are coupled to multiple antennas 138. Although... Figure 1The diagram shows three transceivers 134 and three antennas 138, but in other embodiments, AP 114 includes other suitable numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, etc.) of transceivers 134 and antennas 138. In some embodiments, AP 114 includes more antennas 138 than transceivers 134 and utilizes antenna switching technology.

[0026] In one embodiment, the wireless network interface device 122 is configured to operate within a single RF band at a given time. In another embodiment, the wireless network interface device 122 is configured to communicate simultaneously via multiple communication links in corresponding frequency bands within a single RF band, and / or via multiple communication links at different times. In yet another embodiment, the wireless network interface device 122 is further configured to operate within two or more RF bands simultaneously or at different times. For example, in one embodiment, the wireless network interface device 122 is configured to communicate simultaneously via multiple communication links in corresponding RF bands, and / or via multiple communication links at different times. In one embodiment, the wireless network interface device 122 includes a plurality of PHY processors 130, wherein each PHY processor 130 corresponds to a corresponding RF band. In yet another embodiment, the wireless network interface device 122 includes a single PHY processor 130, wherein each transceiver 134 includes a corresponding RF radio device corresponding to a corresponding RF band.

[0027] Wireless network interface device 122 is implemented using one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to operate as described below. For example, MAC processor 126 may be implemented at least partially on a first IC, and PHY processor 130 may be implemented at least partially on a second IC. For example, in various embodiments, the first IC and the second IC may be packaged together in a single IC package to form a modular device, or the first IC and the second IC may be coupled together on a single printed circuit board. As another example, at least a portion of MAC processor 126 and at least a portion of PHY processor 130 may be implemented on a single IC. For example, wireless network interface device 122 may be implemented using a system-on-a-chip (SoC), wherein the SoC includes at least a portion of MAC processor 126 and at least a portion of PHY processor 130.

[0028] In one embodiment, host processor 118 includes a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory device (not shown) such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc. In one embodiment, host processor 118 may be implemented at least partially on a first IC, and network device 122 may be implemented at least partially on a second IC. As another example, at least a portion of host processor 118 and wireless network interface device 122 may be implemented on a single IC.

[0029] In various embodiments, the MAC processor 126 and / or PHY processor 130 of AP 114 are configured to generate data units and process received data units conforming to WLAN communication protocols, such as those conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard or another suitable wireless communication protocol. For example, MAC processor 126 may be configured to implement MAC layer functions, including MAC layer functions of WLAN communication protocols, and PHY processor 130 may be configured to implement PHY functions, including PHY functions of WLAN communication protocols. For example, MAC processor 126 is configured to generate MAC layer data units, such as MAC Service Data Units (MSDUs), MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs), etc., and provide the MAC layer data units to PHY processor 130. Furthermore, in some embodiments, MAC processor 126 is configured to select a communication link through which the MAC layer data units should be transmitted, and control PHY processor 130 to transmit the MAC layer data units on the selected communication link. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the MAC processor 126 is configured to determine when a corresponding communication link is idle and available for transmission, and to control the PHY processor 130 to transmit MAC layer data units when the corresponding communication link is idle. Additionally, in some embodiments, the MAC processor 126 is configured to determine when a client station is in a sleep state and therefore unavailable for transmission or reception. For example, according to some embodiments, the MAC processor 126 is configured to negotiate a schedule with the client station for when the client station is allowed to be in a sleep state and when the client station should be awake and available to transmit to or receive from the AP 114.

[0030] PHY processor 130 can be configured to receive MAC layer data units from MAC processor 126 and encapsulate the MAC layer data units to generate PHY data units, such as PHY protocol data units (PPDUs), for transmission via antenna 138. Similarly, PHY processor 130 can be configured to receive PHY data units received via antenna 138 and extract the MAC layer data units encapsulated within the PHY data units. PHY processor 130 can then provide the extracted MAC layer data units to MAC processor 126, which processes the MAC layer data units.

[0031] The PHY data unit is sometimes referred to as a “packet” in this paper, and the MAC layer data unit is sometimes referred to as a “frame” in this paper.

[0032] According to one embodiment, in conjunction with generating one or more RF signals for transmission, the PHY processor 130 is configured to process (may include modulation, filtering, etc.) data corresponding to a PPDU to generate one or more digital baseband signals, and to convert the digital baseband signals into one or more analog baseband signals. Furthermore, the PHY processor 130 is configured to up-convert one or more analog baseband signals into one or more RF signals for transmission via one or more antennas 138.

[0033] In conjunction with receiving one or more RF signals, the PHY processor 130 is configured to down-convert one or more RF signals into one or more analog baseband signals, and to convert one or more analog baseband signals into one or more digital baseband signals. The PHY processor 130 is also configured to process (including demodulation, filtering, etc.) one or more digital baseband signals to generate a PPDU.

[0034] In various embodiments, the PHY processor 130 includes amplifiers (e.g., low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), power amplifiers, etc.), RF downconverters, RF upconverters, multiple filters, one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), one or more discrete Fourier transform (DFT) calculators (e.g., fast Fourier transform (FFT) calculators), one or more inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) calculators (e.g., inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) calculators), one or more modulators, one or more demodulators, etc.

[0035] The PHY processor 130 is configured to generate one or more RF signals to be supplied to one or more antennas 138. The PHY processor 130 is also configured to receive one or more RF signals from one or more antennas 138.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the MAC processor 126 is configured to control the PHY processor 130 to generate one or more RF signals, for example, by providing the PHY processor 130 with one or more MAC layer data units (e.g., MPDUs) and optionally one or more control signals. In one embodiment, the MAC processor 126 includes a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory device (not shown) such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. In other embodiments, the MAC processor 126 additionally or alternatively includes one or more hardware state machines.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the MAC processor 126 includes or implements a backoff controller 140, which is configured to combine determining when transmission in the communication channel can continue to implement a backoff process. The backoff controller 140 includes one or more backoff counters (sometimes referred to as timers) 142. The backoff controller 140 invokes the backoff process when the network interface device 122 is about to transmit, and when the network interface device 122 determines that the transmission of a data unit has failed and needs to be retransmitted. The backoff process typically involves setting the backoff counter 142 and decrementing the backoff counter 142 to determine when the network interface device 122 can transmit a frame.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the backoff counter 142 is set to a value that is randomly or pseudo-randomly selected, such that the backoff counters of different communication devices in the network tend to reach zero at different times. When the backoff controller 140 determines that the channel medium is idle, the backoff controller 140 controls the backoff counter 142 to decrement. On the other hand, when the backoff controller 140 determines that the communication medium is busy, the backoff controller 140 suspends the backoff counter 142 and resumes decrementing the backoff counter 142 only when the communication medium is subsequently determined to be idle. Typically, when the backoff counter 142 reaches zero, the backoff controller 140 determines that the communication device is free to transmit. In some embodiments, before transmission, the network interface device 122 also determines whether the sub-channel(s) to which the transmission will occur are idle for a certain period of time immediately preceding the start of the transmission. In some embodiments, when the backoff counter 142 reaches zero but the sub-channel(s) to which the transmission will occur are not idle for a certain period of time immediately preceding the start of the transmission, no transmission is performed and the backoff counter is reset.

[0039] In one embodiment, determining whether a channel medium is idle includes measuring the energy level in the channel medium and comparing the measured energy level with a threshold. According to one embodiment, when the measured energy level is less than the threshold, the channel medium is determined to be idle; and when the measured energy level meets the threshold (e.g., greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, etc.), the channel medium is determined to be busy. In some embodiments, the PHY processor 130 includes one or more energy sensors (not shown) that measure the energy level in one or more frequency bands of the communication channel, and the measured energy level is used to determine whether the channel medium is idle.

[0040] In one embodiment, setting the backoff counter 142 involves randomly or pseudo-randomly selecting an initial value for the backoff counter 142 from an initial value range. In one embodiment, the initial value range is [0, CW], where CW is a contention window parameter, and the initial value and CW are in time slots, with each time slot corresponding to an appropriate time period. For example, the IEEE 802.11 standard defines time slot times of 20 microseconds (IEEE 802.11b) and 9 microseconds (IEEE 802.11a, 11n, and 11ac), with different time slot times used for different versions of the protocol. In one embodiment, CW is initially set to a minimum value, CWmin. However, after each failed transmission attempt (e.g., failure to receive a transmission acknowledgment), the value of CW is approximately doubled, with an upper limit of CWmax. The parameters CWmin and CWmax are also in time slots. In one embodiment, the backoff counter 142 is decremented in time slots.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the communication channel includes multiple frequency bands, at least in some scenarios, multiple corresponding backoff counters 142 are maintained for the multiple frequency bands. In some embodiments, when the communication channel includes multiple frequency bands, at least in some scenarios, a single backoff counter 142 is maintained for one of the multiple frequency bands.

[0042] In various embodiments, the backoff controller 140 performs various actions associated with one or more backoff counters 142, such as one or more (or none) of the following, which will be described in more detail below: i) when transmitting simultaneously via multiple frequency bands, determining whether to use multiple backoff counters 142 corresponding to the respective frequency bands; ii) when a single backoff counter 142 is to be used when transmitting simultaneously via multiple frequency bands, selecting a frequency band corresponding to a single backoff counter 142; and so on.

[0043] In one embodiment, the backoff controller 140 is implemented by a processor that executes machine-readable instructions stored in memory, wherein the machine-readable instructions cause the processor to perform actions described in more detail below. In another embodiment, the backoff controller 140 additionally or alternatively includes hardware circuitry (e.g., one or more counters, one or more timers, one or more hardware state machines, etc.) configured to perform actions described in more detail below. In some embodiments where the hardware circuitry includes one or more hardware state machines, the one or more hardware state machines are configured to perform actions described in more detail below.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, according to one embodiment, the MAC processor 126 includes or implements a synchronization transmission controller 146 configured to determine when multiple transmissions in multiple corresponding frequency bands will be synchronized (e.g., multiple transmissions start at the same time and optionally end at the same time). In some embodiments employing multiple backoff counters 142 corresponding to the respective frequency bands when transmissions are made simultaneously via multiple frequency bands, the synchronization transmission controller 146 postpones transmissions in all multiple frequency bands until all multiple backoff counters 142 have expired (e.g., reached zero). In some embodiments, when simultaneous transmissions via multiple frequency bands are not synchronized (e.g., corresponding transmissions in the respective frequency bands start at different times), the synchronization transmission controller 146 is configured to control the PHY processor 130 such that the corresponding transmissions in the respective frequency bands end at the same time.

[0045] In one embodiment, the synchronization transfer controller 146 is implemented by a processor that executes machine-readable instructions stored in memory, wherein the machine-readable instructions cause the processor to perform actions described in more detail below. In another embodiment, the synchronization transfer controller 146 additionally or alternatively includes hardware circuitry configured to perform actions described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the hardware circuitry includes one or more hardware state machines configured to perform actions described in more detail below.

[0046] In other embodiments, the backoff controller 140 and / or the synchronization transmission controller 146 are omitted from AP 114.

[0047] WLAN 110 also includes multiple client stations 154. Although Figure 1Three client stations 154 are shown, but in various embodiments, WLAN 110 includes other suitable numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, etc.) of client stations 154. Client station 154-1 includes a host processor 158 coupled to a wireless network interface device 162. The wireless network interface device 162 includes one or more MAC processors 166 (sometimes referred to herein as "MAC processor 166" for simplicity) and one or more PHY processors 170 (sometimes referred to herein as "PHY processor 170" for simplicity). The PHY processor 170 includes multiple transceivers 174, and the transceivers 174 are coupled to multiple antennas 178. Although... Figure 1 The diagram shows three transceivers 174 and three antennas 178, but client station 154-1 includes other suitable numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, etc.) of transceivers 174 and antennas 178. In some embodiments, client station 154-1 includes more antennas 178 than transceivers 174 and utilizes antenna switching technology.

[0048] In one embodiment, the wireless network interface device 162 is configured to operate within a single RF band at a given time. In another embodiment, the wireless network interface device 162 is configured to operate within two or more RF bands simultaneously or at different times. For example, in one embodiment, the wireless network interface device 162 includes a plurality of PHY processors 170, wherein each PHY processor 170 corresponds to a corresponding RF band. In another embodiment, the wireless network interface device 162 includes a single PHY processor 170, wherein each transceiver 174 includes a corresponding RF radio device corresponding to a corresponding RF band. In one embodiment, the wireless network interface device 162 includes a plurality of MAC processors 166, wherein each MAC processor 166 corresponds to a corresponding RF band. In another embodiment, the wireless network interface device 162 includes a single MAC processor 166 corresponding to multiple RF bands.

[0049] Wireless network interface device 162 is implemented using one or more ICs configured to operate as described below. For example, MAC processor 166 may be implemented on at least a first IC, and PHY processor 170 may be implemented on at least a second IC. For example, in various embodiments, the first IC and the second IC may be packaged together in a single IC package to form a modular device, or the first IC and the second IC may be coupled together on a single printed circuit board. As another example, at least a portion of MAC processor 166 and at least a portion of PHY processor 170 may be implemented on a single IC. For example, wireless network interface device 162 may be implemented using a SoC, wherein the SoC includes at least a portion of MAC processor 166 and at least a portion of PHY processor 170.

[0050] In one embodiment, host processor 158 includes a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a storage device (not shown) such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. In one embodiment, host processor 158 may be implemented at least partially on a first IC, and network device 162 may be implemented at least partially on a second IC. As another example, at least a portion of host processor 158 and wireless network interface device 162 may be implemented on a single IC.

[0051] In various embodiments, the MAC processor 166 and PHY processor 170 of the client station 154-1 are configured to generate data units and process received data units conforming to a WLAN communication protocol or another suitable communication protocol. For example, the MAC processor 166 may be configured to implement MAC layer functions, including MAC layer functions of a WLAN communication protocol, and the PHY processor 170 may be configured to implement PHY functions, including PHY functions of a WLAN communication protocol. The MAC processor 166 may be configured to generate MAC layer data units, such as MSDUs, MPDUs, etc., and provide the MAC layer data units to the PHY processor 170. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the MAC processor 166 is configured to select a communication link through which the MAC layer data units should be transmitted, and control the PHY processor 170 to transmit the MAC layer data units on the selected communication link. Additionally, in some embodiments, the MAC processor 166 is configured to determine when a corresponding communication link is idle and available for transmission, and control the PHY processor 170 to transmit the MAC layer data units when the corresponding communication link is idle. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the MAC processor 166 is configured to control when portions of the wireless network interface device 162 are in a sleep or wake state, for example, to save power. For instance, according to some embodiments, the MAC processor 166 is configured to negotiate a schedule with the AP 114 for when client station 154-1 is allowed to be in a sleep state and when client station 154-1 should be in a wake state and be available to send to or receive from the AP 114.

[0052] PHY processor 170 can be configured to receive MAC layer data units from MAC processor 166 and encapsulate the MAC layer data units to generate PHY data units, such as PPDUs, for transmission via antenna 178. Similarly, PHY processor 170 can be configured to receive PHY data units received via antenna 178 and extract the MAC layer data units encapsulated within the PHY data units. PHY processor 170 can provide the extracted MAC layer data units to MAC processor 166, which processes the MAC layer data units.

[0053] According to one embodiment, PHY processor 170 is configured to downconvert one or more RF signals received via one or more antennas 178 into one or more baseband analog signals, and to convert the analog baseband signals(s) into one or more digital baseband signals. PHY processor 170 is also configured to process the one or more digital baseband signals to demodulate the one or more digital baseband signals and generate a PPDU. PHY processor 170 includes amplifiers (e.g., LNAs, power amplifiers, etc.), RF downconverters, RF upconverters, multiple filters, one or more ADCs, one or more DACs, one or more DFT calculators (e.g., FFT calculators), one or more IDFT calculators (e.g., IFFT calculators), one or more modulators, one or more demodulators, etc.

[0054] The PHY processor 170 is configured to generate one or more RF signals to be supplied to one or more antennas 178. The PHY processor 170 is also configured to receive one or more RF signals from one or more antennas 178.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the MAC processor 166 is configured to control the PHY processor 170 to generate one or more RF signals, for example by providing the PHY processor 170 with one or more MAC layer data units (e.g., MPDUs) and optionally providing the PHY processor 170 with one or more control signals. In one embodiment, the MAC processor 166 includes a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory device (not shown) such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. In one embodiment, the MAC processor 166 includes a hardware state machine.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the MAC processor 166 includes or implements a backoff controller 190 that is the same as or similar to the backoff controller 140. The backoff controller 190 includes one or more backoff counters (sometimes referred to as timers) 192. When the backoff controller 190 determines that the channel medium is idle, it controls the backoff counter 192 to decrement. Conversely, when the backoff controller 190 determines that the communication medium is busy, it pauses the backoff counter 192 and resumes decrementing it only when the communication medium is subsequently determined to be idle. Typically, if the communication medium is still idle when the backoff counter 192 reaches zero, the backoff controller 190 determines that the communication device is free to transmit. Conversely, if the communication medium is busy when the backoff counter 192 reaches zero, the backoff controller 190 resets the backoff counter 192, and the process repeats.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the communication channel includes multiple frequency bands, at least in some scenarios, multiple corresponding backoff counters 192 are maintained for the multiple frequency bands. In some embodiments, when the communication channel includes multiple frequency bands, at least in some scenarios, a single backoff counter 192 is maintained for one of the multiple frequency bands.

[0058] In various embodiments, the backoff controller 190 performs various actions related to the operation of one or more backoff counters 192, such as one or more (or none) of the following, which will be described in more detail below: i) determining whether to use multiple backoff counters 192 corresponding to the respective frequency bands when transmitting simultaneously via multiple frequency bands; ii) selecting a frequency band corresponding to a single backoff counter 192 when a single backoff counter 192 is to be used when transmitting simultaneously via multiple frequency bands; and so on.

[0059] In one embodiment, the backoff controller 190 is implemented by a processor that executes machine-readable instructions stored in memory, wherein the machine-readable instructions cause the processor to perform actions described in more detail below. In another embodiment, the backoff controller 190 additionally or alternatively includes hardware circuitry (e.g., one or more counters, one or more timers, one or more hardware state machines, etc.) configured to perform actions described in more detail below. In some embodiments where the hardware circuitry includes one or more hardware state machines, the one or more hardware state machines are configured to perform actions described in more detail below.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, according to some embodiments, the MAC processor 166 includes or implements a synchronization transmission controller 196 that is the same as or similar to the synchronization transmission controller 146. According to one embodiment, the synchronization transmission controller 196 is configured to determine when multiple transmissions in multiple corresponding frequency bands will be synchronized (e.g., multiple transmissions start at the same time and optionally end at the same time). In some embodiments employing multiple backoff counters 192 corresponding to the respective frequency bands when transmissions are made simultaneously via multiple frequency bands, the synchronization transmission controller 196 postpones transmissions in all multiple frequency bands until all multiple backoff counters 192 have expired (e.g., reached zero). In some embodiments, when simultaneous transmissions via multiple frequency bands are not synchronized (e.g., respective transmissions in the respective frequency bands start at different times), the synchronization transmission controller 196 is configured to control the PHY processor 170 such that the respective transmissions in the respective frequency bands end at the same time.

[0061] In one embodiment, the synchronization transfer controller 196 is implemented by a processor that executes machine-readable instructions stored in memory, wherein the machine-readable instructions cause the processor to perform actions described in more detail below. In another embodiment, the synchronization transfer controller 196 additionally or alternatively includes hardware circuitry configured to perform actions described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the hardware circuitry includes one or more hardware state machines configured to perform actions described in more detail below.

[0062] In one embodiment, each of client stations 154-2 and 154-3 has the same or similar structure as client station 154-1. In another embodiment, one or more of client stations 154-2 and 154-3 have a suitable structure different from that of client station 154-1. Each of client stations 154-2 and 154-3 has the same or different numbers of transceivers and antennas. For example, according to one embodiment, client station 154-2 and / or client station 154-3 each has only two transceivers and two antennas (not shown).

[0063] Figure 2A According to one embodiment Figure 1 A diagram of an example operating channel 200 used in the communication system 110. Operating channel 200 includes multiple sub-channels 204 in a first frequency band 208 and multiple sub-channels 212 in a second frequency band 216. Operating channel 200 spans a total bandwidth 220. In one embodiment, the first band 208 and the second band 216 are within the same radio frequency (RF) band.

[0064] In other embodiments, the first segment 208 and the second segment 216 are in different RF bands. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) currently allows wireless local area networks (WLANs) to operate in multiple RF bands, such as the 2.4 GHz band (approximately 2.4 to 2.5 GHz) and the 5 GHz band (approximately 5.170 to 5.835 GHz). Recently, the FCC proposed that WLANs could also operate in the 6 GHz band (5.925 to 7.125 GHz). Regulatory bodies in other countries have also permitted WLAN operation in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and are considering allowing WLAN operation in the 6 GHz band. Future WLAN protocols currently under development may allow multi-band operation, where WLANs can use spectrum in multiple RF bands simultaneously.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first frequency band 208 is used as a first communication link, and the second frequency band 216 is used as a second communication link, wherein the first communication link and the second communication link are used for simultaneous transmission.

[0066] In one embodiment, each of the sub-channels 204 / 212 spans 20 MHz. Therefore, as... Figure 2A As shown, the first segment 208 spans 160 MHz, and the second segment 216 spans 80 MHz. In other embodiments, the first frequency segment 208 includes another suitable number of sub-channels 204 (e.g., one, two, four, etc.) and spans another suitable bandwidth, such as 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, etc., and / or the second frequency segment 216 includes another suitable number of sub-channels 212 (e.g., one, two, eight, etc.) and spans another suitable bandwidth, such as 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 160 MHz, etc.

[0067] One subchannel 204-1 in the first frequency band 208 is designated as the primary subchannel, and the other subchannels 204 / 212 are designated as secondary subchannels. According to some embodiments, control and / or management frames are transmitted in the primary subchannel 204-1. According to some embodiments, in some implementations, the primary subchannel must be idle so that any subchannel 204 / 212 can be used for transmission. In some embodiments, subchannel 212 in the second frequency band 216 is also designated as a primary subchannel (not shown). In some embodiments where the second frequency band 216 also includes a primary subchannel, at least in some scenarios, control and / or management frames are additionally or alternatively transmitted in the primary subchannel of the second frequency band 216. In other embodiments, control and / or management frames are transmitted only in the primary subchannel 204-1 of the first frequency band 208.

[0068] According to some embodiments, in some embodiments where the second frequency band 216 also includes a primary sub-channel, the primary sub-channel 204-1 of the first frequency band 208 must be idle so that any sub-channel 204 can be used for transmission, and the primary sub-channels of the second frequency band 216 must be idle so that any sub-channel 212 can be used for transmission. In other embodiments, even when the primary sub-channel 204-1 is not idle, one or more secondary sub-channels 204 can be used for transmission, and / or according to some embodiments, even when the primary sub-channels of the second frequency band 216 are not idle, one or more secondary sub-channels 212 can be used for transmission.

[0069] In other embodiments, no subchannel 212 is designated as the primary subchannel in the second segment 216.

[0070] In one embodiment, the backoff counter 142 / 192 ( Figure 1 The backoff counter 142 / 192 corresponds to the primary sub-channel of the working channel 200. For example, when the primary sub-channel is idle, the backoff counter 142 / 192 is decremented, and when the primary sub-channel is busy, the backoff counter 142 / 192 is paused. In one embodiment, the corresponding backoff counter 142 / 192 ( Figure 1 For the corresponding main sub-channel of the working channel 200, for example, when the corresponding main sub-channel is idle, the corresponding backoff counter 142 / 192 is decremented, and when the corresponding main sub-channel is busy, the corresponding backoff counter 142 / 192 is paused.

[0071] Figure 2B According to another embodiment Figure 1 A diagram of another example of a working channel 250 used in the communication system 110. Working channel 250 is similar to... Figure 2A Example operating channel 200 is shown, and for simplicity, elements with the same number are not described in detail. In example operating channel 250, a first frequency band 208 and a second frequency band 216 are separated in frequency by a gap 254. In some embodiments, the first frequency band 208 and the second frequency band 216 are in the same RF band. In other embodiments, the first frequency band 208 and the second frequency band 216 are in different RF bands.

[0072] In one embodiment, the backoff counter 142 / 192 ( Figure 1 The backoff counter 142 / 192 corresponds to the primary sub-channel of the working channel 250. For example, when the primary sub-channel is idle, the backoff counter 142 / 192 is decremented, and when the primary sub-channel is busy, the backoff counter 142 / 192 is paused. In one embodiment, the corresponding backoff counter 142 / 192 ( Figure 1 For the corresponding main sub-channel of the working channel 250, for example, when the corresponding main sub-channel is idle, the corresponding backoff counter 142 / 192 is decremented, and when the corresponding main sub-channel is busy, the corresponding backoff counter 142 / 192 is paused.

[0073] Now for reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B According to some embodiments, one or more of the sub-channels 204 / 212 are "punctured" (not in the...). Figure 2A and Figure 2B (As shown in the diagram), for example, nothing is transmitted within the "punched" subchannel.

[0074] although Figures 2A-2B Example operating channels 200 and 250 are shown as comprising two frequency bands 208 / 216, but other suitable operating channels may comprise three or more frequency bands (e.g., including a third frequency band, including a third frequency band and a fourth frequency band, etc.). In some embodiments, similar to gap 254, the third frequency band is separated from the second frequency band 216 in frequency by a gap that transmits nothing. In some embodiments, the third frequency band is continuous with the second frequency band 216 in frequency.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2A-2B The corresponding frequency bands shown are associated with different MAC addresses. For example, in an embodiment where a corresponding frequency band is used as a corresponding communication link, the corresponding communication link corresponds to a different MAC address.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a diagram of an example network interface device 300 configured for simultaneous communication via multiple communication links in a corresponding frequency band, according to one embodiment. Network interface device 300 is... Figure 1 An embodiment of the network interface device 122 of AP 114. Network interface device 300 is... Figure 1 This is an embodiment of the network interface device 162 of the client station 154-1. In other embodiments, network interface device 122 and / or network interface device 162 have suitable structures different from those of network interface device 300. Furthermore, in some embodiments, network interface device 300 is used for different purposes than... Figure 1 In another suitable communication device, and / or for different communication devices Figure 1 In another suitable wireless network of the wireless network.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the network interface device 300 is configured to communicate simultaneously via a first communication link in a first frequency band and a second communication link in a second frequency band.

[0078] The network interface device 300 includes a MAC processor 304 coupled to a PHY processor 308. The MAC processor 304 exchanges frames (or PSDUs) with the PHY processor 308.

[0079] In one embodiment, the MAC processor 304 corresponds to Figure 1 The MAC processor 126. In another embodiment, the MAC processor 304 corresponds to... Figure 1 The MAC processor 166. In one embodiment, the PHY processor 308 corresponds to... Figure 1 One or more PHY processors 130. In another embodiment, PHY processor 308 corresponds to Figure 1 One or more PHY processors 170.

[0080] MAC processor 304 includes common MAC logic 312 and link-specific (LS) MAC logic 316. Common MAC logic 312 typically implements MAC layer functions shared by multiple communication links. For example, common MAC logic 312 is configured to: encapsulate data in MAC layer data units (such as MSDUs, MPDUs, aggregated MPDUs (A-MPDUs), etc.) for transmission via multiple communication links in response to receiving data to be forwarded to another communication device in the WLAN (e.g., from a host processor (not shown), from a wired communication link (not shown), etc.), and decapsulate the data from MSDUs, MPDUs, A-MPDUs, etc., received via multiple communication links. Furthermore, in some embodiments, common MAC logic 312 is configured to select the communication link through which MAC layer data units should be transmitted.

[0081] Each LS MAC logic 316 typically implements MAC layer functionality specific to the particular communication link it corresponds to. For example, in some embodiments, LS MAC logic 316a is configured to determine when a first communication link is idle and available for transmission, and LS MAC logic 316b is configured to determine when a second communication link is idle and available for transmission. In some embodiments, each LS MAC logic 316 is associated with a corresponding network address (e.g., a MAC address); that is, LS MAC logic 316a is associated with a first network address (e.g., a first MAC address), and LS MAC logic 316b is associated with a second network address (e.g., a second MAC address) that is different from the first network address.

[0082] In some embodiments, the common MAC logic 312 implements the above reference. Figure 1 The backoff controller 140 / 190 is discussed. In some embodiments, the common MAC logic 312 additionally or alternatively implements the above-referenced... Figure 1 The synchronous transmission controller 196 is discussed. In some embodiments, some or all of the backoff controllers 140 / 190 are implemented as corresponding link-specific backoff controllers 140 / 190 in the corresponding LS MAC logic 316.

[0083] PHY processor 308a includes a baseband signal processor 320a corresponding to a first communication link, and PHY processor 308b includes a baseband signal processor 320b corresponding to a second communication link. PHY processor 308a also includes a first RF radio device (radio device-1) 328a corresponding to the first communication link, and PHY processor 308b includes a second RF radio device (radio device-2) 328b corresponding to the second communication link. Baseband signal processor 320a is coupled to the first RF radio device 328a, and baseband signal processor 320b is coupled to the second RF radio device 328b. In one embodiment, RF radio device 328a and RF radio device 328b correspond to... Figure 1 Transceiver 134. In another embodiment, RF radio device 328a and RF radio device 328b correspond to... Figure 1 The transceiver 174. In one embodiment, RF radio device 328a is configured to operate on a first RF band, and RF radio device 328b is configured to operate on a second RF band. In another embodiment, both RF radio devices 328a and RF radio devices 328b are configured to operate on the same RF band.

[0084] In one embodiment, the baseband signal processor 320 is configured to receive frames (or PSDUs) from the MAC processor 304 and encapsulate the frames (or PSDUs) into corresponding packets, and generate corresponding baseband signals corresponding to the corresponding packets.

[0085] Baseband signal processor 320a provides the corresponding baseband signal generated by baseband signal processor 320a to radio device-1 328a. Baseband signal processor 320b provides the corresponding baseband signal generated by baseband signal processor 320b to radio device-1 328b. Radio device-1 328a and radio device-2 328b up-convert the corresponding baseband signals to generate corresponding RF signals for transmission via the first communication link and the second communication link, respectively. Radio device-1 328a transmits the first RF signal via the first frequency band, and radio device-2 328b transmits the second RF signal via the second frequency band.

[0086] Radio devices 1 328a and 2 328b are also configured to receive corresponding RF signals via a first communication link and a second communication link, respectively. Radio devices 1 328a and 2 328b generate corresponding baseband signals corresponding to the corresponding received signals. The generated corresponding baseband signals are provided to corresponding baseband signal processors 320a and 320b. The corresponding baseband signal processors 320a and 320b generate corresponding PSDUs corresponding to the corresponding received signals and provide the corresponding PSDUs to the MAC processor 304. In one embodiment, the MAC processor 304 processes the PSDUs received from the baseband signal processors 320a and 320b.

[0087] In some embodiments, the common MAC logic 312 and / or the LS MAC logic 316 are implemented at least in part by a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory device (not shown) such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. In other embodiments, the common MAC logic 312 and / or the LS MAC logic 316 are additionally or alternatively implemented by hardware logic (such as one or more hardware state machines).

[0088] In some embodiments, the baseband signal processor 320 is implemented at least in part by a processor configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in a memory device (not shown) such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. In other embodiments, the baseband signal processor 320 is additionally or alternatively implemented by hardware logic such as one or more hardware state machines, hardware calculators (e.g., FFT calculators, IFFT calculators), hardware modulators, etc.

[0089] although Figure 3 The example network interface 300 shown includes a single MAC processor 304, but in some embodiments, other suitable network interface devices include multiple MAC processors, wherein a corresponding one of the multiple MAC processors 304 corresponds to a corresponding one in the communication link. Although Figure 3 The example network interface 300 shown includes multiple PHY processors 308, but in some embodiments, other suitable network interface devices include a single PHY processor having multiple RF radios corresponding to a respective communication link. In some embodiments, the single PHY processor includes multiple baseband processors 320, while in other embodiments, the single PHY processor includes a single baseband processor configured to generate multiple baseband signals corresponding to a respective communication link and process multiple baseband signals received from multiple RF radios.

[0090] In some wireless networks, for example, due to physical limitations of the communication equipment, channel conditions, etc., one or more communication devices in the wireless network may not be able to transmit and receive simultaneously via different frequency bands. Additionally or alternatively, for example, due to physical limitations of one or more communication devices in a WLAN, channel conditions, etc., AP 114 can determine that simultaneous transmission and reception via different frequency bands is not allowed in the WLAN.

[0091] According to one embodiment, client station 154 notifies AP 114 whether client station 154 can simultaneously transmit and receive via different frequency bands. For example, during the establishment phase of an operating channel with multiple frequency links (sometimes referred to as "multi-link association"), client station 154 sends AP 114 frames (e.g., management frames, control frames, action frames, etc.) containing information indicating whether client station 154 can simultaneously transmit and receive. As another example, when joining or seeking to join a WLAN managed (sometimes referred to as "multi-link association"), client station 154 sends AP 114 frames containing information indicating whether client station 154 can simultaneously transmit and receive (e.g., association request frames, reassociation request frames, probe request frames, etc.).

[0092] According to one embodiment, AP 114 notifies one or more client stations 154 whether simultaneous transmission and reception via different frequency bands is permitted in WLAN 110. According to one embodiment, for example, during the establishment phase of an operating channel with multiple frequency links (sometimes referred to as "multi-link association"), AP 114 sends frames (e.g., management frames, control frames, action frames, etc.) to one or more client stations 154 including information indicating whether simultaneous transmission and reception via different frequency bands is permitted in WLAN 110. According to one embodiment, as another example, when client station 154 seeks to join a WLAN 110 managed by (sometimes referred to as "multi-link association"), AP 114 sends frames (e.g., association response frames, reassociation response frames, probe response frames, etc.) to client station 154 including information indicating whether simultaneous transmission and reception via different frequency bands is permitted in WLAN 110. According to one embodiment, as another example, AP 114 periodically sends beacon frames including information indicating whether simultaneous transmission and reception via different frequency bands is permitted in WLAN 110. According to one embodiment, as another example, when AP 114 decides to switch from allowing simultaneous transmission and reception via different frequency bands to disallowing simultaneous transmission and reception via different frequency bands, or vice versa, AP 114 transmits a frame (e.g., management frame, control frame, action frame, etc.) that includes information indicating whether simultaneous transmission and reception via different frequency bands is allowed in WLAN 110.

[0093] In some embodiments, when simultaneous transmission / reception in multiple frequency bands is not permitted (e.g., one or more of the following: i) the first communication device does not allow simultaneous transmission / reception in multiple frequency bands, ii) the second communication device does not allow simultaneous transmission / reception in multiple frequency bands, iii) simultaneous transmission / reception in multiple frequency bands is not permitted in a WLAN, etc.) and the first communication device is transmitting asynchronously in multiple frequency bands (e.g., multiple transmissions in multiple frequency bands do not start at the same time), the first communication device terminates the asynchronous transmissions in multiple frequency bands simultaneously. In some embodiments, when one or more asynchronous transmissions in multiple frequency bands prompt another communication device to send an acknowledgment, terminating the asynchronous transmissions simultaneously helps avoid one communication device transmitting in one frequency band while another communication device sends an acknowledgment in another frequency band at the same time.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of asynchronous transmission 400 in multiple frequency bands corresponding to multiple communication links according to one embodiment. A first communication device transmits a first packet 404 in a first frequency band corresponding to a first communication link, and simultaneously transmits a second packet 408 in a second frequency band corresponding to a second communication link. The transmission of the first packet 404 begins before the transmission of the second packet 408 begins, therefore the transmission of the first packet 404 and the transmission of the second packet 408 begin at different times.

[0095] A first communication device receives a first acknowledgment 412 (e.g., an acknowledgment frame, block acknowledgment (BA) frame, etc. included in the packet) in response to a first packet 404 in a first frequency band. In one embodiment, the communication device receiving packet 404 begins transmission of the first acknowledgment 412 within a defined time period after the end of reception of packet 404. In one embodiment, the defined time period is a short inter-frame interval (SIFS) as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard. In other embodiments, the defined time period is another suitable duration.

[0096] Similarly, the first communication device receives a second acknowledgment 416 (e.g., an acknowledgment frame, BA frame, etc. included in the packet) in response to the second packet 408 in the second frequency band. In one embodiment, the communication device receiving the second packet 408 begins transmission of the second acknowledgment 416 within a defined time period after the end of reception of the second packet 408. In one embodiment, the defined time period is SIFS as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard. In other embodiments, the defined time period is another suitable duration.

[0097] To prevent the transmission of the second packet 408 and the reception of acknowledgment 412 from occurring simultaneously, the first communication device includes padding information 420 in packet 404, so that the end of transmission of packet 404 and the end of transmission of packet 408 occur at the same time. Figure 4 In the illustrative example, if the padding information 420 is not included in packet 404, the reception of acknowledgment 412 will occur earlier and overlap with the transmission of packet 408. However, by including the padding information 420, the reception of acknowledgment 412 is delayed until after the transmission of the second packet 408 has ended.

[0098] In some embodiments, if multiple transmissions in a corresponding frequency band do not prompt for acknowledgment of a defined time period (e.g., SIFS or another suitable duration) to begin after the transmission ends, the transmissions are allowed to end at different times, so that padding such as padding 420 is not added to the packet. In other embodiments, even if multiple transmissions in a corresponding frequency band do not prompt for acknowledgment of a defined time period (e.g., SIFS or another suitable duration) to begin after the transmission ends, the transmissions need to end at the same time.

[0099] In some embodiments, if simultaneous transmission and reception in the corresponding frequency band is permitted, transmissions are allowed to end at different times, so that padding such as padding 420 is not added to the packets. In other embodiments, even if simultaneous transmission and reception in the corresponding frequency band is permitted, padding such as padding 420 is added to the packets, so that transmissions end at the same time.

[0100] although Figure 4 An example of transmitting two packets simultaneously in two frequency bands is shown, but in other embodiments, three or more packets are transmitted simultaneously in three or more corresponding frequency bands. In some embodiments, padding is added to two or more packets (similar to packet 404) so ​​that the transmission of all three or more packets ends at the same time.

[0101] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an example method 500 for simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the multiple frequency bands correspond to corresponding communication links. In some embodiments, AP 114 and / or client station 154 are configured to implement method 500, and reference is made to... Figure 1 describe Figure 5 This is for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, method 500 is implemented by another suitable communication device.

[0102] In block 504, the communication device determines (e.g., network interface 122 determines, MAC processor 126 determines, synchronization transmission controller 146 determines, network interface 162 determines, MAC processor 166 determines, synchronization transmission controller 196 determines, etc.) that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted. For example, determining in block 504 that simultaneous transmission and reception is not permitted includes one or more (or none) of the following: i) determining that the communication device implementing method 400 is not allowed to simultaneously transmit and receive in multiple frequency bands, ii) determining that another communication device (to which the communication device will transmit as part of method 400) is not permitted to simultaneously transmit and receive in multiple frequency bands, and iii) determining, according to various embodiments, that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in a WLAN in which the communication device operates.

[0103] In some embodiments, determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted at block 504 includes: determining that a communication device is not permitted to simultaneously transmit and receive via multiple frequency bands. In some embodiments, determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted at block 504 includes: receiving from another communication device a packet including information indicating that the other communication device is not permitted to simultaneously transmit and receive via multiple frequency bands, wherein, as part of method 400, the communication device will transmit to the other communication device. In some embodiments, determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted at block 504 includes: receiving from an AP a packet including information indicating that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in a WLAN managed by the AP.

[0104] In box 508, the communication device transmits a first packet in a first frequency band starting from a first time (e.g., network interface 122 transmits, PHY processor 130 transmits, network interface 162 transmits, PHY processor 170 transmits, etc.). In box 512, the communication device transmits a second packet in a second frequency band starting from a second time different from the first time (e.g., network interface 122 transmits, PHY processor 130 transmits, network interface 162 transmits, PHY processor 170 transmits, etc.). The transmission of the second packet at box 512 overlaps in time with the transmission of the first packet at box 508.

[0105] In block 516, in response to the determination in block 504 that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, the communication device includes padding in the first packet (e.g., network interface 122 includes padding, PHY processor 130 includes padding, network interface 162 includes padding, PHY processor 170 includes padding, etc.) such that the end of transmission of the first packet occurs simultaneously with the end of transmission of the second packet. In some embodiments, the MAC processor (e.g., MAC processor 126, MAC processor 166, etc.) instructs the PHY processor (e.g., PHY processor 130, PHY processor 170, etc.) to include padding in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet occurs simultaneously with the end of transmission of the second packet, and the PHY processor (e.g., PHY processor 130, PHY processor 170, etc.) determines the amount of padding to include in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet occurs simultaneously with the end of transmission of the second packet.

[0106] In some embodiments, if the communication device has determined in block 504 that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, the communication device does not include padding in the first packet (e.g., network interface 122 does not include it, PHY processor 130 does not include it, network interface 162 does not include it, PHY processor 170 does not include it, etc.) such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time. In some embodiments, the MAC processor (e.g., MAC processor 126, MAC processor 166, etc.) instructs the PHY processor (e.g., PHY processor 130, PHY processor 170, etc.) not to include padding in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time, and the PHY processor (e.g., PHY processor 130, PHY processor 170, etc.) is not included. In some embodiments, in addition to ensuring that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time, padding is also added for other purposes, such as ensuring that the modulation information ends at the OFDM symbol boundary, adding packet extension to allow the receiver device more time to generate a response to the packet, etc.

[0107] In some embodiments, communication devices in a WLAN transmit simultaneously and synchronously in multiple frequency bands, for example, multiple transmissions in multiple frequency bands begin at the same time. In some embodiments, communication devices in a WLAN are configured to: i) transmit simultaneously in multiple frequency bands, wherein multiple transmissions in multiple frequency bands need to begin at the same time, and ii) transmit simultaneously and synchronously in multiple frequency bands, for example, multiple transmissions in multiple frequency bands need to begin at the same time. For example, in some embodiments, simultaneous transmissions in multiple frequency bands need to begin at the same time at certain times and / or under certain circumstances, while at other times and / or under other circumstances, simultaneous transmissions in multiple frequency bands are allowed to begin at different times. As an example, according to some embodiments, whether simultaneous transmissions in multiple frequency bands need to begin at the same time depends on the frequency distance between the multiple frequency bands. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, when a first frequency band is in the 2.4 GHz band and a second frequency band is in the 6 GHz band, simultaneous transmissions in multiple frequency bands are allowed to begin at different times. On the other hand, as another example, according to another illustrative embodiment, when the first frequency band is in the 5 GHz band and the second frequency band is in the 6 GHz band, or if the first and second frequency bands are in the same RF band, simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands needs to begin at the same time.

[0108] In some embodiments involving simultaneous and synchronous transmission across multiple frequency bands, the communication device performs corresponding backoff operations (e.g., corresponding backoff operations in each of the multiple frequency bands) in multiple frequency bands (using multiple backoff counters), and in response to all backoff counters expiring (e.g., all backoff counters reaching zero), initiates simultaneous and synchronous transmission across the multiple frequency bands.

[0109] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an example method 600 for simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands starting at the same time, according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, the multiple frequency bands correspond to respective communication links. In some embodiments, AP 114 and / or client station 154 are configured to implement method 600, and reference is made to... Figure 1 describe Figure 6 This is for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, method 500 is implemented by another suitable communication device.

[0110] In block 604, the communication device determines (e.g., network interface 122, MAC processor 126, backoff controller 140, network interface 162, MAC processor 166, backoff controller 190, etc.) whether multiple backoff counters (e.g., backoff counter 142, backoff counter 192, etc.) corresponding to multiple frequency bands of the operating channel have expired (e.g., reached zero). For example, in one embodiment, the communication device maintains (e.g., network interface 122, MAC processor 126, backoff controller 140, network interface 162, MAC processor 166, backoff controller 190, etc.) the corresponding backoff counters 142 / 192 for the corresponding frequency bands. In one embodiment, each backoff counter 142 / 192 corresponds to a corresponding sub-channel in the corresponding frequency band, and the backoff counter 142 / 192 decrements when the corresponding sub-channel is determined to be idle and pauses when the corresponding sub-channel is determined to be busy. In one embodiment, each backoff counter 142 / 192 corresponds to a corresponding primary subchannel in the corresponding frequency band, and the backoff counter 142 / 192 decrements when the corresponding primary subchannel is determined to be idle and pauses when the corresponding primary subchannel is determined to be busy.

[0111] In response to a determination in box 604 that not all of the multiple backoff counters have expired (e.g., one or more backoff counters have not expired), the communication device waits (e.g., network interface 122 waits, MAC processor 126 waits, backoff controller 140 waits, network interface 162 waits, MAC processor 166 waits, backoff controller 190 waits, etc.) until all of the multiple backoff counters have expired.

[0112] In some embodiments, when one backoff counter expires but one or more other backoff counters have not expired, method 600 includes waiting until all backoff counters expire.

[0113] In response to the determination in block 604 that all the multiple backoff counters have expired, the process proceeds to block 608. In block 608, the communication device determines whether any of the arbitrary secondary subchannels in the operating channel were idle for a defined period of time prior to the start of transmission in the operating channel. In one embodiment, the defined period of time is a suitable duration, such as the Point Coordination Function (PCF) Inter-Frame Space (PIFS) as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard. In other embodiments, the defined period of time is another suitable duration, such as the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) Inter-Frame Space (DIFS) as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard, the SIFS as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard, or another suitable duration.

[0114] In response to the determination in block 608 that all secondary subchannels not on the working channel were idle for a defined period of time prior to the start of transmission on the working channel (e.g., one or more secondary subchannels were busy), the process proceeds to block 612. In block 612, no transmission is performed on the working channel. In some embodiments, in conjunction with block 612, multiple backoff counters are reset, and process 600 is repeated. In another embodiment, transmissions are performed on i) multiple primary subchannels corresponding to the multiple backoff counters and ii) one or more idle secondary subchannels (if any).

[0115] On the other hand, in response to the determination in block 608 that all secondary subchannels in the working channel are idle for a defined period of time prior to the start of transmission in the working channel (e.g., one or more secondary subchannels are busy), the process proceeds to block 616. In block 616, transmission in the working channel is performed, including simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands starting at the same time.

[0116] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an illustrative example of simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands starting at the same time, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, according to Figure 6 Method 600 is used to perform transmission 700. In other embodiments, transmission 700 is performed according to another suitable method for simultaneously transmitting in multiple frequency bands starting from the same time.

[0117] Transmission 700 occurs within an operating channel that includes a first frequency band and a second frequency band. In some embodiments, the first frequency band corresponds to a first communication link, and the second frequency band corresponds to a second communication link.

[0118] The communication device executes (e.g., network interface 122, MAC processor 126, backoff controller 140, network interface 162, MAC processor 166, backoff controller 190, etc.) a first backoff process 704 associated with a first frequency band, and executes (e.g., network interface 122, MAC processor 126, backoff controller 140, network interface 162, MAC processor 166, backoff controller 190, etc.) a second backoff process 708 associated with a second frequency band.

[0119] In some embodiments, performing the backoff process 704 includes decrementing a first backoff counter when a sub-channel within a first frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the first backoff counter when a sub-channel within a first frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy). In some embodiments, performing the backoff process 704 includes decrementing a first backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within a first frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the first backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within a first frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy).

[0120] In some embodiments, performing the backoff process 708 includes decrementing a second backoff counter when a sub-channel within the second frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the second backoff counter when a sub-channel within the second frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy). In some embodiments, performing the backoff process 708 includes decrementing a second backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the second frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the second backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the second frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy).

[0121] exist Figure 7 In example transmission 700, a first backoff counter expires before a second backoff counter expires. In response to the first backoff counter expiring before the second backoff counter expires, the communication device postpones transmission in the first frequency band (e.g., waits to transmit) until the second backoff counter expires. In response to the second backoff counter expiring, communication transmission (e.g., transmission by network interface 122, PHY processor 130, network interface 162, PHY processor 170, etc.) includes transmission 720 of a first transmission 724 in the first frequency band and a second transmission 728 in the second frequency band. The first transmission 724 and the second transmission 728 begin simultaneously.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first transmission 724 includes a first PHY data unit, and the second transmission 728 includes a packet of PHY data units. In another embodiment, the first transmission 724 and the second transmission 728 correspond to a single PHY data unit spanning the operating channel.

[0123] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating another illustrative example of simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands starting at the same time, according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, according to Figure 6 Method 600 is executed to transmit 800. In other embodiments, transmission 800 is executed according to another suitable method for simultaneously transmitting in multiple frequency bands starting from the same time.

[0124] The transmission 800 operates within an operating channel that includes a first frequency band and a second frequency band. In some embodiments, the first frequency band corresponds to a first communication link, and the second frequency band corresponds to a second communication link.

[0125] Transmission 800 is similar to Figure 7 The transmission is 700, and for the sake of brevity, elements with the same number are not described in detail.

[0126] In response to the first backoff counter expiring before the second backoff counter expires, the communication device delays (e.g., waits to send) transmission 724 and sends a padding signal 804 until the second backoff counter expires. In response to the second backoff counter expiring, communication stops sending the padding signal 804 and begins transmission 720 (e.g., network interface 122 sends, PHY processor 130 sends, network interface 162 sends, PHY processor 170 sends, etc.) including the first transmission 724 in the first frequency band and the second transmission 728 in the second frequency band. In one embodiment, transmission 724 includes a PHY preamble having a training field (e.g., a legacy short training field (L-STF) or another suitable training field) used by the receiver for packet detection, etc. In some embodiments, the padding signal 804 has low cross-correlation with the training field in the PHY preamble used by the receiver for packet detection, such that the probability of the receiver misinterpreting the padding signal 804 as the start of a packet is low. Additionally or alternatively, according to some embodiments, the padding signal 804 is configured to prompt the receiver device to determine that the sub-channel(s) through which the padding signal 804 is transmitted is busy. This increases the probability that other communication devices will not attempt to transmit in the sub-channel(s) corresponding to the first transmission 724 between the expiration of the first backoff counter and the expiration of the second backoff counter.

[0127] although Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example of simultaneous transmission in two frequency bands is shown, but in other embodiments, three or more transmissions are transmitted simultaneously in three or more corresponding frequency bands. Regarding Figure 8 In some embodiments, it is transmitted across two or more frequency bands.

[0128] Now for reference Figures 6-8According to one embodiment, when frame transmission related to simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands fails (e.g., failure to receive frame acknowledgments), the CW value is adjusted only for one of the backoff counters (e.g., the CW value of one or more other backoff counters remains the same) (e.g., approximately doubled up to the upper limit of CWmax). According to another embodiment, when frame transmission in one frequency band fails related to simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands (e.g., failure to receive frame acknowledgments), the CW value is adjusted only for the backoff counter corresponding to that frequency band (e.g., the CW value of one or more other backoff counters remains the same) (e.g., approximately doubled up to the upper limit of CWmax). In other embodiments, when frame transmission in one frequency band fails related to simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands (e.g., failure to receive frame acknowledgments), the CW value is adjusted for all backoff counters (e.g., approximately doubled up to the upper limit of CWmax).

[0129] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of another example method 900 for simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands starting at the same time, according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, the multiple frequency bands correspond to respective communication links. In some embodiments, AP 114 and / or client station 154 are configured to implement method 900, and reference is made to... Figure 1 describe Figure 9 This is for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, method 500 is implemented by another suitable communication device.

[0130] In block 904, the communication device determines (e.g., network interface 122, MAC processor 126, backoff controller 140, network interface 162, MAC processor 166, backoff controller 190, etc.) whether a single backoff counter (e.g., backoff counter 142, backoff counter 192, etc.) corresponding to a single frequency band of the operating channel has expired (e.g., reached zero). In one embodiment, backoff counters 142 / 192 correspond to sub-channels within a single frequency band, and backoff counters 142 / 192 decrement when a sub-channel is determined to be idle, and pause decrementing when a sub-channel is determined to be busy. In another embodiment, backoff counters 142 / 192 correspond to a primary sub-channel within a single frequency band, and backoff counters 142 / 192 decrement when a primary sub-channel is determined to be idle, and pause decrementing when a primary sub-channel is determined to be busy.

[0131] In response to determining in box 904 that a single backoff counter has not expired, the communication device waits (e.g., network interface 122 waits, MAC processor 126 waits, backoff controller 140 waits, network interface 162 waits, MAC processor 166 waits, backoff controller 190 waits, etc.) until the single backoff counter expires.

[0132] In response to determining in block 904 that a single backoff counter has expired, the process proceeds to block 908. In block 908, the communication device determines whether all other subchannels in the operating channel (e.g., subchannels other than the primary subchannel corresponding to the backoff counter) were idle for a defined period of time prior to the start of transmission in the operating channel. In one embodiment, the defined period of time is a suitable duration, such as PIFS as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard. In other embodiments, the defined period of time is another suitable duration, such as DIFS as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard, SIFS as defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard, or another suitable duration.

[0133] In response to the determination in block 908 that all other subchannels not in the working channel are idle for a defined period of time prior to the start of transmission in the working channel (e.g., one or more other subchannels are busy), the process proceeds to block 912. In block 912, no transmission is performed in the working channel. In some embodiments, in conjunction with block 912, a single backoff counter is reset, and process 900 is repeated. In another embodiment, transmissions are performed in i) the primary subchannel corresponding to the backoff counter and ii) one or more other idle subchannels (if any).

[0134] On the other hand, in response to determining in block 908 that all other sub-channels in the working channel are idle for a defined period of time prior to the start of transmission in the working channel (e.g., one or more secondary sub-channels are busy), the process proceeds to block 916. In block 916, transmission in the working channel is performed, including simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands starting at the same time.

[0135] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an illustrative example of simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands starting at the same time, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, according to Figure 9 Method 900 is used to perform transmission 1000. In other embodiments, transmission 1000 is performed according to another suitable method for simultaneously transmitting in multiple frequency bands starting from the same time.

[0136] Transmission 1000 operates within an operating channel that includes a first frequency band and a second frequency band. In some embodiments, the first frequency band corresponds to a first communication link, and the second frequency band corresponds to a second communication link.

[0137] The communication device executes (e.g., network interface 122, MAC processor 126, backoff controller 140, network interface 162, MAC processor 166, backoff controller 190, etc.) a backoff process 1004 related to the first frequency band. In some embodiments, executing the backoff process 1004 includes decrementing a backoff counter when a sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the backoff counter when a sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy). In some embodiments, executing the backoff process 1004 includes decrementing a backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy).

[0138] In response to the expiration of the backoff counter, a communication transmission (e.g., transmission via network interface 122, PHY processor 130, network interface 162, PHY processor 170, etc.) includes a transmission 1020 of a first transmission 1024 in a first frequency band and a second transmission 1028 in a second frequency band. The first transmission 1024 and the second transmission 1028 begin at the same time.

[0139] In one embodiment, the first transmission 1024 includes a first PHY data unit, and the second transmission 1028 includes a PHY data unit packet. In another embodiment, the first transmission 1024 and the second transmission 1028 correspond to a single PHY data unit spanning the operating channel.

[0140] In some embodiments, the backoff process is performed on transmissions across multiple frequency bands, and the frequency bands that begin at the same time change over time. For example, in some embodiments, in conjunction with a first transmission across multiple frequency bands, the communication device selects a frequency band from the multiple frequency bands to perform the backoff process, which is different from another frequency band used for the backoff process via a previous second transmission across the multiple frequency bands.

[0141] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an illustrative example of multiple sets of simultaneous transmissions 1100 according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, according to Figure 9 Method 900 is used to execute each of the plurality of transmission sets 1100. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of transmission sets 1100 is executed according to another suitable method for simultaneously transmitting in multiple frequency bands starting from the same time.

[0142] The transmission set 1100 operates within an operating channel that includes a first frequency band and a second frequency band. In some embodiments, the first frequency band corresponds to a first communication link, and the second frequency band corresponds to a second communication link.

[0143] In conjunction with the first transmission set 1104, the communication device executes (e.g., network interface 122, MAC processor 126, backoff controller 140, network interface 162, MAC processor 166, backoff controller 190, etc.) a backoff process 1108 associated with the first frequency band. In some embodiments, executing the backoff process 1108 includes decrementing a backoff counter when a sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the backoff counter when a sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy). In some embodiments, executing the backoff process 1108 includes decrementing a backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy).

[0144] In response to the expiration of the backoff counter, a transmission set 1104 is initiated (e.g., transmission via network interface 122, PHY processor 130, network interface 162, PHY processor 170, etc.). The transmission set 1104 includes a first transmission 1124 in a first frequency band and a second transmission 1128 in a second frequency band. The first transmission 1124 and the second transmission 1128 begin simultaneously.

[0145] In one embodiment, the first transmission 1124 includes a first PHY data unit, and the second transmission 1128 includes a packet of PHY data units. In another embodiment, the first transmission 1124 and the second transmission 1128 correspond to a single PHY data unit spanning the operating channel.

[0146] In conjunction with the second transmission set 1134, the communication device executes (e.g., network interface 122, MAC processor 126, backoff controller 140, network interface 162, MAC processor 166, backoff controller 190, etc.) a backoff process 1138 associated with the second frequency band. In some embodiments, executing the backoff process 1138 includes decrementing a backoff counter when a sub-channel within the second frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the backoff counter when a sub-channel within the second frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy). In some embodiments, executing the backoff process 1138 includes decrementing a backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the second frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the second frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy).

[0147] In response to the expiration of the backoff counter, a transmission set 1134 is initiated (e.g., transmission via network interface 122, PHY processor 130, network interface 162, PHY processor 170, etc.). The transmission set 1134 includes a first transmission 1144 in a first frequency band and a second transmission 1148 in a second frequency band. The first transmission 1144 and the second transmission 1148 begin simultaneously.

[0148] In one embodiment, the first transmission 1144 includes a first PHY data unit, and the second transmission 1148 includes a packet of PHY data units. In another embodiment, the first transmission 1144 and the second transmission 1148 correspond to a single PHY data unit spanning the operating channel.

[0149] In conjunction with the third transmission set 1154, the communication device executes (e.g., network interface 122, MAC processor 126, backoff controller 140, network interface 162, MAC processor 166, backoff controller 190, etc.) a backoff process 1158 associated with the first frequency band. In some embodiments, executing the backoff process 1158 includes decrementing a backoff counter when a sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the backoff counter when a sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy). In some embodiments, executing the backoff process 1158 includes decrementing a backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be idle, and pausing the decrementing of the backoff counter when a primary sub-channel within the first frequency band is determined to be non-idle (e.g., busy).

[0150] In response to the expiration of the backoff counter, a transmission set 1154 is initiated (e.g., transmission via network interface 122, PHY processor 130, network interface 162, PHY processor 170, etc.). The transmission set 1154 includes a first transmission 1164 in a first frequency band and a second transmission 1168 in a second frequency band. The first transmission 1164 and the second transmission 1168 begin simultaneously.

[0151] In one embodiment, the first transmission 1164 includes a first PHY data unit, and the second transmission 1168 includes a PHY data unit packet. In another embodiment, the first transmission 1164 and the second transmission 1168 correspond to a single PHY data unit spanning the operating channel.

[0152] although Figure 10 and Figure 11 An example of simultaneous transmission in two frequency bands is shown, but in other embodiments, three or more transmissions are transmitted simultaneously in three or more corresponding frequency bands. Regarding Figure 11In some embodiments, the backoff operation is performed in three or more frequency bands.

[0153] Figures 9-11 This describes performing backoff operations only within a frequency band using a single backoff counter. In some embodiments, communication equipment maintenance (e.g., network interface 122 maintenance, MAC processor 126 maintenance, backoff controller 140 maintenance, network interface 162 maintenance, MAC processor 166 maintenance, backoff controller 190 maintenance, etc.) is used for multiple backoff counters across multiple frequency bands, and backoff counters corresponding to other frequency bands are ignored at least when one backoff counter corresponding to one frequency band expires. In one embodiment, when another backoff counter corresponding to another frequency band expires, that other backoff counter is reset as described above. In one embodiment, when another backoff counter corresponding to another frequency band expires, the CW value is increased and that other backoff counter is reset as described above. In one embodiment, the CW value is increased by adding a value randomly or pseudo-randomly selected from the range [0, 1]. In another embodiment, when another backoff counter corresponding to another frequency band expires, the CW value is kept unchanged and that other backoff counter is reset as described above.

[0154] refer to Figures 9-11 According to one embodiment, when frame transmission fails in association with simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands (e.g., failure to receive frame acknowledgments), the CW value is adjusted only for one of the backoff counters (e.g., the CW value of one or more other backoff counters remains the same) (e.g., approximately doubled up to the upper limit of CWmax). According to another embodiment, when frame transmission in one frequency band fails in association with simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands (e.g., failure to receive frame acknowledgments), the CW value is adjusted only for the backoff counter corresponding to that frequency band (e.g., the CW value of one or more other backoff counters remains the same) (e.g., approximately doubled up to the upper limit of CWmax). In other embodiments, when frame transmission in one frequency band fails in association with simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands (e.g., failure to receive frame acknowledgments), the CW value is adjusted for all backoff counters (e.g., approximately doubled up to the upper limit of CWmax).

[0155] In the various embodiments discussed above, the communication device determines whether a subchannel is idle by comparing the energy level measured in the subchannel with a threshold. In some embodiments, the communication device additionally or alternatively determines whether a subchannel is idle by determining whether a network allocation vector (NAV) counter corresponding to the subchannel has expired (e.g., network interface 122 determines, MAC processor 126 determines, backoff controller 140 determines, network interface 162 determines, MAC processor 166 determines, backoff controller 190 determines, etc.). In some embodiments, the NAV counter indicates whether another communication device has occupied the communication medium. For example, the NAV counter is set using duration information in the received frame, and the NAV counter decrements at a predetermined rate. When the NAV counter expires (e.g., reaches zero), this indicates that no other communication device is currently controlling the communication medium.

[0156] Example 1: A method for simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands, comprising: determining at a communication device that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted; transmitting a first packet by the communication device in a first frequency band starting from a first time; transmitting a second packet by the communication device in a second frequency band starting from a second time different from the first time, wherein the transmission of the second packet overlaps with the transmission of the first packet in time; and in response to determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, including padding in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

[0157] Example 2: According to the method of Example 1, determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not allowed includes: determining that the communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

[0158] Example 3: According to the method of Example 1, wherein the communication device is a first communication device, and wherein: transmitting the second packet in the second frequency band includes: transmitting the second packet to the second communication device in the second frequency band; and determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not allowed includes: determining that the second communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

[0159] Example 4: According to the method of Example 3, wherein the second communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands, the method includes: receiving a third packet from the second communication device at the first communication device, the third packet including information indicating that the second communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

[0160] Example 5: According to the method of Example 1, determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not allowed includes: determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not allowed in the wireless local area network (WLAN) to which the communication device belongs.

[0161] Example 6: According to the method of Example 5, determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN includes: receiving a third packet at a communication device from an access point managing the WLAN, the third packet including information indicating that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN.

[0162] Example 7: The method according to any one of Examples 1-6 further includes: in response to determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, prompting the physical layer (PHY) processor of the communication device to include padding in the first packet, such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

[0163] Example 8: A first communication device includes a wireless network interface device configured to communicate via multiple frequency bands. The wireless network interface device includes one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices configured to: determine that simultaneous transmission and reception via the multiple frequency bands is not permitted; control the wireless network interface device to transmit a first packet in a first frequency band starting from a first time; control the wireless network interface device to transmit a second packet in a second frequency band starting from a second time different from the first time, wherein the transmission of the second packet overlaps with the transmission of the first packet in time; and in response to having determined that simultaneous transmission and reception via the multiple frequency bands is not permitted, include padding in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

[0164] Example 9: According to a first communication device of Example 8, one or more IC devices are configured to: determine that the first communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

[0165] Example 10: According to a first communication device of Example 8, one or more IC devices are configured to: control a wireless network interface device to send a second packet to the second communication device in a second frequency band; and determine that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not allowed by at least determining that the second communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

[0166] Example 11: According to a first communication device of Example 10, one or more IC devices are configured to: use information in a third packet received from a second communication device to determine that the second communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands, the information in the third packet indicating that the second communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

[0167] Example 12: According to a first communication device of Example 8, one or more IC devices are configured to: determine that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not allowed at least by determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not allowed in the WLAN to which the communication device belongs.

[0168] Example 13: According to a first communication device of Example 12, one or more IC devices are configured to: use information in a third packet received from an access point managing a WLAN to determine that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN, the information in the third packet indicating that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN.

[0169] Example 14: A first communication device according to any one of Examples 8-13, wherein: the wireless network interface includes a physical layer (PHY) processor implemented on one or more IC devices; and the one or more IC devices are configured to: in response to determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not allowed, prompt the PHY processor to include padding in a first packet, such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

[0170] Example 15: A method for simultaneous transmission in multiple frequency bands, comprising: performing a backoff operation at a communication device corresponding to one of the multiple frequency bands, the backoff operation involving decrementing a backoff counter associated with the one frequency band; determining at the communication device whether the backoff counter of the communication device has expired; and in response to determining that the backoff counter has expired, simultaneously transmitting corresponding transmissions in the corresponding frequency bands by the communication device starting from the same time.

[0171] Example 16: The method according to Example 15 further includes: when a sub-channel in a frequency band is determined to be idle, the communication device decrements the backoff counter; and when a sub-channel in a frequency band is determined to be busy, the communication device suspends the decrementing of the backoff counter.

[0172] Example 17: The method according to Example 16 further includes: determining at the communication device, in conjunction with determining that a backoff counter has expired, whether one or more other sub-channels in a plurality of frequency bands were idle for a predetermined time period before the start of a corresponding transmission in the corresponding frequency band; wherein the simultaneous transmission of the corresponding transmission in the corresponding frequency band starting at the same time further responds to determining that one or more other sub-channels in the plurality of frequency bands were idle for the predetermined time period.

[0173] Example 18: The method according to Example 17 further includes: in response to determining that one or more other sub-channels in a plurality of frequency bands are busy during a predetermined time period, determining to postpone simultaneous transmission in a corresponding transmission in the corresponding frequency band.

[0174] Example 19: A method according to any one of Examples 15-18, wherein subsequent simultaneous transmissions in multiple frequency bands are combined: selecting another frequency band different from the first frequency band at a communication device; performing another backoff operation at the communication device corresponding to the other frequency band different from the first frequency band, the other backoff operation including decrementing a backoff counter or another backoff counter associated with the other frequency band; determining at the communication device whether the backoff counter or the other backoff counter has expired; and in response to determining that the backoff counter or the other backoff counter has expired, performing subsequent simultaneous transmissions in multiple frequency bands by the communication device.

[0175] Example 20: A combination of the method according to any one of Examples 15-18 and the method according to any one of Examples 1-7.

[0176] Example 21: A communication device includes: a wireless network interface device configured to communicate via multiple frequency bands, the wireless network interface device including one or more IC devices and a backoff counter implemented on the one or more IC devices. The one or more IC devices are configured to: perform a backoff operation corresponding to one of the multiple frequency bands, the backoff operation involving decrementing a backoff counter associated with the one frequency band; determine whether the backoff counter has expired; and, in response to determining that the backoff counter has expired, control the wireless network interface device to simultaneously transmit corresponding transmissions in the corresponding frequency band starting from the same time.

[0177] Example 22: According to a communication device of Example 21, one or more IC devices are further configured to: decrement a backoff counter when a subchannel in a frequency band is determined to be idle; and suspend the decrement of the backoff counter when a subchannel in a frequency band is determined to be busy.

[0178] Example 23: According to a communication device of Example 22, one or more IC devices are further configured to: determine whether one or more other sub-channels in a plurality of frequency bands are idle for a predetermined time period before the start of a corresponding transmission in a corresponding frequency band, in conjunction with determining that a backoff counter has expired; and control the wireless network interface device to simultaneously transmit the corresponding transmission in the corresponding frequency band in response to determining that one or more other sub-channels in a plurality of frequency bands are idle for a predetermined time period.

[0179] Example 24: According to a communication device of Example 23, one or more IC devices are further configured to: determine to postpone simultaneous transmission in a corresponding transmission in the corresponding frequency band in response to determining that one or more other sub-channels in a plurality of frequency bands are busy during a predetermined time period.

[0180] Example 25: A communication device according to any one of Examples 21-24, wherein one or more IC devices are further configured to: select another frequency band different from the first frequency band in conjunction with subsequent simultaneous transmissions in multiple frequency bands; perform another backoff operation corresponding to the other frequency band different from the first frequency band, the other backoff operation including decrementing a backoff counter or another backoff counter associated with the other frequency band; determine whether the backoff counter or the other backoff counter has expired; and in response to determining that the backoff counter or the other backoff counter has expired, control the wireless network interface device to perform subsequent simultaneous transmissions in multiple frequency bands.

[0181] Example 26: A communication device according to any one of Examples 21-25, wherein one or more IC devices are further configured to perform an action according to any one of Examples 8-14.

[0182] At least some of the various frameworks, operations, and techniques described above can be implemented using hardware, a processor executing firmware instructions, a processor executing software instructions, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a processor executing software or firmware instructions, the software or firmware instructions can be stored in any suitable computer-readable storage medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc. The software or firmware instructions may include machine-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to perform various actions.

[0183] When implemented in hardware, the hardware may include one or more of discrete components, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), etc.

[0184] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, these examples are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Changes, additions, and / or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for simultaneously transmitting in multiple frequency bands, comprising: Simultaneous transmission and reception across multiple frequency bands is not permitted at the communication equipment. The communication device transmits a first packet in a first frequency band starting from a first time. The communication device transmits a second packet in a second frequency band starting at a second time different from the first time, wherein the transmission of the second packet overlaps with the transmission of the first packet in time; as well as In response to the determination that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, padding is included in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted includes: It is determined that the communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a first communication device, and wherein: Transmitting the second packet in the second frequency band includes: transmitting the second packet to a second communication device in the second frequency band; and Determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted includes: determining that the second communication device is not permitted to simultaneously transmit and receive via multiple frequency bands.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the second communication device is not permitted to simultaneously transmit and receive via multiple frequency bands, comprising: At the first communication device, a third packet is received from the second communication device, the third packet including information indicating that the second communication device is not permitted to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted includes: Simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the wireless local area network (WLAN) to which the communication device belongs.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN comprises: The communication device receives a third packet from the access point managing the WLAN, the third packet including instructions for the simultaneous transmission and reception of information not permitted in the WLAN via multiple frequency bands.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, the physical layer PHY processor of the communication device is prompted to include the padding in the first packet, such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

8. A first communication device, comprising: A wireless network interface device configured to communicate via multiple frequency bands, the wireless network interface device having one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices configured to: Simultaneous transmission and reception across multiple frequency bands is not permitted. The wireless network interface device is controlled to transmit a first packet in a first frequency band starting from a first time. The wireless network interface device is controlled to transmit a second packet in a second frequency band starting at a second time different from the first time, wherein the transmission of the second packet overlaps with the transmission of the first packet in time. In response to the determination that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, padding is included in the first packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

9. The first communication device according to claim 8, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: It is determined that the first communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

10. The first communication device according to claim 8, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: Control the wireless network interface device to send the second packet to the second communication device in the second frequency band; and Simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, at least by determining that the second communication device is not permitted to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

11. The first communication device according to claim 10, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: Information from a third packet received from the second communication device is used to determine that the second communication device is not permitted to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands, the information in the third packet indicating that the second communication device is not permitted to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

12. The first communication device according to claim 8, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: Simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is determined to be not permitted in the WLAN to which the communication device belongs, at least by determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted.

13. The first communication device according to claim 12, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: Information from a third packet received from an access point managing the WLAN is used to determine that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN, the information in the third packet indicating that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN.

14. The first communication device according to claim 8, wherein: The wireless network interface includes a physical layer PHY processor implemented on one or more IC devices; as well as The one or more IC devices are configured to: in response to determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, prompt the PHY processor to include the padding in the first packet, such that the end of transmission of the first packet and the end of transmission of the second packet occur at the same time.

15. A method for simultaneously transmitting in multiple frequency bands, comprising: Simultaneous transmission and reception across multiple frequency bands is not permitted at the communication equipment. The communication device transmits the first packet in the first frequency band; The communication device transmits the second packet in the second frequency band; The communication device determines that the end of the first packet and the end of the second packet are not aligned; The communication device determines that at least one of the first packet and the second packet prompts the transmission of a corresponding response packet within a limited time period after the transmission of the corresponding one of the first packet and the second packet; as well as In response to the determination that i) simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted and ii) at least one of the first packet and the second packet indicates that the corresponding response packet shall be transmitted within the defined time period following the transmission of the corresponding one of the first packet and the second packet, the communication device includes padding in at least one of the first packet and the second packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet is aligned with the end of transmission of the second packet.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: Sending the first packet includes starting transmission of the first packet at a first time, and Sending the second packet includes starting transmission of the second packet at a second time, different from the first time.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein: Sending the first packet includes starting transmission of the first packet at a specific time, and Sending the second packet includes starting transmission of the second packet at the specific time.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted includes: It is determined that the communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the communication device is a first communication device, and wherein: Transmitting the second packet in the second frequency band includes: transmitting the second packet to a second communication device in the second frequency band; and Determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted includes: determining that the second communication device is not permitted to simultaneously transmit and receive via multiple frequency bands.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein determining that the second communication device is not permitted to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands comprises: At the first communication device, a third packet is received from the second communication device, the third packet including information indicating that the second communication device is not permitted to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted includes: Simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the wireless local area network (WLAN) to which the communication device belongs.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN comprises: The communication device receives a third packet from the access point managing the WLAN, the third packet including instructions for the simultaneous transmission and reception of information not permitted in the WLAN via multiple frequency bands.

23. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein determining that at least one of the first packet and the second packet indicates the transmission of the corresponding response packet within the defined time period following the transmission of the corresponding one of the first packet and the second packet comprises: Determine at least one of the following: i) the first packet prompts the commencement of the transmission of the first acknowledgment packet within the defined time period following the end of the transmission of the first packet, and ii) the second packet prompts the commencement of the transmission of the second acknowledgment packet within the defined time period following the end of the transmission of the second packet.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: In response to determining that the following two conditions have been met, the physical layer PHY processor of the communication device may include the padding in at least one of the first packet and the second packet, such that the end of transmission of the first packet is aligned with the end of transmission of the second packet: i) simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted and ii) at least one of the first packet and the second packet indicates that the corresponding response packet shall be transmitted within the defined time period following the transmission of the corresponding one of the first packet and the second packet.

25. A first communication device, comprising: A wireless network interface device configured to communicate via multiple frequency bands, the wireless network interface device having one or more integrated circuit (IC) devices configured to: Simultaneous transmission and reception across multiple frequency bands is not permitted. Control the wireless network interface device to send the first packet in the first frequency band. Control the wireless network interface device to send a second packet in the second frequency band. It was determined that the end of the first group was not aligned with the end of the second group. Determining that at least one of the first packet and the second packet indicates that a corresponding response packet will be transmitted within a limited time period following the transmission of the corresponding one of the first packet and the second packet, and In response to the determination that i) simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted and ii) at least one of the first packet and the second packet indicates that the corresponding response packet shall be transmitted within the defined time period following the transmission of the corresponding one of the first packet and the second packet, padding shall be included in at least one of the first packet and the second packet such that the end of transmission of the first packet is aligned with the end of transmission of the second packet.

26. The first communication device according to claim 25, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: Control the wireless network interface device to start transmitting the first packet at the first moment, and The wireless network interface device is controlled to start transmitting the second packet at a second time different from the first time.

27. The first communication device according to claim 25, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: Control the wireless network interface device to start transmitting the first packet at a specific time, and The wireless network interface device is controlled to start transmitting the second packet at the specified time.

28. The first communication device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: It is determined that the first communication device is not allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

29. The first communication device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: Control the wireless network interface device to send the second packet to the second communication device in the second frequency band; and Simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, at least by determining that the second communication device is not permitted to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

30. The first communication device according to claim 29, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: The information in the third packet received from the second communication device is used to determine that the second communication device is not permitted to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands, the information in the third packet indicating that the second communication device is not permitted to transmit and receive simultaneously via multiple frequency bands.

31. The first communication device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: Simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted, at least by determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not allowed in the WLAN to which the first communication device belongs.

32. The first communication device according to claim 31, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: Information from a third packet received from the access point managing the WLAN is used to determine that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN, the information in the third packet indicating that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted in the WLAN.

33. The first communication device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the one or more IC devices are configured to: The at least one of the first packet and the second packet is determined to indicate that the corresponding response packet will be transmitted within the defined time period following the transmission of the corresponding one of the first packet and the second packet: i) the first packet indicates that a first acknowledgment packet will be transmitted within the defined time period following the end of the transmission of the first packet, and ii) the second packet indicates that a second acknowledgment packet will be transmitted within the defined time period following the end of the transmission of the second packet.

34. The first communication device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein: The wireless network interface device includes a physical layer PHY processor implemented on one or more IC devices; as well as The one or more IC devices are configured to prompt the physical layer PHY processor of the first communication device to include the padding in at least one of the first packet and the second packet, such that the end of transmission of the first packet is aligned with the end of transmission of the second packet, in response to determining that simultaneous transmission and reception via multiple frequency bands is not permitted and ii) at least one of the first packet and the second packet indicates that the corresponding response packet will be transmitted within the defined time period following the transmission of the corresponding one of the first packet and the second packet.

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