Wireless devices and methods configured to operate as neighbor aware network, NAN, devices

Abstract

A wireless device and method configured to operate as a neighbor aware network (NAN) device enable enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) operation in a neighbor aware network (NAN) environment by exchanging capability information and mapping information. The wireless device controls the radio frequency (RF) transceiver module to alternate between a monitoring configuration during a listening period and an aggregated configuration during an active period. During the listening period, the device monitors a mapping link associated with a NAN mapping identifier (Map ID) using a 1x1 configuration that employs a single RF chain. Upon detecting a trigger frame on the monitored mapping link, the device switches to the aggregated configuration during the active period. In the aggregated configuration, at least two RF chains are aggregated to communicate data using a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration on a target link associated with the trigger frame.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 749,016, filed January 24, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a Neighbor Aware Network (NAN) device, and more particularly, to a wireless device and method configured to operate as a Neighbor Aware Network (NAN) device. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless communication technologies have advanced significantly to support the growing demand for high-speed data transmission and widespread connectivity. The IEEE 802.11 family of standards, commonly known as Wi-Fi... ® Various revisions have been introduced to meet these needs. One such development is Neighbor-Aware Networks (NAN), also known as Wi-Fi Aware™, which enables devices to discover each other and establish direct peer-to-peer data paths without a central access point (AP). NANs are typically deployed in complex network environments with multiple devices and overlapping wireless services. Wi-Fi Aware™ is a product of the Wi-Fi Alliance. ® The trademark of .

[0005] Meanwhile, the IEEE 802.11be revision, known as Extremely High Throughput (EHT), introduced Multi-Link Operation (MLO). MLO allows devices, called multi-link devices (MLDs), to transmit and receive data simultaneously or asynchronously on multiple frequency bands or channels. A specific mode of MLO is Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR). EMLSR is designed to enhance concurrent dual-radio operation, especially in busy network environments where idle channels may be scarce. In EMLSR, a device with limited radio resources (e.g., a single radio capable of switching frequencies) can monitor multiple links and dynamically switch to the best available link for data transmission. This feature provides the low latency and high throughput advantages of concurrent dual-radio devices, but at a lower hardware cost.

[0006] However, a significant problem exists in integrating these technologies. In current NAN networks, while multiple links can be established and data can be transmitted simultaneously on a single radio device, no mechanism exists to effectively share a single radio resource and leverage multi-link capabilities for interference mitigation. For example, a dual-mapped NAN network might only operate each link simultaneously in a 1x1 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) manner on a single 2x2 radio device, failing to fully utilize the radio's potential (e.g., 2x2 MIMO capability). While EMLSR can address this issue by allowing dynamic switching to utilize full radio capabilities on a single link, no specification defines EMLSR behavior for non-AP stations (STAs) operating exclusively as NAN devices. Furthermore, existing NAN specifications utilize NAN Map IDs to identify availability plans on specific channels, while IEEE 802.11be utilizes Link IDs to identify logical links in a multi-link context. Currently, there is no mechanism to map these different identifiers to enable EMLSR in NAN clusters. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless device configured to operate as a Neighbor-Aware Network (NAN) device. The wireless device includes processing circuitry, a memory, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver module, and multiple antennas. The memory is coupled to the processing circuitry. The RF transceiver module is coupled to the processing circuitry and includes multiple RF chains. The antennas are coupled to the RF transceiver module. The processing circuitry is configured to: control the RF transceiver module to operate in a time-division manner by alternating between a monitoring configuration during a listening period and an aggregation configuration during an activity period; during the listening period, control the RF transceiver module to monitor using a 1x1 configuration, which employs a single RF chain from the plurality of RF chains and a single antenna from the plurality of antennas for each link, the plurality of mapped links being associated with different frequency bands and different NAN mapping identifiers (Map IDs) respectively, to detect trigger frames on any of the monitored mapped links; and in response to the detection of the trigger frame, during the activity period, control the RF transceiver module to switch to the aggregation configuration, wherein at least two of the plurality of RF chains are aggregated to use a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration on a target link associated with the trigger frame, the configuration employing at least two of the plurality of antennas to perform data communication on the target link.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for operating a wireless device as a Neighbor-Aware Network (NAN) device. The wireless device includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver module comprising a plurality of RF chains and a plurality of antennas coupled to the RF transceiver module. The method includes: performing time-division multiplexing operation of the RF transceiver module by alternating between a monitoring configuration during listening and an aggregation configuration during activity; during the listening period, monitoring is performed using a 1x1 configuration employing a single RF chain of the plurality of RF chains and a single antenna of the plurality of antennas for each of a plurality of mapped links, the plurality of mapped links being associated with different frequency bands and different NAN mapping identifiers (Map IDs), to detect a trigger frame on any of the monitored mapped links; and in response to detecting the trigger frame, during the activity period, switching the RF transceiver module to the aggregation configuration, wherein at least two RF chains are aggregated to use a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration on a target link associated with the trigger frame, the configuration employing at least two of the plurality of antennas to perform data communication on the target link.

[0009] These and other objectives of this disclosure will undoubtedly become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system in which wireless devices support Neighbor Aware Network (NAN) and Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) operation, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example data structure for storing mapping information between identifiers used in Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and identifiers used in NAN, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a sample procedure for negotiating, enabling, and operating EMLSR capabilities in a NAN environment, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a message sequence diagram illustrating an example procedure related to NAN service discovery and NAN data path setup, containing events and frames exchanged between a first NAN device and a second NAN device, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5This is a diagram illustrating an example composition of a NAN Data Path (NDP) setup frame carrying EMLSR capability information and mapping information, containing an element container attribute that encapsulates a multi-link element, including an EML capability subfield and a NAN link ID attribute, and containing a list of mapping entries, according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a timing diagram illustrating an example sequence of triggers and data exchanges associated with EMLSR operations across multiple mapping links, according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This disclosure describes embodiments of a wireless device and method for implementing Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) operation in Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN). This disclosure addresses the inefficiency of single radio devices in multi-link point-to-point environments by introducing a mechanism to negotiate EMLSR capabilities and map underlying Multi-Link Operation (MLO) identifiers to NAN layer mapping identifiers. This integration allows a single radio device to monitor multiple NAN data paths with fewer resources and dynamically aggregate its radio links onto a single path for high-speed transmission when activity is detected.

[0017] Figure 1 A wireless communication system 10 is shown, in which various aspects of this disclosure can be implemented. The wireless communication system 10 includes wireless device 100A and wireless device 100B. Both wireless device 100A and wireless device 100B are configured to support Neighbor-Aware Network (NAN) and Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) operation. Wireless device 100A includes processing circuitry 110A, memory 120A, and radio frequency (RF) transceiver module 140A. Similarly, wireless device 100B includes processing circuitry 110B, memory 120B, and radio frequency (RF) transceiver module 140B.

[0018] In this embodiment, wireless devices 100A and 100B are non-AP STAs participating in the point-to-point NAN cluster and establish a NAN data path (NDP) without operating as access points (APs). In other words, neither wireless device 100A nor wireless device 100B operates as the infrastructure AP for the communication described herein; instead, each device operates in the NAN device role (e.g., Figure 4The NAN initiators and NAN responders described in the text.

[0019] The processing circuitry 110A can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or digital signal processors (DSPs). It is configured to execute the control logic and protocol stack for IEEE 802.11be and Wi-Fi Aware, including logic for exchanging frames, detecting trigger frames, controlling radio configuration, and managing return monitoring configurations. The memory 120A can include volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., Flash, EEPROM) for storing data and program code.

[0020] RF transceiver module 140A includes multiple RF chains, specifically RF chain 142A and RF chain 144A. These chains are coupled to antennas 152A and 154A, respectively. Correspondingly, RF transceiver module 140B includes RF chain 142B and RF chain 144B coupled to antennas 152B and 154B. Each RF chain typically includes hardware for signal processing, such as power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, mixers, and analog-to-digital / digital-to-analog converters.

[0021] exist Figure 1 In the embodiments, RF transceiver module 140A further includes a shared resource 141A shared by RF chain 142A and RF chain 144A. Similarly, RF transceiver module 140B further includes a shared resource 141B shared by RF chain 142B and RF chain 144B. The shared resources 141A / 141B may include at least one of the following: (i) shared baseband circuitry (e.g., baseband processor, modem, and / or digital front end) configured to generate, process, and schedule baseband signals for multiple spatial streams, and / or (ii) shared oscillators (e.g., reference clock, local oscillator (LO), frequency synthesizer, and / or phase-locked loop (PLL)) configured to provide a common frequency reference and tuning control to the RF chains. In an aggregated configuration using a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) configuration, shared resources 141A / 141B constrain and / or coordinate the RF chains such that at least two antennas transmit radio signals on the target link in the same frequency band (e.g., the same channel and frequency band), thereby achieving MIMO transmission on the selected target link. Shared resources 141A / 141B are shown as a single functional block for ease of understanding; however, in implementation, they can be integrated within RF transceiver modules 140A / 140B, within a shared RFIC / baseband chipset, or otherwise implemented as circuitry shared by multiple RF chains.

[0022] In the context of this disclosure, a "single radio" device, such as wireless device 100A or wireless device 100B, is defined as a device that may have multiple radio frequency (RF) chains, such as implementing 2x2 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) capability, and sharing a common baseband and / or local oscillator resource through shared resources 141A or 141B, such that the full MIMO capability is typically applied once on a selected frequency band, rather than being applied independently for transmission or reception on two widely separated frequency bands simultaneously. However, using Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR), such a single radio device can dynamically switch all its radio resources to a single link to maximize throughput when active, while partitioning resources to monitor multiple links when idle. Processing circuitry 110A generates a switching control signal SC1 to dynamically configure RF transceiver module 140A, and processing circuitry 110B generates a switching control signal SC2 for RF transceiver module 140B. This control allows wireless devices 100A and 100B to switch between a monitoring configuration (where multiple links are monitored) and an aggregation configuration (where communication occurs on a selected link). Communication is conducted via wireless links, denoted as wireless signals 180A, 180B, 180C, and 180D. These signals can be configured to represent different spatial streams or wireless signals on different frequency bands.

[0023] Memory 120A stores a mapping table 122 containing mapping entries 124 and instructions 126A. Similarly, memory 120B stores mapping table 122 and instructions 126B. These mapping entries 124 are used to enable EMLSR in a NAN environment because they bridge the gap between the IEEE 802.11be standard, which uses "Link IDs" to identify links in a multi-link context, and the Wi-Fi Aware standard, which uses "Map IDs" (typically associated with NAN availability attributes) to identify logical channels or "maps" in a NAN cluster. Mapping entries 124 provide explicit conversion between identifiers used in different layers and specifications. The IEEE 802.11be standard uses Link IDs to mark links used for multi-link operation. The Wi-Fi Aware standard uses NAN Map IDs to mark NAN maps representing availability plans. Mapping table 122 associates Link IDs with corresponding Map IDs. Through this one-to-one correspondence, wireless device 100A can interpret the NAN mapping as a specific EMLSR-capable link. Wireless device 100B can do the same using the same mapping information. This allows processing circuits 110A and 110B to select the correct link when monitoring multiple links or aggregating RF chains on a target link. It also allows the devices to apply EMLSR capability information to the intended NAN mapping during operation.

[0024] Instruction 126A includes computer-executable code that, when executed by processing circuitry 110A, causes wireless device 100A to perform the methods described herein. Similarly, instruction 126B includes computer-executable code that, when executed by processing circuitry 110B, causes wireless device 100B to perform the methods described herein.

[0025] In some embodiments, wireless device 100A and wireless device 100B are not limited to Figure 1The example shown is of two antennas. The depiction of two antennas (e.g., antennas 152A and 154A, and antennas 152B and 154B) and two RF chains (e.g., RF chains 142A and 144A, and RF chains 142B and 144B) corresponds to an illustrative 2x2 MIMO example and is not limiting. For example, wireless device 100A may include three or more antennas, wireless device 100B may include three or more antennas, and RF transceiver modules 140A and 140B may each include three or more RF chains coupled to the respective antennas. In such an implementation, multiple antennas and multiple RF chains can support NxN (or more generally NxM) MIMO configurations, using at least two, and sometimes three or more, spatial streams on the target link during aggregation configuration. Furthermore, communication between wireless device 100A and wireless device 100B is not limited to two links. For example, wireless devices 100A and 100B can establish and operate on multiple links, each link being identified by a corresponding Link ID for multi-link operation and associated with a corresponding Map ID for NAN scheduling. In such an embodiment, mapping table 122 can store multiple mapping entries 124 that provide a one-to-one correspondence between the multiple link identifiers and the multiple mapping identifiers, and processing circuits 110A and 110B can select a target link from the multiple links for aggregation configuration, while simultaneously monitoring a subset of the multiple links in the monitoring configuration.

[0026] Now for reference Figure 2 The diagram shows an exemplary mapping table 122 structure. Mapping table 122 includes one or more mapping entries 124, each mapping entry 124 providing a one-to-one correspondence between a multi-link operation identifier and a NAN identifier. In some implementations, mapping table 122 is stored in memories 120A and 120B and accessed by processing circuitry 110A and 110B.

[0027] like Figure 2As shown, mapping table 122 includes a link identifier field and a mapping identifier field. The link identifier field specifies a link identifier (e.g., a 4-bit value ranging from 0 to 15) assigned to a logical link according to the IEEE 802.11be standard. The mapping identifier field specifies a corresponding NAN mapping identifier (e.g., a 4-bit value) associated with a NAN availability attribute or further availability mapping attribute according to the Wi-Fi Aware standard. Each mapping entry 124 establishes a binding between a specific link identifier and a specific mapping identifier. By consulting mapping table 122, processing circuitry 110A can determine that the NAN data path scheduled on the mapping identifier corresponds to the purpose of the link identifier for EMLSR state transitions. This allows processing circuitry 110A to apply the EMLSR logic (e.g., an antenna switching trigger) defined for the link identifier to the corresponding NAN mapping. In one exemplary mapping entry 124, the link identifier field includes L1, and the mapping identifier field includes M0. In another exemplary mapping entry 124, the link identifier field includes L2, and the mapping identifier field includes M1. The ellipsis indicates that mapping table 122 may include other mapping entries 124.

[0028] By maintaining mapping table 122, processing circuit 110A can select a target link for EMLSR operation and apply the corresponding mapping identifier for NAN control and scheduling. Similarly, processing circuit 110B can use the same mapping information to align link selection with mapping identifier usage during monitoring and aggregation configuration. This mapping helps wireless devices 100A and 100B use the same identifier for the same physical link in different protocol functions. Processing circuits 110A and 110B can use link identifiers when controlling RF transceiver modules and mapping identifiers when performing NAN procedures that reference NAN mappings. By using mapping entries 124 in mapping table 122, the device can treat a given link identifier and a given mapping identifier as referring to the same link.

[0029] Figure 3 A high-level procedure for operating an EMLSR is demonstrated. The procedure includes an EMLSR capability handshake S310, an EMLSR enablement procedure S320, and an EMLSR operation S330.

[0030] During the EMLSR capability handshake S310, wireless devices 100A and 100B exchange capability information to determine whether EMLSR is supported. In some embodiments, this handshake exchange occurs during connection establishment in a NAN environment, such as during NAN Data Path (NDP) setup. One or more NDP setup frames may convey EMLSR capability information and may also convey mapping information that associates link identifiers with mapping identifiers. EML capabilities are defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard and include subfields such as “EMLSR Support” (a bit indicating whether a device can perform EMLSR) and delay parameters such as “EMLSR Padding Delay” and “EMLSR Transition Delay”. In one embodiment, an EML capability is carried as an EML capability subfield in a multi-link element. The EML capability subfield includes an EMLSR Support bit, an EMLMR Support bit, an EMLSR Padding Delay field, and an EMLSR Transition Delay field, as described in the IEEE 802.11be draft, such as D7.0, or an equivalent description thereof. These delay parameters specify the time required for the device to switch its radio configuration. In this embodiment, these standard capabilities are encapsulated in a NAN frame. In one embodiment, the EMLSR capability information further includes an extended MLD capability and operation field indicating whether EMLSR is supported on at least one link, and may include an EMLSR conversion timeout field.

[0031] After the device determines that it supports Enhanced Multilink Single Radio (EMLSR), the process proceeds to EMLSR enabling procedure S320. During this stage, wireless device 100A and wireless device 100B exchange control information using an EML operation mode notification frame (or a functionally equivalent control frame that transmits an EML control field), as defined or evolved in IEEE 802.11be. In one embodiment, the EML operation mode notification frame includes an EML control field comprising (i) an EMLSR mode subfield (which may also be referred to as an EML mode subfield in some implementations and / or standard revisions) indicating whether the receiver's enhanced multilink mode is enabled or disabled, and (ii) a bitmap subfield identifying one or more link identifiers (Link IDs) applicable to the indicated mode. In some implementations and / or standard revisions, the bitmap subfield identifying one or more link identifiers for EMLSR operation may be referred to as an "EMLSR link bitmap" or more broadly as an "EML link bitmap". In this document, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, the term "EML link bitmap" includes "EMLSR link bitmap," and when the indicated pattern corresponds to an EMLSR operation, the term "EMLSR link bitmap" refers to the aforementioned bitmap subfield used to identify one or more link identifiers for the EMLSR operation. Processing circuitry 110A or 110B applies mapping entry 124 of mapping table 122 to convert the link identifier indicated by the bitmap subfield into a mapping identifier (Map ID) used by NAN scheduling. For example, if bits 1 and 2 in the bitmap subfield are set, it means that the links corresponding to link identifier 1 and link identifier 2 have EMLSR operation enabled.

[0032] After EMLSR is enabled, wireless devices 100A and 100B enter EMLSR operation S330. During this phase, the devices perform dynamic control of radio resources associated with multiple links, including monitoring multiple links and aggregating radio resources on a selected link when a transmission opportunity (TXOP) is detected. In some embodiments, EMLSR operation S330 includes switching between a monitoring configuration using 1x1 operation on multiple links and an aggregation configuration using 2x2 operation on a target link to perform data frame exchange sequences, such as... Figure 6 As described in further detail in the text.

[0033] Figure 4 A sample message sequence in the context of Neighbor-Aware Network (NAN) service discovery and data path setup is provided, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The diagram has been adapted to align with the general signaling flow in the Wi-Fi Aware Specification v4.0, while illustrating how the disclosed techniques are applied during setup and subsequent communications. Figure 4In this context, wireless device 100A is also designated as the first NAN device or NAN initiator, while wireless device 100B is also designated as the second NAN device or NAN responder.

[0034] The message sequence involves the service / application layer 130A and NAN layer 132A of wireless device 100A, and the service / application layer 130B and NAN layer 132B of wireless device 100B. The process can begin with a subscription event S401 from wireless device 100A and a publication event S402 from wireless device 100B. In response, NAN layers 132A and 132B execute a subscription procedure S403 and a publication procedure S404, representing NAN-level signaling supporting service discovery, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. When a match is identified, a discovery result event S405 is generated. According to one embodiment of this disclosure, further service discovery S406 can be performed to exchange additional service discovery information.

[0035] Following service discovery, a data request event S407 may trigger data path setup. Step S408 corresponds to transmitting a data path request frame from wireless device 100A to wireless device 100B. At wireless device 100B, receiving the data path request frame is associated with a data indication event S409, and a data response event S410 can be generated to continue setup. Step S411 corresponds to transmitting a data path response frame from wireless device 100B to wireless device 100A. Step S412 corresponds to the transmission of an optional data path confirmation frame when NDP confirmation is required, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The data path request frame of step S408, the data path response frame of step S411, and the optional data path confirmation frame of step S412 may be collectively referred to as one or more NDP setup frames according to one embodiment of this disclosure. In one embodiment, each data path request frame, data path response frame, and data path confirmation frame is a NAN action frame containing an organization identifier field that identifies the NAN. For example, the organization identifier field may include an OUI type field (e.g., a value of 0x18). In one example implementation, a data path request frame might have an OUI subtype field (e.g., 0x05), a data path response frame might have an OUI subtype field (e.g., 0x06), and a data path confirmation frame might have an OUI subtype field (e.g., 0x07). The specific OUI types and / or OUI subtype values ​​described herein are provided as non-limiting examples, and other values ​​may be used depending on implementation details and / or specification revisions.

[0036] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, one or more NDP setup frames transmit Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio (EMLSR) capability information and mapping information, which provides a one-to-one correspondence by associating at least two Multi-Link Operation (MLO) Link Identifiers (LinkIDs) with corresponding distinct NAN Map Identifiers (Map IDs). In one embodiment, the EMLSR capability information is transmitted in an element container attribute within the information content field of a NAN action frame, while the mapping information is transmitted in a NAN Link ID attribute within the information content field of a NAN action frame. The mapping information can be used to form a mapping entry 124 stored in memories 120A and 120B, and the stored mapping entry 124 can be used to support subsequent monitoring and handover behaviors described elsewhere in the specification, according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Following data confirmation events S413 and S414, data communication S415 can be performed between wireless devices 100A and 100B using the established setup, according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the mapping information is transmitted via a “NAN Link Identifier Attribute.” In a first implementation, to ensure compatibility with existing Wi-Fi Aware specifications and allow for proprietary or pre-standard extensions, the NAN Link Identifier Attribute can be formatted as a vendor-specific attribute (Attribute ID 0xDD). According to the Wi-Fi Alliance specification, a vendor-specific attribute includes an Attribute ID (0xDD), a length field, an Organization Unique Identifier (OUI), and a vendor-specific subject. In this embodiment, the vendor-specific subject is structured to contain mapping entries 124. For example, the subject may include a “Number of Entries” field followed by a series of pairs, each consisting of a “Link ID” (mapped to an 802.11be multi-link element) and a “Mapping ID” (mapped to a NAN Availability Attribute). This structure allows legacy NAN devices to ignore this attribute, while enabled devices can decode the critical mapping information. In a second implementation, the NAN Link Identifier Attribute can be implemented as a non-vendor-specific NAN attribute identified by a proprietary Attribute ID value (e.g., a specific implementation value such as 0x2F, or a value that may be assigned in future specification revisions).

[0038] Figure 5 The composition of a sample NDP setup frame 500 used to convey the information described herein is shown. This frame includes a series of attributes formatted according to the Wi-Fi Aware specification. Element container attribute 510 is used to support IEEE 802.11be features in the Wi-Fi Aware protocol without redefining each field.

[0039] Element container attribute 510 is a NAN attribute designed to encapsulate an Information Element (IE) as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard. In some implementations, element container attribute 510 may be identified by an attribute ID (e.g., 0x1D in a sample Wi-FiAware specification). In the NAN context, information that may be informally referred to as an Information Element (IE) in some discussions can be implemented as NAN attributes (including vendor-specific NAN attributes) carried in the Information Content field of a NAN action frame. In one embodiment, element container attribute 510 includes an attribute ID field, a length field, a mapping ID field, and an element field. The mapping ID field indicates whether the encapsulated element is suitable for a specified NAN availability mapping and includes a mapping identifier value. The element field includes one or more encapsulated Information Elements. In this disclosure, element container attribute 510 encapsulates a multilink element 512 (an 802.11be IE). In one example implementation, multilink element 512 may be an extended element (e.g., having an element ID value of 255 and an element ID extension value of 107). Multilink element 512 includes an EML capability subfield 514. EML capability subfield 514 contains specific bits defined in 802.11be, such as the “EMLSR Support” bit (indicating the device’s single-radio multilink operation hardware capability) and the “EMLSR Transition Delay” bit (indicating the time required to switch radio configurations). This disclosure transmits these standard IEEE definitions in the NAN protocol using element container attribute 510.

[0040] Simultaneously, the NDP setup frame 500 includes a NAN link identifier attribute 520. In one embodiment, the NAN link identifier attribute 520 is carried as a NAN attribute in the information content of the NAN action frame. The NAN link identifier attribute 520 can be identified by a specific vendor attribute ID (e.g., 0xDD). Alternatively, the NAN link identifier attribute 520 can be implemented as a non-vendor-specific NAN attribute identified by a dedicated attribute ID value (e.g., 0x2F in an example implementation, or a value that may be assigned in future specification revisions). This disclosure defines the NAN link identifier attribute 520 to carry mapping information. It includes a list of mapping entries 522. In one embodiment, the NAN link identifier attribute includes a length field and a list of link ID entries. Each link ID entry includes a link ID field representing an MLO link identifier and a mapping ID field representing a NAN mapping identifier, thereby providing a one-to-one correspondence for mapping entries 124 stored as mapping table 122. Each entry in this list contains a link ID (802.11be identifier) ​​and a corresponding mapping ID (NAN identifier), creating Figure 2The associations described herein. The NDP setup frame 500 may also include other attributes 530 required for NAN operation, such as NAN availability attributes (defining the time / channel of the map), device capability attributes, or NDP-specific attributes. The specific attribute ID values ​​and element identifier values ​​described herein are provided as non-limiting examples; other values ​​may be used depending on implementation details and / or specification revisions.

[0041] By combining element container attribute 510 (for standard capabilities) and NAN link identifier attribute 520 (for specific mappings), NDP setting frame 500 fully enables EMLSR in the NAN context. This capability exchange constitutes Figure 3 The “EMLSR capability handshake” (step S310) described in the document.

[0042] Figure 6 Example temporal behavior of enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) operation between wireless device 100A and wireless device 100B in a neighbor-aware network (NAN) point-to-point context is demonstrated. Figure 6 The system is divided into four zones. Zones (A) and (C) indicate the actions of wireless device 100A on different NAN mapping identifiers (mapping IDs), while zones (B) and (D) indicate the actions of wireless device 100B on different mapping IDs. Mapped links are shown as MAP 0 (link 1) and MAP 1 (link 2). These are examples of mapped links and are not limited to any specific channel number.

[0043] exist Figure 6 Before the start of the timing behavior (i.e., before period P1), wireless devices 100A and 100B have completed the EMLSR capability handshake (step S310). In some embodiments, the EMLSR enabling procedure (step S320) has also been completed, for example, during the establishment of the NAN data path (NDP). During this setup phase, one or more NDP setup frames are exchanged to establish the NDP and transmit EMLSR capability information (e.g., multi-link elements and EML capability subfields), and a one-to-one correspondence is created and stored by associating at least two MLO link identifiers (link IDs) with corresponding different mapping IDs. Therefore, Figure 6 The time behavior corresponds to the EMLSR operation phase that begins after setup is complete (step S330), during which the device alternately maintains the mapping entries and negotiated EMLSR capability information during the listening and active periods.

[0044] Figure 6The time intervals in the diagram, from left to right, are periods P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6. Periods P1, P3, and P5 represent the listening periods during which the device operates in the monitoring configuration. Periods P2, P4, and P6 represent the activity periods during which the device operates in the aggregation configuration to complete the data frame exchange sequence on the target link. In short, period P1 is for listening, period P2 is for activity, period P3 is for listening, period P4 is for activity, period P5 is for listening, and period P6 is for activity.

[0045] In some embodiments, the availability of the Neighbor-Aware Network (NAN) is scheduled using a Discovery Window (DW) and a Further Availability Window (FAW), and availability attributes may be associated with corresponding Map IDs. For example, a first availability attribute (e.g., FAW) may be associated with Map ID 0 and may indicate operation on channel 6 in the 2.4 GHz band, while a second availability attribute (e.g., FAW) may be associated with Map ID 1 and may indicate operation on channel 149 in the 5 GHz band. Map table 122 may store mapping entries that associate link ID 1 with Map ID 0 and link ID 2 with Map ID 1.

[0046] During the listening period (e.g., periods P1, P3, and P5), the NAN device can operate in a monitoring configuration where a first radio chain monitors the mapping link corresponding to mapping identifier 0 (e.g., CH6, 1x1), and a second radio chain monitors the mapping link corresponding to mapping identifier 1 (e.g., CH149, 1x1), so that the NAN device can detect trigger frames on either mapping link. During the activity period (e.g., periods P2, P4, and P6), in response to detecting a trigger frame on one of the mapping links, the NAN device can transition to an aggregation configuration where the radio chains are combined on selected target links (e.g., CH6, 2x2 in one activity period, or CH149, 2x2 in another activity period). During the listening periods P1, P3, and P5, wireless devices 100A and 100B simultaneously maintain awareness of activity on multiple mapping links. In one embodiment, the monitoring configuration uses reduced capabilities on each monitored mapping link, such as a 1x1 configuration on each monitored mapping link. A 1x1 configuration refers to using one radio chain and one spatial stream on the mapping link. This 1x1 monitoring behavior allows the device to listen on MAP 0 (link 1) and MAP 1 (link 2).

[0047] The transition from monitoring configuration to aggregation configuration is triggered by trigger frames transmitted or received on the mapping link. Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger frame is a Multi-User Transmit Request (MU-RTS) frame 601, MU-RTS frame 605, or MU-RTS frame 609. In other embodiments, the trigger frame includes a trigger type control frame selected from the group consisting of transmit request (RTS) frames, multi-user transmit request (MU-RTS) frames, buffer status report polling (BSRP) frames, and trigger frames for scheduling uplink multi-user transmissions.

[0048] An RTS frame is a control frame used to reserve the medium and request a Clear Transmission (CTS) response before data transmission. A MU-RTS frame is a control-triggered frame used to request a CTS response and reserve a Protected Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) for subsequent multi-user frame switching on the link carrying the MU-RTS frame. A Buffer Status Report Polling (BSRP) frame is a trigger-type control frame used to request a buffer status report so that peer devices can indicate the amount of buffered uplink data (or other uplink status) before uplink multi-user transmission. A Trigger Frame for Scheduling Uplink Multi-User Transmissions is a trigger-type control frame that conveys uplink scheduling information (e.g., resource allocation and transmission parameters) for uplink multi-user transmissions, such as uplink Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and / or uplink Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO).

[0049] In this embodiment, when a trigger frame is detected during listening, the mapped link that transmitted or received the trigger frame is selected as the target link for the next activity. Selection is supported by stored mapping entries, which allow the processing circuitry to consistently identify the mapping identifier and corresponding link context associated with the detected activity.

[0050] During the activity, wireless devices 100A and 100B switch to an aggregation configuration so that multiple RF chains are aggregated to operate with enhanced capabilities on the target link. In one embodiment, during the aggregation configuration, the RF transceiver module uses shared resources (e.g., reference...). Figure 1The described shared baseband circuitry and / or shared oscillator coordinate at least two aggregated RF chains on the same frequency band of the target link. During each activity period (e.g., periods P2, P4, and P6), in response to the detection of a trigger frame on a specific mapped link, each device transitions to an aggregated configuration by aggregating at least two RF chains on the selected target link. In the aggregated configuration, shared resources 141A / 141B coordinate the aggregated RF chains to operate on the same frequency band of the target link and drive at least two antennas for MIMO operation so that data communication on the target link uses at least two spatial streams. In one embodiment, the aggregated configuration uses a 2x2 configuration on the target link. A 2x2 configuration refers to using two RF chains and two spatial streams on the target link, supporting higher throughput and improved link robustness compared to 1x1 operation. The handover can be coordinated via handover control signaling between the processing circuitry and the RF transceiver module so that the RF chains aggregate on the target link for the duration of the activity period and are released when the data exchange sequence is complete.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6 The alternating listening and activity periods correspond to the dynamic reconfiguration of RF transceiver modules 140A and 140B via switching control signaling (e.g., SC1 and SC2) through processing circuits 110A and 110B. During each listening period (e.g., periods P1, P3, and P5), each device operates in the monitoring configuration by assigning a corresponding RF chain to each monitored mapped link, such that each mapped link is monitored using a 1x1 configuration (one RF chain and one antenna per mapped link). For example, processing circuit 110A can control RF transceiver module 140A to couple RF chain 142A to antenna 152A to monitor MAP 0 (link 1), while simultaneously coupling RF chain 144A to antenna 154A to monitor MAP 1 (link 2), or vice versa, and processing circuit 110B can perform the corresponding assignments within RF transceiver module 140B. In this monitoring configuration, the radio frequency chain remains part of a single radio device because they share common radio resources (e.g., shared resources 141A / 141B include shared baseband circuitry and / or shared oscillators), rather than being independent radios.

[0052] In the time example shown, the operation of each cycle can be understood as follows. Further reference... Figure 1During each monitoring period, processing circuitry 110A configures RF transceiver module 140A to a monitoring configuration, where each mapped link is monitored using a 1x1 configuration, for example by operating an RF chain (e.g., RF chain 142A or RF chain 144A) coupled to an antenna (e.g., antenna 152A or antenna 154A) for that mapped link, while the RF chains share shared resource 141A. During each activity period, processing circuitry 110A switches at least two RF chains and at least two antennas to the selected target link and operates them under the control of shared resource 141A to transmit and / or receive one or more data frames using MIMO configuration.

[0053] Figure 6 The sequence of data frame exchanges during each activity period is shown, using numbered frames to indicate the order and map the link context. Following MU-RTS frame 601, activity period P2 includes a Clear Transmit (CTS) frame 602, a data frame 603, and a Block Acknowledgment (BA) frame 604 on the target link. The Clear Transmit (CTS) frame is a control frame that grants permission to continue and reserves medium for subsequent transmission intervals on the target link, thus reducing the possibility of other transmission interference. Data frames carry payload information during aggregated 2x2 operations on the target link. The Block Acknowledgment (BA) frame is an acknowledgment control frame that acknowledges the reception status of data transmission, allowing the device to cleanly close the exchange and return to the monitoring configuration. The same functional roles are applied in subsequent activity periods, where MU-RTS frame 605 is followed by CTS frame 606, data frame 607, and BA frame 608 in period P4, and MU-RTS frame 609 in period P6 is followed by CTS frame 610, data frame 611, and BA frame 612. The repetition pattern across cycles P2, P4, and P6 reflects that the device can dynamically allocate all its capabilities to the target link repeatedly when the trigger frame indicates an upcoming switch opportunity on that link.

[0054] The alternation of detected activity from period P1 to period P6 also illustrates how EMLSR improves efficiency compared to earlier single-radio behavior. In some earlier methods, the device monitors different links in separate time segments, which can delay the detection of transmission opportunities (TXOPs) on links not being monitored at that time. In other earlier methods, the device remains in a reduced capacity configuration even during payload transmission, which can increase the time required to transmit the same amount of data and potentially reduce overall system efficiency in busy environments. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the device uses 1x1 monitoring to maintain simultaneous awareness of multiple mapped links during the listening period, and then rapidly concentrates resources into a 2x2 aggregation configuration during the activity period to complete the switching on the target link. This reduces the activity occupancy time for a given payload transmission and increases throughput on demand.

[0055] In summary, this disclosure provides a wireless device and a corresponding method for enhancing multi-link single-radio (EMLSR) operation in a Neighbor-Aware Network (NAN) environment. Addressing the limitations of previous techniques, namely the lack of a mechanism for efficiently sharing single-radio resources or mapping IEEE 802.11be link identifiers to NAN mapping identifiers, the disclosed solution utilizes NAN Data Path (NDP) setup frames to convey EMLSR capabilities and mapping information, establishing a one-to-one correspondence between Multi-Link Operation (MLO) link IDs and NAN mapping IDs. This mapping enables a single radio device to segment its radio chains to monitor multiple mapped links in a monitoring configuration. Upon detection of a trigger frame on a specific link, the device dynamically switches to an aggregation configuration, combining radio resources to utilize full MIMO capabilities for data exchange on the target link. This method overcomes the inefficiencies of static single-radio operation by allowing dynamic resource aggregation, thus providing advantages similar to concurrent dual-radio devices in terms of low latency and high throughput, but at a lower hardware cost.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the apparatus and methods while retaining the teachings of the disclosure. Therefore, the above disclosure should be interpreted only within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless device configured to operate as a Neighbor-Aware Network (NAN) device, comprising: Processing circuitry; The memory coupled to the processing circuit; An RF transceiver module coupled to the processing circuitry, the RF transceiver module comprising multiple RF chains; and Multiple antennas coupled to the RF transceiver module; The processing circuit is configured as follows: Control the RF transceiver module to operate in a time-division manner by alternating between a monitoring configuration during listening and an aggregation configuration during activity; During this monitoring period, the RF transceiver module is controlled to monitor using a 1x1 configuration, which employs a single RF chain from the plurality of RF chains and a single antenna from the plurality of antennas for each link. The plurality of mapped links are associated with different frequency bands and different NAN mapping identifiers (Map IDs) to detect trigger frames on any of the monitored mapped links. as well as In response to the detection of the trigger frame, during the activity, the RF transceiver module is controlled to switch to the aggregation configuration, wherein at least two of the plurality of RF chains are aggregated to use a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration on the target link associated with the trigger frame, the configuration employing at least two of the plurality of antennas to perform data communication on the target link.

2. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to establish mapping entries based on a handshake with a second NAN device, each entry associating a Multi-Link Operation (MLO) Link Identifier (Link ID) with a NAN Map Identifier (Map ID), and storing the mapping entry in the memory, wherein the handshake includes exchanging one or more messages with the second NAN device, these messages conveying mapping information for generating the mapping entry.

3. The wireless device of claim 2, wherein one or more messages exchanged in the handshake include one or more NAN data path NDP setting frames.

4. The wireless device of claim 3, wherein the one or more NAN data path NDP setup frames further transmit enhanced multi-link single radio EMLSR capability information, which indicates whether the wireless device supports EMLSR operation.

5. The wireless device of claim 3, wherein the one or more NAN data path NDP setting frames include a data path request frame and a data path response frame.

6. The wireless device of claim 5, wherein the one or more NAN data path NDP setting frames further include data path confirmation frames.

7. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the RF transceiver module further includes a shared resource shared by the plurality of RF chains, and in the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration, the shared resource enables at least two of the plurality of antennas to transmit wireless signals on the target link in the same frequency band.

8. The wireless device of claim 7, wherein the shared resource includes at least one of a shared baseband circuit or a shared oscillator.

9. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein after the data communication is completed, the processing circuit controls the RF transceiver module to return to the monitoring configuration for subsequent listening.

10. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the trigger frame includes a trigger type control frame selected from the group, the group consisting of a transmit request RTS frame, a multi-user transmit request MU-RTS frame, a buffer status report polling BSRP frame, and a trigger frame for scheduling uplink multi-user transmissions.

11. A method for operating a wireless device as a neighbor-aware network (NAN) device, the wireless device comprising a radio frequency (RF) transceiver module including a plurality of RF chains and a plurality of antennas coupled to the RF transceiver module, the method comprising: The RF transceiver module performs time-division multiplexing by alternating between monitoring configuration during listening and aggregation configuration during activity. During this monitoring period, a 1x1 configuration is used for monitoring, which employs a single RF chain from the plurality of RF chains and a single antenna from the plurality of antennas for each of the plurality of mapped links, which are associated with different frequency bands and different NAN mapping identifiers (Map IDs) to detect trigger frames on any of the monitored mapped links. as well as In response to the detection of the trigger frame, during the activity, the RF transceiver module is switched to the aggregation configuration, wherein at least two RF chains are aggregated to use a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration on the target link associated with the trigger frame, the configuration employing at least two of the plurality of antennas to perform data communication on the target link.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising establishing a mapping entry based on a handshake with a second NAN device, each entry associating a Multi-Link Operation (MLO) Link Identifier (Link ID) with a NAN Map Identifier (Map ID), and storing the mapping entry in the memory of the wireless device, wherein the handshake includes exchanging one or more messages with the second NAN device, the messages conveying mapping information for generating the mapping entry.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein one or more messages exchanged in the handshake include one or more NAN data path NDP setting frames.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more NAN data path NDP setup frames further transmit enhanced multi-link single radio EMLSR capability information, which indicates whether the wireless device supports EMLSR operation.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more NAN data path NDP setting frames include data path request frames and data path response frames.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein one or more NAN data path NDP setting frames further include a data path confirmation frame.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the wireless device further includes a shared resource shared by multiple RF chains in the RF transceiver module, and in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration, the shared resource enables at least two of the multiple antennas to transmit wireless signals on the target link in the same frequency band.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the shared resource includes at least one of a shared baseband circuit or a shared oscillator.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising, upon completion of data communication, returning the RF transceiver module to a monitoring configuration for subsequent listening cycles.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the trigger frame comprises a trigger type control frame selected from the group consisting of a request to send an RTS frame, a multi-user request to send an MU-RTS frame, a buffer status report polling BSRP frame, and a trigger frame for scheduling uplink multi-user transmissions.

Images