New padding scheme in wireless communication

Abstract

A technique involving a novel padding scheme in wireless communication is described. An apparatus (e.g., a station (STA)) performs wireless communication by: (a) generating and transmitting a physical-layer protocol data unit (PPDU); or (b) receiving and processing the PPDU. The PPDU includes a post-frame check sequence (post-FCS) padding following its frame check sequence (FCS) field.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This disclosure is part of a non-provisional patent application that claims priority to the following U.S. provisional patent applications: applications 63 / 604,936 and 63 / 617,457, filed on December 1, 2023 and January 4, 2024, respectively, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, and more specifically, to novel padding schemes in wireless communications. Background Technology

[0004] Unless otherwise stated herein, the methods described in this section are not prior art to the following claims and are not considered prior art because they are included in this section.

[0005] In wireless communications such as Wi-Fi (or WiFi) based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 specification, Wi-Fi devices may require additional processing time to reconfigure their radios due to application purposes or protocol requirements. The current IEEE 802.11 standard introduces Triggered Frame Medium Access Control (MAC) padding to provide more MAC processing time for non-access point (non-AP) workstations (STAs) and / or multi-link devices (MLDs). It also introduces Packet Extensions to provide more Physical Layer (PHY) processing time for High-Efficiency (HE) / Extremely High-Throughput (EHT) Physical Layer (PHY) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) formats.

[0006] However, in the current trigger frame packets, the frame check sequence (FCS) field is located after padding. This results in the loss of the original purpose of padding, which is to occupy time and allow the receiver sufficient time to configure its new settings. If the working station (STA) begins configuring its new settings during the padding time but eventually encounters an FCS error, the entire process becomes invalid. Furthermore, the current IEEE 802.11 standard does not define trigger frames for non-access points (non-APs) to provide more processing time for their peer working stations (STAs). Additionally, there is no packet extension (or only a very limited duration) to provide more PHY processing time for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) / non-high-throughput (non-HT) repeating / high-throughput (HT) / very high-throughput (VHT) PPDU formats. Moreover, no other control frames (such as request-to-send (RTS) and clear-to-send (CTS)) have padding time to provide more processing time for the target receiver. Therefore, a solution is needed to implement a new padding scheme in wireless communication. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following abstract is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following abstract aims to introduce the concepts, key points, benefits, and advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described herein. Some embodiments will be further elaborated in the detailed description below. Therefore, the following abstract is not intended to identify the essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] One objective of this disclosure is to provide schemes, concepts, designs, techniques, methods, and apparatus related to novel padding schemes in wireless communication. It is believed that the various schemes proposed herein can solve or alleviate the aforementioned problems. For example, under the various schemes proposed in this disclosure, post-FCS padding can be used to introduce additional processing time for Wi-Fi control frames. This post-FCS padding may include, for example, padding of virtual modes and / or padding of useful information (e.g., information useful to the receiver).

[0009] In one aspect, a method may involve performing wireless communication by: (a) generating and transmitting a PPDU; or (b) receiving and processing the PPDU. The PPDU may include post-FCS padding after its FCS field.

[0010] In another aspect, an apparatus may include a transceiver configured for wireless communication and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to perform wireless communication by: (a) generating and transmitting a PPDU; or (b) receiving and processing the PPDU. The PPDU may include post-FCS padding after its FCS field.

[0011] It is worth noting that although the content described herein may be presented in the context of certain wireless access technologies, networks, and network topologies (such as Wi-Fi), the proposed concepts, schemes, and any variations / derivatives thereof can be implemented, used, and implemented by other types of wireless access technologies, networks, and network topologies, such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and 5G. th This includes 5G / New Radio (NR), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial IoT (IIoT), and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT). Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the examples described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings are included in this specification to further understand this disclosure and form part of this disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as some components may be shown out of proportion to their actual dimensions for clarity in illustrating the concepts of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example network environment, showing various solutions that can be implemented according to this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an example design based on the scheme proposed in this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example design based on the scheme proposed in this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an example design based on the scheme proposed in this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an example design based on the scheme proposed in this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example scenario, through which various solutions proposed in this disclosure can be implemented.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an example scenario in which various solutions proposed in this disclosure can be implemented.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an example scenario in which various solutions proposed in this disclosure can be implemented.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an example scenario in which various solutions proposed in this disclosure can be implemented.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an example scenario in which various solutions proposed in this disclosure can be implemented.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a block diagram of an example communication system based on the scheme proposed in this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 12 This is an example flowchart of the scheme proposed in accordance with this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claims of this application are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are merely illustrative of the subject matter of the claims and may be implemented in various forms. This disclosure may take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are intended to make the description of this disclosure exhaustive and complete, and to adequately convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the proposed embodiments and implementations.

[0026] Overview

[0027] The present disclosure relates to various technologies, methods, schemes, and / or solutions related to novel padding schemes in wireless communication. According to the present disclosure, multiple possible solutions can be implemented individually or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions are described individually below, two or more of them can be implemented in some combination.

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a network environment 100 is provided, in which various solutions and schemes of this disclosure can be implemented. Figures 1-12Examples of implementing various proposed schemes in network environment 100 according to this disclosure are provided. The following description of the various proposed schemes is in conjunction with… Figures 1-12 It was carried out.

[0029] See Figure 1 The network environment 100 may include at least a first workstation (STA 110) and a second workstation (STA 120). STA 110 or STA 120 may operate as an access point (AP) workstation or a non-AP workstation. Although more workstations may be involved in the network environment 100 under one or more of the schemes proposed in this application, for the sake of simplicity... Figure 1 Only two workstations (STA 110 and STA 120) are shown, and it is understood that other workstations may also be involved (e.g., other non-AP workstations participating in the ranging session under the proposed scheme). Both STA 110 and STA 120 can be configured to implement the various proposed schemes described below in this disclosure. For example, STA 110 can act as an initiator and STA 120 as a responder, and vice versa. It is worth noting that although various proposed schemes are described separately below, in actual implementation, some or all of the proposed schemes may be used or implemented in combination. Of course, each proposed scheme may also be used or implemented individually or separately.

[0030] According to the various proposed schemes of this disclosure, post-FCS padding can be used as a new padding scheme. Under the proposed schemes, post-FCS padding can add extra processing time for Wi-Fi devices (e.g., STA 110 and STA 120) and any PPDU format. That is, post-FCS padding can perform FCS verification using the original FCS, providing the receiver with more time to adjust its radio configuration. Under the proposed schemes, post-FCS padding is not limited by the control frame format. For example, if the current operation requires extra processing time within the control frame, it may be necessary to incorporate the padding mechanism into the control frame using a trigger frame. Furthermore, post-FCS padding allows the use of the padding mechanism in RTS, power saving polling (PS-poll), or other non-high throughput (non-HT) / non-high throughput repetitive control frames. Under the proposed schemes, post-FCS padding is not limited by the initiator in frame switching (e.g., STA 110 or STA 120); the initiator can be an AP, a soft AP, or a non-AP workstation.

[0031] Figure 2 Example design 200 is provided under the scheme proposed in this disclosure. Figure 2 Part A shows the original frame appearance without post-FCS padding in the proposed scheme. Figure 2 Part B shows the frame with post-FCS padding under the proposed scheme. See also Figure 2In the proposed scheme, post-FCS padding can be used to add a virtual mode after the original FCS of a frame. For example, a virtual mode can be added after the FCS field of an RTS or CTS frame. Frames with post-FCS padding can be included in any PPDU format, especially non-high-throughput PPDUs and non-high-throughput repetitive PPDUs. Peer workstations can utilize the post-FCS padding duration in the PPDU to update their transceiver parameters. Post-FCS padding can be configured to be allocated in 4-byte chunks.

[0032] Figure 3 Example design 300 is illustrated under the scheme proposed according to this disclosure. Under the proposed scheme, the post-FCS padding mode can have several (e.g., three) variations. In a first variation, post-FCS padding may involve padding any information after the FCS in multiples aligned to 4 bytes. For example, padding may include zero values ​​with one or more 4-byte groups for alignment. Alternatively, padding may include random values ​​with one or more 4-byte groups for alignment. In a second variation, post-FCS padding may involve padding multiple polynomials, each polynomial aligned to 4 bytes after the FCS and passing FCS checksums. For example, CRC32-MPEG-2 may be used as a CRC32 polynomial function in a Wi-Fi system. In a third variation, a combination of the first and second variations may be used. For example, any value with an unconstrained, arbitrary combination of polynomials may be used while maintaining 4-byte alignment integrity and passing FCS checksums.

[0033] According to the scheme proposed in this disclosure, the duration of post-FCS padding can be negotiated between workstations (e.g., between STA 110 and STA 120). For example, for a specific peer workstation, the padding duration can be greater than {0, 8, 16, 32, 128, 256} microseconds. The total number of bytes for the post-FCS padding length can be determined based on different padding durations and transmission rates. The L_LENGHT field in the PPDU preamble can be modified accordingly to meet specific requirements.

[0034] Figure 4 Example design 400 is provided under the scheme proposed according to this disclosure. See also Figure 4In addition to filling the virtual mode in the post-FCS padding, useful information (e.g., information useful to the receiver of the PPDU with post-FCS padding) can also be added in the post-FCS padding. This mechanism can convey various types of information, such as, but not limited to, bandwidth, power specifications, number of spatial streams, data rate, and subband location. Essentially, padding useful information provides a way for the initiator to convey any parameters it deems necessary to the responder. Additional useful information may include aggregated Wi-Fi packets, such as, but not limited to, RTS or multi-user RTS (MU-RTS) for non-traditional workstations. RTS (for non-traditional workstations) can be used as an initial control PPDU for Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) and / or Dynamic Subband Operation (DSO). Here, "non-traditional workstation" refers to a workstation that supports the correct transmission and reception of PPDUs with post-FCS padding according to the various proposed schemes of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 An example design 500 is illustrated under the scheme proposed according to this disclosure. Under the proposed scheme, to enhance backward compatibility with legacy workstations, the transmission opportunity (TXOP) initiator can send an initial frame (e.g., a CTS spontaneous frame) and overwrite the next transmitted frame (e.g., an RTS or data frame) with a short network allocation vector (NAV), such as... Figure 5 As shown. If a legacy workstation cannot decode a new CTS frame with post-FCS padding, the NAV can be correctly set by the next transmitted frame (e.g., RTS). In scenarios where a legacy workstation cannot decode a CTS frame with post-FCS padding, the NAV can still be accurately set by subsequent transmitted frames (e.g., RTS frames).

[0036] Figure 6 An example scenario 600 is provided for FCS filling after the control frame, according to the scheme proposed in this disclosure. Various schemes proposed in this disclosure can be implemented in scenario 600. Scenario 600 may relate to an energy-saving scenario. See also... Figure 6 In scenario 600, a workstation (e.g., STA 110) can use a control frame to allow or trigger a peer workstation (e.g., STA 120) to wake up (from power-saving mode). The initiating / triggering workstation can be an AP, a soft AP, or a non-AP workstation. This mechanism can be used to switch from a low-power mode to an active mode and vice versa. Similarly, this mechanism can be used to switch from a low-capacity mode to a high-capacity mode and vice versa. The control frame may have post-FCS padding to provide switching time from one mode to another. Furthermore, the control frame that triggers the mode switch can be an initial control frame (ICF) and / or a control response frame.

[0037] Figure 7 An example scenario 700 with post-FCS padding is illustrated, in which various proposed schemes of this disclosure can be implemented. Scenario 700 may relate to an EMLSR / DSO scenario. In scenario 700, a workstation (STA, e.g., STA 110) can use a control frame to allow or otherwise trigger a peer workstation (STA, e.g., STA 120) to perform a mode switch. The initiating / triggering STA can be an access point (AP), a soft AP, or a non-AP STA. This mechanism can be used for handover between different links or different subbands. The control frame may have post-FCS padding to provide handover time from one mode to another. Furthermore, the control frame triggering the mode switch can be an Initial Control Frame (ICF) and / or a control response frame. Reference Figure 7 Upon receiving the ICF, the responding STA can adjust its capability mode after a correct FCS check. Some system parameters, such as bandwidth adjustment, may affect the receiver's sensitivity. Furthermore, the initiating STA can also adjust its capability mode to accommodate remaining transmission opportunities (TXOPs) using post-FCS padding based on information explicitly and / or implicitly obtained from the Clear Transmission (CTS) (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, modulation and coding scheme (MCS)).

[0038] Figure 8 An example scenario 800 with post-FCS padding is illustrated, in which various proposed schemes of this disclosure can be implemented. Scenario 800 may relate to a peer-to-peer (P2P) or tunneled direct link setup (TDLS) or basic service set (BSS) scenario. In scenario 800, a workstation (STA, e.g., STA 110) can use a control frame to allow or otherwise trigger a peer workstation (STA, e.g., STA 120) to perform a mode switch. The initiating / triggering STA can be a non-AP STA. This mechanism can be used to switch from a low-power mode to an active mode and vice versa. Similarly, this mechanism can be used to switch from a low-capacity mode to a high-capacity mode and vice versa. The control frame may have post-FCS padding to provide switching time from one mode to another. Furthermore, the control frame that triggers the mode switch can be an initial control frame (ICF) and / or a control response frame. Reference Figure 8 Upon receiving an ICF (Initiating STA), the responding STA can use padding to switch from a low-power mode to an active mode or vice versa. The responding STA can partially activate based on information such as maximum bandwidth, number of spatial streams (Nss), MCS (Multi-Segment Count), and / or some hardware parameters related to signal quality. The initiating STA can use padding to switch from a high-capability mode to a low-capability mode or vice versa based on the peer's response. The responding STA can provide a mode indication to the initiating STA to assist the initiating STA in selecting the capability mode.

[0039] Figure 9 An example scenario 900 with post-FCS padding is illustrated, in which various proposed schemes of this disclosure can be implemented. In scenario 900, a workstation (STA, such as STA 110 or STA 120) that has acquired a transmission opportunity (TXOP) can transmit a control frame with post-FCS padding during the post-FCS period to allow itself to switch from one mode (e.g., low-power mode or low-capacity mode) to another mode (e.g., active mode or high-capacity mode) or vice versa. The STA can be an AP, a soft AP, or a non-AP STA. Reference Figure 9 The initiating STA can use padding to switch from a low-capability mode to a high-capability mode. For example, the initiating STA can use padding to switch from a high-capability mode to a low-capability mode with Channel Clear Access (CCA) or Receiver (Rx) bandwidth. In cooperative channel access scenarios, the initiator can send an initial control frame with a wider bandwidth and then reduce the bandwidth.

[0040] Figure 10 An example scenario 1000, where the FCS is filled after a control frame, is shown, illustrating various proposed schemes of this disclosure. In scenario 1000, a workstation (STA, such as STA 110 or STA 120) can use the control frame to allow itself or other STAs to reconfigure other radios and / or to signal or communicate via other radios for intra-device coexistence purposes (e.g., Bluetooth, Ultra-Wide Bandwidth (UWB) or out-of-band activity). More information (e.g., TXOP information for intra-device coexistence scheduling) may be specified in the initial control frame for shared intra-device applications. Reference Figure 10 The responding STA can utilize padding for in-device coexistence (IDC) applications. The initiating STA may be unaware of IDC scheduling. This serves as a mechanism for IDC events to recover from collisions with Wi-Fi events during padding. The IDS radio can schedule additional events during padding to notify its peers to synchronize. The responding STA can utilize padding for IDC applications.

[0041] Example implementation

[0042] Figure 11 Example system 1100 is shown, comprising at least example device 1110 and example device 1120, according to an implementation of this disclosure. Devices 1110 and 1120 are capable of performing various functions to implement the schemes, techniques, processes, and methods described herein related to novel padding schemes in wireless communications, including the various schemes described above for various proposed designs, concepts, schemes, systems, and methods, as well as the processes described below. For example, device 1110 may be implemented in STA 110, and device 1120 may be implemented in STA 120, and vice versa.

[0043] Devices 1110 and 1120 may be part of an electronic device, such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. When implemented in a STA, devices 1110 and 1120 may be implemented in a smartphone, smartwatch, personal digital assistant, digital camera, or computing device (such as a tablet, laptop, or notebook computer). Devices 1110 and 1120 may also be part of a machine-type device, which may be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a non-movable or fixed device, a home device, a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, devices 1110 and 1120 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart door lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. When implemented in or as a network device, devices 1110 and / or 1120 may be implemented in a network node, such as an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0044] In some implementations, devices 1110 and 1120 may be implemented as one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced-instruction-set computing (RISC) processors, or one or more complex-instruction-set computing (CISC) processors. In all the above-described embodiments, devices 1110 and 1120 may be implemented as a controller / initiator or a controlled / responder. Devices 1110 and 1120 may each include at least Figure 11 The components shown include, for example, processors 1112 and 1122. Devices 1110 and 1120 may also include one or more other components unrelated to the proposed solutions of this disclosure (e.g., internal power supply, display device, and / or user interface device); therefore, for the sake of brevity, these components of devices 1110 and 1120 are not listed. Figure 11 It is shown in the text and not described in the following text.

[0045] In one aspect, processors 1112 and 1122 may be implemented as one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more RISC processors, or one or more CISC processors. Even though the singular term "processor" is used herein to refer to processors 1112 and 1122, in some implementations of this disclosure, processors 1112 and 1122 may include multiple processors, and in other implementations may include a single processor. In another aspect, processors 1112 and 1122 may be implemented in hardware (and optionally firmware) and include, for example, but not limited to, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more transformers, these electronic components being configured and arranged to achieve the specific purposes of this disclosure. In other words, in at least some implementations, processors 1112 and 1122 are special-purpose machines specifically designed, arranged, and configured to perform specific tasks, including tasks related to novel padding schemes in wireless communication, according to various implementations of this disclosure.

[0046] In some embodiments, device 1110 may further include a transceiver 1116 coupled to processor 1112. Transceiver 1116 may include a transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting data and a receiver capable of wirelessly receiving data. In some embodiments, device 1120 may further include a transceiver 1126 coupled to processor 1122. Transceiver 1126 may include a transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting data and a receiver capable of wirelessly receiving data. It is worth noting that although transceivers 1116 and 1126 are respectively illustrated as external and separate from processors 1112 and 1122, in some embodiments, transceiver 1116 may be an integral part of processor 1112 as a system on chip (SoC), and / or transceiver 1126 may be an integral part of processor 1122 as a SoC.

[0047] In some embodiments, device 1110 may further include a memory 1114 coupled to and accessible by processor 1112 for storing data. In some embodiments, device 1120 may further include a memory 1124 coupled to and accessible by processor 1122 for storing data. Each of memory 1114 and memory 1124 may include a random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), and / or zero-capacitance RAM (Z-RAM). Alternatively, or additionally, each of memory 1114 and memory 1124 may include a read-only memory (ROM), such as a mask ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). Alternatively, each of the memories 1114 and 1124 may include a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), such as flash memory, solid-state memory, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), and / or phase-change memory.

[0048] Each of devices 1110 and 1120 can be a communication entity capable of communicating using the various proposed schemes described in this disclosure. For illustrative purposes and without limitation, the capabilities of device 1110 or device 1120 as workstations (STAs) 110 and 120 are described below in conjunction with example flow 1200. It is worth noting that although the capabilities, functions, and / or technical features of devices 1110 and 1120 are described in detail below, they can also be applied to the other of devices 1110 and 1120, although not described in detail for the sake of brevity. It is also worth noting that although the following example implementation is described in a wireless local area network (WLAN) environment, it can also be implemented in other types of networks.

[0049] Explanatory process

[0050] Figure 12An example flow 1200 under an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Flow 1200 may represent one aspect of implementing the various proposed designs, concepts, schemes, systems, and methods described above. More specifically, flow 1200 may represent one aspect of proposed concepts and schemes related to new padding schemes in wireless communication. Flow 1200 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions, as shown by one or more modules / submodules. Although illustrated as discrete modules, the individual modules of flow 1200 may be divided into more modules, merged into fewer modules, or omitted depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the modules / submodules of flow 1200 may be arranged according to... Figure 12 The process can be executed in the order shown, or in a different order. Furthermore, one or more modules / submodules of process 1200 can be executed repeatedly or iteratively. Process 1200 can be implemented by devices 1110 and 1120, and any variations thereof. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 1200 is described below in conjunction with device 1110 and implemented in a ranging controlled / responding end (e.g., a wireless communication device) in network environment 100 and in a wireless network where device 1120 acts as a ranging control / initiator, or vice versa, according to one or more IEEE 802.15.4 standards. Process 1200 may begin with module 1210.

[0051] At 1210, process 1200 may include the processor 1112 of device 1110 performing wireless communication with a PPDU via transceiver 1116. The PPDU includes post-FCS padding after its Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field. Operation of the wireless communication may be represented by 1212 and 1214.

[0052] In 1212, process 1200 may involve processor 1112 generating and sending the PPDU.

[0053] In 1214, process 1200 may involve processor 1112 receiving and processing the PPDU.

[0054] In some implementations, the PPDU may include a non-high-throughput (non-HT) PPDU or a non-high-throughput repeating PPDU.

[0055] In some implementations, the PPDU may include control frames (e.g., RTS frames, CTS frames, multi-user RTS (MU-RTS) frames, or CTS spontaneous frames).

[0056] In some implementations, the post-FCS padding may include a virtual pattern or information useful to the PPDU receiver, or both, padding after the FCS field. In some implementations, the information useful to the PPDU receiver may include information about bandwidth, power specifications, number of spatial streams, data rate, subband location, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the information useful to the PPDU receiver may include aggregated packets for multiple workstations (STAs) supporting one or more PPDUs with post-FCS padding.

[0057] In some implementations, the post-FCS padding may include padding with any information, including zero or random values, and may have one or more 4-byte groups for 4-byte alignment.

[0058] In some implementations, the post-FCS padding may include padding multiple polynomials, each of which is FCS-checked and has one or more 4-byte groups for 4-byte alignment.

[0059] In some implementations, the duration of the post-FCS filling can be negotiated by two or more workstations (STAs).

[0060] In some implementations, the PPDU may be sent as part of a Clear Transmission (CTS) spontaneous frame, and the Network Allocation Vector (NAV) overwrites the next transmission frame, which may be a Request to Transmit (RTS) frame or a data frame.

[0061] In some implementations, the PPDU may be transmitted as part of a control frame, which is either an initial control frame or a control response frame, to trigger a peer workstation (STA) to wake up and switch from a low-power mode to an active mode or from a low-capability mode to a high-capability mode. In some implementations, in response to performing the wireless communication, including receiving and processing the PPDU, process 1200 may also involve the processor 1112 switching from a low-power mode to an active mode or from a low-capability mode to a high-capability mode. The subsequent FCS padding can provide time for performing this switch.

[0062] In some implementations, the PPDU may be transmitted as part of a control frame, which is either an initial control frame or a control response frame, to trigger a handover between different links or subbands by a peer workstation (STA). In some implementations, in response to performing the wireless communication, including receiving and processing the PPDU, process 1200 may also involve the processor 1112 handover between different links or subbands. The subsequent FCS padding can provide time for performing the handover.

[0063] In some implementations, the PPDU may be transmitted as part of a control frame that allows the workstation (STA) to obtain a transmission opportunity (TXOP) to allow itself to switch from a low-power mode to an active mode or from a low-capacity mode to a high-capacity mode. In some implementations, in response to performing the wireless communication, including generating and transmitting the PPDU, process 1200 may also involve the processor 1112 switching from a low-power mode to an active mode or from a low-capacity mode to a high-capacity mode. The subsequent FCS filling can provide time for performing the switch.

[0064] In some implementations, the PPDU may be transmitted as part of a control frame that allows a workstation (STA) and its peer STA to reconfigure one or more radios, or to communicate via one or more other radios for in-device coexistence (IDC) purposes. In some implementations, process 1200 may also involve processor 1112 reconfiguring the one or more radios, or communicating via the one or more other radios for IDC purposes. The subsequent FCS filling can provide time to perform the reconfiguration or communication.

[0065] Additional Notes

[0066] The topics described herein sometimes demonstrate different components contained within or connected to other components. It should be understood that such architectures are merely examples, and many other architectures can actually be implemented to achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any arrangement of components that achieves the same function is considered "associated" in order to achieve the desired functionality. Therefore, any two components combined in this document to achieve a specific function can be considered "associated" with each other to achieve the desired functionality, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two such associated components can be considered "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components that can be suchly associated can also be considered "operably coupled" to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operational coupling include, but are not limited to, physically matable and / or physically interactive components and / or wirelessly interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0067] Furthermore, regarding the use of almost all plural and / or singular terms in this document, those skilled in the art can appropriately convert plural to singular and / or singular to plural depending on the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly listed herein.

[0068] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the terms used herein, particularly in appended claims, such as the body portion of appended claims, are generally considered "open" terms. For example, the word "comprising" should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to," the word "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," and the word "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc. Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a claim expressly intends to introduce a specific quantity, that intention will be expressly stated in the claim; if no such statement is made, then the intention does not exist. For example, for ease of understanding, the following appended claims may contain the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the claim recitation. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as limiting any claim containing such a recitation to only one such recitation, even if the same claim contains the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "one" or "a," for example, "one" and / or "a" should be interpreted as "at least one" or "one or more"; the same applies to definite articles used to introduce the claim recitation. Furthermore, even if a specific quantity is explicitly stated in the claims, those skilled in the art will recognize that this statement should be interpreted as at least the stated quantity. For example, stating only "two statements" without other modifiers means at least two statements, or two or more statements. Additionally, when using conventions such as "at least one A, B, and C, etc.", the intent of this structure is generally the convention understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems with only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and systems where A, B, and C coexist. Similarly, when using conventions such as "at least one A, B, or C, etc.", the intent of this structure is generally the convention understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems with only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and systems where A, B, and C coexist. Those skilled in the art will also understand that virtually any disjunctive words and / or phrases appearing in the specification, claims, or drawings, when presenting two or more alternative terms, should be understood to include one, any, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibility of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0069] As can be seen from the foregoing, various embodiments of this disclosure have been described herein for illustrative purposes, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit are indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: A wireless communication is performed by a processor of a device, including: Generate and send a physical layer protocol data unit; or Receive and process the physical layer protocol data unit. The physical layer protocol data unit includes a subsequent frame check sequence padding after the frame check sequence field of the physical layer protocol data unit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical layer protocol data unit includes a non-high throughput physical layer protocol data unit or a non-high throughput repeated physical layer protocol data unit.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical layer protocol data unit includes a control frame.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the post-frame check sequence padding includes a virtual pattern or information useful to a receiver of the physical layer protocol data unit, or both, padding after the frame check sequence field.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the information useful to the receiver of the physical layer protocol data unit includes information on bandwidth, power specifications, number of spatial streams, data rate, subband location, or a combination thereof.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the information useful to the receiver of the physical layer protocol data unit includes aggregated packets pointing to multiple workstations supporting one or more physical layer protocol data units with the subsequent frame check sequence padding.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the post-frame check sequence padding includes padding with any information, including a zero value or a random value, and has one or more 4-byte groups for 4-byte alignment.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the post-frame check sequence padding comprises padding a plurality of polynomials, each polynomial being checked by a frame check sequence and having one or more 4-byte groups for 4-byte alignment.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the duration of the subsequent frame check sequence padding is negotiated between two or more workstations.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical layer protocol data unit is transmitted as part of a clear transmission spontaneous frame, and a network allocation vector overwrites the next transmission frame, which is either a request transmission frame or a data frame.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical layer protocol data unit is sent as part of a control frame, the control frame being an initial control frame or a control response frame, for triggering a pair of peer workstations to wake up and switch from a low-power mode to an active mode or from a low-capacity mode to a high-capacity mode.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, in response to performing the wireless communication, receiving and processing the physical layer protocol data unit: Switch from the low-power mode to the active mode or from the low-capacity mode to the high-capacity mode. The subsequent frame check sequence padding provides the time to perform the switch.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical layer protocol data unit is sent as part of a control frame, the control frame being an initial control frame or a control response frame for triggering a pair of peer workstations to switch between different links or different subbands.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, in response to performing the wireless communication, receiving and processing the physical layer protocol data unit: Switching between different links or different subbands The subsequent frame check sequence padding provides the time to perform the switch.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical layer protocol data unit is transmitted as part of a control frame that allows the workstation to obtain a transmission opportunity to allow itself to switch from a low-power mode to an active mode or from a low-capacity mode to a high-capacity mode.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising, in response to performing the wireless communication, generating and transmitting the physical layer protocol data unit: Switch from the low-power mode to the active mode or from the low-capacity mode to the high-capacity mode. The subsequent frame check sequence padding provides the time to perform the switch.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical layer protocol data unit is transmitted as part of a control frame that allows a workstation and its peer workstations to reconfigure one or more radios, or to communicate via one or more other radios for coexistence purposes within a device.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Reconfigure the one or more radios, or communicate via one or more other radios for coexistence purposes within the device. The subsequent frame check sequence padding provides the time to perform the reconfiguration or communication.

19. An apparatus implementable in a responder, comprising: A transceiver configured for wireless communication; as well as A processor, coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform a plurality of operations, including: This transceiver performs a wireless communication, including: Generate and send a physical layer protocol data unit; or Receive and process the physical layer protocol data unit. The physical layer protocol data unit includes a subsequent frame check sequence padding after the frame check sequence field of the physical layer protocol data unit.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the post-frame check sequence padding includes a virtual pattern or information useful to a receiver of the physical layer protocol data unit, or both, padding after the frame check sequence field.

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