Access point and communication method

Abstract

The access point of the present application has a control circuit that determines control information transmitted and received among a plurality of access points that perform coordinated communication based on measurement information of a terminal, and a communication circuit that transmits or receives the control information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to access points and communication methods. Background Technology

[0002] The Study Group (SG) is advancing the technical specifications for IEEE 802.11bn (hereinafter referred to as "11bn") as a successor to IEEE 802.11be (hereinafter referred to as "11be"), which is the standard for IEEE 802.11. 11be is also known as "Extremely High Throughput (EHT)". Additionally, 11bn is also known as "Ultra High Reliability (UHR)".

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Non-patent literature

[0005] Non-patent document 1: IEEE 802.11-23 / 0079r10, IEEE 802.11 UHR Proposed CSD

[0006] Non-patent document 2: IEEE 802.11-23 / 1871r2, M-AP Coordination Transmission framework

[0007] Non-patent document 3: IEEE 802.11-20 / 0410r4, Coordinated Spatial Reuse Procedure Summary of the Invention

[0008] However, the control methods for signal transmission in wireless communications such as wireless LANs (Local Area Networks) have not been fully studied.

[0009] The non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure help to provide access points, terminals, and communication methods that can improve the efficiency of transmission control in wireless communication.

[0010] One embodiment of this disclosure includes an access point comprising a control circuit that determines control information to be transmitted and received between multiple access points coordinating communication based on measurement information from a terminal; and a communication circuit that transmits or receives the control information.

[0011] It should be noted that these general or specific methods can be implemented by systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs or recording media, or by any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and recording media.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, for example, the efficiency of transmission control in wireless communication can be improved.

[0013] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of this disclosure will be illustrated by the specification and drawings. These advantages and / or effects are provided by the various embodiments and the features described in the specification and drawings, but not necessarily all of them need to be provided in order to obtain one or more of the same features. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of multi-access point (multi-AP) coordination timing.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a part of an AP (Access Point).

[0016] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing a structural example of a part of a terminal (STA: Station).

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the transmit and receive timing performed by the AP and STA.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an AP.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an STA.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an operational example of multi-AP coordination.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a Basic Service Set (BSS).

[0022] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-AP request signal.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of measurement information included in a multi-AP request.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-AP response signal.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the measurement information contained in a multi-AP response.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of optimal coordination.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of rough one-way coordination.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of complex one-way coordination.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of transmitting multi-AP response signals.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the measurement information contained in a multi-AP response.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating a rough example of a one-way coordinated transmission timing.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of Quality of Service (QoS) characteristic elements.

[0033] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a Traffic Specification (TSPEC) element.

[0034] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the Traffic Classification (TCLAS) elements.

[0035] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an Intra Access Category element. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] In 11bn, multi-AP (MAP) coordination (e.g., also known as coordinated communication) is being discussed, where multiple access points (APs, or also base stations) coordinate with each other to transmit data (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0038] Multi-AP coordination includes the following types (or schemes): "Joint Transmission (JT)" where multiple APs transmit the same data; "Coordinated Beamforming (C-BF)" which reduces interference to target STAs of other APs through null control; "Coordinated Spatial Reuse (C-SR)" which reduces interference to target STAs of other APs through transmit power control; "Coordinated Time Division Multiple Access (C-TDMA)" which divides and shares time resources; "Coordinated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (C-OFDMA)" which divides and shares frequency resources; and "Coordinated Restricted Target Wake Time (C-rTWT)" which coordinates the transmission time periods of signals requiring low latency. In multi-AP coordination, timing for multi-AP coordination, which is used for APs to exchange information with other APs or terminals (STAs, or non-AP stations, hereinafter referred to as "STAs") for coordination, is being studied (e.g., see Non-Patent Literature 2 and 3).

[0039] Figure 1 An example of multi-AP coordination timing is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the multi-AP coordination timing includes the following stages.

[0040] <Coordinating AP Search Phase>

[0041] The AP search phase is the phase in which an AP searches for other APs that support multi-AP coordination. For example, an AP supporting multi-AP coordination can passively discover the AP by broadcasting beacons containing capabilities related to multi-AP coordination. An AP can passively discover other APs that support multi-AP coordination by receiving beacons containing capabilities related to multi-AP coordination. Furthermore, for example, an AP can actively (aggressively) discover other APs that support multi-AP coordination by sending a signal requesting capabilities related to multi-AP coordination (e.g., a probe request signal containing multi-AP information elements) to a specific AP. Additionally, the AP can notify the STA of information related to the discovered other APs. It should be noted that the AP and STA described in the various embodiments, as well as in the specification and figures, can be multi-link devices (MLDs). In this case, AP and STA can be understood as AP MLD and non-AP MLD, respectively. Alternatively, AP and STA can also be AP and STA affiliated with an MLD.

[0042] <Measurement Information Collection Phase>

[0043] The measurement information collection phase is the stage where the AP collects measurement information (hereinafter referred to as "measurement information" or "measurement report") from the STAs under its jurisdiction. For example, the STA stores the reception and measurement results of transmitted signals (e.g., beacon signals sent by the AP during the AP search phase) sent by its affiliated (also known as associated) APs in a buffer. The reception and measurement results of transmitted signals from affiliated and non-affiliated APs may include, for example, the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of the signal from the affiliated AP, the interference power from the non-affiliated AP, and the Bit Error Rate (BER; or PER). An AP sends a signal requesting the transmission of measurement information to its subordinate STAs. This measurement information includes information that can be derived from the STA's reception and measurement results (e.g., values ​​obtained by measuring the received signal, information contained in the received signal), such as path loss with the AP, signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) in frequency resource units, and acceptable received interference level (ARIL). Upon receiving the measurement information transmission request signal, the STA transmits the measurement information to its affiliated AP. Furthermore, the AP exchanges measurement information received from STAs with other APs. It should be noted that the above describes an example of a STA receiving a transmitted signal from an AP and deriving measurement information based on that received signal during the measurement information collection phase. However, a STA can also receive transmitted signals from STAs belonging to the same AP or STAs belonging to different APs and derive measurement information based on those received signals. Additionally, an AP can also receive transmitted signals from other APs or STAs and derive measurement information based on those received signals. Here, the operation of a STA or AP receiving transmitted signals from other STAs or APs can be performed during the measurement information collection phase or before the measurement information collection phase. In addition, the STA can select the transmission signals of other APs used to export measurement information based on the information related to other APs notified by its own AP.

[0044] <Coordination and Negotiation Phase>

[0045] The coordination and negotiation phase is the stage where an AP negotiates with other APs whether it can participate in multi-AP coordination. For example, the AP that obtains a Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) (hereinafter also referred to as the "TXOP-owning AP" or "Sharing AP") sends a signal containing candidate and / or resource information about the multi-AP coordination type to other APs that support multi-AP coordination. Other APs that receive this signal send a signal to the Sharing AP containing information indicating whether they can participate in the multi-AP coordination notified by that signal. The APs notified that they can participate in multi-AP coordination are controlled by the Sharing AP. APs controlled by the Sharing AP are also called "Shared APs."

[0046] <Coordination Signal Transmission Phase>

[0047] The coordination signal transmission phase is the phase in which multiple APs coordinate and transmit signals. For example, a sharing AP notifies the shared APs of scheduling information containing the multi-AP coordination type and allocated resource information. The signals transmitted during the coordination signal transmission phase (e.g., referred to as "multi-AP coordination signals") based on the scheduling information can be downlink (DL) communication signals or uplink (UL) communication signals.

[0048] The above provides an example of multi-AP coordination timing.

[0049] However, control methods for multi-AP coordination timing (e.g., the methods for exchanging measurement information used in multi-AP coordination) have not been adequately studied.

[0050] In non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure, a method for appropriately controlling multi-AP coordination performed by multiple APs and improving the efficiency of multi-AP coordination is described.

[0051] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the AP stores the measurement information of the STA and determines whether to transmit or receive signals related to multi-AP coordination (e.g., multi-AP request or multi-AP response, described later) based on the measurement information. Thus, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, the AP can determine control information in multi-AP coordination based on the measurement information notified from the STA, and transmit and receive signals in coordination with other APs through multi-AP coordination.

[0052] [Structure of a wireless communication system]

[0053] One embodiment of the wireless communication system disclosed herein may include, for example, AP100 and STA200. In the wireless communication system, there may be two or more AP100s and one or more STA200s. For example, AP100 transmits downlink (DL) signals to other APs or STA200s. Additionally, STA200 transmits uplink (UL) signals based on signals received from AP100.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a portion of an AP 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 In the AP 100 shown, the control unit (e.g., corresponding to the control circuit) determines the control information to be sent and received between multiple APs performing coordinated communication (multi-AP coordination) based on the measurement information of the STA 200. The communication unit (e.g., corresponding to the communication circuit) sends or receives the control information.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of a portion of an embodiment of the STA200 of this disclosure. Figure 3 In the STA200 shown, the control unit (e.g., corresponding to the control circuit) controls the transmission or reception in the coordination communication, and the communication unit (e.g., corresponding to the receiving circuit or the transmitting circuit) transmits or receives control information or data in the coordination communication.

[0056] In this embodiment, multiple AP100s and multiple STA200s perform multi-AP coordination. As an example, a method for two AP100s (e.g., AP1 and AP2) and two STA200s (e.g., STA1 and STA2) to send and receive information related to multi-AP coordination and to send multi-AP coordination signals will be described.

[0057] The following describes an operation example of AP100 and STA200 in this embodiment.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram illustrating an operational example of AP100 and STA200 in this embodiment. Figure 4 The example shows an operational example of a network consisting of AP1 and STA1 (called the Basic Service Set (BSS)) namely BSS1, and BSS2 consisting of AP2 and STA2.

[0059] exist Figure 4In this process, AP1 broadcasts a signal containing capabilities related to multi-AP coordination (e.g., referred to as "multi-AP coordination capability"). The signal containing the multi-AP coordination capability can be, for example, a beacon signal or other signals. AP2 receives and processes the beacon signal transmitted from AP1, and, referring to the multi-AP coordination capability, stores information related to AP1's support for multi-AP coordination (e.g., capability information) in a buffer.

[0060] In addition, STA1 receives beacon signals from its affiliated AP1, measures the received power based on the received beacon signals, and stores the measurement results (e.g., BSS measurement information) in a buffer. Furthermore, STA2 receives beacon signals from AP1, which is part of an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS), measures the received power based on the received beacon signals (e.g., the received power of signals from non-affiliated APs (OBSS APs) is referred to as "interference power"), and stores the measurement results (e.g., OBSS measurement information) in a buffer.

[0061] Similarly, in Figure 4 In this process, AP2 broadcasts a signal (e.g., a beacon signal) that includes multi-AP coordination capabilities. AP1 receives and processes the beacon signal sent from AP2, and, referring to the multi-AP coordination capabilities, stores information related to AP2's support for multi-AP coordination (e.g., capability information) in a buffer.

[0062] In addition, STA1 receives a beacon signal from AP2, which acts as an OBSS, measures the received power (interference power) based on the received beacon signal, and stores the measurement result (e.g., OBSS measurement information) in a buffer. Similarly, STA2 receives a beacon signal from its affiliated AP2, measures the received power (e.g., interference power) based on the received beacon signal, and stores the measurement result (e.g., BSS measurement information) in a buffer.

[0063] AP1 sends a measurement report poll signal to STA1 requesting the transmission of STA1's measurement information (referred to as Measurement information or Measurement report). Upon receiving the Measurement Report Poll signal, STA1 generates a measurement report containing measurement information (e.g., the received power of the transmitted signal from AP1 and the interference power of the transmitted signal from AP2) and sends the measurement report to AP1. AP1 receives the measurement information from STA1.

[0064] Similarly, AP2 sends a measurement report polling signal to STA2 requesting the transmission of STA2's measurement information. Upon receiving the measurement report polling signal, STA2 generates a measurement report containing measurement information (e.g., the received power of the transmitted signal from AP2 and the interference power of the transmitted signal from AP1) and sends the measurement report to AP2. AP2 receives the measurement information from STA2.

[0065] When AP1 receives a TXOP, AP1 acts as a shared AP to control multi-AP coordination. For example, based on a measurement report received from STA1, AP1 sends a signal (e.g., referred to as a "multi-AP request signal" or "MAP request signal") containing information requesting a response on whether it can participate in multi-AP coordination controlled by AP1 to AP2, which supports multi-AP coordination.

[0066] AP2 receives and processes the multi-AP request signal. For example, AP2 can refer to the multi-AP type or resource information contained in the multi-AP request signal to determine whether it can participate in multi-AP coordination. AP2, for example, sends a signal to AP1 containing response information indicating whether it can participate in multi-AP coordination (e.g., called a "multi-AP response signal" or "MAP response signal"). For example, in... Figure 4 In a multi-AP response signal, the response information may include participation in multi-AP coordination. When AP2 participates in multi-AP coordination managed by AP1, which acts as the shared AP, AP2, as the shared AP, is controlled by the shared AP.

[0067] AP1 receives and processes the multi-AP response signal. For example, AP1 refers to the response information in the multi-AP response signal indicating whether it can participate in multi-AP coordination, and performs scheduling processing for AP1 and AP2 in multi-AP coordination, including determining the multi-AP coordination type and resource information. AP1 sends the scheduling information determined by the scheduling processing (e.g., "multi-AP coordination scheduling information") to AP2. The multi-AP coordination scheduling information can be sent, for example, through a trigger frame.

[0068] In addition, AP1 sends a multi-AP coordination signal to STA1 according to the determined scheduling information for AP1.

[0069] AP2 receives and processes the multi-AP coordination scheduling information sent from AP1. For example, AP2 sends a multi-AP coordination signal to STA2 according to the scheduling information for AP2.

[0070] STA1 receives and processes multi-AP coordination signals transmitted from AP1 (DL signal reception processing). For example, based on the error determination result of the DL signal, STA1 sends an ACK (Acknowledge) signal to AP1.

[0071] Similarly, STA2 receives and processes multi-AP coordination signals sent from AP2 (DL signal reception processing). For example, based on the error determination result of the DL signal, STA2 sends an ACK signal to AP2.

[0072] It should be noted that if AP2 does not support multi-AP coordination, or if AP2 indicates its inability to participate in multi-AP coordination by providing information suggesting its participation status, AP1 can suspend multi-AP coordination. In this case, AP1 can, for example, communicate independently.

[0073] Furthermore, in the multi-AP coordination scheduling performed by AP1, the target STAs for the multi-AP coordination signal of AP2, which is a shared AP, and the scheduling information for each target STA can be determined, such as modulation and coding schemes (MCS) or stream information; alternatively, the resource information that AP2 can use can also be determined. For example, when determining the resource information that AP2 can use through multi-AP coordination scheduling, AP2 can determine the scheduling for each STA under AP2.

[0074] In addition, multi-AP coordination scheduling can include determining the timing of multi-AP coordination transmissions. For example, AP1 and AP2 can transmit multi-AP coordination signals simultaneously, or they can transmit multi-AP coordination signals at different times.

[0075] The above provides an example of multi-AP coordination timing.

[0076] [Structure example of AP100]

[0077] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the AP100 (for example, corresponding to a downlink wireless transmission device) of this embodiment.

[0078] Figure 5 The AP100 shown may include, for example, a wireless receiver 101, a preamble demodulation unit 102, a data demodulation unit 103, a data decoding unit 104, a measurement information storage unit 105, a buffer status information storage unit 106, a capability information storage unit 107, a scheduling unit 108, a data generation unit 109, a data encoding unit 110, a data modulation unit 111, a preamble generation unit 112, and a wireless transmitter 113.

[0079] It should be noted that, Figure 5At least one of the preamble demodulation unit 102, data demodulation unit 103, data decoding unit 104, measurement information storage unit 105, buffer state information storage unit 106, capability information storage unit 107, scheduling unit 108, data generation unit 109, data encoding unit 110, data modulation unit 111, and preamble generation unit 112 shown may be included. Figure 2 In the control unit shown. Additionally... Figure 5 At least one of the wireless receiver 101 and the wireless transmitter 113 shown may be included Figure 2 shown in the Communications Department.

[0080] exist Figure 5 In this configuration, the wireless receiver 101 receives signals transmitted from other APs or STAs 200 (e.g., downlink wireless receivers) via an antenna and performs wireless reception processing such as downconversion and analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The wireless receiver 101 divides the processed signal into a preamble section (also called a preamble signal) and a data section (also called a data signal), and outputs the preamble signal to the preamble demodulation unit 102 and the data signal to the data demodulation unit 103.

[0081] The preamble demodulation unit 102 performs a Fourier transform (e.g., a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)) on the preamble signal input from the wireless receiver 101 to extract receive control information for demodulation and decoding of the data signal. The receive control information may include, for example, bandwidth (BW), modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and error correction code. Furthermore, the preamble demodulation unit 102 performs channel estimation based on the reference signal contained in the preamble signal, deriving a channel estimate value. The preamble demodulation unit 102 outputs the receive control information to the data demodulation unit 103 and the data decoding unit 104, and outputs the channel estimate value to the data demodulation unit 103.

[0082] The data demodulation unit 103 performs an FFT on the data signal input from the wireless receiving unit 101, and demodulates the data signal using the receive control information and channel estimation value input from the preamble demodulation unit 102. The data demodulation unit 103 outputs the demodulated data signal to the data decoding unit 104.

[0083] The data decoding unit 104 uses the receive control information input from the preamble demodulation unit 102 to decode the demodulated data signal input from the data demodulation unit 103. The data decoding unit 104 uses methods such as Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to determine errors in the decoded data signal. If the decoded data signal is error-free, the data decoding unit 104 outputs the decoded data signal to the measurement information storage unit 105, the buffer status information storage unit 106, the capability information storage unit 107, and the scheduling unit 108.

[0084] The measurement information storage unit 105 stores measurement information received from other APs 100 or STAs 200 and contained in the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 104 in a buffer. For example, the measurement information storage unit 105 may include: a BSS measurement information storage unit 151, which stores measurement information received from STAs 200 included in a BSS managed by AP 100; and an OBSS measurement information storage unit 152, which stores measurement information received from APs 100 and STAs 200 included in an OBSS managed by an AP different from AP 100. The measurement information storage unit 105 determines, for example, which AP 100 or STA 200 belonging to either the BSS or OBSS, sent the decoded data signal based on an identifier (e.g., BSS color) contained in the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 104. The measurement information storage unit 105 stores the measurement information contained in the decoded data signal of the STA 200 within the BSS in the BSS measurement information storage unit 151. Furthermore, the measurement information storage unit 105 stores the measurement information contained in the decoded data signals of AP 100 and STA 200 within the OBSS in the OBSS measurement information storage unit 152. During scheduling, the measurement information storage unit 105 outputs the measurement information stored in the BSS measurement information storage unit 151 and the OBSS measurement information storage unit 152 to the scheduling unit 108.

[0085] The buffer status information storage unit 106 stores the buffer status information (e.g., buffer status report (BSR)) of other APs or STA200 contained in the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 104 in the buffer, and outputs the buffer status information (buffer status information) to the scheduling unit 108.

[0086] The capability information storage unit 107 stores the capability information of other APs or STA200 contained in the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 104 in a buffer, and outputs the capability information to the scheduling unit 108.

[0087] The scheduling unit 108 determines the scheduling information (e.g., including target address information, MCS, error correction code, transmit power, and transmit / receive time period) for transmitting signals to other APs or STAs 200. For example, the scheduling unit 108 can determine the MCS, error correction code, and transmit power based on measurement information input from the measurement information storage unit 105. Alternatively, the scheduling unit 108 can determine the target address information based on buffer status information input from the buffer status information storage unit 106 or capability information input from the capability information storage unit 107. The scheduling unit 108 outputs the scheduling information to the data generation unit 109, the data encoding unit 110, the data modulation unit 111, and the preamble generation unit 112.

[0088] The data generation unit 109 generates a data sequence to be transmitted to other APs or STA 200 based on the scheduling information input from the scheduling unit 108. For example, the data sequence to be transmitted to other APs may include: a beacon signal containing capability information related to multi-AP coordination; a signal containing a request for a response regarding participation in multi-AP coordination (multi-AP request signal); a signal containing a response indicating participation in multi-AP coordination (multi-AP response signal); or a signal containing multi-AP coordination scheduling information. For example, the data sequence to be transmitted to STA 200 may include: a signal requesting the transmission of measurement information (e.g., a measurement report poll signal, a beamforming report poll (BFRP) signal); a buffer status report poll (BSRP) signal requesting the transmission of buffer status information; or a DL signal transmitted via multi-AP coordination. The data generation unit 109 outputs the data sequence to the data encoding unit 110.

[0089] The data encoding unit 110 encodes the data sequence input from the data generation unit 109 based on the scheduling information input from the scheduling unit 108, and outputs the encoded data to the data modulation unit 111.

[0090] Based on the scheduling information input from the scheduling unit 108, the data modulation unit 111 modulates and performs inverse Fourier transform (IFFT) on the encoded data signal input from the data encoding unit 110, and outputs the modulated data signal to the wireless transmission unit 113.

[0091] The preamble generation unit 112 generates a preamble signal based on the scheduling information input from the scheduling unit 108. The preamble generation unit 112 modulates and performs IFFT processing on the preamble signal, and outputs the preamble signal to the wireless transmission unit 113.

[0092] The wireless transmission unit 113 adds a preamble signal input from the preamble generation unit 112 to the modulated data signal input from the data modulation unit 111, thereby generating a wireless frame (or packet signal). The wireless transmission unit 113 performs wireless transmission processing such as digital-to-analog (D / A) conversion and up-conversion to the carrier frequency on the wireless frame, and transmits the processed signal to other APs or STAs 200 via an antenna.

[0093] [Structural Example of STA200]

[0094] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the STA200 (e.g., a downlink wireless receiver).

[0095] Figure 6 The STA200 shown may include, for example, a wireless receiver 201, a preamble demodulation unit 202, a data demodulation unit 203, a data decoding unit 204, a measurement control unit 205, a buffer state control unit 206, a transmission signal generation unit 207, and a wireless transmitter 208.

[0096] It should be noted that, Figure 6 At least one of the preamble demodulation unit 202, data demodulation unit 203, data decoding unit 204, measurement control unit 205, buffer state control unit 206, and transmission signal generation unit 207 shown may be included. Figure 3 In the control unit shown, Figure 6 At least one of the wireless receiver 201 and the wireless transmitter 208 shown may be included Figure 3 shown in the Communications Department.

[0097] exist Figure 6 In this configuration, the wireless receiver 201 receives signals transmitted from the AP100 (e.g., a downlink wireless transmitter) via an antenna. The wireless receiver 201 performs wireless reception processing on the received signals, including down-conversion and A / D conversion. The wireless receiver 201 outputs the preamble signal extracted from the wirelessly processed received signal to the preamble demodulation unit 202, and outputs the data signal extracted from the wirelessly processed received signal to the data demodulation unit 203.

[0098] The preamble demodulation unit 202 performs an FFT on the preamble signal input from the wireless receiver 201 to extract receive control information (including BW, MCS, and error correction codes) for demodulation and decoding of the data signal (or data unit). Additionally, the preamble demodulation unit 202 performs channel estimation based on the reference signal contained in the preamble signal, deriving a channel estimate. The preamble demodulation unit 202 outputs the receive control information to the data demodulation unit 203, the data decoding unit 204, and the measurement control unit 205, and outputs the channel estimate to the data demodulation unit 203.

[0099] The data demodulation unit 203 performs FFT on the data signal input from the wireless receiving unit 201, and demodulates the data signal using the receiving control information and channel estimation value input from the preamble demodulation unit 202, and outputs the demodulated data signal to the data decoding unit 204.

[0100] The data decoding unit 204 uses the receive control information input from the preamble demodulation unit 202 to decode the demodulated data signal input from the data demodulation unit 203. The data decoding unit 204 uses methods such as CRC to determine errors in the decoded data signal. If the decoded data signal is error-free, the data decoding unit 204 outputs the decoded data signal to the measurement control unit 205, the buffer state control unit 206, and the transmission signal generation unit 207.

[0101] The measurement control unit 205 may include, for example, a BSS measurement information unit 251, which calculates measurement information based on signals received from AP100 and STA200 of the BSS to which STA200 belongs; and an OBSS measurement information unit 252, which calculates measurement information based on signals received from AP100 and STA200 of a BSS not to which STA200 belongs. The measurement control unit 205 determines which AP100 or STA200, belonging to either the BSS or the OBSS, transmitted the received signal based on the reception control information input from the preamble demodulation unit 202 and the demodulated data signal input from the data decoding unit 204. For example, when the received signal is transmitted by AP100 or STA200 within the BSS, the measurement control unit 205 calculates measurement information (e.g., Channel State Information (CSI) and Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)) in the BSS measurement information unit 251 and stores it in a buffer. Furthermore, when the received signal is a signal transmitted by AP 100 and STA 200 within the OBSS, the measurement control unit 205 calculates measurement information (e.g., CSI or interference power) in the OBSS measurement information unit 252 and stores it in a buffer. Additionally, the measurement control unit 205 can use the measurement information calculated in the BSS measurement information unit 251 and OBSS measurement information unit 252 to calculate measurement information such as SINR or ARIL and store it in a buffer. When a request for measurement information is made to be transmitted from the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 204 (e.g., when the decoded data signal is a BFRP signal), the measurement control unit 205 outputs the measurement information stored in the buffer to the transmission signal generation unit 207.

[0102] When a UL transmission request message (e.g., a buffer status report) for STA200 is requested to be transmitted from the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 204 (e.g., when the decoded data signal is a BSRP signal), the buffer status control unit 206 outputs the UL transmission request message to the transmission signal generation unit 207.

[0103] The transmission signal generation unit 207 generates a data sequence to be transmitted to AP100 based on the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 204. For example, the data sequence to be transmitted to AP100 may include a response signal (ACK or Block ACK) to a signal received from AP100. Additionally, when the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 204 includes a signal requesting the transmission of measurement information (e.g., a BFRP signal), the transmission signal generation unit 207 may include the measurement information in the data sequence to be transmitted to AP100. Furthermore, when the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 204 includes a signal requesting the transmission of buffer status information (e.g., a BSRP signal), the transmission signal generation unit 207 may include UL transmission request information in the data sequence to be transmitted to AP100. The transmission signal generation unit 207 encodes the generated data sequence and generates a data signal by modulation and IFFT processing within a specified frequency resource. The transmission signal generation unit 207 adds a preamble signal to the data signal to generate a radio frame and outputs the radio frame to the radio transmission unit 208.

[0104] The wireless transmission unit 208 performs wireless transmission processing such as D / A conversion or up-conversion of the carrier frequency on the wireless frames input from the transmission signal generation unit 207, and transmits the processed signal to the AP100 through the antenna.

[0105] The above describes the structural examples of AP100 and STA200.

[0106] [Operational Examples of AP 100 and STA 200]

[0107] The following describes operational examples related to multi-AP coordination in AP 100 and STA 200.

[0108] For example, in one embodiment of this disclosure, AP 100 exchanges measurement information using a request message (multi-AP request signal) requesting whether or not to participate in multi-AP coordination and a response message (multi-AP response signal) indicating whether or not to participate in multi-AP coordination.

[0109] For example, during the measurement information collection phase, AP 100 neither sends measurement information to nor receives measurement information from other APs. Instead, during the coordination and negotiation phase, it sends and receives multi-AP request signals and multi-AP response signals containing measurement information between APs. For instance, AP 100 can send measurement information contained in the multi-AP request signal to other APs and receive measurement information contained in the multi-AP response signal from other APs. Furthermore, for example, AP 100 can also receive measurement information contained in the multi-AP request signal from other APs and send measurement information contained in the multi-AP response signal to other APs.

[0110] Figure 7 This shows an operational example of AP 100 and STA 200. Figure 7 In the example, such as Figure 8 As shown, operational examples are illustrated for BSS1, consisting of AP1 and STA1 belonging to AP1, and BSS2, consisting of AP2 and STA2 belonging to AP2. Furthermore, Figure 8 The arrows shown represent: a) the path between AP1 and STA1; b) the path between AP2 and STA2; c) the path between AP1 and STA2; and d) the path between AP2 and STA1.

[0111] exist Figure 7 In this process, AP1 and AP2 respectively transmit beacon signals. At this time, STA1 and STA2 acquire (or generate) measurement information based on the respective beacon signals from AP1 and AP2. For example, STA1 uses the beacon signal from AP1 to generate BSS measurement information (e.g., with...). Figure 8 (a) Related measurement information of the path), and use the beacon signal from AP2 to generate OBSS measurement information (e.g., with Figure 8 (The path d) related measurement information). Similarly, for example, STA2 uses the beacon signal from AP2 to generate BSS measurement information (e.g., with the path d) related measurement information). Figure 8 (b) Related measurement information), and use the beacon signal from AP1 to generate OBSS measurement information (e.g., with Figure 8 (c) Related measurement information of the path).

[0112] It should be noted that AP 100 can notify its subordinate STA 200 of APs that it wants to measure their measurement information. For example, AP 100 can notify its subordinate STA 200 of the following: acquire measurement information for signals sent by APs that support multi-AP coordination (in other words, have the capability related to multi-AP coordination). Whether to measure the measurement information of each AP can be determined based on whether the AP belongs to a common multi-AP coordination group (called the AP candidate set or Virtual BSS). For example, AP 100 can notify the STA 200 of APs that it wants to measure their measurement information by sending a beacon signal containing the identifiers of all APs belonging to the multi-AP coordination group (called the multi-AP coordination group list). In other words, AP 100 can notify the STA 200 of the following: do not measure the measurement information of APs not included in the multi-AP coordination group list. In addition, it can also notify whether to measure the measurement information of an AP based on whether the AP has the same coordination group ID as its subordinate AP. For example, AP 100 sends a beacon signal containing the coordination group ID to which AP 100 belongs. STA 200 determines the coordination group ID of AP 100 by receiving the beacon signal. When the coordination group ID contained in a signal received from another AP is the same as the coordination group ID of AP 100 to which STA 200 belongs, STA 200 measures the measurement information; when they are different, STA 200 does not measure the measurement information.

[0113] exist Figure 7 In the process, AP1 sends a measurement report polling signal to STA1, and AP2 sends a measurement report polling signal to STA2. When STA1 receives the measurement report polling signal from AP1, it for example, causes the measurement report to include... Figure 8 The measurement information (e.g., path loss values) for paths a) and d) shown is obtained, and a measurement report is sent to AP1. Furthermore, when STA2 receives a measurement report polling signal from AP2, for example, it causes the measurement report to include... Figure 8The measurement information (e.g., path loss values) for paths b) and c) is shown, and a measurement report is sent to AP2. It should be noted that, as an example, each path loss value can be derived from the difference between the transmit power value contained in the beacon signal received by each STA from each AP and the receive power value of the beacon signal measured by each STA. Furthermore, AP 100 can notify STA 200 via a measurement report polling signal, causing STA 200 to include the receive power values ​​of each beacon signal in its measurement report and send it. In this case, AP 100 can derive the path loss value from the difference between the transmit power value of the beacon signal sent by AP 100 and the receive power value of the beacon signal notified from STA 200. Additionally, in another example, AP can send NDPA (Null Data PPDU Announcement) frames and NDP (Null Data PPDU) signals (not shown). Each path loss value can be derived from the difference between the transmit power value contained in the NDPA or other notification signal (e.g., management frame) received by each STA from each AP and the receive power value measured by each STA upon receiving the NDP. The following example illustrates how, during the measurement information collection phase, the STA derives measurement information based on the receive power value or interference power value obtained using beacon signals. However, the measurement information collection phase can also be performed based on information obtained using NDP or data frames instead of beacon signals. Beacons, NDP, NDPA, and data frames can be transmitted before or during the measurement information collection phase.

[0114] exist Figure 7For example, AP1 becomes a shared AP and manages multi-AP coordination. In this case, AP1 notifies AP2 of its request for a response regarding participation in multi-AP coordination by sending a multi-AP request signal containing measurement information. The measurement information included in the multi-AP request signal may include, for example, the path loss value between the target STA (STA1) of the shared AP (AP1) and the shared AP (AP2), as well as the ARIL value of the target STA (STA1) of the shared AP (AP1). It should be noted that the ARIL value of STA1 can be derived by STA1 based on the received power value of the signal received by STA1 from its own AP (AP1) or the received power value of the signal received by STA1 from its own AP (AP1) during coordinated transmission (which can be derived from the transmitted power value and path loss value of the signal transmitted by its own AP (AP1) during coordinated transmission), and the signal error rate of the received signal. For example, STA1 can derive the ARIL value based on the SINR value that makes STA1's packet error rate less than 10%, and include this ARIL value in the measurement information. The AP can notify the STA in advance of the transmit power or MCS information used for coordinated transmission. The STA can derive the ARIL value for coordinated transmission based on the transmit power or MCS information notified by the AP. Alternatively, the ARIL value of STA1 may not be included in the measurement information, but rather derived by AP 100 based on other measurement information. For example, STA1 may include the received power value of the signal received from its affiliated AP (AP1), the interference power value of the signal received from a non-affiliated AP (AP2), and the path loss values ​​with each AP in the measurement information, and notify AP1 of this measurement information. In this case, AP1 derives the ARIL value of STA1 based on the transmit rate of STA1's ACK signal (in other words, STA1's packet error rate) and the measurement information notified by STA1, according to the SINR value that makes STA1's packet error rate below 10%. It should be noted that the ARIL value can be derived for each MCS of the signal received by STA1.

[0115] exist Figure 7 In this process, AP2 enables the multi-AP response signal to include information indicating whether it can participate in multi-AP coordination, and sends this multi-AP response signal to AP1. When AP2 participates in multi-AP coordination, the multi-AP response signal may contain measurement information. The measurement information contained in the multi-AP response signal may include: the path loss value between the shared AP (AP2) and the target STA (STA2) of the shared AP (AP2), the path loss value between the sharing AP (AP1) and the target STA (STA2) of the shared AP (AP2), and the ARIL value of the target STA (STA2) of the shared AP (AP2).

[0116] exist Figure 7In this process, AP1, acting as a shared AP, performs scheduling based on the measurement information exchanged with AP2, and notifies AP2 of the multi-AP coordination type (e.g., JT, C-SR, C-BF, C-OFDMA, etc.) and scheduling information via a multi-AP trigger signal (trigger frame). AP1, acting as the shared AP, and AP2, acting as the shared AP, send data to STA1 and STA2 under each AP through multi-AP coordination based on the scheduling information contained in the multi-AP trigger signal.

[0117] It should be noted that, in Figure 7 The example illustrates a shared AP and a shared AP sending and receiving multi-AP request signals and multi-AP response signals. However, the shared AP can also be multiple APs, and the multi-AP request signal can also be a send signal sent to multiple shared APs.

[0118] <Example of multiple AP request signals>

[0119] Figure 9 This shows an example of a multi-AP request signal.

[0120] exist Figure 9 The "Request MAP type" subfield, for example, informs information related to the multi-AP coordination type (e.g., JT, C-SR, C-BF, C-OFDMA, etc.) requested by the shared AP. Furthermore, for example, when the multi-AP coordination type notified via the Request MAP type has multiple control options (also referred to as "subtypes" or "options"), the "Multi-AP subtype" subfield informs information related to the control option type.

[0121] The "Number of Shared APs" subfield provides information related to the number of shared APs that are the target of the multi-AP request signal. The "Shared AP ID" subfield provides information about the identifiers (AP IDs) of the shared APs whose number is equal to the number of shared APs notified through the "Number of Shared APs" subfield.

[0122] The “Measurement Info” subfield, for example, informs measurement information (e.g., path loss value, ARIL) related to STAs belonging to the shared AP (the target STA of the shared AP).

[0123] Figure 10 This shows an example of a Measurement Info subfield included in a multi-AP request signal.

[0124] exist Figure 10The “Number of STAs” subfield informs information related to the number of target STAs sharing the AP.

[0125] For example, a "STA Info" subfield contains a number of STAs equal to the number of STAs notified by the STA Quantity subfield. The STA Info subfield may include, for example, a "STA ID" subfield indicating the identifier of each STA, a "ARIL" subfield indicating the ARIL value of each STA, and a "Pathloss" subfield indicating the path loss value between the STA and the shared AP. Figure 10 The path loss subfield shown includes the STA quantity subfield ( Figure 10 The number of N STAs notified in the subfield of the number of shared APs () Figure 9 The path loss values ​​between the M shared APs notified in the document.

[0126] <Example of multi-AP response signal>

[0127] Figure 11 An example of a multi-AP response signal is shown.

[0128] exist Figure 11 In the middle, the "MAP type response" subfield indicates whether or not one can participate in the communication of the multi-AP coordination type notified by the multi-AP request signal.

[0129] The “Measurement Info” subfield, for example, informs measurement information (e.g., path loss value, ARIL) related to the STA (target STA) belonging to the shared AP.

[0130] Figure 12 This illustrates an example of a measurement information subfield included in a multi-AP response signal.

[0131] exist Figure 12 The “Number of STAs” subfield informs information related to the number of target STAs in the shared AP.

[0132] For example, it contains the same number of "STA Information (STAInfo)" subfields as the number of STAs notified in the STA Quantity subfield. The STA Information subfields include, for example, a "STA ID" subfield that notifies each STA of its identifier, an "ARIL" subfield that notifies each STA of its ARIL value, and a "Pathloss" subfield that notifies the path loss value between the STA and the shared AP.

[0133] The above illustrates examples of multi-AP request signals and multi-AP response signals.

[0134] For example, the target STA of the shared AP included in the multi-AP request signal can be determined by the shared AP based on the buffer status information received by the shared AP from the STA. Similarly, the target STA of the shared AP included in the multi-AP response signal can be determined by the shared AP based on the buffer status information received by the shared AP from the STA.

[0135] In this embodiment, AP 100 determines the control information to be transmitted and received between multiple APs performing multi-AP coordination communication based on the measurement information of STA 200, and sends or receives the determined control information. For example, measurement information of AP 100 and STA 200 related to multi-AP coordination communication can be transmitted and received (or exchanged) among multiple AP 100s, while measurement information of AP 100 and STA 200 unrelated to multi-AP coordination communication is not transmitted and received (or exchanged). Thus, for example, during the measurement information collection phase, it is not necessary to exchange the measurement information of all AP 100 and STA 200 among AP 100s, thereby reducing the overhead of measurement information. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the efficiency of transmission control (e.g., multi-AP coordination) in wireless communication can be improved.

[0136] [Variation Example 1]

[0137] The measurement information contained in the multi-AP request signal can be determined (or changed) based on the multi-AP coordination method type and the subtype (or option) for the multi-AP coordination type contained in the multi-AP request signal.

[0138] For example, when through Figure 9When the request MAP type subfield of the multi-AP request signal notifies the C-SR, the multi-AP subtype subfield can notify one of optimal coordination, rough one-way coordination, or complex one-way coordination. It should be noted that optimal coordination is also called "full coordination," "two-way coordination," or "bi-directional coordination." One-way coordination is also called "half-coordination," "restricted coordination," or "uni-directional coordination." Rough one-way coordination is also called "simple one-way coordination."

[0139] Figure 13 This illustrates an example of optimal coordination. Optimal coordination is the following C-SR transmission control method: Shared AP (in...) Figure 13 In the example, AP2) will aggregate the measurement information collected from its subordinate STAs to the shared AP (in Figure 13 In the example, AP1), the transmit power of each AP is determined in a way that reduces interference to the target STAs of each AP. For example, the measurement information subfield may not be included in the multi-AP request signal that notifies C-SR in the request MAP type subfield and optimal coordination in the multi-AP subtype subfield. The transmit power of each shared AP determined by the shared AP is included in the scheduling information of the multi-AP trigger signal and is notified to the shared AP.

[0140] Figure 14 This illustrates an example of coarse one-way coordination. Coarse one-way coordination is a C-SR transmission control method as follows: the shared AP (in Figure 14 In the example, AP2) to enable access to shared APs (in Figure 14In the example, the sharing AP determines its transmit power based on how it reduces interference caused by the target STA of AP1. In coarse one-way coordination, the sharing AP determines its transmit power without using the measurement information of the shared APs. The shared APs determine their transmit power based on the measurement information notified by the sharing AP. For example, a multi-AP request signal notifying C-SR in the request MAP type subfield and coarse one-way coordination in the multi-AP subfield may include a measurement information subfield containing the ARIL of the target STA of the sharing AP and the path loss values ​​between the target STA of the sharing AP and each shared AP. The shared APs may determine their transmit power based on the ARIL of the target STA of the sharing AP and the path loss values ​​between the target STA of the sharing AP and the shared APs, as notified via the multi-AP request signal, in a way that reduces interference caused to the target STA of the sharing AP. Alternatively, the sharing AP may determine its transmit power based on the ARIL of the target STA of the sharing AP and the path loss values ​​between the target STA of the sharing AP and the shared APs, and notify this transmit power via the multi-AP request signal. It should be noted that coarse one-way coordination can also be selected as a coordination control method between a sharing AP and two or more shared APs. In this case, each shared AP determines its transmit power without using measurement information from other shared APs. For example, a shared AP can determine the transmit power that reduces interference to the target STA of the sharing AP, without considering interference to the target STAs of other shared APs.

[0141] Figure 15 This illustrates an operational example of complex one-way coordination. Complex one-way coordination is a shared AP (in...) Figure 15 In the example, AP1) and two or more shared APs (in Figure 15 The example shows a C-SR transmission control method that coordinates AP2 and AP3. In complex unidirectional coordination, the shared AP determines its transmission power in a way that reduces interference to the target STA of the sharing AP and other shared APs. Furthermore, in complex unidirectional coordination, the sharing AP determines its transmission power without using the measurement information of the shared APs. Alternatively, the shared AP determines its transmission power based on the measurement information notified by the sharing AP and the measurement information received from other shared APs. For example, a multi-AP request signal that notifies C-SR in the MAP type subfield and complex unidirectional coordination in the multi-AP subtype subfield may include a measurement information subfield containing the ARIL of the target STA of the sharing AP and the path loss values ​​between the target STA of the sharing AP and each shared AP.

[0142] According to Variation 1, measurement information used (or referenced) in the applied multi-AP coordination method type and its subtype is notified via a multi-AP request signal, while measurement information not used in that multi-AP coordination method type and its subtype is not notified. This reduces the overhead of the multi-AP request signal.

[0143] [Modification Example 2]

[0144] The measurement information contained in the multi-AP response signal can be determined (or changed) based on the multi-AP coordination method type and the subtype (or option) for the multi-AP coordination type contained in the multi-AP request signal.

[0145] For example, a shared AP that receives a multi-AP request signal that notifies C-SR in the Request MAP type subfield and notifies optimal coordination in the multi-AP subtype subfield, and participates in optimal coordination of C-SR, sends a multi-AP response signal to the sharing AP. The measurement information subfield of the multi-AP response signal contains the ARIL of the target STA of the shared AP, the path loss value between the sharing AP and the target STA of the shared AP, and the path loss value between the shared AP and the target STA of the shared AP.

[0146] Furthermore, for example, a shared AP that receives a multi-AP request signal that notifies C-SR in the request MAP type subfield and coarse one-way coordination in the multi-AP subtype subfield, may omit the measurement information subfield from the multi-AP response signal if it is participating in coarse one-way coordination of C-SR.

[0147] Furthermore, for example, a shared AP that receives a multi-AP request signal that notifies C-SR in the request MAP type subfield and complex one-way coordination in the multi-AP subtype subfield, when participating in complex one-way coordination of C-SR, can send a multi-AP response signal to the sharing AP and other shared APs, wherein the measurement information subfield of the multi-AP response signal contains the ARIL of the target STA of the shared AP and the path loss value between the target STA of the shared AP and other shared APs.

[0148] Figure 16 This illustrates an example of multi-AP response signal transmission in complex unidirectional coordination. Figure 16In this scenario, the shared APs (AP2, AP3) send multi-AP response signals to the sharing AP (AP1) and other shared APs (AP3, AP2). The order in which these multi-AP response signals are sent can be determined by the sharing AP via a multi-AP request signal. For example, the order can be determined by the order of the shared AP ID subfield in the multi-AP request signal. Figure 17 An example of measurement information contained in a multi-AP request signal in a complex one-way coordination is shown. Figure 17 The measurement information shown (STAInfo subfield) may include the identifier of the target STA of the shared AP (“STA ID” subfield), the ARIL value of the target STA of the shared AP (“ARIL” subfield), and the path loss value between the target STA of the shared AP and other shared APs (“Path Loss” subfield).

[0149] According to Variation 2, the measurement information used in each multi-AP coordination method type and subtype of the multi-AP coordination type notified by the multi-AP request signal is not notified via the multi-AP response signal, but measurement information not used in the multi-AP coordination method type and subtype of the multi-AP coordination type notified by the multi-AP request signal is not notified. This reduces the overhead of the multi-AP response signal.

[0150] [Modification Example 3]

[0151] The type of multi-AP coordination method can be determined based on the measurement information sent by STA 200.

[0152] For example, the shared AP can determine to perform joint transmission based on the path loss information between the shared AP and STA 200 contained in the measurement information received from the STA 200 under the shared AP (e.g., based on the comparison of the path loss value with a threshold), and determine the shared AP as a coordination candidate.

[0153] Furthermore, for example, a shared AP can decide to transmit in a C-SR manner based on the interference power value or SINR value contained in the measurement information (e.g., based on a comparison of the interference power value or SINR value with a threshold), and determine which shared AP is a coordination candidate.

[0154] According to Variation 3, the shared AP can determine the multi-AP coordination method type using only the measurement information of the STA 200 under the shared AP. That is, the shared AP can determine the multi-AP coordination method type without using the measurement information of the STA 200 under the shared AP. Therefore, the overhead of measurement information used to determine the multi-AP coordination method type can be reduced.

[0155] [Variation Example 4]

[0156] The subtype for multi-AP coordination can be determined based on the measurement information sent by STA 200. For example, the shared AP can determine the multi-AP coordination type of C-SR (e.g., optimal coordination, coarse one-way coordination, or complex one-way coordination) based on the difference between the path loss value between the shared AP and STA 200 and the path loss value between the shared AP and STA 200 contained in the measurement information received from the STAs under the shared AP (e.g., based on a comparison of this difference with a threshold). For example, the shared AP can determine the multi-AP coordination type of C-SR based on whether the difference in the aforementioned path loss values ​​is greater than a threshold.

[0157] According to Variation 4, the shared AP can determine the subtype of the multi-AP coordination method type using only the measurement information of the STAs under the shared AP. That is, the shared AP can determine the subtype of the multi-AP coordination method type without using the measurement information of the STAs under the shared AP. Therefore, the overhead of measurement information used to determine the subtype of the multi-AP coordination method type can be reduced.

[0158] [Variation Example 5]

[0159] The measurement information contained in the multi-AP request signal or the multi-AP response signal can be determined based on the measurement information sent by STA 200.

[0160] For example, STA 200 can derive the transmit power value of AP 100 based on the received power of the signal received from its affiliated AP 100, the signal error rate, and the interference power of the signal received from non-affiliated AP 100, and include this transmit power value in the measurement information to notify the affiliated AP 100.

[0161] The transmit power value of AP 100 included in the measurement information notification can be, for example, information notifying AP 100 of the recommended minimum transmit power value. When AP 100 receives measurement information containing the recommended minimum transmit power from STA 200, AP 100 can transmit a signal to STA 200 at the recommended minimum transmit power, or it can determine a transmit power greater than or equal to the recommended minimum transmit power based on the recommended minimum transmit power and transmit a signal to STA 200 at the determined transmit power.

[0162] Furthermore, the transmit power value of AP 100 included in the measurement information notification can be, for example, information notifying other AP 100s that STA 200 does not belong to of the recommended maximum transmit power value. When AP 100 receives measurement information containing the recommended maximum transmit power value from STA 200 under its jurisdiction, AP 100 can include the recommended maximum transmit power value received from STA 200 in the measurement information of the multi-AP request signal or multi-AP response signal to notify other AP 100s. Other AP 100s can send signals to other STA 200s at the recommended maximum transmit power notified through the measurement information, or they can determine a transmit power less than or equal to the recommended maximum transmit power based on the recommended maximum transmit power and send signals to other STA 200s at the determined transmit power.

[0163] The measurement information sent from STA 200 to AP 100 may include both the recommended minimum transmit power value of AP 100 and the maximum transmit power of other AP 100, or the transmit power information of either one.

[0164] According to Variation 5, STA 200 determines the transmission power of each AP 100 based on measurement information, thereby reducing the amount of information contained in the measurement information.

[0165] [Variation Example 6]

[0166] Whether to send and receive multi-AP request signals and multi-AP response signals can be determined based on the subtype of the multi-AP coordination type.

[0167] For example, when a shared AP decides to coordinate the transmission of C-SR using optimal coordination based on measurement information, it may decide to transmit and receive multi-AP request signals and multi-AP response signals. In this case, the shared AP sends a multi-AP request signal to the shared AP, and the shared AP that receives the multi-AP request signal sends a multi-AP response signal to the shared AP.

[0168] Alternatively, for example, when the shared AP decides to perform C-SR coordination transmission using coarse unidirectional coordination based on measurement information, it may decide not to transmit or receive multi-AP request signals and multi-AP response signals. In this case, the shared AP can omit the transmission of multi-AP request signals, and the shared AP can omit the transmission of multi-AP response signals. Figure 18This example illustrates the transmission timing for a subtype of Multi-AP Coordination Type (C-SR) called Coarse One-Way Coordination. When coarse one-way coordination is used, the sharing AP can omit sending the multi-AP request signal and receiving the multi-AP response signal, and instead notify the measurement information via a MAP trigger signal. The measurement information contained in the trigger frame may include, for example, the ARIL of the target STA of the sharing AP and the path loss value between the target STA and the shared AP.

[0169] Furthermore, for example, when a shared AP decides to coordinate the transmission of C-SR using complex one-way coordination based on measurement information, it can decide to transmit and receive multi-AP request signals and multi-AP response signals. In this case, the shared AP sends a multi-AP request signal to the shared APs, and the shared APs that receive the multi-AP request signal send multi-AP response signals to the shared AP and other shared APs.

[0170] According to Variation 6, by determining whether to send multi-AP request signals and multi-AP response signals based on the subtype of the multi-AP coordination type, unnecessary transmission of multi-AP request signals and multi-AP response signals can be reduced, thus reducing the overhead of multi-AP coordination.

[0171] The above describes one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0172] It should be noted that the above embodiment describes an example of STA 200 generating measurement information upon receiving a transmission signal from AP 100. However, STA 200 can also generate measurement information based on transmission signals from other STAs. STA 200 can determine whether the measurement information is BSS measurement information or OBSS measurement information based on the BSS to which the other STA belongs. Furthermore, AP 100 can also receive transmission signals from STA 200 and generate measurement information.

[0173] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, as a method for determining which STA 200's measurement information should be included in the multi-AP request signal and the multi-AP response signal, an operational example of determining based on the buffer state has been described. However, the parameters used to determine which STA 200's measurement information is included are not limited to the buffer state. For example, Quality of Service (QoS) information can also be used. QoS information can be obtained, for example, through... Figure 19 The QoS characteristic element shown is used for notification. Furthermore, QoS information can be communicated, for example, through... Figure 20The traffic specification (TSPEC) element shown is used for notification. Additionally, QoS information can be communicated, for example, through... Figure 21 The Traffic Classification (TCLAS) element shown is used for notification. Additionally, QoS information can be communicated via, for example, the following methods. Figure 22 Notifications are sent using the Intra-Access Category element shown. Additionally, as another method to determine which STA 200's measurement information should be included in the multi-AP request and response signals, the power-saving state information of the STA 200 can be used. For example, the AP can decide to exclude STA 200s in low-power states (e.g., doze state, low powerlistening mode, etc.) from its measurement information inclusion list, while including all or some STA 200s in active states (e.g., active state). The AP can determine which STA 200s its measurement information should include based on data transmission priority, which is determined using buffer state, QoS, power-saving state, and / or other information about the STA 200.

[0174] The embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art will conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It should be understood that these modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the structural elements in the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0175] In the above embodiments, the term "...part" used for each structural element can also be replaced with other terms such as "...circuitry", "...component", "...device", "...unit" or "...module".

[0176] The interface name (frame name), field name, or subfield name described in the above embodiments may also use other names.

[0177] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the field (or subfield) used for notifying control information is only one example; other fields or subfields may also be used. Additionally, the number of bits used for notifying control information in each field or subfield is only one example; other numbers of bits may also be used.

[0178] Furthermore, the signal format described in the above embodiments is only one example. It may also be another structure in which at least one of the following has been added or deleted: other fields have been added or deleted: other subfields ...

[0179] Furthermore, although the above embodiments illustrate a case based on the format specified in IEEE 802.11 as an example, the format of an embodiment of this disclosure is not limited to the IEEE 802.11 format.

[0180] This disclosure can be implemented in software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware. The functional blocks used in the above embodiments are implemented partially or wholly as LSIs (Large Scale Integration), and the processes described in the above embodiments can also be controlled partially or wholly by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI can be composed of individual chips, or it can be composed of a single chip containing some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may also include data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, an LSI may also be referred to as an "IC (Integrated Circuit)," a "System LSI," a "Super LSI," or an "Ultra LSI."

[0181] The method of integrating the LSI is not limited to LSI; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or special-purpose processors. Alternatively, it can utilize a programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) manufactured using the LSI, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections or settings of the circuit blocks within the LSI. This disclosure can also be implemented for digital or analog processing.

[0182] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or the emergence of other derivative technologies lead to integrated circuit technologies that can replace LSIs, these technologies could also be used to integrate functional blocks. There are also possibilities for applications such as biotechnology.

[0183] This disclosure can be implemented in all kinds of devices, apparatuses, and systems with communication capabilities (collectively referred to as "communication devices"). A communication device may also include a wireless transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The wireless transceiver may also include a receiving unit and a transmitting unit, or perform the functions of these units. The wireless transceiver (transmitting unit, receiving unit) may also include an RF (Radio Frequency) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may also include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or similar devices. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include: telephones (mobile phones, smartphones, etc.), tablet computers, personal computers (PCs) (laptops, desktops, laptops, etc.), cameras (digital cameras, digital camcorders, etc.), digital players (digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, e-book readers, remote health / telemedicine (remote healthcare / medical prescription) devices, vehicles or transportation vehicles with communication capabilities (cars, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the various devices described above.

[0184] Communication devices are not limited to portable or movable devices, but also include all kinds of devices, equipment, and systems that cannot be carried or fixed. Examples include: smart home devices (home appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or meters, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and all other "things" that can exist on the IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0185] In addition to data communication via cellular systems, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) systems, and communication satellite systems, communication also includes data communication via a combination of these systems.

[0186] In addition, the communication device also includes devices such as controllers or sensors that are connected or linked to a communication device performing the communication functions described in this disclosure. For example, it includes a controller or sensor that generates control signals or data signals used by the communication device to perform the communication functions of the communication device.

[0187] In addition, the communication device includes infrastructure equipment that communicates with or controls the various devices described above (not limited to these), such as base stations, access points, and all other devices, equipment, and systems.

[0188] An access point according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes: a control circuit that determines control information to be transmitted and received between multiple access points coordinating communication based on measurement information from a terminal; and a communication circuit that transmits or receives the control information.

[0189] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the communication circuit sends first control information contained in a request signal requesting participation in the coordinated communication to the other access point, and receives second control information contained in a response signal to the request signal from the other access point.

[0190] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first control information includes path loss values ​​between a first terminal belonging to the access point and the other access points, and an acceptable interference power value for the first terminal; the second control information includes path loss values ​​between the other access points and a second terminal belonging to the other access points, and an acceptable interference power value for the second terminal.

[0191] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first terminal is determined by the access point based on buffer state information received by the terminal belonging to the access point, and the second terminal is determined by the other access point based on buffer state information received by the terminal belonging to the other access point.

[0192] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control circuit determines the first control information contained in the request signal based on information related to the type of the coordinated communication and the subtype of the type contained in the request signal.

[0193] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the type is Coordination Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Optimal Coordination, the request signal does not contain the first control information.

[0194] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the type is Coordinated Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Coarse One-Way Coordination or Complex One-Way Coordination, the first control information includes the path loss value between the terminal belonging to the access point and the other access points, and the acceptable interference power value of the terminal belonging to the access point.

[0195] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control circuit determines the second control information contained in the response signal based on information related to the type of the coordinated communication and the subtype of the type contained in the request signal.

[0196] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the type is Coordinated Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Optimal Coordination, the second control information includes: the path loss value between the terminal belonging to the other access point and the other access point, the path loss value between the terminal belonging to the other access point and the access point, and the acceptable interference power value of the terminal belonging to the other access point.

[0197] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the type is Coordinated Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Coarse One-Way Coordinated, the response signal does not include the second control information.

[0198] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when the type is Coordinated Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Complex One-Way Coordination, the second control information includes the path loss value between the terminal belonging to the other access point and the other access point, as well as the acceptable interference power value of the terminal belonging to the other access point.

[0199] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control circuit determines the type of coordination communication included in the request signal based on the measurement information.

[0200] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control circuit determines, based on the measurement information, a subtype of the type of coordinated communication contained in the request signal.

[0201] In one embodiment of this disclosure, at least one of the first control information and the second control information is determined based on the measurement information sent from the terminal.

[0202] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the control circuit determines whether to send the request signal or receive the response signal based on a subtype of the type of the coordinated communication.

[0203] In a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure, an access point performs the following steps: determining control information to be sent and received between multiple access points coordinating communication based on measurement information from a terminal; and sending or receiving the control information.

[0204] The entire contents of the specification, drawings and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-041239, filed on March 15, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0205] Industrial applicability

[0206] One embodiment of this disclosure is useful for wireless communication systems.

[0207] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0208] 100 AP

[0209] 101, 201 Wireless Receiving Unit

[0210] 102, 202 preamble demodulation unit

[0211] Data Demodulation Sections 103 and 203

[0212] Data Decoding Departments 104 and 204

[0213] 105 Measurement Information Storage Department

[0214] 106 Buffer State Information Storage Department

[0215] 107 Capability Information Storage Department

[0216] 108 Dispatch Department

[0217] 109 Data Generation Department

[0218] 110 Data Encoding Department

[0219] 111 Data Modulation Unit

[0220] 112 Preamble Generation Unit

[0221] 113, 208 Wireless Transmission Unit

[0222] 151 BSS Measurement Information Storage Department

[0223] 152 OBSS Measurement Information Storage Department

[0224] 200 STA

[0225] 205 Measurement and Control Department

[0226] 206 Buffer Status Control Unit

[0227] 207 Signal Generation Unit

[0228] 251 BSS Measurement Information Department

[0229] 252 OBSS Measurement Information Department

Claims

1. An access point, comprising: The control circuit, based on measurement information from the terminal, determines the control information to be transmitted and received between multiple access points coordinating communication; and A communication circuit that sends or receives the control information.

2. The access point as described in claim 1, wherein, The communication circuit sends first control information, which is contained in a request signal requesting participation in the coordinated communication, to other access points, and receives second control information, which is contained in a response signal to the request signal, from the other access points.

3. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, The first control information includes the path loss value between the first terminal belonging to the access point and the other access points, as well as the acceptable interference power value of the first terminal. The second control information includes the path loss value between the other access point and the second terminal belonging to the other access point, as well as the acceptable interference power value of the second terminal.

4. The access point as described in claim 3, wherein, The first terminal is determined by the access point based on the buffer state information received by the terminal belonging to the access point. The second terminal is determined by the other access point based on the buffer state information received by the terminal belonging to the other access point.

5. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, The control circuit determines the first control information contained in the request signal based on information related to the type of the coordinated communication and the subtype of the type contained in the request signal.

6. The access point as described in claim 5, wherein, When the type is Coordination Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Optimal Coordination, the request signal does not contain the first control information.

7. The access point as described in claim 5, wherein, When the type is Coordinated Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Coarse One-Way Coordination or Complex One-Way Coordination, the first control information includes the path loss value between the terminal belonging to the access point and the other access points, as well as the acceptable interference power value of the terminal belonging to the access point.

8. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, The control circuit determines the second control information contained in the response signal based on information related to the type of coordinated communication and the subtype of that type contained in the request signal.

9. The access point as described in claim 8, wherein, When the type is Coordinated Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Optimal Coordination, the second control information includes: the path loss value between the terminal belonging to the other access point and the other access point, the path loss value between the terminal belonging to the other access point and the access point, and the acceptable interference power value of the terminal belonging to the other access point.

10. The access point as described in claim 8, wherein, When the type is Coordinated Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Coarse One-Way Coordination, the response signal does not contain the second control information.

11. The access point as described in claim 8, wherein, When the type is Coordinated Space Reuse (C-SR) and the subtype is Complex One-Way Coordination, the second control information includes the path loss value between the terminal belonging to the other access point and the other access point, as well as the acceptable interference power value of the terminal belonging to the other access point.

12. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, Based on the measurement information, the control circuit determines the type of coordination communication included in the request signal.

13. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, Based on the measurement information, the control circuit determines the subtype of the type of coordinated communication contained in the request signal.

14. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, At least one of the first control information and the second control information is determined based on the measurement information sent from the terminal.

15. The access point as described in claim 2, wherein, The control circuit determines whether to send the request signal or receive the response signal based on the subtype of the type of coordination communication.

16. A communication method, wherein, The access point performs the following steps: Based on the terminal's measurement information, the control information to be sent and received between multiple access points coordinating communication is determined; and Send or receive the control information.

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