Negotiation for coordinating time division multiple access

Abstract

A first access point (AP) in a wireless network has a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to cause sending a request frame to one or more second APs, the request frame indicating a request to participate in time-division multiple access (TDMA)-based multi-AP (MAP) coordination, wherein the one or more second APs are within a coordination distance of the first AP. The processor is further configured to cause receiving a response frame from at least one of the second APs, the response frame indicating an acceptance of the request to participate in the TDMA-based MAP coordination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to, but not limited to, multi-access point (AP) coordination in wireless networks. Background Technology

[0002] Since the late 1990s, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technology has evolved towards increasing data rates and continues to grow in various markets such as homes, businesses, and hotspots. WLAN allows devices to access the Internet in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz frequency bands. WLAN is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. The IEEE 802.11 standard family aims to improve speed and reliability and extend the operational range of wireless networks.

[0003] WLAN devices increasingly need to support a variety of latency-sensitive or real-time applications, such as augmented reality (AR), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and autonomous vehicles. To achieve the extremely low latency and extremely high throughput required for such applications, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) has been proposed for WLANs. A WLAN is formed by WLAN devices within a limited area such as a home, school, apartment, or office building. Each WLAN device can have one or more stations (STAs), such as access point (AP) STAs and non-access point (non-AP) STAs.

[0004] MLO enables non-AP multi-link devices (MLDs) to establish multiple links with AP MLDs. Each of these links can independently enable channel access and frame switching between the non-AP MLD and the AP MLD, which can reduce latency and increase throughput.

[0005] The descriptions set forth in the Background section should not be assumed to be prior art simply because they are set forth in the Background section. The Background section may describe aspects or embodiments of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Solution to the problem

[0007] This disclosure may relate to improvements to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to providing mechanisms and processes for time division multiple access (TDMA) based multiple access point (MAP) coordination.

[0008] This disclosure provides a first access point (AP) in a wireless network. The first AP includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to send a request frame to one or more second APs, the request frame indicating a request to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination, wherein the one or more second APs are within coordination distance of the first AP. The processor is also configured to receive a response frame from at least one second AP, the response frame indicating acceptance of the request to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination.

[0009] In one embodiment, the request frame includes a coordination mode indicating the coordination level suggested by the first AP.

[0010] In one embodiment, the response frame includes a coordination mode indicating the coordination level supported by the corresponding second AP.

[0011] In an embodiment, the response request frame includes the duration of the coordination proposed by the first AP.

[0012] In an embodiment, the processor is further configured to send announcement frames to one or more second APs, the announcement frames indicating that the first AP intends to initiate TDMA-based MAP coordination. The processor is further configured to receive one or more preparedness frames from one or more second APs, the preparedness frames indicating the ability to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination.

[0013] In an embodiment, each ready frame includes a coordination mode indicating the coordination level supported by the corresponding second AP.

[0014] In the embodiments, the first basic service set (BSS) to which the first AP belongs partially overlaps with one or more second basic service sets (BSS) to which one or more second APs belong.

[0015] This disclosure provides an access point (AP) in a wireless network. The AP includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive a request frame from a first AP, the request frame indicating that the first AP intends to initiate a TDMA-based MAP coordination with one or more second APs, wherein the one or more second APs are within coordination range of the first AP. The processor is also configured to send a response frame to the first AP, the response frame indicating acceptance of the request to initiate the TDMA-based MAP coordination. The processor is further configured to send an information frame to one or more second APs, the information frame triggering the one or more second APs to participate in the TDMA-based MAP coordination initiated by the first AP. The processor is also configured to receive an acknowledgment frame from at least one second AP, the acknowledgment frame indicating that the second AP has received the information frame.

[0016] In one embodiment, the request frame includes a coordination mode indicating the coordination level suggested by the first AP.

[0017] In an embodiment, the response request frame includes the duration of the coordination proposed by the first AP.

[0018] In one embodiment, the response frame accepts a request to initiate TDMA-based MAP coordination based on the status indication of the wireless network.

[0019] In an embodiment, one or more second APs are determined by the AP based on the capabilities of one or more second APs.

[0020] In an embodiment, the first BSS to which the first AP belongs partially overlaps with one or more second BSSs to which one or more second APs belong.

[0021] This disclosure provides a first access point (AP) in a wireless network. The first AP includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to receive a request frame from a second AP, the request frame indicating a request to participate in time division multiple access (TDMA) based multi-AP (MAP) coordination, wherein the first AP is within coordination distance of the second AP. The processor is also configured to send a response frame to the second AP, the response frame indicating acceptance of the request to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination.

[0022] In one embodiment, the request frame includes a coordination mode indicating the coordination level suggested by the second AP.

[0023] In one embodiment, the response frame includes a coordination mode indicating the coordination level supported by the corresponding first AP.

[0024] In this embodiment, the processor is further configured to receive a notification frame from the second AP, the notification frame indicating that the second AP intends to initiate TDMA-based MAP coordination. The processor is also configured to send a ready frame to the second AP, the ready frame indicating the ability to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination.

[0025] In one embodiment, the ready frame includes a coordination mode indicating the coordination level supported by the first AP.

[0026] In this embodiment, the processor is further configured to receive an information frame from a third AP, the information frame triggering the first AP to participate in TDMA-based multi-AP coordination initiated by the second AP. The processor is also configured to send an acknowledgment frame to the third AP, the acknowledgment frame indicating that the first AP has received the information frame.

[0027] In the embodiments, the first basic service set (BSS) to which the first AP belongs partially overlaps with one or more second basic service sets (BSS) to which one or more second APs belong. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a wireless network according to an embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 2a An example of an AP according to an embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 2b An example of a STA according to an embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 An example of multi-link communication operation according to an embodiment is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 An example of MAP coordination according to an embodiment is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 An example architecture for C-TDMA negotiation according to an embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 An example negotiation scenario for TDMA-based MAP coordination is shown according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 Another example negotiation scenario for TDMA-based MAP coordination is shown according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 An example process for MAP C-TDMA negotiation according to an embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 9 Another example architecture for MAP C-TDMA negotiation according to an embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 10 An example negotiation scenario for TDMA-based MAP coordination is shown according to an embodiment.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, not all components depicted in each figure are necessary, and one or more embodiments may include additional components not shown in the figures. Variations in the arrangement and type of components may be made without departing from the scope of this subject matter disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of this subject matter disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe various embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the subject matter can be practiced. Rather, this detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the invention. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. The same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0041] This disclosure relates to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to wireless local area network (WLAN) technology. WLAN allows devices to access the Internet in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz frequency bands. WLAN is based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. The IEEE 802.11 standard family is designed to improve speed and reliability and extend the operational range of wireless networks.

[0042] The demand for wireless data traffic is rapidly increasing due to the growing popularity of smartphones and other mobile data devices (such as tablets, notepad computers, netbooks, e-book readers, and machine-type devices) among consumers and businesses. To address the ever-increasing bandwidth requirements of wireless communication systems, various solutions are being developed to allow multiple user terminals to communicate with a single access point while sharing channel resources, achieving high data throughput. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology represents one such approach and has become a popular technology. MIMO has been adopted in several wireless communication standards such as 802.11ac and 802.11ax.

[0043] Before proceeding with the detailed description below, it may be advantageous to define certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “coupled” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, regardless of whether these elements are physically in contact with each other. The terms “transmit,” “receive,” and “communicate,” and their derivatives include both direct and indirect communication. The terms “include” and “comprise,” and their derivatives, mean including but not limited to. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase “associated with” and its derivatives mean including, being included in, interconnected with, containing, being contained within, connected to or connected to, coupled to or coupled with, able to communicate with, cooperate with, interleaved, juxtaposed, proximate, bound to or bound to, having, possessing the properties of, having a relationship to or with, etc. The term “controller” means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. The functionality associated with any particular controller can be centralized or distributed, local or remote. When used with a list of items, the phrase "at least one" means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and it is possible that only one item from the list is needed. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0044] Furthermore, the various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each computer program being formed by computer-readable program code and embodied in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, associated data, or portions thereof suitable for implementation in appropriate computer-readable program code. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium accessible by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of storage. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media does not include wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transient electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media includes media in which data can be permanently stored and media in which data can be stored and later rewritten, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable memory devices.

[0045] Definitions of certain other words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in many cases (if not most), such definitions apply to the prior and future use of the words and phrases defined in this way.

[0046] The accompanying drawings discussed below, as well as the various embodiments used to describe the principles of this disclosure in this patent document, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0047] Figure 1 An example wireless network 100 according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The embodiment of the wireless network 100 shown is for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the wireless network 100 includes access points (APs) 101 and 103. APs 101 and 103 communicate with at least one network 130, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network. AP 101 provides wireless access to network 130 to multiple stations 111-114 within its coverage area 120. APs 101-103 can communicate with each other and with STAs 111-114 using WiFi or other WLAN communication technologies.

[0049] Depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "access point" or "AP," such as "router" or "gateway." For convenience, the term "AP" is used in this patent document to refer to a network infrastructure component that provides wireless access to remote terminals. In a WLAN, assuming that the AP also contends for the wireless channel, the AP may also be referred to as a STA. Furthermore, depending on the network type, other well-known terms may be used instead of "station" or "STA," such as "mobile station," "subscriber station," "remote terminal," "user equipment," "wireless terminal," or "user device." For convenience, the terms "station" and "STA" are used in this patent document to refer to a remote wireless device that wirelessly accesses an AP or contends for a wireless channel in a WLAN, whether the STA is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or smartphone) or is generally considered a fixed device (such as a desktop computer, AP, media player, fixed sensor, television, etc.).

[0050] exist Figure 1In the diagram, the dashed lines indicate the approximate extent of coverage areas 120 and 125. For illustrative and explanatory purposes only, coverage areas 120 and 125 are shown as approximately circular. It should be clearly understood that coverage areas associated with an AP (such as coverage areas 120 and 125) can have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending on the AP's configuration and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstacles.

[0051] As described in more detail below, one or more APs in an AP may include circuitry and / or programming for the management of MU-MIMO and OFDMA channel detection in a WLAN. Although Figure 1 An example of a wireless network 100 is shown, but more details can be found on other wireless networks. Figure 1 Various modifications can be made. For example, wireless network 100 can include any number of APs and any number of STAs in any suitable arrangement. Furthermore, AP 101 can communicate directly with any number of STAs and provide them with wireless broadband access to network 130. Similarly, each AP 101-103 can communicate directly with network 130 and provide STAs with direct wireless broadband access to network 130. Additionally, AP 101 and / or 103 can provide access to other or additional external networks, such as external telephone networks or other types of data networks.

[0052] Figure 2a Example AP 101 according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 2a The embodiment of AP 101 shown is for illustrative purposes only, and Figure 1 AP 103 can have the same or similar configuration. However, APs have a wide variety of configurations, and Figure 2a This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope to any particular implementation of AP.

[0053] like Figure 2a As shown, AP 101 includes multiple antennas 204a-204n, multiple RF transceivers 209a-209n, transmit (TX) processing circuitry 214, and receive (RX) processing circuitry 219. AP 101 also includes a controller / processor 224, a memory 229, and a backhaul or network interface 234. RF transceivers 209a-209n receive incoming RF signals from antennas 204a-204n, such as signals transmitted by STAs in network 100. RF transceivers 209a-209n down-convert the incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are sent to RX processing circuitry 219, which generates processed baseband signals by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signals. RX processing circuitry 219 sends the processed baseband signals to controller / processor 224 for further processing.

[0054] TX processing circuit 214 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, network data, email, or interactive video game data) from controller / processor 224. TX processing circuit 214 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. RF transceivers 209a-209n receive the processed baseband or IF signal from TX processing circuit 214 and up-convert the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal transmitted via antennas 204a-204n.

[0055] The controller / processor 224 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the AP 101. For example, the controller / processor 224 may control the RF transceivers 209a-209n, the RX processing circuit 219, and the TX processing circuit 214 to receive forward channel signals and transmit reverse channel signals, based on well-known principles. The controller / processor 224 may also support additional functions, such as more advanced wireless communication capabilities.

[0056] For example, controller / processor 224 may support beamforming or directional routing operations, where outgoing signals from multiple antennas 204a-204n are weighted differently to effectively direct the outgoing signals to a desired direction. Controller / processor 224 may also support OFDMA operations, where outgoing signals are assigned to subsets of different subcarriers for different receivers (e.g., different STAs 111-114). Controller / processor 224 may support any of a variety of other functions in AP 101, including combining DL MU-MIMO and OFDMA in the same transmission opportunity. In some embodiments, controller / processor 224 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller. Controller / processor 224 is also capable of executing programs and other processes, such as an OS, residing in memory 229. Controller / processor 224 may move data into or out of memory 229 as needed for the execution process.

[0057] Controller / processor 224 is also coupled to backhaul or network interface 234. Backhaul or network interface 234 allows AP 101 to communicate with other devices or systems via a backhaul connection or over a network. Interface 234 can support communication via any suitable wired or wireless connection(s). For example, interface 234 can allow AP 101 to communicate with a larger network (e.g., the Internet) via a wired or wireless local area network or via a wired or wireless connection. Interface 234 includes any suitable architecture supporting communication via wired or wireless connections, such as Ethernet or an RF transceiver. Memory 229 is coupled to controller / processor 224. A portion of memory 229 may include RAM, and another portion of memory 229 may include flash memory or other ROM.

[0058] As described in more detail below, AP 101 may include circuitry and / or procedures for managing the channel detection process in a WLAN. Although Figure 2a An example of AP 101 is shown, but it is possible to compare it with other versions. Figure 2a Various changes can be made. For example, AP101 can include any number of... Figure 2a Each component shown. As a specific example, an access point may include multiple interfaces 234, and the controller / processor 224 may support routing functionality to route data between different network addresses. As another specific example, although shown as a single instance including TX processing circuitry 214 and a single instance including RX processing circuitry 219, AP 101 may include multiple instances of each (e.g., one for each RF transceiver). Alternatively, only one antenna and RF transceiver path may be included, as in a conventional AP. Moreover, Figure 2a The various components can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added as needed.

[0059] Figure 2b Example STA 111 according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 2b The embodiment of STA 111 shown is for illustrative purposes only, and Figure 1 STAs 111-115 can have the same or similar configurations. However, STAs appear in a wide variety of configurations, and Figure 2b This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope to any particular implementation of STA.

[0060] like Figure 2bAs shown, STA 111 includes antenna(s) 205, radio frequency (RF) transceiver 210, TX processing circuitry 215, microphone 220, and receiver (RX) processing circuitry 225. STA 111 also includes a speaker 230, a controller / processor 240, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 245, a touchscreen 250, a display 255, and memory 260. Memory 260 includes an operating system (OS) 261 and one or more applications 262.

[0061] RF transceiver 210 receives incoming RF signals transmitted by the AP of network 100 from antenna(s) 205. RF transceiver 210 down-converts the incoming RF signals to generate intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signal is sent to RX processing circuitry 225, which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. RX processing circuitry 225 sends the processed baseband signal to speaker 230 (e.g., for voice data) or to controller / processor 240 for further processing (e.g., for web browsing data).

[0062] TX processing circuitry 215 receives analog or digital voice data from microphone 220, or other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, email, or interactive video game data) from controller / processor 240. TX processing circuitry 215 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. RF transceiver 210 receives the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from TX processing circuitry 215 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal transmitted via antenna(s) 205.

[0063] The controller / processor 240 may include one or more processors and executes a basic OS program 261 stored in memory 260 to control the overall operation of STA 111. In one such operation, the main controller / processor 240 controls the RF transceiver 210, RX processing circuitry 225, and TX processing circuitry 215 to receive forward channel signals and transmit reverse channel signals according to well-known principles. The main controller / processor 240 may also include processing circuitry configured to provide management of the channel probing process in the WLAN. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 240 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0064] The controller / processor 240 is also capable of executing other processes and programs residing in the memory 260, such as operations for managing channel sensing processes in the WLAN. The controller / processor 240 can move data into or out of the memory 260 as needed for the execution of the process. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 240 is configured to execute multiple applications 262, such as applications for channel sensing, including feedback calculations based on received Null Data Packet Advertisements (NDPA) and Null Data Packets (NDP), and sending beamforming feedback reports in response to trigger frames (TF). The controller / processor 240 can operate the multiple applications 262 based on the OS program 261 or in response to signals received from the AP. The main controller / processor 240 is also coupled to an I / O interface 245, which provides the STA 111 with the ability to connect to other devices such as laptop computers and handheld computers. The I / O interface 245 is the communication path between these accessories and the main controller 240.

[0065] The controller / processor 240 is also coupled to the touchscreen 250 and the display 255. The operator of STA 111 can use the touchscreen 250 to input data into STA 111. The display 255 may be a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, or other display capable of displaying text and / or at least limited graphics (such as from a website). Memory 260 is coupled to the controller / processor 240. A portion of memory 260 may include random access memory (RAM), and another portion of memory 260 may include flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

[0066] although Figure 2b An example of STA 111 is shown, but it is possible to compare it with other models. Figure 2b Make various changes. For example, Figure 2b The various components can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added as needed. In a specific example, STA 111 may include any number(s) of antennas 205 for MIMO communication with AP 101. In another example, STA 111 may not include voice communication, or the controller / processor 240 may be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Furthermore, although... Figure 2b The STA 111 is shown configured as a mobile phone or smartphone, but the STA can be configured to operate as other types of mobile or fixed devices.

[0067] like Figure 2bAs shown, in some embodiments, STA 111 may be a non-AP MLD comprising multiple STAs 203A-203N. Each STA 203a-203n is attached to the non-AP MLD 111 and includes antenna(s) 205, RF transceiver 210, TX processing circuitry 215, and RX processing circuitry 225. Each STA 203a-203n may independently communicate with the controller / processor 240 and other components of the non-AP MLD 111. Figure 2b It is shown that each STA 203a-203n has a separate antenna, but each STA 203a-203n can share antenna 205 without requiring a separate antenna. Each STA 203a-203n can represent the physical (PHY) layer and the lower media access control (MAC) layer.

[0068] Figure 3 An example of multi-link communication operation according to an embodiment is shown. Multi-link communication operation can be used in the IEEE 802.11be standard and any future revisions of the IEEE 802.11 standard. Figure 3 In the middle, AP MLD 310 can be Figure 1 Wireless communication devices 101 and 103 are included, and the non-AP MLD 220 can be... Figure 1 One of the wireless communication devices 111-114 in the series.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, AP MLD 310 may include multiple affiliated APs, such as AP 1, AP 2, and AP 3. Each affiliated AP may include a PHY interface to the wireless medium (Link 1, Link 2, or Link 3). AP MLD 310 may include a single MAC Service Access Point (SAP) 318 through which the affiliated APs of AP MLD 310 communicate with higher layers (Layer 3 or network layer). Each affiliated AP of AP MLD 310 may have a different MAC address (lower MAC address) than any other affiliated AP of AP MLD 310. AP MLD 310 may have an MLD MAC address (upper MAC address), and the affiliated APs share a single MAC SAP 318 to Layer 3. Therefore, the affiliated APs share a single IP address, and Layer 3 identifies AP MLD 310 by assigning a single IP address.

[0070] A non-AP MLD 320 may include multiple affiliated STAs, such as STA 1, STA 2, and STA 3. Each affiliated STA may include a PHY interface to the wireless medium (Link 1, Link 2, or Link 3). A non-AP MLD 320 may include a single MAC SAP 328, through which affiliated STAs communicate with higher layers (Layer 3 or network layer). Each affiliated STA of a non-AP MLD 320 may have a different MAC address (lower MAC address) than any other affiliated STA of the non-AP MLD 320. A non-AP MLD 320 may have an MLD MAC address (higher MAC address), and affiliated STAs share the single MAC SAP 328 to Layer 3. Therefore, affiliated STAs share a single IP address, and Layer 3 identifies the non-AP MLD 320 by assigning this single IP address.

[0071] AP MLD 310 and non-AP MLD 320 can establish multiple links between their associated APs and STAs. In this example, AP 1 and STA 1 can establish Link 1, operating in the 2.4 GHz band. Similarly, AP 2 and STA 2 can establish Link 2, operating in the 5 GHz band, and AP 3 and STA 3 can establish Link 3, operating in the 6 GHz band. Each link can independently enable channel access and frame switching between AP MLD 310 and non-AP MLD 320, which can increase data throughput and reduce latency. When associated with an AP MLD on a set of links (link establishment), each non-AP device is assigned a unique Association Identifier (AID).

[0072] The following documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as if fully set forth herein: i) IEEE 802.11-2020, “Wireless LAN Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specification”, ii) IEEE 802.11ax-2021, “Wireless LAN Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specification”, and iii) IEEE P802.11be / D4.0, “Part 11: Wireless LAN Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specification – Revision 8: Enhancements for Ultra High Throughput (EHT)”.

[0073] Multiple Access Point (MAP) coordination is considered one of the key technologies for next-generation WLAN systems. In MAP coordination, several adjacent APs coordinate with each other to improve network performance, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0074] Figure 4An example of MAP coordination according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 4 The MAP coordination described herein is for explanatory and illustrative purposes. Figure 4 This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope to any particular implementation.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, MAP coordination can be performed across a group of APs, such as AP1, AP2, and AP3. AP1, AP2, and AP3 can coordinate with each other to reduce latency caused by natural overall throughput degradation and / or overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) interference. Therefore, AP1, AP2, and AP3 improve network performance through MAP coordination.

[0076] Interference from a basic service set (BSS) can cause performance issues for STAs and APs in nearby BSSs. This naturally leads to a degradation in overall network throughput. Overlapping BSS (OBSS) interference can increase overall latency because more time is required to access the channel due to interference occupying the channel. When a STA is in a nearby BSS and has latency-sensitive services, latency in channel access can severely interfere with the STA's latency-sensitive applications. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) based MAP coordination can be an important feature of next-generation WLAN networks. This disclosure provides various embodiments of negotiation mechanisms and procedures for TDMA-based MAP coordination.

[0077] In an embodiment, the first AP can coordinate with a nearby second AP, such as in a BSS that overlaps with the BSS where the AP resides. The first AP and the second AP can coordinate based on TDMA. The coordination mechanism can take different formats based on the architecture of the coordinated TDMA (C-TDMA) mechanism.

[0078] In an embodiment, in a C-TDMA negotiation architecture (Type I architecture), APs participating in TDMA-based MAP coordination can directly exchange frames within themselves to negotiate TDMA-based MAP coordination. Figure 5 An example of a Type I architecture for C-TDMA is shown in the figure.

[0079] Figure 5 An example architecture for C-TDMA negotiation according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 5 The architecture described herein is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. Figure 5 This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope to any particular implementation.

[0080] refer to Figure 5AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4 form BSS1, BSS2, BSS3, and BSS4, respectively. BSS1 partially overlaps with BSS2, BSS3, and BSS4. A group of APs participating in TDMA-based MAP coordination, including AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4, directly exchange frames with each other to negotiate C-TDMA.

[0081] In an embodiment, a first AP intending to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination may send a C-TDMA request frame to a second AP for TDMA-based MAP coordination. The second AP may be located near the first AP. The TDMA-based MAP coordination may be based on a Type I architecture for C-TDMA negotiation. The first AP initiates negotiation for TDMA-based MAP coordination. The C-TDMA request frame may include various information, including but not limited to i) the capabilities of the APs participating in C-TDMA, ii) the duration of coordination, such as terms like Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) or other terms like Time Synchronization Function (TSF) values, iii) MAP synchronization-related information, and iv) the mode of TDMA-based MAP coordination. The C-TDMA request frame may include information as shown in Table 1.

[0082] Table 1

[0083]

[0084] Referring to Table 1, the C-TDMA request frame includes a category field, an unprotected S1G action field, a session token field, a MAP / TDMA coordination mode field, and a MAP capability information field. The category field indicates the type of action frame associated with the C-TDMA request frame. The unprotected S1G action field indicates the unprotected S1G category associated with the C-TDMA request frame. The session token field includes information identifying the C-TDMA request / response transaction. The MAP / TDMA coordination mode field indicates the degree of coordination. The MAP capability information field indicates information about the MAP's capabilities.

[0085] In this embodiment, after receiving a request frame from the first AP, the second AP may send a C-TDMA response frame to the first AP indicating a response to the received C-TDMA request. When the second AP indicates acceptance of the C-TDMA request, both the first and second APs enter the C-TDMA phase. Table 2 shows the possible formats of the C-TDMA response frame.

[0086] Table 2

[0087]

[0088] Referring to Table 2, the C-TDMA request frame includes a category field, an unprotected S1G action field, a session token field, a MAP / TDMA coordination mode field, and a MAP capability information field. The category field indicates the type of action frame associated with the C-TDMA request frame. The unprotected S1G action field indicates the unprotected S1G category associated with the C-TDMA request frame. The session token field includes information identifying the C-TDMA request / response transaction. The MAP / TDMA coordination mode field indicates the degree of coordination. The MAP capability information field indicates information about the MAP's capabilities.

[0089] Figure 6 An example negotiation scenario for TDMA-based MAP coordination is shown according to an embodiment. Figure 6 The scenes depicted are for explanatory and illustrative purposes. Figure 6 This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope to any particular implementation.

[0090] refer to Figure 6 The example scenario involves AP1, AP2, AP3, and AP4. AP1 sends a first C-TDMA request frame indicating mode-1 to AP2, AP3, and AP4 via multicast. In response, AP2 sends a C-TDMA response frame to AP1 indicating that AP2 rejects the first C-TDMA request. AP3 sends a C-TDMA response frame to AP1 indicating alternating C-TDMA modes-2 and-3. AP4 sends a C-TDMA response frame to AP1 indicating that AP4 accepts the first C-TDMA request indicating modes-1 and-2. Subsequently, AP1 sends a second C-TDMA request frame indicating mode-1 to AP3 and AP4 via multicast. In response, AP3 sends a C-TDMA response frame to AP1 indicating that AP3 accepts the second C-TDMA request regarding mode-1. AP4 sends a C-TDMA response frame to AP1 indicating that AP4 accepts the second C-TDMA request regarding mode-1. Different modes can represent different levels of TDMA-based MAP coordination. Mode-1 can indicate a greater degree of coordination than Mode-2. Mode-2 can indicate a greater degree of coordination than Mode-3, but a smaller degree of coordination than Mode-1.

[0091] In an embodiment, two or more APs may enter the notification phase, which is in... Figure 5Before active negotiation between two or more APs in the architecture shown for C-TDMA negotiation, the first AP intending to initiate TDMA-based MAP coordination with other APs may first send a C-TDMA advertisement frame to identify nearby APs willing to participate in the TDMA-based MAP coordination. After receiving the C-TDMA advertisement frame from the first AP, the second AP may send a C-TDMA ready frame to the first AP indicating its ability to participate in the TDMA-based MAP coordination. The second AP may indicate in the C-TDMA ready frame the coordination modes it supports in its BSS. Possible scenarios for TDMA-based MAP coordination (where the C-TDMA negotiation phase precedes the AP's C-TDMA advertisement frame) are as follows: Figure 7 As shown.

[0092] Figure 7 Another example negotiation scenario for TDMA-based MAP coordination is shown according to an embodiment. Figure 7 The scenes depicted are for explanatory and illustrative purposes. Figure 7 This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope to any particular implementation.

[0093] refer to Figure 7 The example scenario involves the participation of AP1, AP2, and AP4. AP1 sends a C-TDMA advertisement frame to AP2, AP3, and AP4 via multicast. Alternatively, AP1 may broadcast the C-TDMA advertisement frame. In response, AP2 sends a C-TDMA ready frame to AP1 indicating that AP2 is willing to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination. AP3 does not respond to the C-TDMA advertisement frame, for example, but not limited to, indicating that AP3 is unwilling to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination. AP4 sends a C-TDMA ready frame to AP1 indicating that AP4 is willing to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination. Subsequently, AP1 sends a C-TDMA request frame to AP2 and AP4. In response, AP2 and AP4 each send a C-TDMA response frame to AP1, indicating that AP2 and AP4 accept the C-TDMA request. In an embodiment, AP2 and AP4 may simultaneously send a C-TDMA response frame in response to the C-TDMA request frame.

[0094] Figure 8 An example process 800 for MAP C-TDMA negotiation according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 8 The process described in the text is for the purpose of explanation and illustration. Figure 8 This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope to any particular implementation.

[0095] refer to Figure 8Process 800 begins at operation 801. In operation 801, the first AP intends to perform TDMA-based MAP coordination with other APs in the BSS.

[0096] In operation 803, the first AP sends a C-TDMA advertisement frame indicating its intention to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination. The C-TDMA advertisement frame can be sent in a broadcast frame, multicast frame, or unicast frame. If the AP does not receive a C-TDMA ready frame from its neighboring second AP, operation 805 follows operation 803. If the AP does receive a C-TDMA ready frame from its neighboring second AP, operation 807 follows operation 803.

[0097] In operation 805, the first AP may not perform any TDMA-based MAP coordination.

[0098] In operation 807, the first AP sends a C-TDMA request frame to the second AP, wherein the first AP receives a C-TDMA ready frame from the second AP. The C-TDMA request frame may include a trigger frame. If the first AP does not receive a C-TDMA response frame indicating acceptance of C-TDMA from the second AP, operation 809 follows operation 807. If the first AP receives a C-TDMA response frame indicating acceptance of C-TDMA from the second AP, operation 811 follows operation 807.

[0099] In operation 809, the first AP failed to negotiate C-TDMA with the second AP.

[0100] In operation 811, the first AP successfully negotiates C-TDMA with the second AP, and the first AP and the second AP become members of the MAP C-TDMA coordination set.

[0101] The possible formats of C-TDMA notification frames are shown in Table 3.

[0102] Table 3

[0103]

[0104] Referring to Table 3, the C-TDMA notification frame includes a category field, a TDMA coordination mode field, and a MAP capability information field. The category field indicates the type of action frame associated with the C-TDMA request frame. The TDMA coordination mode field indicates the degree of coordination. The MAP capability information field indicates information about the MAP's capabilities.

[0105] Table 4 shows the possible formats of C-TDMA ready frames.

[0106] Table 4

[0107]

[0108] Referring to Table 4, the C-TDMA notification frame includes a category field, an unprotected S1G action field, a TDMA coordination mode field, and a MAP capability information field. The category field indicates the type of action frame associated with the C-TDMA request frame. The unprotected S1G action field indicates the unprotected S1G category associated with the C-TDMA request frame. The TDMA coordination mode field indicates the degree of coordination. The MAP capability information field indicates information about what the MAP can do.

[0109] In this embodiment, in the C-TDMA negotiation architecture (Type II architecture), the C-TDMA negotiation of the AP can be controlled by the C-TDMA central controller. The C-TDMA central controller can perform C-TDMA negotiation. Figure 9 An example of a Type II architecture for C-TDMA is shown in the figure.

[0110] Figure 9 Another example architecture for MAP C-TDMA negotiation according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 9 The architecture described herein is for illustrative and explanatory purposes. Figure 9 This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope to any particular implementation.

[0111] refer to Figure 9 AP1, AP2, and AP3 form BSS1, BSS2, and BSS3, respectively. BSS1 partially overlaps with BSS2 and BSS3. A group of APs (including AP1, AP2, and AP3) participating in TDMA-based MAP coordination is coordinated by the C-TDMA central controller.

[0112] In an embodiment, in a Type II architecture for C-TDMA negotiation, a first AP intends to initiate TDMA-based MAP coordination with other APs. The first AP may send a C-TDMA request frame to the C-TDMA central controller. The C-TDMA central controller may have C-TDMA scheduling for all APs connected to it. Upon receiving a C-TDMA coordination request frame from the first AP, the C-TDMA central controller may send a response frame to the first AP based on the overall network situation. When the C-TDMA central controller accepts the coordination request, it may send C-TDMA coordination information frames to other APs. The C-TDMA central controller may send these frames to APs it discovers as suitable for coordination. The C-TDMA central controller may trigger APs to participate in the TDMA-based MAP coordination initiated by the first AP. Subsequently, APs that receive the C-TDMA coordination information frames from the C-TDMA central controller may send a C-TDMA coordination acknowledgment frame to the C-TDMA central controller as confirmation of receipt.

[0113] Figure 10 An example negotiation scenario for TDMA-based MAP coordination is shown according to an embodiment. Figure 10 The mechanisms described herein are for explanatory and illustrative purposes. Figure 10 This disclosure is not intended to limit the scope to any particular implementation.

[0114] refer to Figure 10 AP1 sends a C-TDMA coordination request frame to AP0. In response, AP0 sends a C-TDMA coordination response frame to AP1, indicating that AP0 accepts the C-TDMA coordination request. Subsequently, AP0 sends C-TDMA coordination information frames to AP2 and AP3 via multicast. In response, AP3 sends a C-TDMA coordination confirmation frame to AP0. AP2 sends a C-TDMA coordination confirmation frame to AP0.

[0115] This disclosure provides mechanisms and processes for TDMA-based MAP coordination, such as distributed AP coordination in which a group of APs coordinate with each other, or centralized AP coordination in which a C-TDMA central controller coordinates other APs.

[0116] According to various embodiments, the first STA requests resources from the AP on behalf of the second STA so that the AP can efficiently allocate time (or TXOP) for pending traffic from the first STA to the second STA or from the second STA to the first STA in its P2P communication so that delay-sensitive traffic can be delivered in a timely manner.

[0117] Processing circuits can be used to implement or execute various descriptive frames, units, modules, components, methods, operations, instructions, items, and algorithms.

[0118] Unless otherwise specified, references to elements in the singular form are not intended to indicate one and only one, but rather one or more. For example, a “one” module can refer to one or more modules. In the absence of further constraints, elements preceded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “the” do not preclude the presence of additional identical elements.

[0119] Titles and subtitles (if any) are used for convenience only and do not limit the technical scope of this subject matter. The term "exemplary" is used to indicate that it is used as an example or illustration. Within the scope of the use of the terms "comprising," "having," "carrying," "including," etc., such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as interpreted when "comprising" is used as a transition word in the claims. Relational terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions.

[0120] Phrases such as aspect, that aspect, on the other hand, some aspects, one or more aspects, implementation, that implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, embodiment, that embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, configuration, that configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, subject matter, disclosure, this disclosure, other variations thereof, etc., are used for convenience and do not imply that disclosures associated with such phrase(s) are essential to the subject matter, or that such disclosures apply to all configurations of the subject matter. Disclosures associated with such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures associated with such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this similarly applies to other foregoing phrases.

[0121] The phrase "at least one of..." preceding a series of items, along with the terms "and" or "or" used to separate any items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase "at least one of..." does not require the selection of at least one item; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one item from any given item, and / or at least one from any combination of items, and / or at least one from each item in the list. For example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0122] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the disclosed steps, operations, or processes is an explanation of exemplary methods. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in a different order. Some steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously, or may be performed as part of one or more other steps, operations, or processes. The appended method claims (if any) present elements of various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order, but this does not imply limitation to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed serially, linearly, in parallel, or in different orders. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software / hardware product or packaged into multiple software / hardware products.

[0123] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concept of the subject matter. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0124] All elements of the various aspects described herein, and all structural and functional equivalents known now or hereafter to those skilled in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims.

[0125] The title, background information, description of the drawings, abstract, and figures are incorporated herein by reference and are provided as illustrative examples rather than as limiting descriptions. It should be understood at the time of filing that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, the description may provide illustrative examples, and various features may be combined in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. The approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosure configuration or operation. The appended claims are incorporated herein by reference, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0126] The embodiments are provided merely as examples for understanding the invention. They are not intended and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Although certain embodiments and examples have been provided, those skilled in the art will understand from the disclosure herein that changes can be made to the illustrated embodiments and examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0127] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims and to include all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to include subject matter that does not meet the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A first access point (AP) in a wireless network, comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: Send a request frame to one or more second APs, the request frame indicating a request to participate in multi-APMAP coordination based on time division multiple access (TDMA), wherein one or more second APs are within the coordination distance of the first AP; and Receive a response frame from at least one second AP, the response frame indicating acceptance of a request to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination.

2. The first AP according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to: Send a notification frame to one or more second APs, the notification frame indicating that the first AP intends to initiate TDMA-based MAP coordination; and Receive one or more ready frames from one or more second APs, the ready frames indicating the ability to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination.

3. The first AP according to claim 2, wherein, Each ready frame includes a coordination mode, which indicates the coordination level supported by the corresponding second AP.

4. An access point (AP) in a wireless network, comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: Receive a request frame from a first AP, the request frame indicating that the first AP intends to initiate multi-AP MAP coordination with one or more second APs based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), wherein one or more second APs are within the coordination distance of the first AP; Send a response frame to the first AP, the response frame indicating acceptance of the request to initiate TDMA-based MAP coordination; Send an information frame to one or more second APs, the information frame triggering one or more second APs to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination initiated by the first AP; and Receive an acknowledgment frame from at least one second AP, the acknowledgment frame indicating that the second AP has received the information frame.

5. The first AP according to claim 1 or the AP according to claim 4, wherein, The response request frame includes the duration of the coordination proposed by the first AP.

6. The AP according to claim 4, wherein, The response frame indicates acceptance of a request to initiate TDMA-based MAP coordination based on the state of the wireless network.

7. The AP according to claim 4, wherein, One or more second APs are determined by the AP based on the capabilities of one or more second APs.

8. A second access point (AP) in a wireless network, comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: A request frame is received from the first AP, the request frame indicating a request to participate in multi-AP MAP coordination based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), wherein the second AP is within the coordination distance of the first AP; and A response frame is sent to the first AP, the response frame indicating acceptance of the request to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination.

9. The first AP according to claim 1, the AP according to claim 4, or the second AP according to claim 8, wherein, The request frame includes a coordination mode that indicates the coordination level recommended by the first AP.

10. The first AP according to claim 1 or the second AP according to claim 8, wherein, The response frame includes a coordination mode, which indicates the coordination level supported by the corresponding second AP.

11. The second AP according to claim 8, wherein, The processor is configured to: Receive a notification frame from the first AP, the notification frame indicating that the first AP intends to initiate TDMA-based MAP coordination; and A ready frame is sent to the first AP, the ready frame indicating the ability to participate in TDMA-based MAP coordination.

12. The second AP according to claim 11, wherein, The ready frame includes a coordination mode, which indicates the coordination level supported by the second AP.

13. The second AP according to claim 8, wherein, The processor is configured to: A third AP receives an information frame, which triggers a second AP to participate in TDMA-based multi-AP coordination initiated by the first AP; and An acknowledgment frame is sent to the third AP, indicating that the second AP has received the information frame.

14. The first AP according to claim 1, the AP according to claim 4, or the second AP according to claim 8, wherein, The first basic service set (BSS) to which the first AP belongs overlaps with one or more second BSSs to which one or more second APs belong.

15. A computer-implemented method performed by a first access point (AP) in a wireless network, the method comprising operations performed by the first AP as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, 5, 9, 10, or 14.

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