NETWORK COMPONENTS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

To provide a network component, system and method.SOLUTION: A processor 102 of a network component 100 generates a first message 106 to a wireless network client to request the wireless network client to report information about wireless networks within a communication range of the wireless network client. The processor assigns a scheduling group to the wireless network client based on the reported information and schedules one or more transmissions in accordance with a first wireless network protocol to the wireless network client in accordance with the scheduling group. The processor further generates a second message 116 to the wireless network client to give an instruction to schedule one or more transmissions in accordance with a second wireless network protocol from the wireless network client in accordance with the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various aspects relate generally to network components, systems, and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] When a high density of wireless networks is deployed in a given area (e.g., due to an enterprise environment and limitations due to available spectrum), wireless communication performance may be affected. The resulting interference may, for example, reduce the transmission rate of one or more of the wireless networks, potentially reducing work efficiency in enterprise use cases. As peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless docking between peripheral devices and mobile workstations such as laptops becomes more prevalent, wireless network density may increase. Currently, there is no robust solution available in enterprises for wireless docking that experiences interference from nearby P2P activities. For example, IEEE 802.11 does not support resource allocation signaling for Communication Collaborative Networks (CCN) or massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) networks, especially hierarchical networks. Currently, an Access Point (AP) can control traffic from / to the AP's (directly connected) clients alone. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0003] It is noted that like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar elements, features, and structures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, rather emphasis is generally placed on illustrating aspects of the present disclosure. In the following description, certain aspects of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary network component of a method in accordance with various aspects. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary system in accordance with various aspects in a schematic communication diagram. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary methodology in accordance with various aspects in a communications diagram. [Figure 4] In accordance with various aspects, exemplary information regarding a wireless network is illustrated in various diagrams. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a field diagram of an exemplary beacon request according to IEEE 802.11, in accordance with various aspects. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a field diagram of an exemplary response to a beacon request according to IEEE 802.11, in accordance with various aspects. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a schematic group diagram of an exemplary system in accordance with various aspects. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an exemplary methodology in accordance with various aspects in a schematic communication diagram. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary performance of a P2P network in accordance with various aspects. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an exemplary network model in accordance with various aspects. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an exemplary network model in accordance with various aspects. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary network and device architecture for wireless communication. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary network and device architecture for wireless communication. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an exemplary device architecture for a client. [Figure 15] As an example of a network component, an exemplary internal configuration of network access is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0004] The following detailed description, using figures, refers to the accompanying drawings, which show specific details and embodiments in which the present disclosure may be implemented. One or more aspects are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to implement the present disclosure. It is understood that other aspects may be utilized, and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The various aspects described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and some aspects may be combined with one or more other aspects to form new aspects. Various aspects are described in the context of a method, and various aspects are described in the context of an apparatus, and vice versa. However, it can be understood that aspects described in the context of a method may also be applied to an apparatus, and vice versa. It is noted that like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to denote the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

[0005] The following describes various steps and details of the method. It can be understood that what is described (e.g., individual steps of the method) can be implemented using hardware (e.g., hard-wired circuits) and / or software (e.g., code segments or entire applications) and vice versa. For example, an application (also called a "program") with a corresponding code segment (e.g., program code) may exist or be provided. The code segment may be executed on a processor and / or using a circuit having a processor. For example, the processor (or the circuit) may be part of a network device or a computing device. For example, the device may have multiple processors that are centrally located in a physically interconnected network or decentrally interconnected by a network (such as wireless or wired). In the same way, the code segment or application can be executed on the same processor or parts thereof can be distributed among several processors that communicate with each other via a network (e.g., wireless or wired). Any other kind of implementation of the respective functions will be described in more detail below and may also be understood to be provided by one or more processors, for example of a control unit.

[0006] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any example or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other examples or designs.

[0007] The term "plurality" or "multiple" in the description or claims expressly denotes a number greater than one. The terms "group," "set," "collection," "series," "sequence," "grouping," and the like in the description or claims expressly denote one or more, i.e., one or more. Any term expressed in the plural form without an express recitation of "plurality" or "multiple" similarly denotes one or more, or more than one.

[0008] For example, the term "processor" as used herein may be understood as any type of entity capable of processing, for example, data, signals, etc., which may be processed according to one or more particular functions that are executed by the processor.

[0009] A processor may therefore be or include, for example, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a mixed-signal circuit, a logic circuit, a processor, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processor unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any combination thereof. Any other type of implementation of the respective functions is described in further detail below and may also be understood as a processor or logic circuit. It is understood that any two (or more) of the processors or logic circuits detailed herein may be implemented as a single entity with equivalent functionality, and conversely, any single processor or logic circuit detailed herein may be implemented as two (or more) separate entities with equivalent functionality. One or more of the method steps detailed herein may be performed (e.g., implemented) by a processor, depending on one or more specific functions performed by the processor.

[0010] The term "system" as detailed herein may be understood as a set of interacting elements, which may be, for example and without limitation, one or more physical components (e.g., processors, transmitters and / or receivers) and / or one or more digital components (e.g., code segments, instructions, protocols). Typically, a system may include one or more functions to be operated (also called "operating functions"), each of which may be controlled to operate the entire system.

[0011] The processor may be configured, for example, by code segments (e.g., software) to control the operation (e.g., sequence of operations, etc.) of a system, e.g., a network, or a portion thereof, e.g., at least one transmission over the network. The processor may thereby implement a controller (e.g., a scheduling controller, e.g., provided as a network component). The controller (e.g., network component) may optionally include a memory that stores code segments that represent, for example, the processing provided by the controller, e.g., control of one or more operational functions. Additionally or alternatively, the memory may store one or more models, criteria, rules, and algorithms, e.g., as detailed herein. It is understood that any two (or more) of the controllers detailed herein may be implemented as a single controller with substantially equivalent functionality, and conversely, any single controller detailed herein may be implemented as two (or more) separate controllers with substantially equivalent functionality. Furthermore, references to a "controller" may refer to two or more controllers that collectively form a single controller.

[0012] As used herein, "memory" (also referred to as "storage") may be understood as a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which data or information can be stored for retrieval. References to "memory" or "storage" contained herein may therefore be understood as references to volatile or non-volatile memory, including, for example, certain types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid state memory, magnetic tape, hard disk drive, optical drive, or any combination thereof. Additionally, for example, registers, shift registers, processor registers, data buffers are also encompassed herein by the term memory. It is understood that a single processor referred to as a "memory" or "memory" may be surrounded by more than one different type of memory, and thus may represent a collective component including one or more types of memory. It is readily understood that any single memory component may be separated into multiple collectively equivalent memory components, and vice versa. Additionally, although a memory may be shown (e.g., in the figures) separately from one or more other components, it is understood that a memory may be integrated within another component, for example, on a common integrated circuit.

[0013] The term "software" refers to any type of executable instructions, including software.

[0014] Various aspects of the present disclosure may utilize or relate to wireless communication technologies. Although some examples refer to particular wireless communication technologies, the examples provided herein may likewise apply to various other wireless communication technologies, both existing and yet to be summarized, particularly where such wireless communication technologies share similar features as disclosed with respect to the examples below.

[0015] According to various aspects, the term "coupled" or "couple" can be understood to mean, for example, a direct or indirect (e.g., communicative and / or electrical) connection and / or interaction. For example, several elements can be coupled together along a communication chain. Along the communication chain, communications (e.g., data) can be transmitted, e.g., exchanged. For example, two coupled entities can exchange data with each other to transmit information. An entity (e.g., a network component, a client, or a network device) that is coupled (e.g., attached) to or by a network can be registered by and / or addressable by the network, e.g., using one or more wireless communication technologies. An entity can have a media access control address (MAC address) assigned to a network interface controller (NIC) for use as a network address in communications within the network. A physical network entity represents an electronic device that is attached to a network and can generate, receive, or transmit information over a communication channel used by the network, e.g., scheduled by a network component.

[0016] In some aspects, the network components may be implemented at various layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model, including the network physical layer, data link layer, and / or network layer, and may be implemented in hardware, devices such as network-enabled devices (e.g., access points), software, or a combination of hardware and software. An access point (AP) may include, for example, a networking hardware device configured to connect one or more other wireless network devices to a wired network. An AP may be configured to connect to a router (via a wired / wireless network) as a stand-alone device, or may alternatively be an integrated component of the router itself.

[0017] In the context of a BSS network (Basic Service Set network, e.g., provided as a Base Station Subsystem Network), an AP refers to a base station and a wireless network client (also called a "client") refers to a client station of the BSS network. The term "basic service sets (BSS)" refers to a subgroup of devices in a service set. These devices operate with the same physical layer and medium access characteristics (i.e., radio frequency, modulation scheme, security settings, etc.) so that they are networked wirelessly. Devices in a basic service set are identified by a basic service set identifier (BSSID).

[0018] When configured in infrastructure mode, a wireless network basic service set (BSS) may include one redistribution point (also called WAP or AP) and one or more client stations (also called clients) associated with (i.e. connected to) the redistribution point. In the IEEE 802.11 example, both types of stations capable of using the IEEE 802.11 protocol are also called STAs. An AP may be provided, for example, by a STA that provides access to a distribution service. In this context, one or more client stations (e.g., other stations and / or user equipment) are called "non-AP-STAs". In the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA) technology, one or more types of non-AP-STAs may be capable of providing their own WPAN services, but are called non-AP-STAs (not APs) to reflect the hierarchical structure of the network.

[0019] Stations in a BSS established in "ad hoc mode" communicate with each other directly, i.e., without relying on or needing a distribution point to relay traffic between them. In this form of peer-to-peer wireless networking, the peers form an independent basic service set (IBSS). One or more of the functions provided by one or more distribution points in infrastructure mode, such as other beaconing functions and defining network parameters, are provided by the "first" station (e.g., the owner) in ad hoc mode. In contrast to infrastructure mode, in ad hoc mode, the "first" station does not relay traffic between other stations. Instead, peers in ad hoc mode communicate with each other directly in ad hoc mode.

[0020] For example, a client may be configured to communicate (e.g., only) with or through the base of a BSS network. A client (also referred to as a non-AP-STA) may be implemented by any physical wireless network-enabled device (also referred to as a "network device") including, for example, software implementing a virtual network device. A network device may include one or more mobile devices and / or one or more fixed devices. Examples of mobile devices include mobile phones, e.g., feature phones or smartphones, wireless message receivers, tablets, laptops, smart watches, among others, and any mix of these device types. Other examples of network devices include wireless headphones, wireless docks, wireless speakers, or other devices capable of coupling to a wireless network.

[0021] Examples of networks described herein may include, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), or a personal area network (PAN), such as a wireless PAN (WPAN), such as a Bluetooth network, or a non-local network (e.g., a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a global area network (GAN)). Distinguishing between transmission types, examples of networks may include a radio network (also called a "wireless network"), a wired network, or any combination thereof (e.g., a hybrid network). For example, a radio network may include or be formed by a cellular radio network (e.g., an IEEE 802.11, a Bluetooth network, or another mobile radio network).

[0022] Further examples of wireless networks may include Ultra Wide Band (UWB) networks, and / or Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). WLANs may be provided according to conventional Zigbee, Bluetooth, WiGig (Wireless Gigabit Alliance) standards, mmWave standards (wireless systems operating at 10-300 GHz or higher, such as WiGig, IEEE 802.11ad, IEEE 802.11ay, etc.), HiperLAN / 2 (High Performance Radio LAN, an alternative 5 GHz standard technology, such as ATM), Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-X (V2X) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) and Infrastructure-to-Vehicle (I2V) communications technologies. Examples of IEEE 802.11 wireless communication standards (also referred to as "IEEE 802.11") may include IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4), IEEE 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), IEEE 802.11a (5 GHz), IEEE 802.11g (2.4 GHz), Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) communication configurations such as Intelligent-Transport-Systems, and other existing, developing, or future wireless communication technologies. As used herein, a first network (e.g., according to a first wireless communication technology) may be different from a second network (e.g., according to a second wireless communication technology), for example, if the first and second wireless communication technologies are based on different communication standards and / or their underlying network protocols (NPs) are different from each other.

[0023] Various aspects described herein may be used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, dedicated licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, (permitted) shared spectrum (e.g., Licensed Shared Access (LSA) in the 2.3-2.4 GHz, 3.4-3.6 GHz, 3.6-3.8 GHz, and additional frequencies, Spectrum Access System (SAS) in the 3.55-3.7 GHz and additional frequencies), IMT-2020 spectrum (3600-3800 GHz, the 3.5 GHz band, the 700 MHz band, bands within the 24.25-86 GHz range, unlicensed spectrum ranges 2.4-2.5 GHz, 5-6 GHz, 6-7 GHz, etc.), FCC's "Spectrum Spectra made available under the "5G Frontier" initiative (27.5-28.35GHz, 29.1-29.25GHz, 31-31.3GHz, 37-38.6GHz, 38.6-40GHz, 42-42.5GHz, 57-64GHz, 64-71GHz, 71-76GHz, 81-86GHz, and 92-94GHz, etc.), Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Wireless communication technologies according to various spectrum management schemes may be used, including bands currently allocated to WiGig, such as WiGig Band 1 (57.24-59.40 GHz), WiGig Band 2 (59.40-61.56 GHz), WiGig Band 3 (61.56-63.72 GHz), and WiGig Band 4 (63.72-65.88 GHz), 70.2 GHz to 71 GHz, any band between 65.88 GHz and 71 GHz, bands currently allocated to vehicle radar applications, such as 76-81 GHz, and future bands including 94-300 GHz and above. Additionally, some aspects described herein may utilize wireless communication technologies based secondarily on bands such as the TV white space band (typically below 790 MHz), with the 400 MHz and 700 MHz bands being promising candidates in particular. In addition to cellular applications, vertical market specific applications can address applications such as Program Making and Special Events (PMSE), medical, health, surgery, automotive, low latency, drones, etc.Additionally, aspects described herein may also employ wireless communication technologies having hierarchical applications based on prioritized access to spectrum, e.g., by introducing a hierarchical priority of usage (e.g., low / medium / high priority, etc.) for different types of users, e.g., highest priority for tier 1 users, then tier 2, then tier 3, etc. The aspects described herein may also employ wireless communication technologies having different single carrier or OFDM types (CP-OFDM, SC-FDMA, SC-OFDM, filter bank-based multicarrier (FBMC), OFDMA, etc.), particularly in 3GPP, New Radio (NR), which assigns OFDM carrier data bit vectors to corresponding symbol resources. Additionally, aspects described herein may also employ wireless communication technologies having "Automatic Frequency Coordination" (AFC) for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure 5 or 7 (U-NII-5 or 7).

[0024] The short-range wireless communication technologies may include Bluetooth, WLAN (e.g., according to any 802.11 standard), and other similar wireless communication technologies. The cellular wide area wireless communication technologies may include Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) (including High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), HSDPA+ (HSDPA Plus), and HSUPA+ (HSUPA Plus)), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) (e.g., according to the IEEE 802.16 wireless communication standard, e.g., WiMax fixed or WiMax mobile), etc., and other similar wireless communication technologies. Cellular wide area wireless communication technologies also include "small cell" such as microcell, femtocell, and picocell technologies. Cellular wide area wireless communication technologies may generally be referred to herein as "cellular" communication technologies.

[0025] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "transmit" encompasses both direct (point-to-point) and indirect transmission (through one or more intermediate points). Similarly, the term "receive" encompasses both direct and indirect reception. Furthermore, the terms "transmit", "receive", "communicate", and other similar terms encompass both physical transmission (e.g., transmission of radio signals) and logical transmission (e.g., transmission of digital data through a logical software-level connection). For example, a processor or controller may transmit or receive data in the form of radio signals through a software-level connection with another processor or controller. Physical transmission and reception may be handled by radio layer components such as RF (radio frequency) transceivers and antennas. Logical transmission and reception may be handled through a software-level connection, for example, executed by a processor or controller. The term "communicate" encompasses transmission and reception in either or both of the incoming and outgoing directions, i.e., in one or both directions. The term "computation" encompasses both "direct" computation, via arithmetic expressions / formulas / relationships, and "indirect" computation, via lookups or hash table and other array index or search operations.

[0026] According to various aspects, the transmission of information (also referred to in at least one aspect as "information transmission" or simply "transmission") may be provided according to one or more network protocols (NPs), e.g., protocols according to the wireless communication technology of the network used for the transmission. The transmission may include, for example, generating and / or transmitting a message including the information according to the NP. The NP may specify an agreement under which a transmission takes place between two or more entities coupled to the network. In its simplest form, the NP may be defined as a set of rules that define the syntax, semantics, and / or synchronization of a transmission. The network protocols (e.g., one or more wireless network protocols) used may be selected according to requirements and may (but need not) be configured according to the Open System Interconnect (OSI) reference model. Any protocol may be used at each protocol layer. For example, the NP may be used according to the Bluetooth protocol or another wireless based communication protocol. For example, the transmission of information via Bluetooth may include generating and / or transmitting a message including the information according to the Bluetooth protocol stack. The Bluetooth protocol stack may optionally be configured according to a low-energy communication protocol stack. For example, the information may be transmitted over Bluetooth low energy. For example, transmitting the information over a WLAN may include generating and / or transmitting a message containing the information according to the WLAN protocol stack.

[0027] In general, messages generated in accordance with NP may be sent and / or transmitted to a recipient (eg, as specified by the message). The message may be addressed to a recipient and / or intermediate recipients.

[0028] Various aspects relate to a hierarchical network architecture that includes at least two separate networks. The hierarchical network architecture includes a division into separate hierarchical layers, each including one or more networks. Each layer or tier in the hierarchy provides a unique function that defines its role in the overall communication chain. In general, the hierarchical network architecture may be used in a communication system, for example, to transmit data to one or more clients of the respective networks, e.g., to one or more devices coupled to one of the networks. As used herein, a client may in some aspects implement a node that is connected to at least two separate hierarchical layers of the hierarchical network architecture.

[0029] Furthermore, scheduling of transmissions (e.g., according to a scheduling scheme) may be applied to each of the networks. With scheduling, transmissions of one or more clients of the same schedule group (e.g., schedule group A) may occur in the same time slot (e.g., time slot A). Clients of a different schedule group (e.g., schedule group A and a different schedule group B) may be configured to transmit in different time slots (e.g., time slots A and B, respectively). This type of scheduling may reduce interference between transmissions. According to various aspects, one or more scheduling groups may be assigned to each client. In the following, for purposes of explanation, reference is made to one of one or more scheduling groups, which is not intended to be limiting. Reference to a scheduling group may equally apply to multiple scheduling groups assigned to a client.

[0030] According to various aspects, a network component may be configured to control the scheduling of transmissions within one of the hierarchical layers (e.g., networks) of the hierarchical network architecture. Further, the network component may be configured, for example, to instruct a client to employ one or more of its transmissions through another layer (e.g., networks) of the hierarchical network architecture. Thus, scheduling information may be provided through one of the clients that couple to both of the individual hierarchical layers (e.g., networks) of the hierarchical network architecture (e.g., as nodes).

[0031] According to various aspects, optimization of spatial and spectrum reuse of multiple short-range peer-to-peer networks (P2P networks) and infrastructure networks is provided to enable high density wireless docking in an enterprise. According to various aspects, existing IEEE 802.11 protocols may be used to trigger measurements, collect spatial data, and / or control P2P network parameters and time allocation with minimal wireless capacity overhead. The mechanisms provided may be scalable for multi-AP environments. Flow and interference mapping awareness and overall throughput delay and / or jitter optimization in environments with multiple schedulable short-range P2P networks is provided, including, for example, flow and grouping processing.

[0032] According to various aspects, a network component configured as described herein may be sniffed to detect control over a P2P network to which a client is coupled.

[0033] In the following, reference is made to specific aspects of networks, their protocols, and messages sent over the networks. In the same exemplary embodiment, implementations according to IEEE 802.11ax, Revisions A and B may be used. Future IEEE 802.11 standards may also be used for implementations that may add, for example, further P2P triggered capabilities.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates in a schematic flow diagram an exemplary network component 100 of a method according to various aspects. The network component 100 may include one or more processors 102 configured to execute the method (e.g., in the order indicated by the dashed arrows), e.g., multiple times. The method may include a step 101 of generating a first message 106 (also referred to as a "request message" 106) for a wireless network client. The request message 106 may include a request (e.g., for the wireless network client) to report information about wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client (also referred to as a "requested client"). The request message 106 may be transmitted to the requested client via a communication connection between the requested client and the network component 100, e.g., via the first wireless network, e.g., according to the NP of the first wireless network.

[0035] The method may further include a step 103 (also referred to as grouping 103) of assigning a scheduling group (e.g., schedule group A or schedule group B) of the plurality of scheduling groups to a wireless network client based on the information. The plurality of scheduling groups may include more than two, e.g., 3 or more, e.g., 4 or more, e.g., 5 or more, e.g., 10 or more, e.g., 20 or more, e.g., 30 or more, e.g., 50 or more, e.g., 100 or more scheduling groups. The number of clients (exemplarily shown here as n and m) assigned to each of the scheduling groups may be, e.g., 1 or more, e.g., 2 or more, e.g., 3 or more, e.g., 4 or more, e.g., 5 or more, e.g., 10 or more, e.g., 20 or more, e.g., 30 or more, e.g., 50 or more, e.g., 100 or more. Each of the grouped 103 clients may, for example, be communicatively coupled to the first wireless network (e.g., to its BSSID).

[0036] The method may further include a step 105 (also referred to as generating a schedule) of scheduling one or more transmissions according to the first NP (e.g., a protocol according to the first wireless network) for the wireless network clients according to the schedule group assigned to the wireless network clients. The first wireless network may be part of or form a communication connection between each of the clients (e.g., requested clients) and the network component 100. The first wireless network may be implemented, for example, as a network according to IEEE 802.11, e.g., in infrastructure mode, or as another wireless BSS network.

[0037] Scheduling 105 may include allocating to each of the scheduling groups at least one time slot of the transmission period 111. With reference to IEEE 802.11, a time slot may represent a transmit opportunity (TxOP) allocated to a scheduling group and its members, e.g., clients and / or other network devices. A time slot may define an amount of time (for purposes of explanation, a transmit grant) that a scheduling group and its members are allowed to transmit frames to the network component 100 and / or to each other using the first wireless network.

[0038] According to various aspects, the transmission period 111 may be divided into time slots according to the groupings. For example, the number of time slots in the transmission period 111 may be equal to (or greater than) the number of schedule groups in the plurality of schedule groups.

[0039] The transmission period 111 may be repeated, for example, continuously and / or in a loop 117. That is, the requested client may be configured to communicate (e.g., to transmit one or more messages) over the first wireless network in (e.g., only) those time slots (also referred to as slots) that are assigned to a scheduling group of the multiple scheduling groups that is assigned to the requested client. Similarly, the grouped 103 clients may be configured to communicate (e.g., to transmit one or more messages) over the first wireless network in (e.g., only) those time slots that are assigned to a scheduling group of the multiple scheduling groups that is assigned to the respective client.

[0040] In this example, time slot A (also referred to as “slot A”) is assigned to schedule group A, and time slot B (also referred to as “slot B”) is assigned to schedule group B. Thus, each of the clients assigned to schedule group A may be configured to communicate in (e.g., only) slot A over the first wireless network. Similarly, each of the clients assigned to schedule group B may be configured to communicate in (e.g., only) slot B over the first wireless network.

[0041] The method may further include generating 107 a second message 116 (also referred to as an "instruction message" 116) to the requested client based on (e.g., in response to) the report returned from the requested client. The instruction message 116 may include instructions to schedule one or more transmissions according to a second wireless network protocol (e.g., a protocol according to the second wireless network) from the requested client according to a schedule group assigned to the requested client. For example, each of the clients may be coupled to a respective second wireless network that is scheduled based on the instruction message 116 sent to the respective client.

[0042] The (or each) second wireless network may be separate (e.g., different) from the communication connection between one or more clients and network component 100. The (or each) second wireless network may be part of a different (e.g., lower) hierarchical layer than the hierarchical layer containing the first wireless network. The second wireless network may be implemented, for example, as a network conforming to IEEE 802.11, e.g., in ad-hoc mode, as a Bluetooth network or another network capable of providing peer-to-peer (P2P) connectivity.

[0043] P2P devices (e.g., WLAN Direct devices) such as network devices 214a-214f may communicate by establishing a P2P network connection similar to a traditional WLAN infrastructure network. A device that implements an AP-like function in a P2P network connection may be referred to as a P2P Group Owner (P2P-GO), and a device that acts as a peer in a P2P network connection may be referred to as a P2P Client.

[0044] For illustrative purposes, a requested client may be referred to as Client 1, which is assigned as a result of the grouping to scheduling group A. Client 1 may be instructed to communicate over the first and second wireless networks in slots A as assigned to scheduling group A. Thus, transmissions received by or transmitted from Client 1 over the first wireless network and / or over the second network may occur in (e.g., only) timeslot A (for purposes of illustration, inter-network scheduling synchronization).

[0045] The first and second wireless networks may (but need not) differ from each other in underlying network radio communication technologies. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second wireless networks may (but need not) differ from each other in underlying network protocols (also referred to as first and second network protocols) over which respective transmissions are transmitted.

[0046] In some aspects, the first wireless network may have a wider communication range (also referred to as network range) than the second wireless network. As a result, the first wireless network may overlap, for example, with more other networks than the second wireless network, or with each of the second wireless networks. In accordance with at least one aspect, the first wireless network may overlap with each of the second wireless networks, as described further herein.

[0047] As used herein, the range (also referred to as communication range) of a wireless network may be understood as the maximum range that is determined by (e.g., only) the attenuation of radio transmissions (e.g., by radio waves), e.g., in the air (e.g., along line of sight). For example, the range may be increased by increasing the power and / or reducing the frequency used for the transmission. That is, the power and / or frequency of the radio waves indicate the network range. In contrast, environmental parameters that impair transmission, e.g., radio barriers or interference, do not change the maximum range (e.g., it is independent of the environment).

[0048] In some aspects, the scheduling of the first wireless network may be under the control of network component 100. Based on command message 116, the scheduling of the second wireless network may be under the control of network component 100. The or each client may implement a negotiator for scheduling of the second wireless network (to which the client is coupled) by network component 100.

[0049] For example, the network component 100 may include or be part of an access point (AP). The AP may include a wireless transmitter (Tx) and / or a wireless receiver (Rx), e.g., as part of a transceiver, to provide a first wireless network. The transceiver may include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. The AP may include a wired transmitter and / or a wired receiver, e.g., to provide a wired network. Optionally, the AP may forward at least a portion of logical communications between the first wireless network and the wired network.

[0050] In some aspects, network component 100 may include or be part of a base station controller (BSC) or another controller of the first wireless network. According to at least one aspect, network component 100 may include or be part of a companion scheduling device.

[0051] In an example implementation, the network component 100 may be configured to perform the method for each of one or more clients, such as for each client coupled to the first wireless network. Additionally or alternatively, the network component 100 may be configured to perform the method when transmission of the request message 106 is initiated or vice versa.

[0052] The rate (e.g., frequency) and / or number of times the method may be initiated for each of the one or more clients may be treated individually or may be the same for at least two (e.g., each) of the one or more clients. Additionally or alternatively, execution of the method may be triggered by an event (also referred to as a triggering event), examples of events are provided herein.

[0053] To illustrate, the network component 100 may be configured to control scheduling of the second wireless network via the client based on the instruction message 116. The client may, in some aspects, act as an interface between the first and second wireless networks and may automatically adapt to the second wireless network according to the instruction message 116. For example, scheduling of the first wireless network may be transferred to the second wireless network via the client (e.g., inter-network scheduling synchronization).

[0054] In some aspects, the network component 100 may be configured to direct (e.g., in addition to transmission time) the allocation of one or more other network resources of the or each second wireless network via the instruction message 116, e.g., in a manner similar to scheduling. Examples of the one or more other network resources include a transmission rate, a transmission channel, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), among others.

[0055] Optionally, the network component 100 may be configured to negotiate the scheduling with the client, for example by exchanging one or more negotiation messages after the instruction message 116. The one or more negotiation messages may be configured to effect the scheduling negotiation. For illustrative purposes, the client may optionally participate in the scheduling of the first and second wireless networks.

[0056] For purposes of explanation, the following refers to the network component 100 being implemented by an AP 202 providing a first wireless network. References to an access point (AP) 202 may apply to other implementations of the network component 100 as well as to a first wireless network provided by multiple access points 202 (e.g., providing a mesh). In some aspects, one or more of the APs 202 may implement the network component 100. For example, multiple APs 202 may be configured to provide a wireless network mesh, where one or more of the APs 202 may be implemented by the network component 100.

[0057] 2 illustrates in a schematic communication diagram an example system 200 in accordance with various aspects. The system 200 includes one or more access points 202 (eg, implemented by a network component 200) and one or more clients 212a-212f.

[0058] For example, each of the one or more clients 212a-212f may include a first wireless transmitter (Tx) and / or a first wireless receiver (Rx) configured to couple to a first wireless network, and further, each of the one or more clients 212a-212f may include a second wireless transmitter (Tx) and / or a second wireless receiver (Rx) configured to couple to or provide a second wireless network.

[0059] In some aspects, the first wireless network 211 may be implemented as a BSS network (e.g., in infrastructure mode according to IEEE 802.11) and the second wireless networks 216a and 216f may be implemented as peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. References to P2P networks 216a-216f and BSS networks may apply equally to other configurations of the respective networks. For example, a WPAN may be another example of the second wireless networks 216a-216f.

[0060] A peer-to-peer network (P2P network) may be understood as a distributed application architecture that partitions tasks or workloads among peers. Peers may, in some aspects, be equally entitled and equal participants in an application. Peers may be configured to form a peer-to-peer network of nodes. For example, in a P2P network, interconnected nodes (peers) may share resources among each other without the use of a central management system.

[0061] Here, one or more of the clients 212a-212f may be implemented by a device (e.g., a laptop) that is dockable to a respective network device 214a-214f, which for purposes of explanation is implemented by a device (e.g., a docking station, a docking station that includes a monitor). References to a laptop and to a docking station may apply to other configurations of the components of the system 200 as well.

[0062] 2, the system 200 may include multiple P2P pairs 216a-216f (exemplary herein referred to as docking#1-docking#6). Each P2P pair may include at least one of one or more laptops 212a-212f and at least one docking station 214a-214f, which are communicatively coupled to one another by one of the P2P networks 216a-216f. The P2P pairs may differ from one another in their P2P networks, their laptops 212a-212f, and / or their docking stations 214a-214f.

[0063] For example, a first P2P pair 212a, 214a, 216a may include a first laptop 212a and a first docking station 214a, which are communicatively coupled to each other by a first P2P network 216a. Similarly, a second P2P pair 212b, 214b, 216b may include a second laptop 212b and a second docking station 214b, which are communicatively coupled to each other by a second P2P network 216b. Thus, an nth P2P pair may include an nth laptop and an nth docking station, which are communicatively coupled to each other by an nth P2P network. The number "n" of a P2P pair may be, for example, greater than 2, for example greater than 5, for example greater than 10, for example greater than 20, for example greater than 50, for example greater than 100.

[0064] The configuration of system 200 may differ (e.g., change over time) from the illustrated embodiment, e.g., have more or fewer clients 212a-212f (e.g., per P2P pair), more or fewer P2P pairs, more or fewer P2P networks 216a-216f, and / or more or fewer network devices 214a-214f (e.g., per P2P pair). For example, not all of one or more of clients 212a-212f may be communicatively coupled to network devices 214a-214f, as may each of network devices 214a-214f. For example, at least one of one or more of clients 212a-212f may be disconnected from or connected to network devices 214a-214f or BSS network 211 to change the configuration of system 200.

[0065] As one example (e.g., upon a triggering event), at least one of the one or more clients 212a-212f may change the configuration of the system 200, such as by coupling to the BSS network 211 and / or to the P2P networks 216a-216f. As a further example (e.g., upon a triggering event), at least one of the one or more clients 212a-212f may change the configuration of the system 200, such as by disconnecting from the BSS network 211 and / or from the P2P networks 216a-216f.

[0066] As another example (e.g., upon a trigger event), at least one of the one or more network devices 214a-214f may change the configuration of the system 200, such as by disconnecting from the BSS network 211 and / or from the P2P networks 216a-216f. As a further example (e.g., upon a trigger event), at least one of the one or more network devices 2142a-214f may change the configuration of the system 200, such as by coupling to the BSS network 211 and / or to the P2P networks 216a-216f.

[0067] As yet another example (e.g., upon a triggering event), at least one of the one or more P2P pairs 216a-216f may change the configuration of the system 200, for example, by disassociating a client 212a-212f of the P2P pair 216a-216f from a respective network device 214a-214f of the P2P pair 216a-216f (also referred to as "unpairing" or "undocking"). As yet another example (e.g., upon a triggering event), at least one of the one or more P2P pairs 216a-216f may change the configuration of the system 200, for example, by coupling a client 212a-212f to a non-coupled network device 214a-214f via the P2P network (also referred to as "pairing" or "docking"). Pairing may include, for example, a coupling request (e.g., upon a triggering event). Unpairing may include, for example, a disassociation request (e.g., upon a triggering event).

[0068] More generally, examples of triggering events include a change in a communication coupling (also referred to as a coupling change) or a request to change a communicative coupling of a laptop. The request and / or coupling change (e.g., by coupling or uncoupling) may be in accordance with the BSS network 211 and / or in accordance with the P2P networks 216a-216f. For example, the coupling change may be between a laptop and a docking station or between a laptop and an AP 202. For example, the laptop may report (e.g., automatically) a request to communicatively couple a coupling or monitor to the AP 202.

[0069] The network devices 214a-214f have been referred to as docking stations (also referred to as displays). Typically, the network devices 214a-214f may be configured to communicate over the P2P networks 216a-216f, for example, including a transmitter that provides communication over the P2P networks 216a-216f. More general examples of the network devices 214a-214f include peripheral devices, mobile devices, smart devices, gaming devices, and the like.

[0070] Examples of peripherals include input devices (which provide input capabilities to clients) such as mice, keyboards, graphics tablets, image scanners, barcode readers, game controllers, light pens, light guns, microphones, digital cameras, webcams, monitors, dance pads, read-only memories, among others. Other examples of peripherals include output devices (which provide output capabilities to clients) such as monitors, projectors, printers, headphones, computer speakers, among others. Further examples of peripherals include input / output devices (which provide input and output capabilities to clients) such as computers, data storage devices (e.g., disk drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, tape drives, etc.), digital watches, multifunction keyboards, head mounted displays, touch displays, among others.

[0071] It may be appreciated that the roles of the laptop and docking station in the communication chain may be reversed. That is, the docking station may be a client in the BSS network 211 and a peer in the P2P networks 216a-216f, while the laptop may be configured to pair with a monitor via the P2P networks 216a-216f (e.g., only be a peer in the P2P networks 216a-216f). Similarly, the docking station or the laptop may be a P2P-GO.

[0072] An exemplary configuration as shown in FIG. 2 may describe an enterprise scenario, where optimization of spatial reuse can benefit from proper multi-user grouping as detailed herein. According to one example, management of wireless docking with spatial awareness in an enterprise is enabled as detailed herein, for example, taking into account knowledge of possible interference between P2P networks 216a-216f and / or their interference with the BSS network 211. Mechanisms are provided to learn spatial maps and support the AP 202 in collecting data regarding interference and optimizing spatial reuse, where multiple short-range P2P networks exist in its vicinity.

[0073] 3 illustrates an example method according to various aspects in a communication diagram 300 illustrating a sequence of transmissions over time 301. For purposes of explanation below, reference is made to a request message 106 that includes a request for a beacon report. Reference to a beacon report may equally apply to other implementations of the request message 106. Examples of implementing a request may include one or more of the following: a channel loading report, a request for access capabilities, a request for access priority, a request for a neighbor report, and / or another request to perform one or more measurements of wireless networks within range.

[0074] For example, the request of the request message 106 (e.g., its configuration) may be defined by the first wireless network protocol, such as its length, field format, data type, etc. This allows the method to be used without modifying the first wireless network protocol, e.g., if it is a standardized network protocol. For example, the first wireless network protocol may be a network protocol conforming to IEEE 802.11.

[0075] As shown in diagram 300, network component 100 may be configured to send a request message 106 to each of a plurality of clients, e.g., at least three clients (in this example, Laptop#1-Laptop#3). Each of the plurality of clients may be configured to respond to the request message 106 with another message 306 (also referred to as a report message 306) that includes the requested report. The pair of request message 106 and report message 306 may be in sequence for the plurality of clients. For example, network component 100 may be configured to send the request message 106 to a next client in response to receiving report message 306 (e.g., a trigger event). Additionally or alternatively, network component 100 may be configured to send the request message 106 in response to one or more other trigger events, as described in more detail herein.

[0076] If the requested client accepts the request for a beacon report (also called a "beacon request"), the requested client may be configured to respond with a report message 306 that includes a Radio Measurement Report frame that includes at least one Beacon Report element for each Basic Service Set Identification (BSSID) for which the client detects a beacon or probe response. For each beacon network within range, the beacon report may include one or more of the following Beacon Report elements: channel number, channel band, actual measurement start time, measurement period, physical layer type (also called PHY Type), its BSSID, its received channel power indicator (RCPI), one or more timing synchronization functions, beacon interval, and capability information.

[0077] If the requested client accepts the request for channel load (also called a "channel load request"), the requested client may respond with a report message 306 that includes a radio measurement report frame that includes at least one channel load report element. The channel load report element may specify the channel busy condition from the client's perspective of what happened on a specified channel, as indicated by, for example, the channel busy fraction. Examples of channel load report elements may include the channel number, the channel bandwidth, the actual measurement start time, the measurement period, and the channel busy fraction.

[0078] Similarly, the neighbor report may include information as to whether a peer or access point is within range of the requested client.

[0079] In an example implementation, the or each client (e.g., wireless station) may be configured to request one or more network resources from the AP 202. The request and the implementation of the network protocol may in some aspects be influenced by definitions in the standard and may require a dedication of a bit in the client's operational capabilities that indicates when a wireless dock connection is required (e.g., as a result of discovery of a P2P network 216a-216f).

[0080] 4 diagrammatically illustrates exemplary information regarding wireless networks within communication range of a wireless network client in respective RCPI diagrams 400a, 400b that a requested client may report. For example, the information may include measurement indications received from or by one or more wireless networks within communication range of the requested client. Examples of measurement indications may include received channel power indications (RCPI), received signal strength indications (RSSI), and / or received signal to noise indicators (RSNI), among others. The measurement indications (e.g., RCPI, RSNI, or RSSI) may be in accordance with a BSS network protocol, e.g., in accordance with IEEE 802.11.

[0081] Providing the RCPI may include measuring, by the client, the received radio frequency power on a selected channel throughout the proamble and the received frame. Providing the RSSI may include measuring, by the client, the power present in the received wireless signal. Providing the RSSI may include measuring, by the client, the signal-to-noise-and-interference ratio present for the received wireless signal.

[0082] For purposes of explanation, reference will be made here to RCPI as the information being reported. References to RCPI may equally apply to other types of information outlined herein, such as RSSI and / or RSNI.

[0083] In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 4, a first client 212a may report an RCPI 400a indicating, for example, high channel power on channel 2, medium channel power on channel 5, and low power on channels 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7. In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 4, a second client 212b may report an RCPI 400b indicating, for example, high channel power on channel 1, medium channel power on channel 6, and low power on channels 2-5 and 7. For example, the first client 212a may communicate over the first P2P network 216a using channel 1. For example, the second client 212b may communicate over the second P2P network 216b using channel 2.

[0084] A channel (also called a communication channel) may be understood as a pair or band of unique radio frequencies, for example named by a letter, a number (here 1 to 7), or a code word and / or assigned by international agreement. Each channel may have a specific capacity for transmitting information, measured for example by its bandwidth in Hz (Hertz) or its data rate (for example in bits per second). For example, a network according to IEEE 802.11 may use 13 channels in 5 MHz steps from 2412 MHz (Megahertz) to 2484 MHz.

[0085] Based on measurement indications received from or by one or more wireless networks within communication range of the or each client, the network component 100 may determine a network model (also referred to as an environmental network model). The network model (NM) may represent the use of radio frequencies (e.g., channels) by a second wireless network that is within range of one or more requested clients and / or within range of the first wireless network.

[0086] Similarly, radio frequency usage may be determined based on RSNI and / or RSSI. Additionally or alternatively, other metrics may be used that provide various types of information regarding one or more wireless networks within communication range of the client.

[0087] Examples of information reported and / or implemented by the network model may include channel, subcarrier phase, spatial distribution (e.g., range and / or accessibility), transmission rate, BSSID, one or more entities connected to each wireless network, time and / or duration of each wireless network, etc. The above information may be applied to each second wireless network within range of at least one of the one or more clients.

[0088] As described in further detail herein, the grouping may optionally be based on a network model. For example, the network component 100 may determine a parameter (also referred to as an interference parameter) that represents an amount of interference between the P2P networks 216a-216f that are within range of the client or each client. If the interference parameter meets a predetermined (e.g., stored) criterion, for two P2P pairs of P2P networks 216a-216f, the clients of the two P2P pairs are assigned to different schedule groups. For illustrative purposes, the interference parameter may represent an amount of overlap between the two P2P networks 216a-216f.

[0089] In one implementation, the RCPI may be used as an interference parameter. For example, if two P2P networks 216a-216f are interfering in the same channel, the respective clients are assigned to different schedule groups. Additionally or alternatively, the interference parameters may include one or more of the above-mentioned indicators. Additional information about the network environment may improve the accuracy of the network model and thus optimize the grouping. Since WLAN networks implement collision detection and LBT (Listen Before Talk) with RCPI thresholds determined by regulatory agencies and 802.11, comparing the RCPI of a peer to a threshold may be insufficient, although it is a primary function indicating the network's ability to achieve sufficient spatial resolution. If the RCPI is lower than the threshold, the secondary criterion may be the transmission rate, etc.

[0090] In another example, the network model may indicate reserved capacity according to the P2P networks 216a-216f and / or a periodicity of medium access according to the P2P networks 216a-216f. For example, the interference parameters may also include reserved capacity and / or a periodicity of medium access, which increases the amount of information about the network environment available.

[0091] Similarly, the or each AP providing BSS network 211 may optionally be configured to provide one or more of the above types of information about wireless networks within its communication range, increasing the amount of information available about the network environment.

[0092] In an example implementation, the AP 202 may be configured to determine a spatial map as a network model by aggregating measurements by its own receivers (Rx) and by aggregating reports from one or more clients under its control, for example using a BSS network protocol such as neighbor reports (e.g., using the IEEE 802.11 protocol). Additionally or alternatively, the AP 202 may be configured to send a beacon report request to one or more clients under its control requesting one or more of the clients (e.g., each of the clients) to report other measurements (e.g., soundings for its peers) of neighboring network devices 214a-214f (e.g., docks) that are transmitting RCPI and P2P-GO beacons.

[0093] FIG. 5 illustrates an example beacon request according to IEEE 802.11 in a field diagram 500 illustrating a measurement request field format for a beacon request in accordance with various aspects.

[0094] FIG. 6 illustrates an example response to a beacon request (also referred to as a "beacon response") according to IEEE 802.11 in a field diagram 600 illustrating a measurement report field format for a beacon response in accordance with various aspects.

[0095] FIG. 7 illustrates an example system 200 in a schematic grouping 700 in accordance with various aspects.

[0096] 7, one or more schedule groups are assigned to two or more laptops, respectively. As shown, the laptops 212a, 212f at docking #1 and docking #6 are assigned to schedule group A, and the laptops 212a-212f, 212c, 212d at docking #3 and docking #4 are assigned to schedule group B.

[0097] 7, one or more schedule groups are assigned to at most one laptop. For example, laptop 212b in docking #2 is assigned to schedule group C, and laptop 212e in docking #5 is assigned to schedule group D.

[0098] For simplicity of the example, we will assume that only laptops are communicating with AP 202, i.e., via BSS network 211. However, as noted above, the roles of laptop and docking station may be reserved, i.e., a client of BSS network 211 may be any one of the P2P pairs, e.g., a laptop or a docking station, or both, or neither.

[0099] The AP 202 may be configured to determine a network model based on the laptop's response message 306 and optionally based on additional data other than RSSI and / or RCPI reported by the beacon report. This may contribute to better spatial and interference mapping. The AP 202 may be configured to request such additional data, for example via the request message 106. For example, the request message 106 may include instructions to perform P2P sounding (e.g., as is done for beamforming), resulting in additional data on the channel between the peers. Additionally or alternatively, the request message 106 may include instructions to perform sounding of other links based on already scheduled, schedule group triggered transmissions. Additionally or alternatively, the request message 106 may include instructions to respond with dummy transmissions, for example, from one or more candidate P2P peers.

[0100] The AP 202 may be configured to continually adapt the grouping, for example, in response to a new link joining (e.g., by joining) as a triggering event and / or a link leaving (e.g., by disconnecting) as a triggering event. In this case, when the AP 202 requests a particular schedule group, all other clients may be configured to perform signal-to-noise (SNR) and / or channel estimation. These may be fed back to the AP 202, in addition to elements of the beacon report, to further refine the network model, grouping decisions, and / or station parameters (e.g., Tx power, beamforming, modulation and coding scheme (MSC)).

[0101] In this method, the AP 202 may be configured to group the P2P networks 216a-216f and, optionally, allocate resources based on client requests while attempting to minimize / optimize spatial interference between clients by assigning certain clients that are part of the small cell P2P network to multi-user groups. Each of the scheduling groups may include or be formed from members with sufficient spatial separation to optimize congestion and interference across the P2P networks. The grouping algorithm may be implementation specific in some aspects.

[0102] 7 may be applicable to an office environment under the coverage of one or more APs 202. The APs 202 may be configured to receive (e.g., collect) one or more beacon reports and, optionally, sense the signal strength of their own clients via sensors in the APs 202. Additionally, the APs 202 may be configured to determine how and whether P2P pairs are assigned to schedule groups, e.g., four multi-use P2P groups A-D.

[0103] It may be appreciated that the AP 202 may be configured to regroup the system 200 in response to a triggering event. The regrouping may include changing a scheduling group assigned to at least one client and / or changing the number of scheduling groups (e.g., when a client disconnects from the BSS network 211). In response to the regrouping, the AP 202 may reschedule one or more (e.g., each) of the clients.

[0104] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method in a communication diagram 800 according to various aspects, showing a sequence of transmissions over time 301, where an example of scheduling of transmissions (according to frames) according to a BSS network protocol and a P2P network protocol is shown. The communication diagram 800 shows an excerpt of a transmission period 111 in which a number of transmission slots A-C (also called slots) can be found. In this example, slot A is assigned to schedule group A, slot B is assigned to schedule group B, and slot C is assigned to schedule group C. As a result of the scheduling, slots of the transmission period 111 may be assigned to each of the schedule groups (resulting from the grouping) or to each client of the schedule group. The schedule groups may differ from each other based on the slots assigned to them. Clients of the same schedule group may share common slots assigned to them. Similarly, clients of different schedule groups may differ from each other based on the slots assigned to them.

[0105] For ease of understanding, components assigned to a schedule group, e.g., one or more P2P pairs assigned to a schedule group, clients assigned to a schedule group, and network devices assigned to a schedule group, have slots assigned to them and are also referred to as the P2P pairs of a slot, the clients of a slot, and the network devices of a slot.

[0106] In each of slots A-C, network component 100a may be configured to generate a trigger message 802a-802c (also referred to as a "trigger uplink") to one or more clients of the slot. In response, one or more clients of the slot may be configured to transmit data 804a-804c over BSS network 211 during the slot.

[0107] Additionally, each transmission block 804a-804c of slots A-C may include an instruction message 116 to each of the clients of the slot. Scheduling of transmissions (e.g., by a client) over the P2P network in the slot may be in response to receiving the transmission block 804a-804c of the slot. For example, each client of the slot may be configured to control the scheduling of transmissions over its respective P2P network 216a-216f to which the client is coupled in accordance with the scheduling of the slot.

[0108] The slotted clients and / or network components 100 may be configured to acknowledge the transmissions 804a-804c during each of the slots over the BSS network 211. Similarly, the slotted clients and / or slotted network devices 214a-214f may be configured to acknowledge 816a, 816b, 826a, 826b, the transmissions 804a-804c during each of the slots over the P2P networks 216a-216f.

[0109] For each acknowledgement 806a, 806b, 816a, 816b, 826a, 826b, the respective component (e.g., a slot's client, a slot's network device, or a network component) may be configured to generate an acknowledgement message 806a, 806b, 816a, 816b, 826a, 826b to the source of the transmission 804a-804c. In the exemplary communication diagram 800, the acknowledgement message 806a, 806b, 816a, 816b, 826a, 826b may include a block acknowledgement (also referred to as a BACK or BA). The acknowledgement message 806a, 806b, 816a, 816b, 826a, 826b may acknowledge a transmission block 804a-804c that includes one or more protocol data units (PDUs). Each PDU may include network protocol specific control information and user data. For example, the acknowledgement messages 806a, 806b may include at least one acknowledgement indicator (eg, a bit) for each PDU in the transmission blocks 804a-804c, among others.

[0110] The transmission blocks 804a-804c may include separately assigned resource units (RUs), which may represent a unit in orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) terminology used in 802.11ax WLANs to represent a group of subcarriers (tones) used in both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) transmission directions.

[0111] 9 illustrates an exemplary performance of P2P networks 216a-216f in graph 900, where the throughput (TPT, which is the rate of information transferred) in megabits per second (Mbps) of transmissions over the P2P networks 216a-216f is shown against Tx power in decibel milliwatts (dBM). Graph 901 illustrates performance according to various aspects, for example achieved by applying the present method. Graph 903 illustrates conventional performance, for example subject to inter-network interference. For example, graph 900 may correspond to a Wi-Fi 6 environment with P2P wireless docking on a 20 megahertz channel.

[0112] For example, the maximum achievable TPT 901 for each P2P cell in an enterprise environment can be more than 400% of the conventional TPT 903.

[0113] According to various aspects, a "next hop" (for purposes of illustration, inter-network scheduling synchronization) of resource allocation (e.g., transmission / reception by a serving entity to other unconnected entities) is provided for establishing a Wireless Collaborative Network (WCN), for example, according to IEEE 802.11ax and IEEE 802.11be (e.g., contributions and drafts). The provided mechanisms can aid in wireless docking, for example, by enabling efficient spectrum sharing of an infrastructure network and multiple wireless docking stations.

[0114] According to various aspects, the method (e.g., implemented by an AP) includes controlling a resource allocation mechanism of a Wireless Collaborative Network (WCN). The allocation mechanism may be simplified in some cases, for example when the P2P network is limited to very short-range peers, such as a laptop and its peer docking station (also called a "dock"). For the sake of illustration, the latter can be assumed to be similar to the dock environment of its peers' laptops. Since the dock is not necessarily a member of the BSS network, data collection from the dock, if necessary, may complicate the solution.

[0115] For example, a mechanism may control airtime and congestion of one or more P2P network shared spectrum in an underlying network managed by, for example, Extremely High Throughput (EHT) access points conforming to IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) or IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) by scheduling P2P traffic using extensions to trigger frames.

[0116] The processes or protocols necessary to enable an AP to schedule and control P2P traffic for multiple P2P networks may be provided (e.g., adapted) according to requirements for optimizing spatial reuse and airtime usage, for example.

[0117] Further aspects applicable to the above examples are described below.

[0118] As part of the spatial optimization provided by the AP 202, the AP 202 may be configured to optimize its own use of transmit opportunity (TxOP) period and trigger interval, and may be configured to instruct the P2P pair on Tx power backoff and any constraints on transmission rate (PHY rate) and / or MCS. This may provide for achieving an optimal tradeoff between spatial isolation and channel utilization.

[0119] The above mechanism may be extended to a scenario with multiple APs 202 covering an area by having the APs communicate with each other to share spatial data collection and adjust their scheduling mapping accordingly.

[0120] AP202 may be configured to periodically (or upon new associations or roaming of stations under its control, or following notification of a docked state from one of its clients) sense one or more P2P-GO beacons and RSSI from its associated clients (also called stations), and may be configured to combine the sensed data with beacon reports and any other (e.g., sounding) reports collected from the associated clients. Based on the data and / or reports, AP202 may be configured to perform grouping or update the grouping results to optimize spatial reuse.

[0121] The AP 202 may be configured in some aspects to implement additional controls to optimize spatial and radio time reuse of the hierarchical network architecture. Examples of additional controls may include Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) resource unit allocation to enable simultaneous transmission of P2P pairs utilizing spectral separation, scheduling of one or more P2P transmissions in other ways than directly triggered, such as delivery of a transmission schedule to each P2P network and / or respective client under its control (e.g., scheduling map as defined in IEEE 802.1Q, time synchronization as defined in IEEE 802.1as or IEEE 802.11be contributions), extension of scheduling to support separate scheduling of traffic and TxOP allocation (e.g., based on quality of service of transmitted frames, providing suitable delays for frames containing video, audio, or control).

[0122] According to various aspects, the second wireless network may be configured to communicate its reserved capability requirements and periodicity for medium access to the network component 100. For example, the grouping may optionally be based on resource allocations and / or requests for resource allocations.

[0123] According to various aspects, each of the multiple scheduling groups may be assigned to one or more second wireless networks, eg, P2P networks 216a-216f, under the scheduling control of network component 100 (which provides the scheduling apparatus).

[0124] Potential environments that may benefit from the mechanisms described herein may include call centers, offices, and engineering environments, among others.

[0125] 10 illustrates a network model in a schematic diagram 1000 in accordance with various aspects. For example, the circles in the schematic diagram 1000 may represent equipotential lines of signal strength for each of the second wireless networks, such as the P2P networks 216a-216f.

[0126] In the exemplary implementation of the network model shown in Figure 10, the network model may implement a number of parameters (e.g., coordinates) that represent the spatial distribution of each of the second radios 216a-216f, for example indicating their distance from each other and / or from the AP 202, indicating their range, and / or indicating their spatial overlap. More generally, the network model in the schematic diagram 1000 may include a virtual representation of the network of the system 200. Based on the parameters, the network component 100 may determine the degree of overlap, providing information for diagram 1100 below.

[0127] 11 illustrates a network model in a schematic diagram 1100 in accordance with various aspects. In an example implementation of the network model illustrated in FIG. 11, the network model may implement a number of parameters (here, e.g., values ​​between 0 and 10) that represent the degree of overlap for each pair of second radios 216a-216f, e.g., indicative of their degree of interference with one another, indicative of their frequency overlap, and / or indicative of their spatial overlap.

[0128] If the degree of overlap of the two or more second wireless networks satisfies a (e.g., predetermined) criterion (e.g., is lower than a threshold, e.g., is 0), the two or more second wireless networks may be assigned to the same scheduling group. Otherwise, the two or more second wireless networks may be assigned to different scheduling groups. The type of criterion and parameters may be selected according to the respective application, the acceptable degree of overlap, and / or the current environment.

[0129] 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary network and device architectures for wireless communication. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication network 1200 according to some aspects. The wireless communication network 1200 may include terminal devices 1202 and 1204 as clients and network access nodes 110 and 120. The wireless communication network 1200 may communicate with the terminal devices 1202 and 1204 via the network access nodes 110 and 120 through a wireless access network for, for example, a first wireless network. Although the specific examples described herein may refer to a specific wireless access network context (e.g., WLAN / WiFi, Bluetooth, mmWave, etc.), these examples are illustrative and thus may be readily applied to any other type or configuration of wireless access network. The number of network access nodes and terminal devices in the wireless communication network 1200 is exemplary and may be varied to any amount.

[0130] In an exemplary WLAN context, the network access nodes 110 and 120 may be base stations (e.g., wireless routers, or any other type of base station), while the terminal devices 1202 and 1204 may be WLAN terminal devices (e.g., Mobile Stations (MS), User Equipment (UE), or any type of WLAN terminal devices). The network access nodes 110 and 120 may optionally interface (e.g., via a backhaul interface) with a wireless WLAN core network or a wired core network, which may be considered part of the wireless communication network 1200. The WLAN core network may interface with one or more external data networks. In an exemplary short-range context, the network access nodes 110 and 120 may be access points 202 (APs, e.g., WLAN or Wi-Fi APs), while the terminal devices 1202 and 1204 may be short-range terminal devices (e.g., stations (STAs)). Network access nodes 110 and 120 may interface with one or more external data networks (eg, via internal or external routers).

[0131] The network access nodes 110 and 120 (and optionally other network access nodes of the wireless communication network 1200 not explicitly shown in FIG. 12 ) may thus provide a wireless access network to the terminals 1202 and 1204 (and optionally other terminals of the wireless communication network 1200 not explicitly shown in FIG. 12 ). In an exemplary WLAN context, the wireless access network provided by the wireless access nodes 110 and 120 may enable the terminals 1202 and 1204 to wirelessly access a core network via wireless communication. The core network may provide switching, routing, and transmission for traffic data associated with the terminals 1202 and 1204, and may further provide access to various internal data networks (e.g., control nodes, routing nodes that forward information between other terminals on the wireless communication network 1200) and external data networks (e.g., data networks providing voice, text, multimedia (audio, video, images), and other Internet and application data). In an exemplary short-range context, the radio access network provided by radio access nodes 110 and 120 may provide access to an internal data network (e.g., for transferring data between terminal devices connected to wireless communication network 1200) and an external data network (e.g., data networks providing voice, text, multimedia (audio, video, images), and other Internet and application data).

[0132] The radio access network and core network (such as the cellular context, if applicable) of the wireless communication network 1200 may be governed by network communication protocols (also referred to as network protocols), which may vary depending on the specifications of the wireless communication network 1200. Such network protocols may define the scheduling, formatting, and routing of both user and control data traffic through the wireless communication network 1200, including the transmission and reception of such data through both the radio access and core network areas of the wireless communication network 1200. Thus, the terminal devices 1202 and 1204 and the network access nodes 110 and 120 may transmit and receive data through the radio access network domain of the wireless communication network 1200 according to the defined network protocols, while the core network may route data within and outside the core network according to the defined network protocols. Exemplary network protocols include Bluetooth, WiFi, mmwave, etc., any of which may be applicable to the wireless communication network 1200.

[0133] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary internal configuration of a terminal device 1202 as an example of a client according to some aspects in diagram 1300. The terminal device 1202 may include an antenna system 1302, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 204, a baseband modem 206 (including a digital signal processor 208 and a protocol controller 1310), an application processor 212, and a memory 1314. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 13, in some aspects the terminal device 1202 may include one or more additional hardware and / or software components, such as a processor / microprocessor, a controller / microcontroller, other specialized or general-purpose hardware / processors / circuitry, peripherals, memory, a power source, an external device interface, a subscriber identity module (SIM), user input / output devices (display, keyboard, touch screen, speaker, external buttons, camera, microphone, etc.), or other related components.

[0134] Terminal 1202 may transmit and receive wireless signals over one or more wireless access networks. Baseband modem 206 may direct such communication functions of terminal 1202 in accordance with a network protocol associated with each wireless access network and may exercise control over antenna system 1302 and RF transceiver 204 to transmit and receive wireless signals in accordance with formats and scheduling parameters defined by each network protocol. Although various actual designs may include separate communication components (e.g., separate antennas, RF transceivers, digital signal processors, and controllers) for each wireless communication technology supported, for simplicity, the configuration of terminal 1202 shown in FIG. 13 depicts only a single instance of such components.

[0135] The terminal device 1202 may transmit and receive radio signals via an antenna system 1302, which may be an antenna array including a single antenna or multiple antennas. In some aspects, the antenna system 1302 may additionally include analog antenna combining and / or beamforming circuitry. In the receive (Rx) path, the RF transceiver 204 may receive analog radio frequency signals from the antenna system 1302 and perform analog and digital RF front-end processing on the analog radio frequency signals to generate and provide digital baseband samples (e.g., in-phase / quadrature (IQ) samples) to the baseband modem 206. The RF transceiver 204 may include analog and digital receive components, including amplifiers (e.g., low noise amplifiers (LNAs)), filters, RF demodulators (e.g., RF IQ demodulators), and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), that the RF transceiver 204 may utilize to convert received radio frequency signals to digital baseband samples. In the transmit (Tx) path, the RF transceiver 204 may receive digital baseband samples from the baseband modem 206 and perform analog and digital RF front-end processing on the digital baseband samples to generate an analog radio frequency signal to provide to the antenna system 1302 for wireless transmission. The RF transceiver 204 may thus include analog and digital transmit components including amplifiers (e.g., power amplifiers (PAs)), filters, RF modulators (e.g., RF IQ modulators), and digital-to-analog converters (DACs)) that the RF transceiver 204 may utilize to mix the digital baseband samples received from the baseband modem 206 to generate an analog radio frequency signal for wireless transmission by the antenna system 1302. In some aspects, the baseband modem 206 may control the wireless transmission and reception of the RF transceiver 204, including specifying the transmit and receive radio frequencies for operation of the RF transceiver 204.

[0136] 13, the baseband modem 206 may include a digital signal processor 208 that may perform physical layer (PHY layer 1) transmit and receive processing to prepare outgoing transmit data on a transmit path provided by a protocol control unit 1310 for transmission via the RF transceiver 204, and to prepare incoming receive data on a receive path provided by the RF transceiver 204 for processing by the protocol control unit 1310. The digital signal processor 208 may be configured to perform one or more of error detection, forward error correction encoding / decoding, channel coding and interleaving, channel modulation / sidelining, physical channel mapping, radio measurement and searching, frequency and time synchronization, antenna diversity processing, power control and weighting, rate matching / dematching, retransmission processing, interference cancellation, and any other physical layer processing functions. The digital signal processor 208 may be structurally implemented as a hardware component (e.g., one or more digitally configured hardware circuits or FPGAs), a software-defined component (e.g., one or more processors configured to execute program code defining computational, control, and / or I / O instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), or a combination of hardware and software components. In some aspects, the digital signal processor 208 may include one or more processors configured to read and execute program code defining control and processing logic for physical layer processing operations. In some aspects, the digital signal processor 208 may perform software-defined processing functions by executing executable instructions. In some aspects, the digital signal processor 208 may include one or more dedicated hardware circuits (e.g., ASICs, FPGAs, and other hardware) that are digitally configured to perform dedicated processing functions. Here, one or more processors of the digital signal processor 208 may offload certain processing tasks to these dedicated hardware circuits, known as hardware acceleration.Exemplary hardware acceleration may include Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) circuitry and / or encoder / decoder circuitry. In some aspects, the processor and hardware accelerator components of the digital signal processor 208 may be implemented as a combined integrated circuit.

[0137] The terminal 1202 may be configured to operate according to one or more wireless communication technologies. The digital signal processor 208 may be responsible for lower layer processing functions (e.g., Layer 1 / PHY) of the wireless communication technologies, while the protocol controller 1310 may be responsible for higher layer protocol stack functions (e.g., Data Link Layer / Layer 2 and / or Network Layer / Layer 3). The protocol controller 1310 may thus be responsible for controlling the wireless communication components (antenna system 1302, RF transceiver 204, and digital signal processor 208) of the terminal 1202 according to the network protocol of each supported wireless communication technology, and thus may represent the access and non-access stratum (NAS) (including Layers 2 and 3) of each supported wireless communication technology. Structurally, the protocol controller 1310 may be implemented as a processor configured to execute protocol stack software (read from the controller memory) and subsequently control the wireless communication components of the terminal 1202 to transmit and receive communication signals according to the corresponding protocol stack control logic defined in the protocol stack software. The protocol controller 1310 may include one or more processors configured to read and execute program code defining higher layer protocol stack logic of one or more wireless communication technologies, which may include data link layer / layer 2 and network layer / layer 3 functions. The protocol controller 1310 may be configured to perform both user plane and control plane functions to facilitate transfer of application layer data to and from the wireless terminal 1202 according to the specific protocols of the supported wireless communication technologies. The user plane functions may include header compression and encapsulation, security, error checking and correction, channel multiplexing, scheduling and priority. Meanwhile, the control plane functions may include radio bearer setup and maintenance. The program code read and executed by the protocol controller 1310 may include executable instructions defining the logic of such functions.

[0138] In some aspects, the terminal device 1202 may be configured to transmit and receive data according to multiple wireless communication technologies. Thus, in some aspects, one or more of the antenna system 1302, the RF transceiver 204, the digital signal processor 208, and the protocol controller 1310 may include separate components or instances dedicated to different wireless communication technologies and / or integrated components shared among different wireless communication technologies. For example, in some aspects, the protocol controller 1310 may be configured to execute multiple protocol stacks, each dedicated to a different wireless communication technology, on the same processor or different processors. In some aspects, the digital signal processor 208 may include separate processors and / or hardware accelerators dedicated to each different wireless communication technology and / or one or more processors and / or hardware accelerators required among multiple wireless communication technologies. In some aspects, the RF transceiver 204 may include separate RF transceiver 204 circuit portions dedicated to each different wireless communication technology and / or RF circuit portions shared among multiple wireless communication technologies. In some aspects, the antenna system 1302 may include separate antennas dedicated to different respective wireless communication technologies and / or antennas shared among multiple wireless communication technologies. Thus, while the antenna system 1302, the RF transceiver 204, the digital signal processor 208, and the protocol controller 1310 are depicted in the figures as separate components, in some aspects the antenna system 1302, the RF transceiver 204, the digital signal processor 208, and / or the protocol controller 1310 can include separate components dedicated to different wireless communication technologies. Thus, while the antenna system 1302, the RF transceiver 204, the digital signal processor 208, and the controller 1310 are depicted in FIG. 3 as separate components, in some aspects the antenna system 1302, the RF transceiver 204, the digital signal processor 208, and / or the controller 1310 can include separate components dedicated to different wireless communication technologies.

[0139] 14 illustrates an example 1400 in which the RF transceiver 204 includes an RF transceiver 204a for a first wireless communication technology (e.g., for communication over a first wireless network), an RF transceiver 204b for a second wireless communication technology (e.g., for communication over a second wireless network), and an optional RF transceiver 204c for a third wireless communication technology. Similarly, the digital signal processor 208 includes a digital signal processor 208a for the first wireless communication technology, a digital signal processor 208b for the second wireless communication technology, and an optional digital signal processor 208c for the third wireless communication technology. Similarly, the controller 1310 includes a controller 1310a for the first wireless communication technology, a controller 1310b for the second wireless communication technology, and an optional controller 1310c for the third wireless communication technology. The RF transceiver 204a, the digital signal processor 208a, and the controller 1310a thus form a communication arrangement (e.g., hardware and software components dedicated to a particular wireless communication technology) for a first wireless communication technology (e.g., for communication over a first wireless network). The RF transceiver 204b, the digital signal processor 208b, and the controller 1310b thus form a communication arrangement for a second wireless communication technology (e.g., for communication over a second wireless network). And the RF transceiver 204c, the digital signal processor 208c, and the controller 1310c thus form a communication arrangement for a third wireless communication technology. Although shown as logically separate in FIG. 4, any of the components of the communication arrangement may be integrated into a common component.

[0140] The terminal 1202 may also include an application processor 1312 and a memory 1314. The application processor 1312 may be a CPU and may be configured to process the upper layers of the protocol stack, including the transport and application layers. The application processor 1312 may be configured to execute various applications and / or programs of the terminal 1202 at the application layer of the terminal 1202, such as an operating system (OS), a user interface (UI) supporting user interaction with the terminal 1202, and / or various user applications. The application processor may interface with the baseband modem 206 and act as a source (in the transmit path) and a sink (in the receive path) of user data, such as voice data, audio / video / image data, message data, application data, basic Internet / web access data, and the like. In the transmit path, the protocol controller 1310 may therefore receive and process the outgoing data provided by the application processor 1312 according to layer-specific functions of the protocol stack and provide the resulting data to the digital signal processor 208. The digital signal processor 208 may then perform physical layer processing on the received data to generate digital baseband samples that the digital signal processor may provide to the RF transceiver 204. The RF transceiver 204 may then process the digital baseband samples to convert the digital baseband samples to analog RF signals that the RF transceiver 204 may transmit over the air via the antenna system 1302. In the receive path, the RF transceiver 204 may receive analog RF signals from the antenna system 1302 and process the analog RF signals to obtain digital baseband samples. The RF transceiver 204 may provide the digital baseband samples to the digital signal processor 208. The digital signal processor 208 may perform physical layer processing on the digital baseband samples. The digital signal processor 208 may then provide the resulting data to the protocol control unit 1310.The protocol controller 1310 may process the resulting data according to layer-specific functions of the protocol stack and provide the resulting incoming data to the application processor 1312. The application processor 1312 may then process the incoming data at the application layer, which may include execution of one or more application programs comprising the data and / or presentation of the data to a user via a user interface.

[0141] The memory 1314 may embody a memory component of the terminal 1202, such as a hard drive or another such permanent memory device. Although not explicitly shown in Figure 14, various other components of the terminal 1202 shown in Figure 14 may also each include integrated components and non-permanent memory components such as for storing software program code, buffering data, and the like.

[0142] According to some wireless communication networks, the terminal devices 1202 and 1204 may perform mobility procedures for connecting, disconnecting, and switching between available network access nodes of the wireless access network of the wireless communication network 1200. Since each network access node of the wireless communication network 1200 may have a specific coverage area, the terminal devices 1202 and 1204 may be configured to select and reselect between available network access nodes to maintain a strong wireless access connection with the wireless access network of the wireless communication network 1200. For example, the terminal device 1202 may establish a wireless access connection with the network access node 110, while the terminal device 1204 may establish a wireless access connection with the network access node 120. If the current wireless access connection is degraded, the terminal device 1202 or 1204 may seek a new wireless access connection with another network access node of the wireless communication network 1200. For example, terminal device 1204 may move (e.g., maintain a connection to a first wireless network) from a coverage area of ​​network access node 112 to a coverage area of ​​network access node 110. As a result, the wireless access connection with network access node 112 may deteriorate, and terminal device 1204 may detect this deterioration by radio measurements, such as signal strength or signal quality measurements of network access node 112. Depending on the mobility procedures defined in an appropriate network protocol of wireless communication network 1200, terminal device 1204 may look for a new wireless access connection (which may be triggered, for example, in terminal device 1204 or by the wireless access network), for example, by performing radio measurements on neighboring network access nodes to determine whether any neighboring network access nodes can provide a suitable wireless access connection.As the terminal device 1204 moves into the coverage area of ​​a network access node 110, the terminal device 1204 may identify the network access node 110 (which may be identified by the terminal device 1204 or selected by the radio access network) and transfer to a new radio access connection with the network access node 110 (e.g., as an example of a triggering event). Such mobility procedures, including radio measurements, cell selection / reselection, and handover, may be established in various network protocols and utilized by the terminal device and the radio access network to maintain a strong radio access connection between each terminal device and the radio access network across any number of different radio access network scenarios.

[0143] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary internal configuration 1500 of a network access node, such as the network access node 110, as an example of a network component 100 and / or an AP 202, according to some aspects. As shown in FIG. 15, the network access node 110 may include an antenna system 402, a radio transceiver 404, and a baseband subsystem 406 (including a physical layer processor 408 and a protocol controller 410). In a summarized overview of the operation of the network access node 110, the network access node 110 may transmit and receive radio signals via the antenna system 402, which may be an antenna array including multiple antennas. The radio transceiver 404 may perform transmit and receive RF processing to convert baseband samples outgoing from the baseband subsystem 406 to analog radio signals and provide them to the antenna system 402 for over-the-air transmission, and convert analog radio signals incoming from the antenna system 402 to baseband samples and provide them to the baseband subsystem 406. The physical layer processor 408 may be configured to perform transmit and receive PHY processing on baseband samples received from the wireless transceiver 404 and provide them to the controller 410. The controller 410 may control the communication functions of the network access node 110 according to a corresponding wireless technology protocol, which may include exercising control over the antenna system 402, the wireless transceiver 404, and the physical layer processor 408. Each of the wireless transceiver 404, the physical layer processor 408, and the controller 410 may be structurally implemented in hardware (e.g., by one or more digitally configured hardware circuits or FPGAs), in software (e.g., as one or more processors executing program code defining computation, control, and / or I / O instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), or as a combination of hardware and software. In some aspects, the wireless transceiver 404 may be a wireless transceiver including digital and analog radio frequency processing and amplification circuits.In some aspects, the radio transceiver 404 may be a software-defined radio (SDR) component implemented as a processor configured to execute software-defined instructions specifying radio frequency processing routines. In some aspects, the physical layer processor 408 may include a processor and one or more hardware accelerators, where the processor controls the physical layer processing and is configured to offload certain processing tasks to the one or more hardware accelerators. In some aspects, the controller 410 may be a controller configured to execute software-defined instructions specifying higher layer control functions. In some aspects, the controller 310 may be limited to radio network protocol stack layer functions, while in other aspects, the controller 410 may be configured for transport, internet, and application layer functions.

[0144] For example, components of the baseband subsystem 406 of a network access node may control and perform the methods described herein.

[0145] The network access node 110 may thus provide the functionality of a network access node in a wireless communication network by providing a radio access network to allow served terminal devices to access communication data. For example, the network access node 110 may interface with a core network, one or more other network access nodes, or various other data networks and servers via a wired or wireless backhaul interface.

[0146] The term "terminal device" as used herein refers to user-side devices (both portable and fixed) that can connect to a core network and / or an external data network via a wireless access network. A "terminal device" can include any mobile or non-mobile wireless communication device, including user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), station (STA), cellular phone, tablet, laptop, personal computer, wearable device, multimedia playback and other handheld or body-worn electronic device, consumer / home / office / commercial device, vehicle, and any other electronic device capable of wireless communication on the user side. Without loss of generality, in some cases, a terminal device can also include application layer components, such as an application processor or other general-purpose processing component dedicated to functions other than wireless communication. A terminal device can optionally support wired communication in addition to wireless communication. Furthermore, a terminal device can include a vehicle communication device that functions as a terminal device.

[0147] In some aspects a wireless network client (eg, one or more of clients 212a-212f) may be implemented by a terminal device, as described further herein.

[0148] The term "network access node" (also referred to as access node) as used herein refers to a network side device that provides a radio access network. The radio access network allows terminal devices to connect and exchange information with a core network and / or an external data network through the network access node. A "network access node" may include any type of base station or access point, including macro base station, micro base station, home base station, remote radio head (RRH), relay point, Wi-Fi / WLAN access point (AP), Bluetooth master device, DSRC RSU (roadside unit), terminal devices acting as network access nodes, and any other electronic device capable of network side wireless communication, including both non-mobile and mobile devices (e.g., vehicular network access nodes, mobile cells, and other mobile network access nodes). As used herein, a "cell" in the telecommunications context may be understood as a sector served by a network access node. Thus, a cell may be a set of geographically co-located antennas corresponding to a particular sectorization of a network access node. A network access node may provide one or more cells (or sectors). Here, cells are characterized by different communication channels. Furthermore, the term "cell" may be utilized to denote a macrocell, a microcell, a femtocell, a picocell, etc. A particular communication device can act as both a terminal device and a network access node, such as a terminal device providing network connectivity for other terminal devices.

[0149] In some aspects, the network component 100 may be implemented by a network access node as described further herein.

[0150] In the following, various examples are provided with reference to the above-mentioned aspects.

[0151] Example 1 is a network component (e.g., for wireless transmission), comprising: one or more processors, the one or more processors comprising: generating a first message to a wireless network client, the first message including a request to report information about wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client; assigning the wireless network client to a scheduling group of a plurality of scheduling groups based on the information; scheduling one or more transmissions according to a first wireless network protocol to the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client; generating a second message to the wireless network client, the second message including instructions for scheduling one or more transmissions from the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client and according to a second wireless network protocol; The network component is configured to:

[0152] Example 2 is the network component of Example 1, further including a transceiver configured to provide a communication coupling in accordance with the first wireless network protocol, e.g., the transceiver configured to transmit (the first message and the second message) in accordance with the first wireless network protocol.

[0153] Example 3 is a method for transmitting the first message periodically and / or a request to communicatively couple the wireless network client to a network device according to the second wireless network protocol; or a change in a communication coupling of the wireless network client and the network device according to the second wireless network protocol; 3. The network component of claim 1 or 2,

[0154] Example 4 is the network component of any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the first wireless network protocol and the second wireless network protocol differ from each other, for example in their communication frequencies or frequency ranges.

[0155] Example 5 is the network component of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the first wireless network protocol is a base station network protocol.

[0156] Example 6 is the network component of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the second wireless network protocol is a peer-to-peer network protocol.

[0157] Example 7 is the network component of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the one or more processors are configured to assign the scheduling group further based on a reserved capacity requirement and / or a medium access periodicity in accordance with the second wireless network protocol.

[0158] Example 8 is a block diagram of a method for detecting a first event, the one or more processors detecting a first event, the one or more processors detecting a second ... a change in the information regarding wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client; a change in a communication coupling of the wireless network client and the network device according to the second wireless network protocol; 8. The network component of claim 1, further configured to update a result of an assignment of a scheduling group among the plurality of scheduling groups assigned to the wireless network client in response to determining one or more of the scheduling groups.

[0159] Example 9 is the network component of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to update the results of the allocation of the scheduling groups of the plurality of scheduling groups to the wireless network clients in response to changes in requested resource allocations of the wireless network clients and network devices according to the second wireless network protocol.

[0160] Example 10 is a method for determining whether the information is: Receive channel power indication, Received signal strength indication, and / or Received signal to noise indication, 10. The network component of any one of Examples 1 to 9, comprising one or more of:

[0161] Example 11 is a second message: a transmission rate according to the second wireless network protocol; a modulation and coding scheme according to the second wireless network protocol, and / or a transmission power according to the second wireless network protocol; 11. The network component of any one of Examples 1 to 10, further comprising instructions for configuring:

[0162] Example 12 is the network component of any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein each scheduling group of the plurality of scheduling groups is assigned to at least one network component.

[0163] Example 13 is the network component of example 12, wherein assigning the scheduling group of the plurality of scheduling groups to the wireless network client is further based on information regarding wireless networks within communication range of the at least one network component.

[0164] Example 14 is a network component described in any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine or update an environmental network model based on the information regarding wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client, the environmental network model representing (spatial) usage of radio frequencies according to the second wireless network protocol and / or within range of transmissions according to the first wireless network protocol.

[0165] Example 15 is the network component of example 14, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine or update the plurality of schedule groups based on the environmental network model.

[0166] Example 16 is the network component of example 15, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine or update a number of the plurality of schedule groups based on the environmental network model.

[0167] Example 17 is the network component of Example 15 or 16, wherein the multiple scheduling groups are determined or updated based on communication radio frequency interference of transmissions according to the second wireless network protocol determined based on the environmental network model.

[0168] Example 18 is a request to report information that includes the following: Request for beacon reports, Request for channel load reporting; Requests for accessibility requirements; Access periodicity requirements, and / or Neighborhood report requests; 18. The network component of any one of Examples 1 to 17, comprising a request for one or more of the following:

[0169] Example 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the instruction: the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client; and / or a result of the scheduling of the one or more transmissions according to the first wireless network protocol; 19 is a network component according to any one of Examples 1 to 18.

[0170] Example 20 is the network component of Example 19, wherein the result of the scheduling includes a scheme according to which the one or more transmissions according to the first wireless network protocol are scheduled, and / or the one or more transmissions according to the second wireless network protocol are scheduled according to the scheme.

[0171] Example 21 is a system (e.g., for wireless transmission), comprising: A network component according to any one of Examples 1 to 20; A network component including one or more processors, the one or more processors comprising: generating a first message to a wireless network client, the first message including a request to report information about wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client; assigning the wireless network client to a scheduling group of a plurality of scheduling groups based on the information; scheduling one or more transmissions according to a first wireless network protocol to the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client; generating a second message to the wireless network client, the second message including instructions for scheduling one or more transmissions from the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client and according to a second wireless network protocol; A network component configured to: Including, The system is configured such that the network component and the or each wireless network client are communicatively coupled to each other according to the first wireless network protocol.

[0172] Example 22 is the system of example 21, wherein the or each wireless network client is communicatively coupled to a network device according to the second wireless network protocol.

[0173] Example 23 is a method (e.g., for wireless transmission), comprising: generating a first message to a wireless network client, the first message including a request to report information about wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client; assigning the wireless network client to one of a plurality of scheduling groups based on the information; scheduling one or more transmissions according to a first wireless network protocol to the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client; generating a second message to the wireless network client, the second message including instructions for scheduling one or more transmissions from the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client and according to a second wireless network protocol; For example, the method is configured according to any one of Examples 1 to 22.

[0174] Example 24 is the method of example 23, wherein the instructions include a scheme according to which the one or more transmissions according to a second wireless network protocol are scheduled.

[0175] Example 25 is one or more non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) media storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a network component, cause the network component to perform the method of example 23 or 24; and / or generating a first message to a wireless network client, the first message including a request to report information about wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client; assigning the wireless network client a scheduling group from a plurality of scheduling groups based on the information; causing the wireless network client to schedule one or more transmissions according to a first wireless network protocol according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client; generating a second message to the wireless network client, the second message including instructions for scheduling one or more transmissions from the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client and according to a second wireless network protocol; One or more non-transitory machine-readable media.

[0176] Example 26 is a network component, means for generating a first message to a wireless network client, the first message including a request to report information about wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client; means for assigning a scheduling group of a plurality of scheduling groups to the wireless network client based on the information; means for scheduling one or more transmissions according to a first wireless network protocol to the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client; means for generating a second message to the wireless network client, the second message including instructions for scheduling one or more transmissions from the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client and according to a second wireless network protocol; For example, the network component may further include means for performing one or more aspects according to any one of Examples 1 to 25.

[0177] While the above description and accompanying figures may depict electronic device components as separate elements, those skilled in the art will appreciate various possibilities for combining or integrating separate elements into a single element. These may include combining two or more circuits to form a single circuit, mounting two or more circuits on a common chip or housing to form an integrated element, running separate software components on a common processor core, etc. Conversely, those skilled in the art will appreciate the possibilities for separating a single element into two or more separate elements, such as separating a single circuit into two or more separate circuits, separating the chip or housing on which it was originally provided into separate elements, separating a software component into two or more parts and running on separate processor cores, etc. It will also be appreciated that the particular implementations of hardware and / or software components are merely illustrative, and that other combinations of hardware and / or software performing the methods described herein are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0178] It is understood that the method implementations detailed herein are exemplary in nature and thus may be implemented in corresponding apparatus. Similarly, it is understood that the apparatus implementations detailed herein may be implemented as corresponding methods. It is therefore understood that an implementation corresponding to a method detailed herein may include one or more components configured to perform each aspect of the associated method.

[0179] All acronyms defined in the above description are further maintained in all claims contained herein.

[0180] Although the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The scope of the present invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are to be embraced therein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 100 Network Components 106 Request Message 116 Command Message 102 processors 111 Transmission Period

Claims

1. A network component, one or more processors, the one or more processors comprising: generating a first message to a wireless network client, the first message including a request to report information about wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client, the information including one or more of the following: a received channel power indication, a received signal strength indication, a received signal to noise indication, a beacon report, and a channel load report; assigning the wireless network client to a scheduling group of a plurality of scheduling groups based on the information; scheduling one or more transmissions according to a first wireless network protocol for the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client; generating a second message to the wireless network client, the second message including instructions for scheduling one or more transmissions from the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client and according to a second wireless network protocol; The network components are configured as follows:

2. a transceiver configured to provide a communications coupling in accordance with the first wireless network protocol; The network component of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The first message is sent periodically and / or a request to communicatively couple the wireless network client to a network device according to the second wireless network protocol; or a change in a communication coupling of the wireless network client and the network device according to the second wireless network protocol; The network component of claim 1 or 2, generated in response to

4. 3. A network component as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first wireless network protocol is a base station network protocol.

5. 3. A network component as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second wireless network protocol is a peer-to-peer network protocol.

6. The one or more processors detect the following events: a change in the information regarding wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client; a change in the communication coupling of the wireless network client and the network device according to the second wireless network protocol; 3. The network component of claim 1, further configured to update the scheduling group of the plurality of scheduling groups assigned to the wireless network client in response to determining one or more of:

7. 3. The network component of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to update the results of the assignment of the scheduling groups of the plurality of scheduling groups to the wireless network clients in response to changes in requested resource allocations of the wireless network clients and network devices according to the second wireless network protocol.

8. The second message is a transmission rate according to the second wireless network protocol; a modulation and coding scheme according to the second wireless network protocol; and / or a transmission power according to the second wireless network protocol; 3. The network component of claim 1 or 2, further comprising instructions for configuring:

9. The network component of claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine or update an environmental network model based on the information regarding wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client, the environmental network model representing the use of radio frequencies according to the second wireless network protocol and / or within range of transmissions according to the first wireless network protocol.

10. The network component of claim 9 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine or update the plurality of scheduling groups based on the environmental network model.

11. The network component of claim 10 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine or update a number of the plurality of scheduling groups based on the environmental network model.

12. 12. The network component of claim 10 or 11, wherein the plurality of scheduling groups are determined or updated based on communication radio frequency interference of transmissions according to the second wireless network protocol determined based on the environmental network model.

13. The instruction: the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client; and / or a result of the scheduling of the one or more transmissions according to the first wireless network protocol; 3. A network component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that

14. The network component of claim 13 , wherein the result of the scheduling includes a formula according to which the one or more transmissions according to the first wireless network protocol are scheduled.

15. 1. A method comprising: generating a first message to a wireless network client, the first message including a request to report information about wireless networks within communication range of the wireless network client, the information including one or more of the following: a received channel power indication, a received signal strength indication, a received signal to noise indication, a beacon report, and a channel load report; assigning the wireless network client to one of a plurality of scheduling groups based on the information; scheduling one or more transmissions according to a first wireless network protocol to the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client; generating a second message to the wireless network client, the second message scheduling one or more transmissions from the wireless network client according to the scheduling group assigned to the wireless network client and according to a second wireless network protocol; The method includes:

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