Method and apparatus for transmitting or receiving based on distributed resource unit tone plan in wireless LAN system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transmitting or receiving based on a distributed resource unit (DRU) tone plan in a wireless LAN system are disclosed. One embodiment of the method according to this disclosure includes the steps of: generating a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) by a first station (STA); and transmitting the first PPDU to a second STA within a first bandwidth, wherein, based on a second bandwidth applied within the first bandwidth using a distributed resource unit (DRU), the first PPDU may include first information related to i) whether the distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth is applied to a first channel having a second bandwidth size or ii) whether the distributed bandwidth of a third bandwidth is applied to multiple second channels having a third bandwidth size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting or receiving based on a distributed resource unit tone scheme in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system. Background Technology

[0002] New technologies have been introduced to Wireless LANs (WLANs) to improve transmission rates, increase bandwidth, improve reliability, reduce errors, and reduce latency. Within WLAN technologies, the IEEE 802.11 series of standards can be referred to as Wi-Fi. For example, recent technologies introduced to WLAN include enhancements to the Very High Throughput (VHT) of the 802.11ac standard and enhancements to the High Efficiency (HE) of the IEEE 802.11ax standard.

[0003] To provide a more robust wireless communication environment, enhancement technologies for EHT (Extreme High Throughput) are being discussed. For example, technologies for supporting multi-access point (AP) coordination and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) to increase bandwidth, effectively utilize multiple bands, and increase spatial flow are being investigated. In particular, various technologies are being explored to support low-latency or real-time services. Furthermore, new technologies to support Ultra-High Reliability (UHR) through improvements or extensions to EHT technologies are being discussed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The technical problem of this disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for transmitting or receiving data based on a distributed resource unit tone scheme in a WLAN system.

[0006] The technical problem of this disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving physical layer protocol data units over a wide bandwidth based on an adaptive distributed resource unit tone scheme.

[0007] The technical problem of this disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving physical layer protocol data units on bandwidth simultaneously allocated to distributed resource units and predefined resource units.

[0008] The technical objectives achieved through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other technical objectives not described herein.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a method may include: generating a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) by a first station (STA); and sending the first PPDU to a second STA within a first bandwidth, and based on a second bandwidth in which a distributed resource unit (DRU) is applied: the first PPDU may include first information related to whether i) the distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth is applied to a first channel having a second bandwidth size or ii) the distributed bandwidth of a third bandwidth is applied to a plurality of second channels having a third bandwidth size.

[0011] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method may include: receiving a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) from a first STA within a first bandwidth by a second station (STA); and decoding the first PPDU by the second STA, and based on a second bandwidth in which a distributed resource unit (DRU) is applied within the first bandwidth: the first PPDU may include first information relating to whether i) the distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth is applied to a first channel having a second bandwidth size or ii) the distributed bandwidth of a third bandwidth is applied to a plurality of second channels having a third bandwidth size.

[0012] Beneficial effects

[0013] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a distributed resource unit tone scheme can be provided for reducing interference between STAs in a wireless LAN system.

[0014] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving physical layer protocol data units over a wide bandwidth based on an adaptive distributed resource unit tone scheme can be provided.

[0015] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving physical layer protocol data units on bandwidth simultaneously allocated to distributed resource units and predefined resource units can be provided.

[0016] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, coverage and throughput can be improved through efficient DRU-based transmission.

[0017] The effects achievable by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not described herein through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, included as part of the detailed description for understanding this disclosure, provide embodiments of the disclosure and describe the technical features of the disclosure through detailed description.

[0019] Figure 1The figure shows a block configuration diagram of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a WLAN system to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a diagram used to describe the link setup process to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a diagram used to describe the retreat process to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to describe the CSMA / CA-based frame transmission operation to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame structure that can be used in a WLAN system to which this disclosure may be applied.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a PPDU that can be applied in the IEEE 802.11 standard of this disclosure.

[0026] Figures 8 to 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource unit that can be used in a wireless LAN system to which this disclosure may be applied.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a DRU that can be applied using the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary format of the trigger frame to which the present disclosure can be applied.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method performed by a first STA according to this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method performed by a second STA according to this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the PPDU transmission and reception process between a transmitting STA and a receiving STA according to an example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description disclosed with reference to the drawings is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and not to represent the only embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. The following detailed description includes specific details to provide a complete understanding of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details.

[0033] In some cases, known structures and devices may be omitted, or they may be shown in block diagram form based on the core functions of each structure and device in order to prevent ambiguity of the concepts in this disclosure.

[0034] In this disclosure, when an element is referred to as “connected,” “combined,” or “linked” to another element, it can include both indirect and direct connections where another element exists therebetween. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the terms “comprising” or “having” specify the presence of the mentioned features, steps, operations, components, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, stages, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0035] In this invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one element from another and are not used to limit the elements. Unless otherwise stated, they do not limit the order or importance of the elements. Therefore, within the scope of this disclosure, a first element in one embodiment may be referred to as a second element in another embodiment, and similarly, a second element in one embodiment may be referred to as a first element in another embodiment.

[0036] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and not for limiting the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “and / or” as used in this disclosure may refer to one of the associated enumerations, or is intended to refer to and include any and all possible combinations of two or more of them. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the “ / ” between words in this disclosure has the same meaning as “and / or”.

[0037] The examples disclosed herein can be applied to various wireless communication systems. For example, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to wireless LAN systems. For example, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to wireless LANs based on the IEEE 802.11a / g / n / ac / ax standards. Furthermore, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to wireless LANs based on the newly proposed IEEE 802.11be (or EHT) standard. The examples disclosed herein can be applied to wireless LANs based on the IEEE 802.11be version 2 standard, corresponding to the additional enhancements of the IEEE 802.11be version 1 standard. Additionally, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to next-generation standards-based wireless LANs following IEEE 802.11be. Furthermore, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to cellular wireless communication systems. For example, it can be applied to cellular wireless communication systems based on 3GPP standards using Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology and 5G New Radio (NR) technology.

[0038] The technical features that can be applied to examples of this disclosure will be described below.

[0039] Figure 1 The figure shows a block diagram of a wireless communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1 The first device 100 and the second device 200 illustrated in the diagram can be replaced by various terms, such as terminal, wireless device, wireless transceiver unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), user terminal (UT), mobile subscriber station (MSS), mobile subscriber unit (MSU), subscriber station (SS), advanced mobile station (AMS), wireless terminal (WT), or simple user, etc. Additionally, the first device 100 and the second device 200 can include access point (AP), base station (BS), fixed station, node B, base transceiver system (BTS), and network. It can be replaced by various terms such as artificial intelligence (AI) system, roadside unit (RSU), repeater, router, relay, and gateway.

[0041] Figure 1 The devices 100 and 200 shown in the diagram can be referred to as stations (STAs). For example, Figure 1The devices 100 and 200 illustrated in the figure can be referred to by various terms such as transmitting device, receiving device, transmitting STA, and receiving STA. For example, STA 110 and 200 can perform an access point (AP) role or a non-AP role. That is, in this disclosure, STA 110 and 200 can perform AP and / or non-AP functions. When STA 110 and 200 perform AP functions, they can be simply referred to as AP, and when STA 110 and 200 perform non-AP functions, they can be simply referred to as STA. In addition, in this disclosure, AP can also be referred to as APSTA.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 The first device 100 and the second device 200 can transmit and receive radio signals via various wireless LAN technologies (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 series). The first device 100 and the second device 200 may include interfaces for the Media Access Control (MAC) layer and Physical Layer (PHY) conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0043] Furthermore, the first device 100 and the second device 200 can additionally support various communication standards (e.g., 3GPP LTE series, 5G NR series standards, etc.) besides wireless LAN technology. Additionally, the devices disclosed herein can be implemented in various devices, such as mobile phones, vehicles, personal computers, augmented reality (AR) devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, etc. Furthermore, the STA of this specification can support various communication services, such as voice calls, video calls, data communication, autonomous driving, machine-type communication (MTC), machine-to-machine (M2M), device-to-device (D2D), IoT (Internet of Things), etc.

[0044] The first device 100 may include one or more processors 102 and one or more memories 104, and may additionally include one or more transceivers 106 and / or one or more antennas 108. The processor 102 may control the memory 104 and / or the transceiver 106 and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the processor 102 may transmit a wireless signal including the first information / signal via the transceiver 106 after generating a first information / signal by processing information in the memory 104. Additionally, the processor 102 may receive a wireless signal including a second information / signal via the transceiver 106, and then store information obtained through signal processing of the second information / signal in the memory 104. The memory 104 may be connected to the processor 102 and may store various information related to the operation of the processor 102. For example, the memory 104 may store software code including instructions for performing all or part of the processes controlled by the processor 102 or for performing the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein. Here, processor 102 and memory 104 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless LAN technologies (e.g., LTE 802.11 series). Transceiver 106 may be connected to processor 102 and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas 108. Transceiver 106 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceiver 106 may be used with an RF (radio frequency) unit. In this disclosure, "device" may refer to a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0045] The second device 200 may include one or more processors 202 and one or more memories 204, and may additionally include one or more transceivers 206 and / or one or more antennas 208. The processor 202 may control the memory 204 and / or the transceiver 206 and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, the processor 202 may generate third information / signals by processing information in the memory 204, and then transmit a wireless signal including the third information / signals via the transceiver 206. Additionally, the processor 202 may receive wireless signals including fourth information / signals via the transceiver 206, and then store information obtained through signal processing of the fourth information / signals in the memory 204. The memory 204 may be connected to the processor 202 and may store various information related to the operation of the processor 202. For example, the memory 204 may store software code including instructions for performing all or part of the processes controlled by the processor 202 or for performing the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. Here, processor 202 and memory 204 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement wireless LAN technologies (e.g., IEEE 802.11 series). Transceiver 206 may be connected to processor 202 and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas 208. Transceiver 206 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceiver 206 may be used with an RF unit. In this disclosure, "device" may refer to a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0046] The hardware components of devices 100 and 200 will be described in more detail below. However, they are not limited thereto, but one or more protocol layers may be implemented by one or more processors 102 and 202. For example, one or more processors 102 and 202 may implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as PHY and MAC). One or more processors 102 and 202 may generate one or more PDUs (Protocol Data Units) and / or one or more SDUs (Service Data Units) according to the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. One or more processors 102 and 202 may generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. One or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information according to the functions, processes, proposals, and / or methods disclosed in this disclosure to provide them to one or more transceivers 106 and 206. One or more processors 102, 202 may receive signals (e.g., baseband signals) from one or more transceivers 106, 206 and obtain PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information in accordance with the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure.

[0047] One or more processors 102, 202 may be referred to as controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or microcomputers. One or more processors 102, 202 may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In examples, one or more ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), one or more DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), one or more DSPDs (Digital Signal Processing Devices), one or more PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), or one or more FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) may be included in one or more processors 102, 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this disclosure may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be implemented to include modules, processes, functions, etc. Firmware or software configured to execute the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this disclosure may be included in one or more processors 102, 202 or may be stored in one or more memories 104, 204 and driven by one or more processors 102, 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this invention may be implemented by firmware or software in the form of code, commands, and / or command sets.

[0048] One or more memories 104, 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102, 202 and are capable of storing data, signals, messages, information, programs, code, instructions, and / or commands in various forms. One or more memories 104, 204 may be configured with ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk drive, registers, cache memory, computer-readable storage media, and / or combinations thereof. One or more memories 104, 204 may be located internally and / or externally to one or more processors 102, 202. Furthermore, one or more memories 104, 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102, 202 via various technologies such as wired or wireless connections.

[0049] One or more transceivers 106, 206 can transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., mentioned in the methods and / or operation flowcharts of this disclosure to one or more other devices. One or more transceivers 106, 206 can receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this disclosure from one or more other devices. For example, one or more transceivers 106, 206 can be connected to one or more processors 102, 202 and can transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, one or more processors 102, 202 can control one or more transceivers 106, 206 to transmit user data, control information, or wireless signals to one or more other devices. Furthermore, one or more processors 102, 202 can control one or more transceivers 106, 206 to receive user data, control information, or wireless signals from one or more other devices. Furthermore, one or more transceivers 106, 206 may be connected to one or more antennas 108, 208, and the one or more transceivers 106, 206 may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, proposals, methods, and / or operation flowcharts included in this disclosure via one or more antennas 108, 208. In this invention, one or more antennas may be multiple physical antennas or multiple logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports). The one or more transceivers 106, 206 may process the received wireless signals / channels, etc., by converting them from RF band signals to baseband signals using one or more processors 102, 202. The one or more transceivers 106, 206 may convert the user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., processed by using one or more processors 102, 202 from baseband signals to RF band signals. Therefore, the one or more transceivers 106, 206 may include (analog) oscillators and / or filters.

[0050] For example, one of STAs 100 and 200 can perform the expected operation of an AP, and the other of STAs 100 and 200 can perform the expected operation of a non-AP STA. Figure 1 Transceivers 106 and 206 can perform transmission and reception operations of signals (e.g., packet or physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) conforming to IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be). Furthermore, in this disclosure, the operations of generating transmit / receive signals or performing data processing or calculations on transmit / receive signals in advance by various STAs can be performed by… Figure 1 Processors 102 and 202 perform the following operations: For example, examples of generating transmit / receive signals or performing data processing or calculations on transmit / receive signals in advance may include 1) determining / acquiring / configuring / calculating / decoding / encoding bit information of fields (signals (SIG), short training field (STF), long training field (LTF), data, etc.) included in the PPDU; 2) determining / configuring / acquiring time resources or frequency resources (e.g., subcarrier resources) for the fields (SIG, STF, LTF, data, etc.) included in the PPDU; 3) determining / configuring / acquiring specific sequences (e.g., pilot sequences, STF / LTF sequences, additional sequences applied to SIG) for the fields (SIG, STF, LTF, data, etc.) included in the PPDU action; 4) power control operations and / or power-saving operations applied to the STA; and 5) operations related to determining / acquiring / configuring / calculating / encoding the ACK signal. Additionally, in the following examples, various information used by various STAs to determine / acquire / configure / calculate / decode / encode transmitted and received signals (e.g., information related to fields / subfields / control fields / parameters / power, etc.) can be stored. Figure 1 In memory 104 and 204.

[0051] In the following text, downlink (DL) can refer to a link used for communication from an AP STA to a non-AP STA, and DL PPDUs / packets / signals can be sent and received via DL. In DL communication, the transmitter can be part of an AP STA, and the receiver can be part of a non-AP STA. Uplink (UL) can refer to a link used for communication from a non-AP STA to an AP STA, and UL PPDUs / packets / signals can be sent and received via UL. In UL communication, the transmitter can be part of a non-AP STA, and the receiver can be part of an AP STA.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a wireless LAN system to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0053] A wireless LAN system can be structured by multiple components. Wireless LANs that support STA mobility transparent to upper layers can be provided through the interaction of these components. The Basic Services Set (BSS) corresponds to the basic building blocks of a wireless LAN. Figure 2 An example is shown where there are two BSSs (BSS1 and BSS2) and two STAs are included as members of each BSS (STA1 and STA2 are included in BSS1, and STA3 and STA4 are included in BSS2). Figure 2 The ellipse representing the BSS can also be interpreted as representing the coverage area within the corresponding BSS where STAs maintain communication. This area can be called the Basic Service Area (BSA). When a STA moves out of the BSA, it cannot directly communicate with other STAs within the BSA.

[0054] If we do not consider Figure 2 The DS shown represents the most basic type of BSS in a wireless LAN, which is the Independent BSS (IBSS). For example, an IBSS can have a minimal form containing only two STAs. For instance, assuming other components are omitted, BSS1 containing only STA1 and STA2, or BSS2 containing only STA3 and STA4, can respectively correspond to representative examples of IBSS. This configuration is possible when STAs can communicate directly without an AP. Furthermore, in this type of wireless LAN, it is not pre-configured but can be configured when a LAN is needed, and this can be called a self-organizing network. Because an IBSS does not include an AP, there is no centralized management entity. That is, in an IBSS, STAs are managed in a distributed manner. In an IBSS, all STAs can consist of mobile STAs and are not allowed to access the Distributed System (DS), thus forming a self-contained network.

[0055] A STA's membership in the BSS can be dynamically changed by opening or closing the STA, entering or leaving a BSS zone, etc. To become a member of the BSS, an STA can join the BSS using a synchronization process. To access all services of the BSS infrastructure, an STA should be associated with the BSS. This association can be established dynamically and can include the use of Distributed System Services (DSS).

[0056] Direct STA-to-STA distance in a wireless LAN can be limited by PHY performance. In some cases, this distance limit may be sufficient, but in others, communication between STAs at greater distances may be required. Distributed systems (DS) can be configured to support extended coverage.

[0057] DS refers to the interconnected structure of BSSs. Specifically, such as... Figure 2As shown, a BSS can exist as an extension of a network composed of multiple BSSs. A DS is a logical concept and can be specified by the characteristics of the Distributed System Medium (DSM). In this respect, the Wireless Medium (WM) and the DSM can be logically separated. Each logical medium is used for a different purpose and by different components. These media are not limited to being the same, nor are they limited to being different. Thus, the flexibility of wireless LAN architectures (DS architectures or other network architectures) can be interpreted as multiple media being logically different. That is, wireless LAN architectures can be implemented in various ways, and the corresponding wireless LAN architectures can be independently specified by the physical characteristics of each embodiment.

[0058] DS can support mobile devices by providing seamless integration of multiple BSSs and the logical services necessary for address addressing to the destination. Additionally, DS can further include a component called a portal, which acts as a bridge for connections between the wireless LAN and other networks, such as IEEE 802.X.

[0059] An AP enables access to a DS via WM for its associated non-AP STA, and this implies an entity that also functions as a STA. Data movement between the BSS and DS can be performed through the AP. For example, Figure 2 STA2 and STA3, as shown, possess the functionality of STAs and provide the ability for associated non-AP STAs (STA1 and STA4) to access the DS. Furthermore, since all APs essentially correspond to STAs, all APs are addressable entities. The address used by an AP for communication on the WM is not necessarily the same as the address used by an AP for communication on the DSM. A BSS consisting of APs and one or more STAs can be referred to as an infrastructure BSS.

[0060] Data sent from one of the STAs associated with the AP to the STA address of the corresponding AP can always be received on an uncontrolled port and can be processed by an IEEE 802.1X port access entity. Alternatively, when the controlled port is authenticated, transmitted data (or frames) can be delivered to the DS.

[0061] In addition to the DS structure described above, an Extended Service Set (ESS) can be configured to provide broad coverage.

[0062] An ESS (Service Set Identity) refers to a network of arbitrary size and complexity consisting of DS (Service Controller) and BSS (Service Set Service). An ESS can correspond to a set of BSSs connected to a DS. However, an ESS does not include the DS. An ESS network is characterized by being treated as an IBSS (Independent Service Set Service) within the Logical Link Control (LLC) layer. STAs included in an ESS can communicate with each other, and a mobile STA can move from one BSS to another BSS (within the same ESS), which is transparent to the LLC. APs included in an ESS can have the same Service Set Identity (SSID). The SSID is distinct from the BSSID, which is the identifier of the BSS.

[0063] Wireless LAN systems do not assume anything about the relative physical location of BSSs, and all of the following forms are possible. BSSs can partially overlap, which is a common form used to provide continuous coverage. Additionally, BSSs may not have physical connections, and logically, there is no limit to the distance between BSSs. Furthermore, BSSs may be physically located in the same location, which can be used to provide redundancy. Additionally, one (or more) IBSS or ESS networks can physically exist in the same space as one (or more) ESS networks. This can be analogous to the form corresponding to ESS networks when an ad hoc network operates in a location where an ESS network exists, when physically overlapping wireless networks are configured by different organizations, or when two or more different access and security policies are required in the same location.

[0064] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to explain the link setup process to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0065] For a STA to establish a link to the network and send / receive data, the network must first be discovered, authentication performed, and association established. A security authentication process is also required. This link establishment process can also be called the session initiation process or session setup process. Furthermore, the discovery, authentication, association, and security settings within the link establishment process can be collectively referred to as the association process.

[0066] In step S310, the STA can perform a network discovery operation. The network discovery operation may include a scanning operation by the STA. That is, in order for the STA to access the network, it needs to find networks it can participate in. Before participating in a wireless network, the STA should identify compatible networks, and the process of identifying networks present in a specific area is called scanning.

[0067] Scanning schemes include active scanning and passive scanning. Figure 3An exemplary illustration depicts a network discovery operation including an active scanning process. In an active scan, the STA performing the scan sends probe request frames while moving channels to discover which APs are present in its vicinity and awaits a response. A responder sends a probe response frame to the STA that sent the probe request frame as a response to the probe request frame. Here, the responder could be the STA that last sent a beacon frame in the BSS of the scanned channel. In the BSS, the AP becomes the responder because it sends a beacon frame, and in the IBSS, STAs in the IBSS take turns sending beacon frames, so the responder is not constant. For example, an STA that sends a probe request frame on channel 1 and receives a probe response frame on channel 1 can store the BSS-related information included in the received probe response frame and can move to the next channel (e.g., channel 2) and perform a scan in the same manner (i.e., sending / receiving probe requests / responses on channel 2).

[0068] Although Figure 3 Although not shown, scanning operations can be performed passively. In passive scanning, the STA performing the scan waits for beacon frames while moving through channels. Beacon frames are one of the management frames defined in IEEE 802.11 and are periodically sent to notify of the existence of a wireless network and allow the STA performing the scan to find and participate in the network. In a BSS, the AP periodically sends beacon frames, and in an IBSS, STAs within the IBSS take turns sending beacon frames. When a STA performing the scan receives a beacon frame, it stores the BSS information included in the beacon frame and records the beacon frame information for each channel while moving to another channel. The STA receiving the beacon frame can store the BSS-related information included in the received beacon frame, move to the next channel, and perform the scan in the next channel in the same manner. Comparing active and passive scanning, active scanning has the advantages of lower latency and lower power consumption.

[0069] After the STA discovers the network, an authentication process can be performed in step S320. To clearly distinguish this authentication process from the security setup operation in step S340, which will be described later, this authentication process can be referred to as the first authentication process.

[0070] The authentication process includes the STA sending an authentication request frame to the AP, and in response, the AP sending an authentication response frame to the STA. The authentication frame used for the authentication request / response corresponds to the management frame.

[0071] The authentication frame includes the authentication algorithm number, authentication transaction sequence number, status code, challenge text, robust security network (RSN), and finite cycle group, etc. This corresponds to some examples of information that can be included in the authentication request / response frame, and may be replaced with other information or may include further additional information.

[0072] A STA can send an authentication request frame to an AP. The AP can determine whether to allow the corresponding STA to authenticate based on the information included in the received authentication request frame. The AP can then provide the result of the authentication process to the STA via an authentication response frame.

[0073] After successful STA authentication, the association process can be performed in step S330. The association process includes the STA sending an association request frame to the AP, and in response, the AP sending an association response frame to the STA.

[0074] For example, an association request frame may include information related to various capabilities, beacon listening intervals, service set identifiers (SSIDs), supported rates, supported channels, RSNs, mobile domains, supported operation classes, service indication map broadcast requests (TIM broadcast requests), and interoperability capabilities. Similarly, an association response frame may include information related to various capabilities, status codes, association IDs (AIDs), supported rates, enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameter sets, received channel power indicators (RCPIs), received signal-to-noise ratio indicators (RSNIs), mobile domains, timeout intervals (e.g., association recovery time), overlapping BSS scan parameters, TIM broadcast responses, and quality of service (QoS) maps. These correspond to examples of information that can be included in association request / response frames and may be replaced with other information or further supplementary information.

[0075] After the STA successfully associates with the network, a security setup process can be performed in step S340. The security setup process in step S340 can be referred to as the authentication process via a Robust Secure Network Association (RSNA) request / response, and the authentication process in step S320 is referred to as the first authentication process. The security setup process in step S340 can also be simply referred to as the authentication process.

[0076] The security setup process in step S340 may include, for example, a process of establishing a private key via a four-way handshake using Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAPOL) frames over a LAN. Alternatively, the security setup process may be performed according to a security scheme not defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to explain the retreat process to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0078] In wireless LAN systems, the basic access mechanism for Media Access Control (MAC) is Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA). Also known as the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) of IEEE 802.11 MAC, CSMA / CA essentially employs a "listen-before-speak" access mechanism. Under this type of access mechanism, the AP and / or STA can perform a sensed free channel assessment (CCA) of the wireless channel or medium within a predetermined time interval (e.g., the DCF inter-frame interval (DIFS)) before initiating transmission. As a result of the sensing, if the medium is determined to be idle, frame transmission begins through the corresponding medium. Conversely, if the medium is detected to be occupied or busy, the corresponding AP and / or STA does not initiate its own transmission and can set a delay period for medium intervention (e.g., a random backoff period) and attempt frame transmission after waiting. By applying a random backoff period, collisions can be minimized because several STAs are expected to attempt frame transmission after waiting for different time periods.

[0079] In addition, the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol provides Hybrid Coordination Function (HCF). HCF is based on DCF and Point Coordination Function (PCF). PCF is a polling-based synchronous access method, referring to a method in which all receiving APs and / or STAs periodically poll to receive data frames. Furthermore, HCF includes Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) and HCF-Controlled Channel Access (HCCA). EDCA is a contention-based access method used by providers to deliver data frames to multiple users, while HCCA uses a polling mechanism to employ a non-contention-based channel access method. Additionally, HCF includes a media access mechanism for improving the QoS (Quality of Service) of wireless LANs and can transmit QoS data during both contention-based (CP) and contention-free (CFP) periods.

[0080] refer to Figure 4This section describes the operation based on a random backoff period. When a occupied / busy medium becomes idle, several STAs may attempt to transmit data (or frames). As a method to minimize collisions, each STA can individually select a random backoff count and attempt transmission after waiting for the corresponding time slot. The random backoff count has a pseudo-random integer value and can be determined as one of the values ​​from 0 to CW. Here, CW is the contention window parameter value. The CW parameter is assigned an initial value of CWmin, but can be doubled if a transmission failure occurs (e.g., when an ACK for a transmitted frame is not received). When the CW parameter value reaches CWmax, data transmission can be attempted while maintaining the CWmax value until successful data transmission, and the CWmin value is reset when data transmission is successful. The values ​​of CW, CWmin, and CWmax are preferably set to 2. n -1 (n = 0, 1, 2, ...).

[0081] When the random backoff process begins, the STA continuously monitors the medium while counting down the backoff time slot based on the determined backoff count value. When medium occupancy is detected, it stops counting down and waits, and resumes the remaining countdown when the medium becomes free.

[0082] exist Figure 4 In the example, when the packet to be sent arrives at STA3's MAC, STA3 can send the frame immediately after confirming that the medium is free for as long as DIFS. The remaining STAs monitor and wait for the medium to be occupied / busy. Meanwhile, data to be sent may also occur in each of STA1, STA2, and STA5, and when the medium is detected as free, each STA waits for as long as DIFS, and can then count down the backoff slots according to a random backoff count value selected by each STA. Assume that STA2 chooses the minimum backoff count value, and STA1 chooses the maximum backoff count value. That is, the case where STA5's remaining backoff time is less than STA1's remaining backoff time when STA2 completes its backoff count and begins frame transmission is illustrated. STA1 and STA5 temporarily stop the countdown and wait, while STA2 occupies the medium. When STA2 finishes occupying the medium and it becomes free again, STA1 and STA5 wait for DIFS and resume the stopped backoff count. That is, after counting down the remaining backoff slots for the remaining backoff time, frame transmission can begin. Because STA5's remaining backoff time is less than STA1's, STA5 begins frame transmission. While STA2 is occupying the medium, data to be transmitted may also appear in STA4. From STA4's perspective, when the medium becomes idle, STA4 can wait for DIFS, and then execute a countdown based on a random backoff count value selected by STA4 and begin transmitting frames. Figure 4The example illustrates a scenario where the remaining backoff time of STA5 coincides exactly with the random backoff count of STA4. In this case, a collision may occur between STA4 and STA5. When a collision occurs, neither STA4 nor STA5 receives an ACK, thus data transmission fails. In this situation, STA4 and STA5 can double their CW value, choose a random backoff count, and begin a countdown. STA1 waits while the medium is occupied due to the transmissions of STA4 and STA5, waits for DIFS when the medium becomes idle, and then begins frame transmission after the remaining backoff time has elapsed.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown in the example, data frames are frames used to transmit data forwarded to higher layers and can be sent after a backoff performed after the DIFS (Distributed Access Frame) begins to elapse when the medium becomes idle. Management frames, on the other hand, are frames used to exchange management information that is not forwarded to higher layers and are sent after a backoff performed after an IFS (Initial Point Coordination Function) such as a DIFS or a Point Coordination Function IFS (PIFS). Subtypes of management frames include beacons, association requests / responses, reassociation requests / responses, probe requests / responses, authentication requests / responses, etc. Control frames are frames used to control access to the medium. Subtypes of control frames include request to send (RTS), clear send (CTS), acknowledgment (ACK), power-saving polling (PS-Poll), block ACK (BlockAck), block ACK request (BlockACKReq), empty data packet advertisement (NDP advertisement), and triggers, etc. If a control frame is not a response frame to a previous frame, it is sent after a backoff performed after the DIFS elapses; if it is a response frame to a previous frame, it is sent without a backoff performed after the short IFS (SIFS) elapses. The type and subtype of a frame can be identified by the type field and subtype field in the Frame Control (FC) field.

[0084] The Quality of Service (QoS) ST can perform a backoff following the Arbitration IFS (AIFS) of the Access Class (AC) to which the frame belongs, i.e., AIFS[i] (where i is a value determined by the AC), and then the frame can be sent. Here, frames that can use AIFS[i] can be data frames, management frames, or control frames other than response frames.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to explain the CSMA / CA-based frame transmission operation to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0086] As mentioned above, the CSMA / CA mechanism includes virtual carrier sensing in addition to physical carrier sensing, which is directly sensed by the STA. Virtual carrier sensing is designed to compensate for problems that may arise in media access, such as hidden node issues. For virtual carrier sensing, the STA's MAC can use a Network Allocation Vector (NAV). The NAV is a value that indicates to other STAs the remaining time until the media becomes available for use by the currently used or authorized STA. Therefore, a value set to NAV corresponds to a period of time during which the media is scheduled for use by the STA sending the frame, and the STA receiving the NAV value is prohibited from accessing the media during the corresponding period. For example, the NAV can be configured based on the value of the "Duration" field in the MAC header of the frame.

[0087] exist Figure 5 In the example, it is assumed that STA1 intends to send data to STA2, and STA3 is in a position that can listen to some or all of the frames sent and received between STA1 and STA2.

[0088] To reduce the likelihood of transmission conflicts between multiple STAs in CSMA / CA-based frame transmission operations, a mechanism using RTS / CTS frames can be applied. Figure 5 In the example, while STA1 is transmitting, as a result of STA3's carrier sensing, it can be determined that the medium is in an idle state. That is, STA1 can correspond to a hidden node of STA3. Alternatively, in Figure 5 In the example, it can be determined that the carrier sensing result medium of STA3 is idle while the transmission of STA2 is being performed. That is, STA2 can correspond to a hidden node of STA3. By exchanging RTS / CTS frames before data transmission and reception between STA1 and STA2, STAs outside the transmission range of either STA1 or STA2, or STAs outside the carrier sensing range for transmissions from STA1 or STA3, can not attempt to occupy the channel during data transmission and reception between STA1 and STA2.

[0089] Specifically, STA1 can determine whether a channel is in use through carrier sensing. Regarding physical carrier sensing, STA1 can determine the channel occupancy status based on the energy level or signal correlation detected in the channel. Furthermore, regarding virtual carrier sensing, STA1 can use a network allocation vector (NAV) timer to determine the channel occupancy status.

[0090] When the channel is idle during DIFS, STA1 can send an RTS frame to STA2 after performing backoff. When STA2 receives the RTS frame, STA2 can send a CTS frame to STA1 after SIFS as a response to the RTS frame.

[0091] If STA3 cannot listen to CTS frames from STA2 but can listen to RTS frames from STA1, STA3 can use the duration information included in the RTS frame to set the NAV timer for subsequent consecutive frame transmission periods (e.g., SIFS+CTS frame+SIFS+data frame+SIFS+ACK frame). Alternatively, if STA3 can listen to CTS frames from STA2, even if STA3 cannot listen to RTS frames from STA1, STA3 can use the duration information included in the CTS frame to set the NAV timer for subsequent consecutive frame transmission periods (e.g., SIFS+data frame+SIFS+ACK frame). That is, if STA3 can listen to one or more RTS or CTS frames from STA1 or STA2, STA3 can set the NAV accordingly. When STA3 receives a new frame before the NAV timer expires, STA3 can update the NAV timer using the duration information included in the new frame. STA3 does not attempt channel access before the NAV timer expires.

[0092] When STA1 receives a CTS frame from STA2, STA1 can send a data frame to STA2 after the SIFS period starting from the time when the CTS frame reception is completed. When STA2 successfully receives the data frame, STA2 can send an ACK frame to STA1 as a response to the data frame after the SIFS period. When the NAV timer expires, STA3 can determine whether the channel is being used through carrier sensing. When STA3 determines that the channel is not being used by other terminals during the DIFS period after the NAV timer expires, STA3 can attempt channel access after the contention window (CW) for random backoff has elapsed.

[0093] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to explain an example of the frame structure that can be used in a WLAN system to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0094] Using instructions or primitives (meaning a set of instructions or parameters) from the MAC layer, the PHY layer can prepare a MAC PDU (MPDU) to be sent. For example, when it receives a command from the MAC layer requesting the PHY layer to begin transmission, the PHY layer switches to transport mode and configures the information (e.g., data) provided from the MAC layer in the form of a frame and sends it. Additionally, when the PHY layer detects a valid preamble to a received frame, it monitors the preamble header and sends a command to the MAC layer notifying the PHY layer of the start of reception.

[0095] In this way, information transmission / reception in a wireless LAN system is performed in the form of frames, and for this purpose, the PHY layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) frame format is defined.

[0096] A basic PPDU frame can include a Short Training Field (STF), a Long Training Field (LTF), a Signal (SIG) field, and a Data field. The most basic PPDU format (e.g., Figure 7 The non-HT (high throughput) fields shown may consist only of legacy STF (L-STF), legacy LTF (L-LTF), legacy SIG (L-SIG) fields, and a data field. Additionally, depending on the PPDU format type (e.g., HT mixed format PPDU, HT-greenfield format PPDU, VHT (very high throughput) PPDU, etc.), additional (or different types of) RL-SIG, U-SIG, non-legacy SIG fields, non-legacy STF, non-legacy LTF (i.e., xx-SIG, xx-STF, xx-LTF (e.g., xx is HT, VHT, HE, EHT, etc.)) may be included between the L-SIG field and the data field.

[0097] STF is a signal used for signal detection, automatic gain control (AGC), diversity selection, precise time synchronization, etc., while LTF is a signal used for channel estimation and frequency error estimation. STF and LTF can be referred to as signals used for synchronization and channel estimation in the OFDM physical layer.

[0098] The SIG field can include various information related to PPDU transmission and reception. For example, the L-SIG field consists of 24 bits and can include a 4-bit rate field, a 1-bit reserved bit, a 12-bit length field, a 1-bit parity field, and a 6-bit tail field. The RATE field can include information about the modulation and coding rate of the data. For example, the 12-bit length field can include information about the length or duration of the PPDU. For example, the value of the 12-bit length field can be determined based on the type of PPDU. For example, for non-HT, HT, VHT, or EHT PPDUs, the value of the length field can be determined to be a multiple of 3. For example, for HE PPDUs, the value of the length field can be determined to be a multiple of 3+1 or 3+2.

[0099] The data field may include the SERVICE field, Physical Layer Service Data Unit (PSDU), and PPDU tail bits, and may also include padding bits if necessary. Some bits of the SERVICE field can be used for synchronization of the descrambler at the receiver. The PSDU corresponds to the MAC PDU defined in the MAC layer and may include data generated / used in the upper layer. The PPDU tail bits can be used to return the encoder to a 0 state. Padding bits can be used to adjust the length of the data field in predetermined units.

[0100] MAC PDUs are defined according to various MAC frame formats, and a basic MAC frame consists of a MAC header, a frame body, and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS). MAC frames can be composed of MAC PDUs and are transmitted / received via the PSDU in the data portion of the PPDU frame format.

[0101] The MAC header includes a frame control field, a duration / ID field, and an address field. The frame control field can include control information required for frame transmission / reception. The duration / ID field can be set to the time for transmitting the corresponding frame. For detailed information on the sequence control, QoS control, and HT control subfields of the MAC header, please refer to the IEEE 802.11 standard document.

[0102] The NDP (Narrow Data PPDU) format refers to a PPDU format that does not include the data field. In other words, NDP refers to a frame format that includes the PPDU preamble (i.e., L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG fields and additional non-legacy SIG, non-legacy STF, and non-legacy LTF (if present)) but does not include the remaining portion (i.e., the data field) in the general PPDU frame format.

[0103] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a PPDU as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard that can be applied to this disclosure.

[0104] Various types of PPDUs are used in standards such as IEEE 802.11a / g / n / ac / ax. The basic PPDU format (IEEE 802.11a / g) includes L-LTF, L-STF, L-SIG, and a data field. The basic PPDU format can also be referred to as a non-HT PPDU format (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (as shown in (a)).

[0105] In addition to the basic PPDU format, the HT PPDU format (IEEE 802.11n) also includes the HT-SIG, HT-STF and HT-LFT fields. Figure 7The HT PPDU format shown in (b) can be called the HT-mixed format. Alternatively, an HT-greenfield format PPDU can be defined, which corresponds to a format consisting of HT-GF-STF, HT-LTF1, HT-SIG, one or more HT-LTFs and a data field, excluding L-STF, L-LTF and L-SIG (not shown).

[0106] Examples of VHT PPDU format (IEEE 802.11ac) include, in addition to the basic PPDU format, VHT SIG-A, VHT-STF, VHT-LTF, and VHT-SIG-B fields (such as...). Figure 7 (as shown in (c)).

[0107] Examples of HE PPDU format (IEEE 802.11ax) include, in addition to the basic PPDU format, repeated L-SIG (RL-SIG), HE-SIG-A, HE-SIG-B, HE-STF, HE-LTF(s), and packet extension (PE) fields (such as...). Figure 7 (as shown in (d)). Based on the detailed example of the HE PPDU format, some fields may be excluded or their lengths may vary. For example, the HE-SIG-B field is included in the HE PPDU format for multi-user (MU) applications, but not in the HE PPDU format for single-user (SU) applications. Additionally, the HE trigger (TB) based PPDU format does not include HE-SIG-B, and the length of the HE-STF field may vary to 8µs. The extended range (HE ER) SU PPDU format does not include the HE-SIG-B field, and the length of the HE-SIG-A field may vary to 16µs. For example, RL-SIG can be configured to be the same as L-SIG. The receiving STA can determine whether the received PPDU is an HE PPDU or an EHT PPDU based on the presence of RL-SIG, which will be described later.

[0108] EHT PPDU format can include Figure 7 (e) EHT MU (Multi-user) and Figure 7 (f) EHT TB (trigger-based) PPDU. The EHT PPDU format is similar to the HE PPDU format in that it includes RL-SIG, followed by L-SIG, but may include U (generic)-SIG, EHT-SIG, EHT-STF and EHT-LTF following RL-SIG.

[0109] Figure 7In (e), the EHT MU PPDU corresponds to a PPDU that carries one or more data (or PSDU) for one or more users. That is, the EHT MU PPDU can be used for both SU and MU transmissions. For example, the EHT MU PPDU can correspond to a PPDU used for one or more receiving STAs.

[0110] Compared to EHT MU PPDU, Figure 7 In (f), the EHT-SIG is omitted from the EHT TB PPDU. A STA that receives a trigger (e.g., a trigger frame or trigger response schedule (TRS)) for UL MU transmission can perform UL transmission based on the EHT TB PPDU format.

[0111] The L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG (General Signal), and EHT-SIG fields can be encoded and modulated so that even legacy STAs can attempt demodulation and decoding, and can be mapped based on a determined subcarrier frequency interval (e.g., 312.5 kHz). These can be referred to as pre-EHT modulated fields. Next, the EHT-STF, EHT-LTF, Data, and PE fields can be encoded and modulated for demodulation and decoding by an STA that has successfully decoded a non-legacy SIG (e.g., U-SIG and / or EHT-SIG) and obtained the information contained in the fields, and can be mapped based on a determined subcarrier frequency interval (e.g., 78.125 kHz). These can be referred to as EHT modulated fields.

[0112] Similarly, in the HE PPDU format, the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, HE-SIG-A, and HE-SIG-B fields can be referred to as pre-HE modulation fields, and the HE-STF, HE-LTF, Data, and PE fields can be referred to as HE modulation fields. Additionally, in the VHT PPDU format, the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, and VHT-SIG-A fields can be referred to as free VHT modulation fields, and the VHT STF, VHT-LTF, VHT-SIG-B, and Data fields can be referred to as VHT modulation fields.

[0113] Figure 7The U-SIG included in the EHT PPDU format can be configured based on, for example, two symbols (e.g., two consecutive OFDM symbols). Each symbol used for the U-SIG (e.g., an OFDM symbol) can have a duration of 4 µs, and the U-SIG can have a total duration of 8 µs. Each symbol of the U-SIG can be used to transmit 26 bits of information. For example, each symbol of the U-SIG can be transmitted and received based on 52 data tones and 4 pilot tones.

[0114] U-SIGs can be constructed in 20MHz units. For example, if an 80MHz PPDU is constructed, the U-SIGs may be repeated. That is, an 80MHz PPDU can include the same four U-SIGs. PPDUs with bandwidths exceeding 80MHz can include different U-SIGs.

[0115] For example, A uncoded bits can be sent via U-SIG. The first symbol of U-SIG (e.g., U-SIG-1 symbol) can send the first X bits of the total A bits of information, and the second symbol of U-SIG (e.g., U-SIG-2 symbol) can send the remaining Y bits of the total A bits of information. The A bits of information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) can include a CRC field (e.g., a 4-bit field) and a tail field (e.g., a 6-bit field). For example, the tail field can be used to terminate the grid of the convolutional decoder and can be set to 0.

[0116] The bit information sent by U-SIG can be divided into version-independent bits and version-dependent bits. For example, U-SIG can be included in... Figure 7 In the new PPDU format (e.g., UHR PPDU format) not shown in the figure, and in the format of the U-SIG field included in the EHT PPDU format and the format of the U-SIG field included in the UHR PPDU format, the version-independent bits may be the same, and some or all of the version-related bits may be different.

[0117] For example, the size of the version-independent bits in U-SIG can be fixed or variable. Version-independent bits can be assigned only to the U-SIG-1 symbol, or to both the U-SIG-1 and U-SIG-2 symbols. Version-independent bits and version-dependent bits can be referred to by various names, such as first control bits and second control bits.

[0118] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG may include a 3-bit Physical Layer Version Identifier (PHY Version Identifier), and this information can indicate the PHY version (e.g., EHT, UHR, etc.) of the transmitted / received PPDU. The version-independent bits of U-SIG may include a 1-bit UL / DL Flag field. The first value of the 1-bit UL / DL Flag field is related to UL communication, and the second value of the UL / DL Flag field is related to DL communication. The version-independent bits of U-SIG may include information about the length of the Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) and information about the BSS color ID.

[0119] For example, the version-related bits of U-SIG may include information that directly or indirectly indicates the type of PPDU (e.g., SUPPDU, MU PPDU, TB PPDU, etc.).

[0120] The information necessary for PPDU transmission and reception can be included in the U-SIG. For example, the U-SIG may further include information about the bandwidth, information about the MCS technique applied to the non-legacy SIG (e.g., EHT-SIG or UHR-SIG), information indicating whether a DCM (dual-carrier modulation) technique (e.g., a technique that achieves a frequency diversity-like effect by repeating the same signal on two subcarriers) is applied to the non-legacy SIG, information about the number of symbols used for the non-legacy SIG, and may also include information about whether the non-legacy SIG is generated across the entire band, etc.

[0121] Some information necessary for PPDU transmission and reception can be included in the U-SIG and / or non-legacy SIG (e.g., EHT-SIG or UHR-SIG, etc.). For example, information about the type of non-legacy LTF / STF (e.g., EHT-LTF / EHT-STF or UHR-LTF / UHR-STF, etc.), information about the length of the non-legacy LTF and the CP (cyclic prefix) length, information about the GI (guard interval) applicable to the non-legacy LTF, information about the preamble perforation applicable to the PPDU, information about RU (resource unit) allocation, etc., can be included only in the U-SIG, only in the non-legacy SIG, or indicated by a combination of information included in the U-SIG and information included in the non-legacy SIG.

[0122] A preamble can refer to the transmission of a PPDU in which no signal is present in one or more frequency units within the bandwidth of the PPDU. For example, the size of the frequency unit (or the resolution of the preamble) can be defined as 20MHz, 40MHz, etc. For example, a preamble can be applied to a PPDU of a predetermined size or larger bandwidth.

[0123] exist Figure 7 In the examples, non-legacy SIGs such as HE-SIG-B and EHT-SIG can include control information for receiving STAs. Non-legacy SIGs can be transmitted on at least one symbol, and a symbol can have a length of 4 µs. Information regarding the number of symbols used for EHT-SIGs can be included in previous SIGs (e.g., HE-SIG-A, U-SIG, etc.).

[0124] Non-legacy SIGs such as HE-SIG-B and EHT-SIG can include public fields and user-specific fields. Public fields and user-specific fields can be encoded separately.

[0125] In some cases, the common field can be omitted. For example, in compressed mode using non-OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Multiple Access), the common field can be omitted, and multiple STAs can receive PPDUs (e.g., the data field of the PPDU) through the same frequency band. In uncompressed mode using OFDMA, multiple users can receive PPDUs (e.g., the data field of the PPDU) through different frequency bands.

[0126] The number of user-specific fields can be determined based on the number of users. A user block field can include up to two user fields. Each user field can be associated with a MU-MIMO allocation or with a non-MU-MIMO allocation.

[0127] The common fields may include CRC bits and tail bits, where the length of the CRC bits can be determined to be 4 bits, and the length of the tail bits can be determined to be 6 bits and set to 000000. The common fields may include RU allocation information. RU allocation information may include information about the locations of RUs assigned to multiple users (i.e., multiple receiving STAs).

[0128] An RU can include multiple subcarriers (or tones). RUs can be used when transmitting signals to multiple STAs based on OFDMA technology. Additionally, RUs can be defined even when transmitting signals to a single STA. Resources can be allocated in units of RUs for non-legacy STFs, non-legacy LTFs, and data fields.

[0129] The appropriate RU size can be defined based on the PPDU bandwidth. For the applied PPDU format (e.g., HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, UHR PPDU, etc.), the RUs can be defined the same or different. For example, in the case of an 80MHz PPDU, the RU placement for HEPPDU and EHT PPDU may differ. The applicable RU size, number and location, DC (direct current) subcarrier location and number, empty subcarrier location and number, guard subcarrier location and number, etc., for each PPDU bandwidth can be referred to as the tone scheme. For example, a tone scheme for high bandwidth can be defined as multiple iterations of a low bandwidth tone scheme.

[0130] RUs of various sizes can be defined as 26-tone RUs, 52-tone RUs, 106-tone RUs, 242-tone RUs, 484-tone RUs, 996-tone RUs, 2×996-tone RUs, 3×996-tone RUs, etc. An MRU (multiple RUs) is distinguished from multiple individual RUs and corresponds to a group of subcarriers composed of multiple RUs. For example, an MRU can be defined as 52+26 tones, 106+26 tones, 484+242 tones, 996+484 tones, 996+484+242 tones, 2×996+484 tones, 3×996 tones, or 3×996+484 tones. Furthermore, the multiple RUs constituting an MRU can be continuous or non-contiguous in the frequency domain.

[0131] The specific size of an RU can be reduced or increased. Therefore, the specific size of each RU (i.e., the number of corresponding tones) in this disclosure is not limiting and is illustrative. In addition, in this disclosure, the number of RUs can vary depending on the RU size within a predetermined bandwidth (e.g., 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 MHz, ...).

[0132] Figure 7 The names of each field in the PPDU format are exemplary, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the names. Furthermore, the examples in this disclosure can be applied to... Figure 7 The PPDU format illustrated in the figure, and its application in... Figure 7 The PPDU format excludes some fields and / or adds some fields to the new PPDU format.

[0133] Resource Unit

[0134] Figures 8 to 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource unit for a WLAN system to which the present disclosure may be applied.

[0135] refer to Figures 8 to 10This describes the Resource Unit (RU) defined in a wireless LAN system. An RU can include multiple subcarriers (or tones). RUs can be used when transmitting signals to multiple STAs based on an OFDMA scheme. Additionally, an RU can be defined even when transmitting a signal to a single STA. RUs can be used in the data fields of STF, LTF, PPDU, etc.

[0136] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, RUs corresponding to different numbers of tones (i.e., subcarriers) are used to construct some fields of 20MHz, 40MHz, or 80MHz X-PPDUs (where X is HE, EHT, etc.). For example, resources can be allocated to RU cells shown for X-STF, X-LTF, and data fields.

[0137] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary allocation of resource units (RUs) used on a 20MHz band.

[0138] like Figure 8 As shown at the top, 26 units (i.e., units corresponding to 26 tones) can be allocated. Six tones can be used as guard bands in the leftmost band of the 20MHz band, and five tones can be used as guard bands in the rightmost band of the 20MHz band. Additionally, seven DC tones are inserted in the center band, i.e., the DC band, and 26 units corresponding to each of the 13 tones can exist on the left and right sides of the DC band. Furthermore, 26 units, 52 units, and 106 units can be allocated to other bands. Each unit can be assigned to a STA or user.

[0139] Figure 8 The RU allocation is utilized not only in multi-user (MU) scenarios but also in single-user (SU) scenarios, and in this case, a 242-unit configuration can be used, such as... Figure 8 As shown at the bottom. In this case, three DC tones can be inserted.

[0140] exist Figure 8 In the examples, various sizes of RUs, i.e., 26-RU, 52-RU, 106-RU, 242-RU, etc., are exemplified, but the specific size of these RUs can be reduced or increased. Therefore, in this disclosure, the specific size of each RU (i.e., the number of corresponding tones) is exemplary and not limiting. Furthermore, within the predetermined bandwidth of this disclosure (e.g., 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 MHz, ...), the number of RUs can vary depending on the size of the RUs. This will be described below. Figure 9 and / or Figure 10 In the example, the fact that the size and / or number of RUs can vary is consistent with... Figure 8 The examples are the same.

[0141] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary allocation of resource units (RUs) used on a 40MHz band.

[0142] As in Figure 8 The examples use RUs of various sizes, just like in... Figure 9 Examples can also use 26-RU, 52-RU, 106-RU, 242-RU, 484-RU, etc. Additionally, five DC tones can be inserted at the center frequency, twelve tones can be used as guard bands in the leftmost band of the 40MHz band, and eleven tones can be used as guard bands in the rightmost band of the 40MHz band.

[0143] In addition, as shown, a 484-RU can be used when used for a single user.

[0144] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary allocation of resource units (RUs) used on an 80MHz band.

[0145] Just like in Figure 8 and Figure 9 The examples use RUs of various sizes, just like in... Figure 10 Examples can also use 26-RU, 52-RU, 106-RU, 242-RU, 484-RU, 996-RU, etc. Additionally, in the case of an 80MHz PPDU, the RU allocation for the HE PPDU and EHT PPDU may differ, and... Figure 10 The example shows an instance of RU allocation for an 80MHz EHT PPDU. Figure 10 The scheme of using 12 tones as a guard band in the leftmost band of the 80MHz band and 11 tones as a guard band in the rightmost band of the 80MHz band is the same in both HE PPDU and EHT PPDU. Unlike HE PPDU, where 7 DC tones are inserted in the DC band and there is one 26-RU corresponding to each of the 13 tones on the left and right sides of the DC band, in EHT PPDU, 23 DC tones are inserted in the DC band, and there is one 26-RU on each side of the DC band. Unlike HE PPDU, where there is an empty subcarrier between 242-RUs instead of in the center band, there are five empty subcarriers in EHT PPDU. In HE PPDU, a 484-RU does not include an empty subcarrier, but in EHT PPDU, a 484-RU includes 5 empty subcarriers.

[0146] Additionally, as shown, when used for a single user, the 996-RU can be used, and in this case, five DC tones are inserted together with the HEPPDU and EHT PPDU.

[0147] It can be configured with a 160MHz EHT PPDU. Figure 10 Multiple 80MHz sub-blocks within. RU allocation for each 80MHz sub-block can be... Figure 10 The 80MHz EHT PPDU is the same. If the 80MHz sub-block of the 160MHz or 320MHz EHT PPDU is not perforated and the entire 80MHz sub-block is used as part of an RU or multiple RUs (MRUs), then the 80MHz sub-block can be used. Figure 10 996-RU.

[0148] Here, an MRU corresponds to a group of subcarriers (or tones) consisting of multiple RUs, and the multiple RUs constituting an MRU can be RUs of the same size or RUs of different sizes. For example, a single MRU can be defined as 52+26 tones, 106+26 tones, 484+242 tones, 996+484 tones, 996+484+242 tones, 2×996+484 tones, 3×996 tones, or 3×996+484 tones. The multiple RUs constituting an MRU can correspond to small-sized (e.g., 26, 52, or 106) RUs or large-sized (e.g., 242, 484, or 996) RUs. That is, an MRU including both small-sized and large-sized RUs can be configured / defined without further configuration. Furthermore, the multiple RUs constituting an MRU can be consecutive in the frequency domain or not.

[0149] When the 80MHz subblock includes RUs with fewer than 996 tones or when a portion of the 80MHz subblock is perforated, the 80MHz subblock can use RUs other than the 996-tone RUs.

[0150] The RU disclosed herein can be used for uplink (UL) and / or downlink (DL) communication. For example, when performing trigger-based UL-MU communication, the STA that sends the trigger (e.g., AP) can assign a first RU (e.g., 26 / 52 / 106 / 242-RU, etc.) and a second RU (e.g., 26 / 52 / 106 / 242-RU, etc.) to a second STA via trigger information (e.g., trigger frame or triggered response schedule (TRS)). Subsequently, the first STA can send a first trigger-based (TB) PPDU based on the first RU, and the second STA can send a second TB PPDU based on the second RU. The first / second TB PPDUs can be sent to the AP within the same time period.

[0151] For example, when configuring a DL MU PPDU, the STA (e.g., AP) transmitting the DL MU PPDU can assign a first RU (e.g., 26 / 52 / 106 / 242-RU, etc.) to a first STA and a second RU (e.g., 26 / 52 / 106 / 242-RU, etc.) to a second STA. In other words, within a MU PPDU, the transmitting STA (e.g., AP) can transmit X-STF (e.g., X is HE, EHT, etc.), X-LTF, and data fields to the first STA via the first RU, and transmit X-STF, X-LTF, and data fields to the second STA via the second RU. Information about the RU arrangement can be signaled using the X-SIG (e.g., X is HE, EHT, U) field in the X-PPDU format.

[0152] Distributed resource unit

[0153] Due to varying regional regulations, power spectral density (PSD) limits may apply in the sub-7GHz (e.g., 6GHz) band. For non-AP STAs in the low-power indoor (LPI) band, the PSD limit might be -1dBm / MHz. For example, for a conventional 52-tone RU, the maximum transmit (Tx) power might be approximately 6dBm.

[0154] Furthermore, different restrictions may be applied in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. For example, in the EU / China / Japan / South Korea, a PSD limit of 10 dBm / MHz may be applied in the 2.4 GHz band. For an existing 52-tone RU, the maximum Tx power is likely to be around 17 dBm. If the PSD limit can be avoided in the 5 GHz band, the transmit power can be increased. For example, for an existing 52-tone RU, the maximum transmit power is 24 dBm, which is always 6 dBm lower than the maximum permissible effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of 30 dBm.

[0155] If the PSD limitation is overcome, transmission power can be increased, thereby enhancing spectral efficiency or extending range.

[0156] Considering the PSD limit defined for each STA per MHz, when the tones of a small-sized RU are distributed over a wide bandwidth, each tone may be transmitted at high power because the tones used for each STA are discontinuous. RUs that include tones distributed in this way are called distributed RUs (DRUs), and to distinguish them, RUs that include continuous tones as defined in traditional wireless LAN systems (e.g., systems according to IEEE 802.11ax, 11be, etc.) can be called conventional RUs (RRUs).

[0157] Compared to a STA transmitting a conventional RRU, a STA transmitting a DRU can use higher power. For example, a 52-tone DRU spanning 80MHz has only one tone per MHz, while a 52-tone RRU has approximately 13 tones per MHz. Assuming a PSD limit of -1dBm / MHz in the 6GHz LPI band, the transmission power can be increased by approximately 11dB for a 52-tone RU when using a DRU. When transmission power is increased in this way, a higher MCS can be applied and a longer range can be supported.

[0158] Figure 11 This is a diagram used to describe an example of a DRU to which this disclosure can be applied.

[0159] Figure 11 The example illustratively illustrates that STA1 performs a transmission on DRU1, STA2 performs a transmission on DRU2, and STA3 performs a transmission on DRU3. Each STA can apply a transmission power boost by using a DRU. Higher transmission power can be applied to all tones in the DRU compared to using an RRU of the same size, and correspondingly, spectral efficiency can be greatly improved. In this way, DRUs can be usefully applied, particularly in UL-OFDMA.

[0160] In the case of the AP, DRUs can also be utilized. In some cases, the AP can perform DL-OFDMA transmission to the STA using only some of DRU1, DRU2, and DRU3, and in this case, the transmission power boost due to the use of DRUs can be applied.

[0161] To maximize power gains, tones can be distributed as widely as possible within a single DRU. For example, a DRU comprising one tone per MHz is considered an optimal example. The size of a DRU (or the number of available tones included in a DRU, i.e., the number of remaining tones excluding unavailable tones such as zero tones, guard tones, DC tones, etc.) can be defined to be the same as the size of an RRU (or the number of available tones included in an RRU). Therefore, the impact on various techniques previously defined based on RRUs can be minimized. Examples of power gains (in dB) achievable with various DRUs distributed across different bandwidths are shown below. The examples in the table assume a 6 GHz LPI band, and power gains can also be achieved in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands in other regions. For example, in an 80 MHz UL-OFDMA transmission with 8 users, the overall performance can be improved by approximately 8.13 dB when each user uses a 106-tone DRU compared to using a 106-tone RRU per user. Therefore, by using DRUs, the limitations of PSD can be overcome and significant benefits can be obtained.

[0162] [Table 1]

[0163] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example format of a trigger frame to which the present disclosure can be applied. A trigger frame can allocate resources and request the transmission of one or more TB PPDUs. The trigger frame may also include additional information required by the STA that sends the TB PPDU in response. The trigger frame may include public information and user information list fields in the frame body.

[0164] The common information field may include information common to the transmission of one or more TB PPDUs requested by the trigger frame, such as trigger type, UL length, presence of subsequent trigger frames (e.g., more TFs), whether CS (channel sensing) is required, ULBW (bandwidth), etc. Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of the EHT variant public information field format.

[0165] The 4-bit trigger type subfield can have values ​​from 0 to 15. Among them, values ​​0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the trigger type subfield are defined to correspond to basic, BFRP (beamforming report polling), MU-BAR (multi-user block acknowledgment request), MU-RTS (multi-user request to send), BSRP (buffer status report polling), GCR (multicast with retries) MU-BAR, BQRP (bandwidth query report polling), and NFRP (NDP feedback report polling), respectively, and values ​​8-15 are defined as reserved.

[0166] Within the public information, the trigger-related public information subfields can include information selectively included based on the trigger type.

[0167] Special user information fields can be included in the trigger frame. These fields do not contain user-specific information, but rather extended public information not provided in the public information fields.

[0168] The user information list includes at least 0 user information fields. Figure 12 The format of the EHT variant user information field is illustrated.

[0169] The AID12 subfield essentially indicates that it is a user information field used by a STA with the corresponding AID. Additionally, when the AID12 field has a predetermined specific value, it can be used for other purposes, such as assigning a Random Access (RA)-RU or being configured as a special user information field. A special user information field is a user information field that does not include user-specific information but includes extended public information not provided in the public information field. For example, a special user information field can be identified by the AID12 value of 2007, and the special user information field flag subfield in the public information field can indicate whether a special user information field is included.

[0170] The RU allocation subfield can indicate the size and location of the RU / MRU. Therefore, the RU allocation subfield can be interpreted together with the PS160 (primary / secondary 160MHz) subfield of the user information field, the UL BW subfield of the public information field, and so on.

[0171] For example, as shown in Table 2 below, the mapping of B7-B1 of the RU allocation subfield can be defined together with the settings of the B0 and PS160 subfields of the RU allocation subfield. Table 2 shows an example of the encoding of the PS160 subfield and RU allocation subfield of the EHT variant user information field.

[0172] [Table 2]

[0173] When B0 of the RU allocation subfield is set to 0, it indicates that the RU / MRU allocation is applied to the primary 80MHz channel, and when its value is set to 1, it indicates that the RU allocation is applied to the secondary 80MHz channel of the primary 160MHz channel. When B0 of the RU allocation subfield is set to 0, it indicates that the RU / MRU allocation is applied to the lower 80MHz of the secondary 160MHz channel, and when its value is set to 1, it indicates that the RU allocation is applied to the upper 80MHz of the secondary 160MHz channel.

[0174] In the trigger frame RU allocation table in Table 2, the parameter N can be based on N=2. The formula X1+X0 is used for calculation. For bandwidths equal to or less than 80MHz, the values ​​of PS160, B0, X0, and X1 can be set to 0. For 160MHz and 320MHz bandwidths, the values ​​of PS160, B0, X0, and X1 can be set as shown in Table 3. This configuration represents the absolute frequency order for the primary and secondary 80MHz and 160MHz channels. The order from left to right represents the order from low frequency to high frequency. The primary 80MHz channel is indicated as P80, the secondary 80MHz channel is indicated as S80, and the secondary 160MHz channel is indicated as S160.

[0175] [Table 3]

[0176] DRU tone scheme-based transmission and reception

[0177] As described above, in order to overcome the PSD limitation and improve power gain, it is possible to apply a DRU using distributed tone / subcarriers instead of an RRU using continuous tone / subcarriers. Below, regarding a 320MHz hybrid PPDU in which both DRUs and RRUs are simultaneously allocated and transmitted, a signaling method for indicating the 80 MHz distributed bandwidth and 160 MHz distributed bandwidth allocated to the DRU will be described.

[0178] In describing this disclosure, when transmitting OFDMA-based 320 MHz DL MU (Multi-User) PPDUs and 320 MHz TB PPDUs, RRUs can be allocated to some channels, and DRUs can be allocated to other channels. In this case, the PPDUs can be collectively referred to as 320 MHz hybrid PPDUs. That is, RRUs can be allocated to some channels of the hybrid PPDU, and DRUs can be allocated to other channels of the hybrid PPDU.

[0179] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method performed by a first STA according to this disclosure. Figure 13 and Figure 14 In this context, the first STA can be a non-AP STA, and the second STA can be an AP, but is not limited thereto. Each of the first STA and the second STA can be either a non-AP STA or an AP.

[0180] The first STA can generate the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) (S1310).

[0181] As an example of this disclosure, a first STA may receive a second PPDU from a second STA, which includes a trigger frame for requesting the transmission of a first PPDU. Therefore, the first STA may generate a first PPDU (e.g., a TB (trigger-based) PPDU) based on the trigger frame. However, this is merely an example, and the first PPDU may be a DLMU PPDU. The following description of the first STA's operation assumes that the first PPDU is a DLMU PPDU, but is not limited thereto.

[0182] The first STA can send the first PPDU to the second STA within the first bandwidth (S1320).

[0183] For example, based on the second bandwidth of the first bandwidth allocated / configured for the first PPDU, the first PPDU may include first information regarding i) whether the distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth is applied to a first channel having a second bandwidth size or ii) whether the distributed bandwidth of the third bandwidth is applied to multiple second channels having a third bandwidth size.

[0184] For example, suppose a DRU is allocated to a second bandwidth within a first bandwidth allocated / configured for a first PPDU. In this case, a single first channel (e.g., a first channel of size 2 bandwidth) can be allocated within the second bandwidth, applying distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth. As another example, multiple second channels (e.g., second channels of size 3 bandwidth) can be allocated within the second bandwidth, applying distributed bandwidth of the third bandwidth. Here, the multiple second channels may be consecutive, but are not limited to this.

[0185] Additionally, the first PPDU may include second information regarding whether the first PPDU is a hybrid PPDU. That is, the second information may indicate whether the first bandwidth for transmitting the first PPDU is allocated to both DRU and continuous tone-based RU (or, RU composed of continuous tones) (e.g., RRU). For example, based on the fact that the first PPDU is a hybrid PPDU, continuous tone-based RUs may be applied to the bandwidth of the first bandwidth other than the second bandwidth.

[0186] Alternatively or additionally, the first PPDU may include third information indicating that no continuous tone-based RU has been allocated within a second (or, third) bandwidth. Alternatively or additionally, the third information may include information indicating that a mixing mode has not been set within a bandwidth of at least the size of the second (or, third) bandwidth.

[0187] For example, the first information can be set in the first field of the U (General)-SIG (Signal) field of the first PPDU. Based on the application of perforation on the second (or, third) bandwidth, the first field can be reserved or used to indicate other information.

[0188] Alternatively or additionally, the first PPDU may include fourth information related to the first bandwidth used for the first PPDU, and the fourth information may be set by the bandwidth field of the U-SIG field of the first PPDU.

[0189] Alternatively or additionally, the first PPDU may include fifth information regarding the channel to which DRU (or / and distributed bandwidth) is applied. This fifth information may indicate at least one of a first channel or a plurality of second channels to which DRU (or / and distributed bandwidth) is applied.

[0190] In describing this disclosure, the first bandwidth may be 320 MHz, the second bandwidth may be 160 MHz, and the third bandwidth may be 80 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0191] As an example of this disclosure, based on the fact that the first PPDU is a TB PPDU, the trigger frame may include at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth information described above. The trigger frame may include a UHR variant common information field, a UHR variant specific user information field, and a UHR variant user information field.

[0192] For example, at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth information may be included in the UHR variant public information field, the UHR variant special user information field, or the UHR variant user information field.

[0193] Figure 13 The methods described in the examples can be derived from... Figure 1 The first device (100) executes. For example, Figure 1 One or more processors (102) of the first device (100) can generate a first PPDU. One or more processors (102) can transmit the first PPDU to the second STA within a first bandwidth via one or more transceivers (106).

[0194] Furthermore, one or more memories (104) of the first device (100) may store information for execution when performed by one or more processors (102). Figure 13 The instructions for the methods described in the examples or examples described below.

[0195] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method performed by a second STA according to this disclosure.

[0196] The second STA can receive the first PPDU from the first STA within the first bandwidth (S1410).

[0197] For example, the second STA can send a trigger frame to the first STA to request the transmission of the first PPDU, and the second STA can receive the first PPDU as a TB PPDU from the first STA. However, this is merely one embodiment, and the second STA can receive the first PPDU as a DL MU PPDU from the first STA.

[0198] The second STA can decode the first PPDU (S1420).

[0199] For example, the second STA can check information such as whether the first PPDU is a hybrid PPDU, whether the DRU is applied to the second bandwidth in the first bandwidth, whether the distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth is applied to the first channel with the size of the second bandwidth, or ii) whether the distributed bandwidth of the third bandwidth is applied to multiple second channels with the size of the third bandwidth.

[0200] Figure 14 The methods described in the examples can be derived from... Figure 1 The second device (200) performs the operation. For example, Figure 14 One or more processors (202) of the second device (200) can receive the first PPDU from the first STA within the first bandwidth via one or more transceivers (206). The one or more processors (202) can decode the first PPDU.

[0201] Furthermore, one or more memories (204) of the second device (200) may store information for execution when executed by one or more processors (202). Figure 14 The instructions for the methods described in the examples or examples described below.

[0202] The following describes in detail a 20MHz DRU tone planning method with a 20MHz distributed bandwidth applied to a specific 20MHz channel when transmitting PPDUs in a broadband environment (e.g., 40MHz or greater bandwidth).

[0203] Example 1

[0204] Example 1 relates to a channel configuration for a hybrid PPDU (e.g., a 320 MHz hybrid PPDU) transmitted within a specific bandwidth (e.g., a 320 MHz bandwidth). At least one of Examples 1-1 and 1-2 may be applied.

[0205] Example 1-1

[0206] In one embodiment of this disclosure, DRUs and RRUs may not be allocated simultaneously on a specific 80 MHz channel of a mixed PPDU with a specific bandwidth (e.g., 320 MHz). Since PHY processing can be performed in 80 MHz increments, DRUs and RRUs can be omitted from the specific 80 MHz channel, thereby reducing implementation complexity. Embodiment 1-1 relates to the case where DRUs and RRUs are not allocated simultaneously on a specific 80 MHz channel of a mixed PPDU with a specific bandwidth (e.g., 320 MHz).

[0207] In one example of this disclosure, when no puncturing is applied to an 80 MHz channel on which a DRU is applied within the bandwidth (e.g., 320 MHz) of the (hybrid) PPDU, an 80 MHz distributed bandwidth can be applied (e.g., the DRU is applied / defined across the entire 80 MHz channel). In another example, when puncturing is applied to an 80 MHz channel on which a DRU is applied, a 20 MHz or / and 40 MHz distributed bandwidth can be applied (e.g., the DRU is applied to a 20 MHz or / and 40 MHz channel on which no puncturing is applied).

[0208] Alternatively or additionally, the two 80 MHz channels using the aforementioned DRU can be continuously positioned, and these two 80 MHz channels can form a 160 MHz channel.

[0209] In this scenario, if no puncturing is applied within a 160 MHz channel of (hybrid) PPDU bandwidth (e.g., 320 MHz), a 160 MHz distributed bandwidth can be applied. As another example, if puncturing is applied within a 160 MHz channel of (hybrid) PPDU bandwidth (e.g., 320 MHz), a 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or / and 80 MHz distributed bandwidth can be applied (e.g., DRUs are applied to 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or / and 80 MHz where puncturing is not applied).

[0210] Examples 1-2

[0211] In one embodiment of this disclosure, DRUs and RRUs may not be allocated simultaneously on a specific 160MHz channel of a hybrid PPDU with a specific bandwidth (e.g., 320 MHz), thereby allowing for a more efficient solution to the complexity.

[0212] For example, if puncturing is not applied to a 160 MHz channel (where a DRU is applied to the bandwidth of the (hybrid) PPDU (e.g., 320 MHz), a 160 MHz distributed bandwidth can be applied (e.g., the DRU is applied / defined across the entire 160 MHz channel). For another example, if puncturing is applied to a 160 MHz channel, a 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or / and 80 MHz distributed bandwidth can be applied (e.g., the DRU is applied to the 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or / and 80 MHz where puncturing is not applied).

[0213] Alternatively or additionally, if puncturing is not applied to the 160 MHz channel, an 80 MHz distributed bandwidth can be applied to each of the two 80 MHz channels of the 160 MHz channel. As another example, if puncturing is applied to each 80 MHz channel constituting the 160 MHz channel, a 20 MHz or / and 40 MHz distributed bandwidth can be applied (e.g., DRU is applied to the 20 MHz or / and 40 MHz channels where puncturing is not applied).

[0214] Example 2

[0215] Example 2 relates to the configuration and associated signaling of a (hybrid) PPDU with a specific bandwidth (e.g., 320 MHz).

[0216] As an example of this disclosure, the DL MU PPDU may include at least one of the following: L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG field, RL-SIG field, U-SIG field, RL-SIG field, U-SIG field, UHR-SIG field, UHR-STF field, UHR-LTF field, or a data field. The trigger frame that triggers the TB PPDU may include at least one of the following: a UHR variant common information field, a UHR variant special user information field, and a UHR variant user information field.

[0217] As an example of this disclosure, the DL MU PPDU may include information about the bandwidth of the PPDU. For example, the bandwidth field included in the U-SIG field of the DL MU PPDU may indicate the bandwidth of the PPDU (e.g., 320 MHz, etc.).

[0218] Alternatively or additionally, the UHR variant public information field of the trigger frame used to trigger the TB PPDU may include a UL BW subfield, and the UHR variant special user information field of the trigger frame may include a UL BW extended subfield. The bandwidth of the TB PPDU (e.g., 320 MHz) may be indicated by the UL BW subfield and / or the UL BW extended subfield.

[0219] As an example of this disclosure, the DL MU PPDU may include information (e.g., 1 bit of information) indicating whether the PPDU is a hybrid PPDU. As an example, the information indicating whether the PPDU is a hybrid PPDU may be included in the version-related field of the U-SIG field of the DL MU PPDU.

[0220] Alternatively or additionally, the UHR variant public information field of the trigger frame used to trigger the TB PPDU may include information indicating whether the TB PPDU is a hybrid PPDU. For example, the information indicating whether the TB PPDU is a hybrid PPDU may be set in at least one of bits 23 (B22), 27 (B26), 54 (B53), 57 (B56) to 64 (B63) of the UHR variant public information field. That is, the information indicating whether the TB PPDU is a hybrid PPDU may be mapped to bits corresponding to reserved fields (e.g., EHT reserved fields) in the EHT variant public information field of the UHR variant public information field.

[0221] Additionally or alternatively, information indicating whether the TB PPDU is a hybrid PPDU may be included in the trigger-related public information (sub) field and / or trigger-related user information field of the corresponding trigger frame.

[0222] Alternatively or additionally, the UHR variant special user information field of the corresponding trigger frame may include information indicating whether the TBPPDU is a hybrid PPDU. For example, the information indicating whether the TB PPDU is a hybrid PPDU may be set in at least one bit among bits 38 (B37) to 40 (B39) of the UHR variant special user information field. That is, the information indicating whether the TB PPDU is a hybrid PPDU may be mapped to bits corresponding to reserved fields in the special user information field of the UHR variant special user information field.

[0223] As an example of this disclosure, a trigger frame for triggering a DL MU PPDU or / and TB PPDU may include information (e.g., 1 bit of information) indicating whether a hybrid mode is unavailable within a minimum 80 MHz or a minimum 160 MHz of the PPDU. Here, applying / activating / indicating a hybrid mode within a specific bandwidth may mean allocating an RRU to a portion of that specific bandwidth and allocating a DRU to the remainder. The hybrid mode within a minimum 80 MHz or a minimum 160 MHz of the PPDU may be set / mapped / included in a field containing information indicating whether the PPDU is a hybrid PPDU.

[0224] As an example of this disclosure, a trigger frame for triggering a DL MU PPDU and / or TB PPDU may include information about the channel on which the DRU is applied to the PPDU. The information about the channel on which the DRU is applied may indicate whether the DRU is applied to a specific 80 MHz or 160 MHz channel within the bandwidth of the PPDU.

[0225] In one example of this disclosure, when a DRU is applied to a 160 MHz channel within the bandwidth of a PPDU, the trigger frame used to trigger a DL MU PPDU and / or a TB PPDU may include information (e.g., 1 bit) regarding whether the 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied to the channel. This information regarding whether the 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied to the channel may be set / mapped / included in a field containing information indicating whether the aforementioned PPDU is a hybrid PPDU. If the PPDU is a DL MU PPDU, this information regarding whether the 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied to the channel may be included in the common information field of the UHR-SIG field of the DL MU PPDU.

[0226] In one embodiment of this disclosure, it is assumed that the hybrid mode is indicated / configured to be unavailable within at least 80 MHz channels. i) DRU is applied to two consecutive 80 MHz channels, and ii) when the two consecutive 80 MHz channels form a 160 MHz channel, information regarding whether to apply 160 MHz distributed bandwidth to the channel (e.g., the 160 MHz channel) may be valid.

[0227] As another example, i) DRU is applied to two consecutive 80 MHz channels, ii) the two consecutive 80 MHz channels form a 160 MHz channel, and iii) no puncturing is applied to each of the 80 MHz channels, and information about whether the 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied to the channel (e.g., the 160 MHz) can be valid.

[0228] As another example, i) where DRU is not applied to two consecutive 80 MHz channels, ii) where two consecutive 80 MHz channels do not form a 160 MHz channel, or iii) where puncturing is applied to each of the 80 MHz channels, the field containing information about whether 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied to the channels (e.g., 80 MHz and / or 160 MHz) can be reserved or used to indicate other information.

[0229] In one embodiment of this disclosure, it is assumed that the hybrid mode is indicated / configured to be unavailable within a minimum 160 MHz channel. In this case, the STA can be instructed via the aforementioned information / signaling whether to apply 160 MHz bandwidth on the 160 MHz channel where DRU is applied, or / and whether to apply 80 MHz distributed bandwidth to each 80 MHz channel.

[0230] Alternatively or additionally, if puncturing is not applied to the 160 MHz channel to which the DRU is applied, then information / signaling regarding whether a 160 MHz bandwidth is applied to the 160 MHz channel to which the DRU is applied and / or whether an 80 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied to each 80 MHz channel may be valid.

[0231] For example, if no puncturing is applied to the 160 MHz channel to which the DRU is applied, information / signaling regarding whether 160 MHz bandwidth is applied to the 160 MHz channel to which the DRU is applied and / or whether 80 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied to each 80 MHz channel can be withheld or used to indicate other information. In this way, it can be indicated whether 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied or whether 80 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied to each 80 MHz channel.

[0232] As an example of this disclosure, when applying the above embodiments (e.g., Embodiment 1, Embodiment 1-1, Embodiment 1-2, Embodiment 2, etc.), the case where the hybrid mode is impossible within a minimum of 160 MHz can be disregarded. That is, only the case where the hybrid mode is impossible within a minimum of 80 MHz can be considered. In this case, information / signaling related to whether the hybrid mode is impossible within a minimum of 80 MHz or a minimum of 160 MHz may not be required.

[0233] However, information about the bandwidth of the PPDU (e.g., information indicating that the bandwidth of the PPDU is 320 MHz), information about whether the PPDU is a hybrid PPDU, and / or information about the channel to which the DRU is applied to the PPDU can be included in the PPDU and / or the trigger frame. That is, information about whether the PPDU is a hybrid PPDU and / or information about the channel to which the DRU is applied to the PPDU can be included in the PPDU and / or the trigger frame.

[0234] Alternatively or additionally, when a DRU is applied to a 160 MHz channel (e.g., when a DRU is applied to two consecutive 80 MHz channels, and the two consecutive 80 MHz channels form a 160 MHz channel), information regarding whether a 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied can be transmitted or received. That is, information regarding whether a 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied can be included in the corresponding PPDU and / or trigger frame.

[0235] For example, when puncturing is not applied to the channel, information about whether a 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied can be valid. When puncturing is applied to the channel, the bits mapping the information about whether a 160 MHz distributed bandwidth is applied can be reserved or used for other purposes.

[0236] Through the various embodiments of this disclosure, 80 MHz or 160 MHz distributed bandwidth can be effectively indicated / set in a hybrid PPDU of a specific bandwidth (e.g., 320 MHz). Therefore, efficient DRU-based PPDU transmission and reception can be performed, and coverage and output can be improved.

[0237] The above embodiments combine the elements and features of this disclosure in a predetermined form. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each element or feature should be considered optional. Each element or feature can be implemented without combination with other elements or features. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure may include combinations of certain elements and / or features. The order of operations described in the embodiments of this disclosure may be changed. Some elements or features of one embodiment may be included in other embodiments, or may be replaced by corresponding elements or features of other embodiments. It is clear that embodiments may include combinations of claims where there is no explicit dependency in the claims, or may be included as new claims by amendment after the application.

[0238] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be practiced in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics of this disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in every respect, but rather as illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all variations within the equivalent scope of this disclosure are included within the scope of the invention.

[0239] The scope of this disclosure includes software or machine-executable commands (e.g., operating systems, applications, firmware, programs, etc.) that operate in a device or computer according to methods of various embodiments, and non-transitory computer-readable media that store such software or commands and can be executed in a device or computer. Commands that can be used to program a processing system to perform the features described in this disclosure can be stored in a storage medium or a computer-readable storage medium, and the features described in this disclosure can be implemented using a computer program product including such a storage medium. The storage medium may include, but is not limited to, high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid-state storage devices, and may include non-volatile memory, such as one or more disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. The memory may optionally include one or more storage devices located remote from the processor. Alternatively, the non-volatile memory devices in the memory may include non-transitory computer-readable storage media. The features described in this disclosure can be stored in any machine-readable medium to control the hardware of a processing system and can be integrated into software and / or firmware that allows the processing system to interact with other mechanisms using results from embodiments of this disclosure. Such software or firmware may include, but is not limited to, application code, device drivers, operating systems, and execution environments / containers.

[0240] [Industrial Applicability]

[0241] The method presented in this disclosure is described primarily based on examples applied to IEEE 802.11-based systems, but it can also be applied to various WLAN or wireless communication systems other than those based on IEEE 802.11.

Claims

1. A method comprising: The first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) is generated by the first station (STA); as well as The first STA sends the first PPDU to the second STA within the first bandwidth. The second bandwidth within the first bandwidth is based on Distributed Resource Units (DRUs). The first PPDU includes first information relating to whether i) the distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth is applied to a first channel having the size of the second bandwidth or ii) the distributed bandwidth of the third bandwidth is applied to multiple second channels having the size of the third bandwidth.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The distributed bandwidth based on the third bandwidth is applied to the plurality of second channels, and the plurality of second channels are continuously allocated within the second bandwidth.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The distributed bandwidth based on the second bandwidth is applied to the first channel, and the first channel is allocated within the second bandwidth.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first bandwidth is 320 MHz. The second bandwidth is 160 MHz, and The third bandwidth is 80 MHz.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first PPDU includes second information related to whether the first PPDU is a hybrid PPDU, and, Based on whether the first PPDU is a hybrid PPDU, a continuous tone-based RU is applied to the first bandwidth in addition to the second bandwidth.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first PPDU includes third information indicating that no continuous tone-based RU has been allocated within the second bandwidth.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first information is set in the first field of the Universal Signalling (U-SIG) field of the first PPDU, and, Since the perforation is applied to the second bandwidth, the first field is retained.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first PPDU includes fourth information related to the first bandwidth used for the first PPDU, and The fourth information is set by the bandwidth field of the U-SIG field of the first PPDU.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first PPDU includes fifth information related to the channel to which the DRU is applied, and The fifth information indicates at least one of the first channel or the plurality of second channels.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: A second PPDU, comprising a trigger frame requesting the transmission of the first PPDU, is sent from the second STA to the first STA. The trigger frame includes the first information.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first STA is a non-access point (AP) STA, and The second STA is AP.

12. A first station (STA), comprising: At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor is connected to the at least one transceiver. Wherein, the at least one processor is configured to: Generate the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU); and The first PPDU is transmitted to the second STA within the first bandwidth via the at least one transceiver. The second bandwidth within the first bandwidth is based on Distributed Resource Units (DRUs). The first PPDU includes first information relating to whether i) the distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth is applied to a first channel having the size of the second bandwidth or ii) the distributed bandwidth of the third bandwidth is applied to a plurality of second channels having the size of the third bandwidth.

13. A method comprising: The second station (STA) receives the first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) from the first STA within the first bandwidth; as well as The second STA decodes the first PPDU. The second bandwidth within the first bandwidth is based on Distributed Resource Units (DRUs). The first PPDU includes first information relating to whether i) the distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth is applied to a first channel having the size of the second bandwidth or ii) the distributed bandwidth of the third bandwidth is applied to a plurality of second channels having the size of the third bandwidth.

14. A second station (STA), comprising: At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor is connected to the at least one transceiver. Wherein, the at least one processor is configured to: Receives a first physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) from a first STA within a first bandwidth via the at least one transceiver; and Decode the first PPDU. The second bandwidth within the first bandwidth is based on Distributed Resource Units (DRUs). The first PPDU includes first information relating to whether i) the distributed bandwidth of the second bandwidth is applied to a first channel having the size of the second bandwidth or ii) the distributed bandwidth of the third bandwidth is applied to a plurality of second channels having the size of the third bandwidth.

15. A processing device configured to control a first station (STA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, the processing device comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one computer memory, operatively connected to the one or more processors and storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

16. At least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, said non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more commands, in, The one or more commands are executed by one or more processors to control devices in the wireless LAN system to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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