Interoperable transmit power envelope (TPE) signaling with automatic frequency coordination (AFC) frequency response

Abstract

Interoperable transmit power envelope (TPE) signaling with automatic frequency coordination (AFC) frequency response can be provided. First, AFC information can be received. Next, a mask can be determined for the puncturing channel indicated in the AFC information. Then, it can be determined that the mask needs to be changed to achieve a first amount of AFC response for the puncturing channel indicated in the AFC information. Then, a transmit power envelope (TPE) value can be reported for the puncturing channel, which includes the first amount plus a second amount.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications The applicant claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 584,846, filed on September 22, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to providing interoperable transmit power envelope (TPE) signaling with automatic frequency coordination (AFC) frequency response. Background Technology

[0003] In computer networks, a wireless access point (AP) is a network hardware device that allows Wi-Fi-compatible client devices to connect to wired networks and other client devices. An AP typically connects to a router as a standalone device (directly or indirectly via a wired network), but it can also be an integrated component of the router itself. Several APs can also work in coordination via direct wired or wireless connections, or through a central system (often called a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) controller). An AP is distinct from a hotspot, which is a physical location where Wi-Fi access to a WLAN is available.

[0004] Before the advent of wireless networks, setting up a computer network in a business, home, or school typically required running numerous cables through walls and ceilings to deliver network access to all network-enabled devices in the building. With the advent of wireless access points (APs), network users were able to add devices and access the network with little or no cabling. An AP connects to a wired network and then provides a radio frequency link to that wired network for other wireless devices. Most APs support multiple wireless devices connected at once. APs were built to support the standard of sending and receiving data using these radio frequency frequencies. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included in and constitute a part of this disclosure. In the drawings: Figure 1 It is a block diagram for providing an operating environment for interoperable transmit power envelope (TPE) signaling with automatic frequency coordination (AFC) frequency response; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for providing interoperable transmit power envelope (TPE) signaling with automatic frequency coordination (AFC) frequency response; Figure 3 The AFC frequency response and mask for the punched subchannel are shown; Figure 4 The options for the TPE element are shown; and Figure 5 It is a block diagram of a computing device. Detailed Implementation

[0006] Overview Interoperable transmit power envelope (TPE) signaling with automatic frequency coordination (AFC) frequency response can be provided. First, AFC information can be received. Next, a mask can be determined for the puncturing channel indicated in the AFC information. Then, it can be determined that the mask needs to be changed to achieve a first amount of AFC response for the puncturing channel indicated in the AFC information. Then, a transmit power envelope (TPE) value can be reported for the puncturing channel, which includes the first amount plus a second amount.

[0007] The foregoing overview and the following example embodiments are merely illustrative and explanatory, and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure as described and claimed. Furthermore, features and / or variations other than those described may be provided. For example, embodiments of this disclosure may be provided for various combinations and sub-combinations of features described in the example embodiments.

[0008] Example Implementation The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While embodiments of this disclosure can be described, modifications, adjustments, and other implementations are possible. For example, elements shown in the drawings may be replaced, added, or modified, and the methods described herein may be modified by replacing, reordering, or adding stages. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit this disclosure. Rather, the appropriate scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure can transmit the Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) frequency response to the client, enabling the client to use as much power as possible while still using the Transmit Power Envelope (TPE) element for backward compatibility. The AP can obtain the frequency response from the AFC. The channel response from the AFC can be ignored because a solution based on puncturing the frequency response may be clearer. For a punctured channel, the AP / fixed client knows its own transmit (TX) mask and TX power, so they can choose the TX power that satisfies the AFC frequency response. The AP also needs to compress the AFC frequency response into a value every 20 MHz, and the client needs to decompress the value and reliably infer the AP's intent. Typically, in source compression schemes, the receiver's behavior can be normalized. If the AP and client make different assumptions, various undesirable events may occur.

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure allow the AP to compactly express how a complex client TX power spectral density (PSD) can fit as closely as possible to a potentially complex AFC frequency response. Without making any assumptions about the client TX PSD: i) client compliance can only be guaranteed if the AP reports the minimum AFC frequency response on the punched subchannel in the TPE element field, and then the client ensures its PSD is below that minimum everywhere; and ii) in many cases, the client TX PSD may not fit tightly to the AFC frequency response. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure can allow the client to use power as close as possible to the maximum allowed AFC frequency response while maintaining the TPE format, such that the maximum transmit PSD X field in the TPE element transmitted by the AP can be interpreted by the client as sliding the IEEE mask up or down on the punched channel.

[0011] Figure 1 An operating environment 100 is shown for providing interoperable transmit power envelope (TPE) signaling with automatic frequency coordination (AFC) frequency response. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the operating environment 100 may include a controller 105 and a coverage environment 110. The coverage environment 110 may include, but is not limited to, a wireless local area network (WLAN) comprising multiple access points (APs) that can provide wireless network access (e.g., for client devices to access the WLAN). The multiple APs may include a first AP 115, a second AP 120, a third AP 125, and a fourth AP 130. The multiple APs can provide wireless network access to multiple client devices as the client devices move within the coverage environment 110. The multiple client devices may include, but are not limited to, a first client device 135, a second client device 140, and a third client device 145. Some of the multiple client devices may include, but are not limited to, smartphones, personal computers, tablets, mobile devices, telephones, remote control devices, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, network computers, routers, virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR) devices, or other similar microcomputer-based devices. Each of the multiple APs may be compatible with standards such as, but not limited to, the IEEE 802.11 specification.

[0012] Multiple access points (APs) and multiple client devices can use multi-link operation (MLO), in which they simultaneously transmit and receive on different frequency bands and channels by establishing two or more links to two or more AP radio devices. These frequency bands may include, but are not limited to, the 2 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band, and the 60 GHz band.

[0013] Controller 105 may include a Wireless Local Area Network (WLC) controller and may provision and control coverage environment 110 (e.g., WLAN). Controller 105 may allow a first client device 135, a second client device 140, and a third client device 145 to join coverage environment 110. In some embodiments of this disclosure, controller 105 may be implemented by a Digital Network Architecture Center (DNAC) controller (i.e., a Software-Defined Networking (SDN) controller) that can configure information about coverage environment 110 to provide interoperable TPE signaling with AFC frequency response.

[0014] To enable unlicensed devices (e.g., Wi-Fi devices such as client devices and access points) to work with licensed users already occupying a frequency band (e.g., the 6 GHz band), Adaptive Fission (AFC) was established. AFC is a spectrum usage coordination system. For example, since the 6 GHz band is already occupied by existing users (i.e., fixed service (FS) providers), such as fixed satellite providers, restrictions can be imposed on Wi-Fi devices wishing to transmit in that band. To avoid potential interference with existing 6 GHz users, AFC can impose two types of device classifications and apply different transmit power rules to Wi-Fi devices operating on that band: i) low-power access points for indoor Wi-Fi, and ii) standard-power access points that can be used both indoors and outdoors.

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, AFC 150 can provide spectrum usage coordination for coverage environment 110. Transmitter 155 and receiver 160 may include licensed existing FS users. First AP 115, second AP 120, third AP 125, and fourth AP 130 may include unlicensed devices. AFC 150 can coordinate spectrum usage between licensed and unlicensed devices to avoid potential interference in coverage environment 110.

[0016] The elements of the aforementioned operating environment 100 (e.g., controller 105, first AP 115, second AP 120, third AP 125, fourth AP 130, first client device 135, second client device 140, or third client device 145) can be implemented in hardware and / or software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or in any other circuit or system. The elements of operating environment 100 can be implemented in circuits including discrete electronic components, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, circuits utilizing microprocessors, or circuits on a single chip containing electronic components or a microprocessor. Furthermore, the elements of operating environment 100 can also be implemented using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluid, and quantum technologies. As described below regarding… Figure 5In more detail, the elements of operating environment 100 can be implemented in computing device 500.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the general stages related to method 200, which is consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure for providing interoperable TPE signaling with AFC frequency response. Method 200 can use the following regarding... Figure 5 The computing device 500 is implemented in more detail below. The computing device 500 may be embodied, for example, by the first AP 115. The manner in which each stage of the implementation method 200 is carried out will be described in more detail below.

[0018] Method 200 may begin at start box 205 and proceed to stage 210, where the first AP 115 may receive Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) information. For example, AFC information relating to operating environment 100 may be received by the first AP 115 from AFC 150. The AFC information may indicate which channels should be punctured.

[0019] From stage 210, where the first AP 115 receives AFC information, method 200 can proceed to stage 220, where the first AP 115 can determine a mask for the punctured channel indicated in the AFC information. For example, for each punctured channel indicated by the AFC information, given the absolute power published in the TPE element for a nearby non-punctured 20 MHz sub-channel, AP 115 can calculate the IEEE mask in terms of absolute power: IEEE Mask dBm (puncChCenterHz) + power In dBm (quantizedFreq), |quantizedFreq| < puncChCenterHz + 10 MHz. Since AFC can operate at a 1 MHz resolution, so can quantizedFreq, which can then be equal to puncChCenterHz - 9 MHz, puncChCenterHz - 8 MHz, ..., puncChCenterHz + 9 MHz. This allows steep slopes to be avoided at the edges of punctured sub-channels. AFC frequency response 305 and IEEE mask 310 for punched subchannels Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0020] Once the first AP 115 has determined the mask for the punctured channel indicated in the AFC information in stage 220, method 200 can proceed to stage 230, where the first AP 115 can determine that the mask 310 may need to be changed to achieve a first amount 315 of the AFC frequency response 305 for the punctured channel indicated in the AFC information. For example, the first amount 315 may include “E” dB as the amount by which the IEEE mask 310 may need to be increased to achieve the AFC frequency response 305. E may be negative if the IEEE mask 310 is too high at any point.

[0021] After the first AP 115 determines in stage 230 that the mask needs to be changed to achieve the first amount of the AFC response for the punctured channel indicated in the AFC information, method 200 can proceed to stage 240, whereby the first AP 115 can report a TPE value (e.g., "G") for the punctured channel in the TPE element, which includes the first amount (e.g., "E") plus a second amount (e.g., "F"). For example, in the TPE element for the punctured channel, the first AP 115 can report G = E + F, where F can include, for example, as... Figure 4 One of the following is shown. For example... Figure 4 As shown, option A shows the minimum value of F including min(IEEE mask dBm). Option B shows the natural logarithmic mean of F including mean Ln log Domain(IEEE mask dBm). Option C shows the natural logarithmic mean of F including mean Ln Power Domain(IEEE mask dBm). Option D shows the maximum value of F including max(IEEE mask dBm).

[0022] The client device in operating environment 100 can receive the reported TPE elements and infer an approximation of the AFC frequency response in a similar manner to that described above. The client device can use a flat frequency response for non-punctured channels. For each punctured channel, given the absolute power published in the TPE element for a nearby non-punctured 20 MHz sub-channel, the client device can first calculate the IEEE mask using the absolute power, and then calculate F. Next, the client device can infer E = G - F, and thus slide the IEEE mask of the punctured sub-channel upwards by E (or downwards by |E| if E is negative).

[0023] The client device can then select a power for its transmission such that its TX PSD is lower than the inferred AFC frequency response everywhere. Then, if the client device knows that its puncturing mask is superior (or inferior) to the IEEE mask, it can transmit at a higher (or lower) power as long as its PSD is lower than the inferred AFC frequency response. Once the first AP 115 reports the TPE value for the punctured channel in phase 240 (which includes the first amount plus the second amount), method 200 can then end in phase 250.

[0024] Figure 5 A computing device 500 is shown. (For example...) Figure 5 As shown, computing device 500 may include a processing unit 510 and a memory unit 515. Memory unit 515 may include software module 520 and database 525. When executed on processing unit 510, software module 520 may perform, for example, the above-described... Figure 2 The described process is for providing interoperable TPE signaling with AFC frequency response. Computing device 500 may provide an operating environment for, for example, controller 105, first AP 115, second AP 120, third AP 125, first client device 130, second client device 135, or third client device 140. Controller 105, first AP 115, second AP 120, third AP 125, first client device 130, second client device 135, or third client device 140 may operate in other environments and are not limited to computing device 500.

[0025] Computing device 500 can be implemented using Wi-Fi access points, tablet devices, mobile devices, smartphones, telephones, remote control devices, set-top boxes, digital video recorders, cable modems, personal computers, network computers, mainframes, routers, switches, server clusters, smart TVs, network storage devices, network relay devices, or other similar microcomputer-based devices. Computing device 500 can include any computer operating environment, such as handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable transmitter-based electronics, minicomputers, mainframes, etc. Computing device 500 can also be implemented in a distributed computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices. The foregoing systems and devices are examples, and computing device 500 can include other systems or devices.

[0026] Embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented, for example, as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or a computer-readable medium. A computer program product may be a computer storage medium containing a computer program that is readable by a computer system and encodes instructions for executing a computer process. A computer program product may also be a computer program that is a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encodes instructions for executing a computer process. Therefore, this disclosure may be embodied in hardware and / or software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.). In other words, embodiments of this disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in that medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium capable of containing, storing, communicating, propagating, or transmitting a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0027] Computer-usable or computer-readable media can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, apparatuses, or propagation media. More specific examples of computer-readable media (not an exhaustive list) include: electrical connections with one or more wires, portable computer disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, and portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Note that computer-usable or computer-readable media can even be paper or another suitable medium on which programs are printed, because programs can be electronically captured, for example, by optical scanning of paper or other media, and then, if necessary, compiled, interpreted, or processed in a suitable manner, and then stored in computer memory.

[0028] While some embodiments of this disclosure have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in association with data stored in memory and other storage media, data may also be stored on or retrieved from other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices like hard disks, floppy disks, or CD-ROMs, carrier waves from the Internet, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Moreover, the stages of the disclosed methods may be modified in any way, including by reordering stages and / or inserting or deleting stages, without departing from this disclosure.

[0029] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in circuits including discrete electronic components, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, circuits utilizing microprocessors, or circuits on a single chip containing electronic components or a microprocessor. Embodiments of this disclosure can also be practiced using other techniques capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluid, and quantum technologies. Additionally, embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced within a general-purpose computer or in any other circuit or system.

[0030] Embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced via a system-on-a-chip (SOC), wherein Figure 1 Each or more components shown can be integrated onto a single integrated circuit. Such a SOC device may include one or more processing units, graphics units, communication units, system virtualization units, and various application functions, all of which can be integrated (or “programmed”) onto a chip substrate as a single integrated circuit. When operating via the SOC, the functions described herein with respect to embodiments of this disclosure can be executed via dedicated logic integrated on a single integrated circuit (chip) along with other components of the computing device 500.

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to block diagrams and / or operating instructions of methods, systems, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. The functions / actions marked in the blocks may occur in any order other than that shown in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown successively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions / actions involved.

[0032] Although the specification includes examples, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, although the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and / or method actions, the claims are not limited to the features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method comprising: Receive Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) information; Determine the mask for the punched channel indicated in the AFC information; Determine that the mask needs to be changed to achieve a first amount of AFC response for the punched channel as indicated in the AFC information; as well as The transmit power envelope (TPE) value reported for the punched channel includes the first amount plus the second amount.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The mask includes the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) mask.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The second quantity includes min (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The second quantity includes the mean Ln log domain (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The second quantity includes mean Ln Power Domain (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The second quantity includes max (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The TPE value reported is included in the TPE element.

8. A system comprising: Memory devices; as well as A processing unit, coupled to the memory device, wherein the processing unit is operable to: Receive Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) information; Determine the mask for the punched channel indicated in the AFC information; Determine that the mask needs to be changed to achieve a first amount of AFC response for the punched channel as indicated in the AFC information; as well as The transmit power envelope (TPE) value reported for the punched channel includes the first amount plus the second amount.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The mask includes the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) mask.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The second quantity includes min (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The second quantity includes the mean Ln log domain (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The second quantity includes mean Ln Power Domain (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The second quantity includes max (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an instruction set, which, when executed, performs a method executed by the instruction set, the method comprising: Receive Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) information; Determine the mask for the punched channel indicated in the AFC information; Determine that the mask needs to be changed to achieve a first amount of AFC response for the punched channel as indicated in the AFC information; as well as The transmit power envelope (TPE) value reported for the punched channel includes the first amount plus the second amount.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 14, wherein, The mask includes the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) mask.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein, The second quantity includes min (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein, The second quantity includes the mean Lnlog Domain (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein, The second quantity includes mean LnPower Domain (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein, The second quantity includes max (the IEEE mask decibel-milliwatt (dBm)).

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein, The TPE value reported is included in the TPE element.

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