Propagation of Discovery Assistance Requests and Responses

Abstract

To provide a wireless communication apparatus, system, method utilizing directional data transmission over a mmW band and propagating discovery (DA) assistance request and responses to neighboring STAs in order to improve network efficiency.SOLUTION: In a method, when an STA collaborates on discovery assistance, an STA 1 sends a DA request to an STA 2. After STA 2 determines a discovery assistance type, the request is propagated to an STA 3 and an STA 4. The STA 3 responds to the request by sending a DA response to the STA 2, and the STA 4 propagates the request to STA 5. The STA 5 responds the request by sending the DA response to the STA 4. The STA 4 processes the received response with its own response to the request received from the STA 2, and sends, to the STA 2, one DA response that contains DA information offered from the STA 4 and the STA 5. The STA 2 processes all received DA responses and sends to the STA 1 one DA response containing information about the discovery assistance provided to the STA 1 from the STA 2 to the STA 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 757,994, filed September 9, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable

[0003] [Incorporation by reference of computer program attachments]

[0003] Not applicable

[0004] Notification of copyrighted material

[0004] Portions of the material in this patent document may be subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any third party of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office public files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights. The copyright owner does not hereby waive any rights to have this patent document maintained in confidence, including, but not limited to, the right pursuant to 37 CFR § 1.14.

[0005]

[0006] The techniques of this disclosure relate generally to directional wireless local area network (WLAN) communications, and more particularly to the propagation of discovery assistance requests and responses to neighboring stations. [Background technology]

[0006]

[0008] There is a constant demand for higher capacity in wireless local area networks (WLANs), especially in millimeter wavelength (mm-wave or mmW) form factors. Network operators are beginning to embrace various concepts to achieve densification, and wireless networks such as millimeter-wave (mmW) forms, including mesh networks as well as a mix of mesh and non-mesh networks, are becoming increasingly important. Current sub-6 GHz wireless technology is not sufficient to handle the high data demands. One option is to take advantage of additional spectrum in the 30-300 GHz band, often referred to as the millimeter-wave (mmW) band.

[0007]

[0009] In general, efficient use of mmW wireless networking systems requires proper handling of the channel impairments and propagation characteristics of high frequency bands. High free space path loss, high penetration loss, reflection loss and diffraction loss reduce the available diversity and limit non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communications. Nevertheless, the short wavelength of mmW allows the use of high-gain electronically steered directional antennas of practical dimensions, which can provide sufficient array gain to overcome the path loss and ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver. Directional distribution networks (DNs) in dense deployment environments using mmW bands are an efficient way to achieve reliable communication between stations (STAs) and overcome line-of-sight channel constraints.

[0008]

[0010] When a new station (STA or node) is starting up in a location, it is looking for (searching for) neighboring STAs to discover in the network it is to join. The initial access process from a STA to a network involves scanning neighboring STAs to discover all active STAs in the local vicinity. This process can be performed through the new STA searching for a specific network or list of networks to join, or by the new STA sending a broadcast request to join any existing network that is willing to accept the new STA.

[0009]

[0011] A station connecting to a distributed network (DN) needs to discover neighboring STAs to determine the best way to reach a gateway / portal DNSTA and the capabilities of each of these neighboring STAs. A new STA checks all channels for potential neighboring STAs for a certain period of time. If no active STAs are found after this certain period of time, the new STA moves on to checking the next channel. Once a STA is found, the new STA gathers enough information to configure its physical (PHY) layer (e.g., OSI model) for operation within the regulatory domain (IEEE, FCC, ETSI, MKK, etc.). In mm-wave communication, this task is even more difficult due to directional transmission. The challenges in this process can be summarized as: (a) knowledge of surrounding STA IDs, (b) knowledge of the best transmission pattern for beamforming, (c) channel access problems due to collisions and deafness, and (d) channel impairments due to blockages and reflections. To enable widespread adoption of mmWD2D and DN technologies, it is paramount to design a neighbor discovery method that overcomes some or all of the above challenges.

[0010]

[0012] However, the need for STAs to constantly transmit discovery signals (beacons or beamforming frames) results in inefficient use of spectrum, increased latency, and constant interruptions in transmission to transmit beamforming signals even when these signals are not needed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011]

[0013] Thus, there is a need for an enhanced discovery mechanism that enhances collaboration between nodes to improve network efficiency. The present disclosure fulfills this need and provides further advantages over previous techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012]

[0014] A protocol is disclosed that improves the efficiency of propagating discovery assistance between nodes (stations) in a network. A station (STA) that receives a discovery assistance request from a new STA attempting to join the network, or that needs to discover neighboring STAs, is configured to propagate the discovery assistance request to other STAs in its BSS or in the surrounding area to help the STA requesting assistance discover the new neighboring STA. If a STA that receives a propagated discovery assistance response supports the discovery assistance function, it responds to the request by sending a discovery assistance response to the STA that received the propagated discovery assistance request. The STA that sent the propagated discovery assistance request processes all responses and sends a discovery assistance response to the STA that requested the discovery assistance request, including information about the discovery assistance campaign.

[0013]

[0015] The enhanced protocol improves network efficiency for several reasons: STAs do not need to constantly transmit discovery signals (beacons or beamforming frames), inefficiently using spectrum and increasing latency, and constantly interrupt transmissions to transmit beamforming signals even when they are not needed. New STAs joining can obtain information about the channel they are connected to and the channel access and scheduling assignments in the network. Makes the new STAs aware of beacon transmission times so they do not miss beamforming frames. New STAs do not need to waste power continually scanning (passively or actively) for beamforming frames. By making the STAs aware of when and where beamforming frames are or will be transmitted, the disclosed protocol improves network efficiency.

[0014]

[0016] The disclosed directional WLAN system, apparatus and method are applicable to a wide range of network applications, such as device-to-device (D2D), peer-to-peer (P2P), wireless and mesh networking applications, which can be applied to wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs) and outdoor wireless communications. Target applications can include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi, WiGig and other wireless networks, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, data backhaul and fronthaul, indoor and outdoor distribution networks, mesh networks, next generation cellular networks using D2D communications, and many other applications, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0015]

[0017] Further aspects of the technology described herein will become apparent in the following portions of this specification, and this detailed description is provided for complete disclosure of preferred embodiments of the technology without limiting them.

[0016]

[0018] The techniques described herein will be better understood with reference to the following drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a timing diagram of an active scan performed in an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN). [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a station (STA) diagram of a distributed network (DN) showing a combination of DN and non-DN stations. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a data field diagram illustrating the DN identification element for an IEEE 802.11 WLAN. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a data field diagram illustrating the DN component of an IEEE 802.11 WLAN. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of antenna sector sweeping (SSW) in the IEEE 802.11ad protocol. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a signaling diagram showing signaling for sector level sweeping (SLS) in the IEEE 802.11ad protocol. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a data field diagram showing IEEE 802.11ad Sector Sweep (SSW) frame elements. [Figure 8] A data field diagram showing the SSW field within an IEEE 802.11ad SSW frame element. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 is a data field diagram showing the SSW feedback field used in IEEE 802.11ad as shown when transmitted as part of an ISS. [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 is a data field diagram showing the SSW feedback field used in IEEE 802.11ad, which is indicated when not transmitted as part of the ISS. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of WLAN communication station hardware utilized in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a mmW beam pattern diagram of the station hardware of FIG. 10 utilized in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a beam pattern diagram of a discovery band communication omni-directional or quasi-omni-directional antenna (i.e., sub-6 GHz) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] 4 is a first example communication diagram in which multiple stations propagate discovery assistance requests and responses in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] 4 is a first example communication diagram in which multiple stations propagate discovery assistance requests and responses in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] 4 is a second example communication diagram in which multiple stations propagate discovery assistance requests and responses in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] 4 is a second example communication diagram in which multiple stations propagate discovery assistance requests and responses in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15A]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a station requesting discovery assistance and processing a discovery assistance response according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15B] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a station requesting discovery assistance and processing a discovery assistance response according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16A] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for propagating a discovery assistance request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16B] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for propagating a discovery assistance request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17A] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for processing a propagated received discovery assistance request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17B] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for processing a propagated received discovery assistance request according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a data field diagram of a discovery assistance information element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is a data field diagram of subfields within the discovery assistance control field shown in FIG. 18 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a data field diagram of an extended schedule element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a data field diagram of the assignment field shown in FIG. 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a data field diagram of the Allocation Control subfield shown in FIG. 21 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a data field diagram of a DMG capability element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a data field diagram of a Directional Multi-Gigabyte (DMG) STA Capability Information subfield according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a data field diagram of an FST information request frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a data field diagram of an FST information response frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27]1A-1C are signaling and directional beam diagrams of a first example discovery assistance request and response according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] 11A-11C are signaling and directional beam diagrams for a second example discovery assistance request and response in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a signaling and directional beam diagram of a third discovery assistance request and response example in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] 1. Definitions

[0049] This disclosure makes use of a number of terms that generally have the meanings set out below.

[0019]

[0050] A-BFT: Association-Beamforming Training Period: A period announced in a beacon used for association and beamforming (BF) training of new stations (STAs) joining the network.

[0020]

[0051] AID: Association Identification is an identifier for a data link association between a station and an AP / PCP or BSS.

[0021]

[0052] AP: Access Point: An entity that contains one station (STA) and provides access to a broadcast service over the wireless medium (WM) for associated STAs.

[0022]

[0053] Beamforming (BF): The directional transmission from a directional antenna system or array to determine information to improve the received signal power or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at a target receiver, thereby allowing a station to obtain information to correlate time and direction assignment information.

[0023]

[0054] BSS: Basic Service Set is a set of stations (STAs) that are successfully synchronized with an AP in a network.

[0024]

[0055] BI: Beacon Interval is the cyclic super frame period that represents the time between beacon transmission times.

[0025]

[0056] BRP: BF Refinement Protocol is a BF protocol that enables receiver training and iteratively trains the transmitter and receiver sides to optimize (achieve best directional communication) directional communication.

[0026]

[0057] BSS: Basic Service Set is a component of the IEEE 802.11 WLAN architecture that is built around the BSS, which is actually a set of STAs connected to the wireless medium that allows the STAs to communicate with each other.

[0027]

[0058] BTI: Beacon Transmission Interval is the interval between successive beacon transmissions.

[0028]

[0059] CBAP: Contention-Based Access Period is a period within a Data Transmission Interval (DTI) for a Directional Multi-Gigabit (DMG) BSS that uses contention-based enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA).

[0029]

[0060] DMG: Directional Multi-Gigabit is a form of high-throughput wireless communication described in IEEE 802.

[0030]

[0061] EDMG: Extended Directional Multi-Gigabit is an extension of DMG.

[0031]

[0062] FST: Fast Session Transfer is the transfer of a session between physical channels when both communicating STAs have similar capabilities within the frequency band they use to communicate. Note that during a communication session, the STAs maintain state information about the established PHY links.

[0032]

[0063] DTI: Data Transfer Interval is the period during which actual data transfer can occur following complete BF training, and may include one or more Service Periods (SP) and Contention-Based Access Periods (CBAP).

[0033]

[0064] LOS: Line-of-sight communication: ostensibly communication in which the transmitter and receiver are within line-of-sight of each other and is not the result of communication of reflected signals. The opposite situation is non-line-of-sight (NLOS), where the stations are not within LOS of each other.

[0034]

[0065] MAC Address: Media Access Control (MAC) address.

[0035]

[0066] MBSS: A Mesh Basic Service Set is a Basic Service Set (BSS) that forms a self-contained network of Distribution Network (DN) Stations (DN STAs) and can be used as a Distribution System (DS).

[0036]

[0067] MCS: Modulation Coding Scheme: defines an exponent that can be converted to a physical (PHY) layer (eg, OSI model) data rate.

[0037]

[0068] Omnidirectional: A transmission mode that utilizes non-directional antennas.

[0038]

[0069] PBSS: Personal Basic Service Set (PBSS) defined in 802.1ad. Similar to Independent BSS (IBSS), PBSS is a type of IEEE 802.11 ad-hoc network in which STAs can communicate directly with each other without relying on special equipment such as APs.

[0039]

[0070] PCP: PBSS Control Point: In an ad-hoc network, one of the participating stations can act as a PBSS Control Point, acting similarly to an AP to advertise the network and organize access.

[0040]

[0071] Quasi-Omnidirectional: A communication mode that utilizes directional multi-gigabit (DMG) antennas that can achieve the widest beamwidth.

[0041]

[0072] Receive Sector Sweep (RXSS): Reception of Sector Sweep (SSW) frames through (across) different sectors with a sweep occurring between successive receptions.

[0042]

[0073] RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator (in dBm).

[0043]

[0074] SLS: The sector-level sweep phase is a BF training phase that can include about four components, such as an initiator sector sweep (ISS) for training the initiator using SSW feedback and SSW ACKs, and a responder sector sweep (RSS) for training the responder link.

[0044]

[0075] SNR: Received signal-to-noise ratio in dB.

[0045]

[0076] SP: A service period is a period scheduled by an access point (AP), and a scheduled SP starts at a regular time interval.

[0046]

[0077] Spectral Efficiency: The rate at which information can be transmitted over a given bandwidth in a particular communication system, usually expressed in bits / second or Hz.

[0047]

[0078] SSID: Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to a WLAN network.

[0048]

[0079] STA: A Station is a logical entity that is an addressable instance of a Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) interface to the Wireless Medium (WM).

[0049]

[0080] Sweep: A series of transmissions separated by Short Beamforming Interframe Space (SBIFS) intervals, where the transmitter or receiver antenna configuration is changed between transmissions.

[0050]

[0081] SSW: Sector Sweep is the operation of transmitting in different sectors (directions) and collecting information on received signals and strengths, etc.

[0051]

[0082] TDD: Time Division Duplex allows duplexing of communication links, separating the uplink from the downlink by allocation of different time slots within the same frequency band to accommodate different uplink and downlink data transmission flows.

[0052]

[0083] TDD SP: A time division duplex service period is a service period that includes TDD channel access, where a TDD SP includes a series of TDD intervals, which in turn includes a series of TDD slots.

[0053]

[0084] Transmit Sector Sweep (TXSS): The transmission of multiple Sector Sweep (SSW) or Directional Multi-Gigabit (DMG) beacon frames through different sectors with a sweep between successive transmissions.

[0054] 2. Existing directional wireless network technologies 2.1 WLAN Systems

[0087] In WLAN systems such as 802.11, two scanning modes are defined: passive scanning and active scanning. The following are the characteristics of passive scanning: (a) A new station (STA) attempting to join the network checks each channel and waits for a beacon frame for up to MaxChannelTime. (b) If no beacon is received, the new STA moves to another channel, thus saving battery power since it does not transmit a signal in scanning mode. The STA should wait for a sufficient time on each channel to avoid missing a beacon. If the beacon is lost, the STA should wait for another Beacon Transmission Interval (BTI).

[0055]

[0088] The following are characteristics of active scanning: (a) A new STA wishing to join the local network sends a probe request frame on each channel according to the following: (a)(1) The new STA transitions to a channel and waits for an incoming frame or the expiration of the probe delay timer. (a)(2) If no frames are detected after the timer expires, the channel is considered unused. (a)(3) If the channel is unused, the STA transitions to a new channel. (a)(4) If the channel is in use, the STA accesses the medium using standard DCF to send a probe request frame. (a)(5) If the channel was not previously in use, the STA waits for a desired period (e.g., Minimum Channel Time) to receive a response to the probe request. If the channel is in use and a probe response is received, the STA waits for an additional time (e.g., Maximum Channel Time).

[0056]

[0089] (b) A probe request may use a unique service set identifier (SSID), a list of SSIDs, or a broadcast SSID. (c) Active scanning is prohibited in some frequency bands. (d) Active scanning can cause interference and collisions, especially when many new STAs arrive at the same time and try to access the network. (e) Active scanning is a faster (lower latency) method for STAs to access the network compared to using passive scanning because the STA does not have to wait for a beacon. (f) In an infrastructure basic service set (BSS) and an IBSS, at least one STA is listening to receive and respond to a probe. (g) STAs in a distributed network (DN) basic service set (MBSS) may not be listening for a response at any point. (h) A STA may not respond to a probe request when a radio measurement campaign is active. (i) Probe response collisions may occur. STAs may coordinate their probe response transmissions by allowing the STA that sent the last beacon to send the first probe response. Other STAs may use these subject to backoff times and normal Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) channel access to avoid collisions.

[0057]

[0090] Figure 1 illustrates the use of active scanning in an IEEE 802.11 WLAN, showing a scanning station sending a probe and two responding stations receiving and responding to the probe. The figure also shows the minimum and maximum probe response timing. The value G1 shown is set to SIFS, the interframe spacing before sending an acknowledgment, while the value G3 is DIFS, the DCF interframe spacing, which represents the time delay the sender waits after the backoff period is complete before sending an RTS package.

[0058] 2.2 IEEE 802.11s Distributed Network (DN) WLAN

[0092] IEEE 802.11s (hereafter referred to as 802.11s) is a standard that adds wireless mesh networking capabilities to the 802.11 standard. 802.11s defines new types of wireless stations and new signaling that enables mesh network discovery, peer-to-peer connection establishment, and data routing through mesh networks.

[0059]

[0093] Figure 2 shows an example of a mesh network where a mix of non-mesh STAs connect to mesh STAs / APs (solid lines) and mesh STAs connect to other mesh STAs including mesh portals (dotted lines). Nodes in a mesh network use the same scanning techniques for neighbor discovery as specified in the 802.11 standard. Mesh networks are identified by a mesh ID element included in beacon and probe response frames. In a mesh network, all mesh STAs use the same mesh profile. Mesh profiles are considered the same if all parameters in the mesh profile match. The mesh profile is included in the beacon and probe response frames so that neighboring mesh STAs can obtain the mesh profile through scanning.

[0060]

[0094] When a mesh STA discovers a neighboring mesh STA through the scanning process, the discovered mesh STA is considered as a peer mesh STA candidate. This mesh STA can become a member of the mesh network of which the discovered mesh STA is a member and establish mesh peering with the neighboring mesh STA. A discovered neighboring mesh STA can be considered as a peer mesh STA candidate if it uses the same mesh profile as the received beacon or if the probe response frame indicates the neighboring mesh STA.

[0061]

[0095] A mesh STA attempts to maintain discovered neighbor information in a mesh neighbor table, including (a) neighbor MAC addresses, (b) operating channel numbers, and (c) recently observed link status and quality information. If no neighbors are detected, the mesh STA remains active using the mesh ID of its highest priority profile. All the above-mentioned signaling to discover neighbor mesh STAs is performed in broadcast mode. It should be understood that 802.11s is not intended for networks with directional wireless communication.

[0062]

[0096] FIG. 3 shows the mesh identification element (Mesh ID element) used to announce the identity of the mesh network. The Mesh ID is sent in probe requests by new STAs willing to join the mesh network, and in beacons and signals by existing mesh network STAs. A zero-length Mesh ID field indicates a wildcard Mesh ID used in a probe request frame. The wildcard Mesh ID is a special ID that prevents non-mesh STAs from joining the mesh network. It should be recognized that a mesh station is a STA that has more features than a non-mesh station, such as having a STA that acts as a module that provides mesh functionality in addition to several other modules. If a STA does not have this mesh module, it should not be allowed to connect to the mesh network.

[0063]

[0097] FIG. 4 shows mesh components used for advertising mesh services, which are included in beacon frames and probe response frames transmitted by mesh STAs. The main contents of the mesh components are (a) a routing protocol identifier, (b) a routing metric identifier, (c) a congestion control mode identifier, (d) a synchronization method identifier, and (e) an authentication protocol identifier. The contents of the mesh components, together with the mesh ID, form a mesh profile.

[0064]

[0098] The 802.11a standard defines many procedures and mesh functions including mesh discovery, mesh peering management, mesh security, mesh beaconing and synchronization, mesh cooperation functions, mesh power management, mesh channel switching, 3-address, 4-address, and extended address frame formats, mesh routing and forwarding, interaction with external networks, inter-mesh congestion control, and emergency services support in a mesh BSS.

[0065] 2.3 Millimeter Waves in WLAN

[0100] Generally, WLANs in the millimeter wave band need to use directional antennas for transmission, reception, or both to provide sufficient SNR for communication considering high path loss. The use of directional antennas in transmission or reception also makes the scanning process directional. IEEE 802.11ad and the new standard 802.11ay specify scanning and beamforming procedures for directional transmission and reception over the millimeter wave band.

[0066] 2.4 IEEE 802.11ad Scanning and BF Training

[0102] An example of a state-of-the-art system for mmW WLAN is the 802.11ad standard.

[0067] 2.4.1 Scanning

[0104] A new STA operates in passive or active scan modes to scan for a specific SSID, a list of SSIDs, or all discovered SSIDs. To perform a passive scan, the STA scans for DMG beacon frames that contain the SSID. To perform an active scan, the DMG STA transmits a probe request frame that contains the desired SSID or one or more SSID list elements. The DMG STA may need to transmit a DMG beacon frame or perform beamforming training before transmitting the probe request frame.

[0068] 2.4.2 BF Training

[0106] BF training is a bidirectional sequence of BF training frame transmissions using sector sweeping to provide the signaling necessary for each STA to determine the appropriate antenna system settings for both transmission and reception.

[0069]

[0107] The 802.11ad BF training process can be performed in three stages: (1) a sector-level sweep stage is performed to perform directional transmit and low-gain (quasi-omnidirectional) receive for link acquisition; (2) a refinement stage is performed to add receive gain and final adjustments for combined transmit and receive; and (3) tracking is then performed during data transmission to adjust to channel changes.

[0070] 2.4.3 802.11ad SLS BF Training Phase

[0109] This SLS BF training phase focuses on the Sector Level Sweep (SLS) mandatory phase of the 802.11ad standard. During SLS, a pair of STAs exchange a series of Sector Sweep (SSW) frames (or beacons in case of transmit sector training at PCP / AP) over different antenna sectors to discover the sector that provides the best signal quality. The first station to transmit is called the initiator and the second station is called the responder.

[0071]

[0110] During a transmit sector sweep (TXSS), SSW frames are transmitted on different sectors and received by the paired STA (responder) using a quasi-omnidirectional pattern. The responder determines the initiator's antenna array sector that provides the best link quality (e.g., SNR) or otherwise supports communication between the stations.

[0072]

[0111] Figure 5 shows the concept of sector sweep (SSW) in 802.11ad. This figure shows an example where STA 1 is the initiator of SLS and STA 2 is the responder. STA 1 sweeps all fine sectors with its transmit antenna pattern, and STA 2 receives with a quasi-omnidirectional pattern. STA 2 feeds back the best sector received from STA 1 to STA 2.

[0073]

[0112] Figure 6 shows the signaling of the sector level sweep (SLS) protocol implemented in the 802.11ad specification. Each frame of a transmit sector sweep contains information about a sector countdown indication (CDOWN), a sector ID, and an antenna ID. The best sector ID and antenna ID information are fed back together with the sector sweep feedback and sector sweep ACK frames.

[0074]

[0113] Figure 7 shows the fields of a sector sweep frame (SSW frame) used in the 802.11ad standard, including the fields outlined below. The Duration field is set to the time until the end of the SSW frame transmission. The RA field contains the MAC address of the STA that is the intended recipient of the sector sweep. The TA field contains the MAC address of the transmitting STA of the sector sweep frame.

[0075]

[0114] Figure 8 shows the data elements in the SSW field. The main information carried in the SSW field is: The Direction field is set to 0 to indicate that the frame is transmitted by the beamforming initiator and set to 1 to indicate that the frame is transmitted by the beamforming responder. The CDOWN field is a down counter indicating the number of remaining DMG beacon frame transmissions until the end of the TXSS. The Sector ID field is set to indicate the sector number transmitting the frame containing this SSW field. The DMG Antenna ID field indicates which DMG antenna the transmitter is currently using for this transmission. The RXSS Length field is only valid when transmitted in a CBAP and is reserved otherwise. This RXSS Length field specifies the length of the receive sector sweep requested by the transmitting STA and is defined in units of SSW frames. The SSW feedback field is defined below.

[0076]

[0115] The SSW feedback field is shown in Figures 9A and 9B. The format shown in Figure 9A is used when transmitted as part of an internal lower layer service (ISS), and the format in Figure 9B is used when not transmitted as part of an ISS. The Total Sectors in ISS field indicates the total number of sectors the initiator will use in the ISS. The Rx Number of DMG Antennas subfield indicates the number of receive DMG antennas the initiator will use during the next receive sector sweep (RSS). The Sector Selection field contains the value of the Sector ID subfield of the SSW field in the frame received with the best quality in the previous sector sweep. The DMG Antenna Selection field indicates the value of the DMG Antenna ID subfield of the SSW field in the frame received with the best quality in the previous sector sweep. The SNR Report field is set to the value of the SNR of the frame received with the best quality during the previous sector sweep, as indicated in the Sector Selection field. The Poll Request field, when set to 1 by a non-PCP / non-AP STA, indicates that it requests the PCP / AP to initiate communication with the non-PCP / non-AP. The Poll Request field, when set to 0, indicates that the non-PCP / non-AP has no preference as to whether the PCP / AP initiates communication.

[0077] 3. Station (STA) Hardware Configuration

[0117] FIG. 10 shows an example embodiment 10 of a STA hardware configuration, showing I / O paths 12 into a hardware block 13, with a computer processor (CPU) 16 and memory (RAM) 18 coupled to a bus 14 coupled to the I / O paths 12 that provide the STA with external I / O to sensors, actuators, etc. Executing on the processor 16 are instructions from the memory 18 for executing a program that implements a communication protocol, allowing the STA to perform the functions of a "new STA" or one of the existing STAs in the network. It should also be understood that the programming is configured to operate in different modes (source, intermediate, destination) depending on what role it is playing in the current communication context. The illustrated host machine is configured to include a mmW modem 20 coupled to radio frequency (RF) circuitry 22a, 22b, 22c to multiple antennas 24a-24n, 26a-26n, 28a-28n that transmit and receive frames to and from neighboring STAs. The host machine is also seen to include a sub-6 GHz modem 30 coupled to radio frequency (RF) circuitry 32 to antenna(s) 34 .

[0078]

[0118] Thus, the illustrated host machine is configured to include two modems (multi-band) and associated RF circuitry to enable communication in two different bands. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the intended directional communications band is implemented to include a mmW band modem and associated RF circuitry for transmitting and receiving data in the mmW band. The other band (generally referred to herein as the discovery band) includes a sub-6 GHz modem and associated RF circuitry for transmitting and receiving data in the sub-6 GHz band.

[0079]

[0119] Although this example shows three RF circuits for the mmW band, embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to include a modem 20 coupled to any arbitrary number of RF circuits. In general, the more RF circuits used, the greater the coverage of the antenna beam direction. It should be understood that the number of RF circuits and antennas utilized is determined by the hardware constraints of a particular device. Some RF circuits and antennas can be disabled when a STA determines that it does not need to communicate with neighboring STAs. In at least one embodiment, the RF circuits are connected to multiple antennas, including frequency converters and array antenna controllers, that are controlled to perform beamforming for transmission and reception. In this manner, a STA can transmit signals using a set of multiple beam patterns, with each beam pattern direction being considered an antenna sector.

[0080]

[0120] FIG. 11 illustrates an example embodiment 50 of mmW antenna orientations that a STA can utilize to generate multiple (e.g., 36) mmW antenna sector patterns. In this example, the STA implements three RF circuits 52a, 52b, 52c and connected antennas, with each RF circuit and connected antenna generating a beamforming pattern 54a, 54b, 54c. The illustrated antenna pattern 54a has 12 beamforming patterns 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, 56f, 56g, 56h, 56i, 56j, 56k, and 56n (where "n" represents that any number of patterns can be supported). An example station using this particular configuration has 36 antenna sectors, although the present disclosure can support any desired number of antenna sectors. For clarity and ease of explanation, the following sections will generally illustrate STAs with fewer antenna sectors, but this should not be construed as a limitation of the implementation. It should be understood that any arbitrary beam pattern can be mapped onto the antenna sectors. Typically, the beam patterns are formed to produce sharp angle beams, but it is also possible to generate beam patterns to transmit and receive signals from multiple angles.

[0081]

[0121] The antenna sector is determined by the selection of mmW RF circuitry and beamforming dictated by the mmW array antenna controller. The STA hardware components may have a different functional division than that described above, but such configurations may be considered as variations of the described configuration. Some mmW RF circuitry and antennas may be disabled when a STA determines that it does not need to communicate with neighboring STAs.

[0082]

[0122] In at least one embodiment, the RF circuitry includes a frequency converter, an array antenna controller, etc., and is connected to multiple antennas that are controlled to perform beamforming for transmission and reception. In this manner, a STA can transmit signals using a set of multiple beam patterns, with each beam pattern direction being considered an antenna sector.

[0083]

[0123] 12 shows an example embodiment 70 of an antenna pattern for a sub-6 GHz modem that assumes the use of a quasi-omnidirectional antenna 74 attached to RF circuitry 72, although other circuitry and / or antennas may be utilized without limitation. It should be understood that the present disclosure may support stations that use quasi-omnidirectional and / or omnidirectional communications, and that reference herein to one of these types generally refers to the others.

[0084] 4. Discovery Aid Contribution of This Disclosure

[0125] The new STA requests assistance from the discovered STA by exchanging Assistance-Request and Assistance-Response information elements. These elements may be added to any frames exchanged between the discovered STA and the new STA. For example, these elements may be exchanged through (a) Assistance-Request and Assistance-Response frames, (b) Fast Session Transfer (FST) Request and FST Response frames if the discovery is on a different band, (c) Information-Request or Information-Response frames, (d) Probe-Request and Probe-Response frames, and (e) Association or Reassociation Request or Response frames or other message / beacon frames being communicated.

[0085]

[0126] The assistance request and assistance response information elements include the following information: (a) STA address, (b) DMG capability information, (c) antenna capability information, (d) communication band information, (e) communication band scan mode request and response, (f) discovery assistance window request and response, (g) residence time for new node request and response, and (h) assistance request response.

[0086]

[0127] If the discovery assistance request is accepted, the STA triggers on-demand sector sweeping or beamforming with the STA that requested discovery assistance. This can be done in two different ways by this protocol: (1) through sending details of the start time and duration during which on-demand sweeping is to be performed, or (2) by scheduling a beamforming training period between the requesting STA and the STA providing discovery assistance. The STA receiving the discovery assistance request decides whether it should propagate the request to other STAs in or around its BSS to assist the STA requesting discovery assistance. The STA receiving the discovery assistance request collects responses to all discovery assistance requests sent and forwards one response to the STA requesting discovery assistance.

[0087] 4.1 Assisted Discovery / On-Demand SSW Trigger

[0129] 13A and 13B show an example embodiment 90 in which STA 1 92, STA 2 94, STA 3 96, STA 4 98, and STA 5 100 cooperate in discovery assistance. Beginning in FIG. 13A of this example, STA 1 sends a discovery assistance (DA) request to STA 2 (102). After STA 2 determines the discovery assistance type, it propagates the request to STA 3 and STA 4 (104, 106). STA 3 responds to the request by sending a DA response to STA 2 (108). STA 4 decides to propagate the request to STA 5 (110). STA 5 responds to the request by sending a DA response to STA 4 (112). STA 4 processes (114) the received responses in its response to the request received from STA 2 and sends (116) a single DA response to STA 2 that includes information about the DAs provided by STA 4 and STA 5. STA 2 processes (118) all received DA responses and sends (120) a single DA response to STA 1 that includes information about the discovery assistance provided to STA 1 by STA 2, STA 3, STA 4, and STA 5.

[0088]

[0130] In this example, STA 2 determines the discovery assistance type through on-demand sector sweeping, and STAs that respond to the discovery assistance request add the time to start discovery assistance. STA 2 processes all responses and forwards to STA 1 the time to start all discovery signaling and the duration of the discovery assistance campaign.

[0089]

[0131] All STAs that agree to provide DA begin on-demand sector sweeping at the times they selected and reported in their responses, as shown in Figure 13B. STA 1 receives beamforming frames from the other STAs (122, 124, 126, 128) and sets up connections with the STAs that it is interested in communicating with (130, 132).

[0090] 4.2 Assisted Discovery / Scheduled Beamforming Periods

[0133] 14A and 14B illustrate an example embodiment 150 in which STA 1 152, STA 2 154, STA 3 156, STA 4 158, and STA 5 160 cooperate in discovery assistance. FIG. 14A illustrates an example in which STA 1 sends a DA request (162) to STA 2. After STA 2 determines the discovery assistance type, it propagates the request (164, 166) to STA 3 and STA 4. STA 3 responds to the request by sending a DA response (168) to STA 2. STA 4 decides to propagate the request (170) to STA 5. STA 5 responds to the request by sending a DA response (172) to STA 4. STA 4 processes (174) the received responses in its response to the request received from STA 2 and sends (176) a single DA response to STA 2 that includes information about the DAs provided by STA 4 and STA 5. STA 2 processes (178) all received DA responses and sends (180) a single DA response to STA 1 that includes information about the discovery assistance provided to STA 1 by STA 2, STA 3, STA 4, and STA 5.

[0091]

[0134] In this example, STA 2 determines the discovery assistance type through beamforming training scheduling, and STAs responding to the propagated discovery assistance request add the time required for beamforming with the STA requesting discovery assistance to the response. STA 2 processes all responses and forwards the scheduling and allocation of beamforming periods with other STAs to STA 1 along with an acceptance response to the discovery assistance request (182, 184, 186, 188) (continued in FIG. 14B). This information can be attached to the response message sent to STA 1, for example by adding an extended schedule element to the discovery assistance response sent to STA 1, or by sending the schedule later, for example, in a beacon frame or announcement frame. STA 2 also sends the schedule and allocation information to STA 3, STA 4, and STA 5. STA 2 can do this by attaching the extended schedule element to a frame sent to the participating STAs, such as a DMG beacon or announcement frame or any other frame. The order of transmitting frames including schedule and allocation information to STA 1, STA 3, STA 4, and STA 5 should be such that they are transmitted to the STAs before the start of the beamforming allocation period.

[0092]

[0135] All STAs that agreed to provide DA start on-demand sector sweeping at the time they selected and reported in the response (190, 192, 194, 196). STA 1 receives beamforming frames from other STAs and sets up connections with the STAs that are interested in communicating with them (198, 200).

[0093] 5. Discovery Assistance Propagation Procedure 5.1 BSS STAs Providing Assistance

[0138] A STA may provide discovery assistance to other STAs by triggering on-demand sector sweeping or scheduling a beamforming training period whenever a request is received from a STA requesting discovery assistance. STAs providing discovery assistance are configured to advertise their capability to provide discovery assistance or wait until discovery assistance is requested and respond if it is supported. STA discovery assistance capability notification may be communicated through any of the following mechanisms: (1) The notification may be sent by broadcasting the capability in a different band, e.g., a lower band. For example, sending a multi-band element containing an indication of discovery assistance capability in a different band identified in the multi-band element. The multi-band element may be sent in a beacon, probe response, association response, or any other frame sent to the STA requesting discovery assistance. (2) The notification may be sent by broadcasting the capability in a DMG capabilities element. This element contains the STA's DMG capabilities and is broadcast to other STAs connected to or within its surrounding area. For example, this element may be broadcast in a beacon, announcement frame, probe response, information response, or any other frame addressed to the STA requesting discovery assistance.

[0094]

[0139] STAs that provide discovery assistance can respond to discovery assistance requests without advertising their capabilities. In this case, only STAs that have discovery assistance capabilities respond to discovery assistance requests; otherwise, they ignore the request.

[0095]

[0140] When a STA receives a discovery assistance request, it determines whether to provide discovery assistance, and if the discovery assistance request is accepted, the STA sends a discovery assistance response. The discovery assistance request may be in a Fast Session Transfer (FST) Setup Request or Response frame, which includes a discovery assistance element or an information request frame that includes a discovery assistance element. The discovery assistance element includes information to guide the STA requesting discovery assistance whether DA has been accepted and how to perform discovery assistance if DA has been accepted.

[0096]

[0141] BSS STAs have the option to perform DA in multiple ways, and two ways are described below as examples and not by way of limitation: (1) Beacon sweeping can be performed, where the BSS STA can start sweeping beacons or beamforming frames during the BTI. The transmission of beamforming frames can be scheduled after several beacon intervals according to the STA's decision. The sweeping can be performed as a complete comprehensive sweep within one BI, or it can be a fragmented partial sweep. The details of the beamforming frame sweeping schedule are included in the DA element. (2) Scheduled beamforming can be performed, where the BSS STA can schedule a period within the DTI to exchange beamforming frames with new STAs. The beamforming exchange can be initiated by the STA requesting DA or by the BSS STA. The details of the scheduled beamforming are included in the DA element and additional elements that can be attached to the discovery assistance response frame or can be sent to the STA requesting discovery assistance, such as the Extended Schedule element, the TDD SP Slot Structure element, and the TDD SP Slot Schedule element.

[0097]

[0142] The BSS STA is configured to begin providing discovery assistance if the DA request carried by the DA element and other elements is accepted.

[0098] 5.2 STAs requesting discovery assistance

[0144] After a STA discovers the presence of other STAs in its surrounding area, or to find more nearby than the stations it recognizes, it can request discovery assistance from other STAs. The STA requesting discovery assistance transmits a discovery assistance request to the STA requesting discovery assistance. This discovery assistance request can be a frame transmitted in the same band, e.g., the mmW band that the STA is interested in using for a connection, or in a different band, e.g., the sub-6 GHz band.

[0099]

[0145] Through discovery in the lower band, the STA requesting discovery assistance can become aware of the STA for which DA is requested. Alternatively, the STA requesting discovery assistance may already be connected to the STA for which DA is requested in the mmW band, and the request is to discover a new neighbor. The STA requesting DA sends a discovery assistance request and attaches a DA element to the request. The STA requesting DA receives a discovery assistance response with the DA element attached from the BSS STA. If the DA request is accepted, the STA requesting DA receives the DA provided by the BSS STA according to the information in the response. If the DA request is rejected, the new STA can search for a new BSS STA for which assistance is requested or resend the DA request to the same BSS STA. If the DA request of the new STA is accepted, the new STA gets information about the assistance provided through the attached DA element.

[0100]

[0146] Discovery assistance can be provided in different ways according to the present disclosure, for example in two ways: (1) Discovery assistance can be provided during beacon sweeping, where the new STA gets information from the DA element about the start time of the beacon and the time and frequency to sweep the beacon. The new STA uses this information to scan the channels and discover the beacon when transmitting. (2) Discovery assistance can be provided in response to scheduled beamforming, where the new STA is informed that beamforming will be performed throughout the scheduled period. The DA element announces the type of DA, and the details of the discovery assistance schedule period are included in the Extended Schedule element. The TDD Slot Structure element and the TDD Schedule element are attached to the DA Response frame, if available.

[0101]

[0147] 15A and 15B show an example embodiment 210 in which a STA requests DA and processes the receipt of a discovery response. The process starts (212) with a new station sending a discovery assistance request (e.g., in the mmW band or another band) to a neighboring STA (214). The process waits (216) for a discovery assistance response in the same band in which the request was sent for a period of time. The process checks (218) whether a response is received within a predefined waiting time. If a response is not received within the waiting time x, execution returns to block 214. Otherwise, execution proceeds to block 220 to determine whether the discovery assistance request should be accepted. If the discovery assistance request is not accepted, execution returns to block 214. On the other hand, if the discovery assistance request is accepted, a check is made (222) to determine the discovery assistance type (FIG. 15B). If the type is determined to be sector sweeping, the process proceeds to block 224 to scan the mmW band for a sector sweeping BF frame at a specified time corresponding to a specified window length, and the process ends (234). If not, the type is determined to be scheduled BF and the process proceeds to block 226 to receive an extended scheduling element including the beamforming period allocation in a response included in another frame. In block 228, a determination is made as to the allocation source ID. If the ID is that of a discovered node (station), then in block 232, the process scans the mmW band for a beamforming frame at the specified time and then ends the process (234). On the other hand, if the ID is that of a new node (station), then in block 230, the process transmits a beamforming frame in the mmW band at the specified time and then ends the process (234).

[0102] 5.3 STA Propagating Discovery Assistance Requests

[0149] A STA may propagate discovery assistance requests received from a STA requesting discovery assistance for itself or another STA to neighboring STAs if those neighboring STAs support this feature. When a STA receives a discovery assistance request from a STA requesting discovery assistance for itself, it determines the type of discovery assistance to be provided and propagates the request to other STAs in its surrounding area or BSS. When a STA receives a discovery assistance request from a STA that propagates a request from a STA requesting discovery assistance, it propagates the request as is.

[0103]

[0150] The type of discovery assistance provided can be one of several types, such as (1) sector sweeping of the beamforming frame starting at a specific time, or (2) a scheduled beamforming training period that is assigned to both STAs requesting DA and STAs providing DA.

[0104]

[0151] In at least one embodiment, the propagated request includes a DMG capabilities element of the STA requesting DA and a discovery assistance information element, where (1) the DMG capabilities element includes information about the DMG capabilities of the STA requesting DA, and / or (2) the discovery assistance information element includes information about the type of discovery assistance requested by the STA requesting DA. The STA propagates the DA request to neighboring STAs and waits for discovery assistance responses from the neighboring STAs.

[0105]

[0152] After a certain waiting period, or when all responses to the request sent to neighboring STAs have been received, the STA sends a response to the STA requesting discovery assistance that includes information about the discovery campaign provided by the STA and any other STAs that responded to its request.

[0106]

[0153] In at least one embodiment, the response sent to the STA requesting discovery assistance conveys the following information: (a) the type of discovery assistance provided; (b) if discovery assistance is provided through sector sweeping, the response sends the time when the first STA will start sector sweeping and the window length at which all STAs will end discovery assistance; and (c) if discovery assistance is provided through scheduled beamforming training, scheduling information will be sent to the STA requesting discovery assistance and all STAs providing discovery assistance prior to the scheduled beamforming training time.

[0107]

[0154] 16A and 16B illustrate an example embodiment 250 of certain steps when a STA receives and propagates a discovery assistance request to other nearby STAs. In FIG. 16A, execution begins (252) with receiving (254) a discovery assistance request from a station requesting discovery assistance (DA). A check is made (256) to see if the STA supports discovery assistance. If the STA does not support DA, execution proceeds to FIG. 16B where processing ends (276). Otherwise, a discovery assistance type is determined (258) and a check is made (260) to determine if the discovery assistance request should be propagated. If the request should not be propagated, execution proceeds to block 274 of FIG. 16B where a discovery assistance response is sent to the STA requesting DA, and the process then ends (276).

[0108]

[0155] If not, a DA request should be propagated, so a discovery assistance is propagated to neighboring STAs (262), and a wait is made (264) until all responses are received or the time to receive responses expires, and then a check is made to determine the discovery type (266) (FIG. 16B). If the discovery type is sector sweeping, in block 268, a start time and window length for the discovery assistance campaign are determined, and then the process proceeds to block 274 to send a discovery assistance response to the STA requesting DA, and the process ends (276). If the discovery type is scheduled beamforming, in block 270, a beamforming training period is scheduled according to the requested beamforming time, and then an extended scheduling element is sent to the STA requesting DA and the STAs assisting it (272). Then the process proceeds to block 274 to send a discovery assistance response to the STA requesting DA, and the process ends (276).

[0109] 5.4 STAs responding to propagated DA requests

[0157] A STA that supports discovery assistance can respond to a discovery assistance request from another STA. If a STA that supports discovery assistance decides to reject the discovery assistance response, it responds to the request with a discovery assistance response that includes a rejection status code. If a STA that supports discovery assistance decides to accept the discovery assistance response, it responds to the request with a discovery assistance response that has a non-rejection (acceptance) status code and transmits the response with a populated discovery assistance element as follows: (a) If discovery assistance is provided through sector sweeping, it transmits in the response the time at which the STA will start sector sweeping and the window length over which the STA will provide discovery assistance. The STA calculates the time required to finish sector sweeping using the DMG capabilities element of the STA requesting DA, which is transmitted in the DA request. (b) If discovery assistance is provided through scheduled beamforming training, the STA transmits the time required to complete beamforming training with the STA requesting DA. The STA calculates the time required for the beamforming period using the DMG capabilities element of the STA requesting DA, which is transmitted in the DA request.

[0110]

[0158] 17A and 17B show an example embodiment 290 of how a STA receives and responds to a propagated discovery assistance request. In FIG. 17A, the process starts (292) by receiving (294) a discovery assistance request from a station requesting discovery assistance (DA). A check is made (296) to see if the receiving station supports discovery assistance. If discovery assistance is not supported, the process ends (312) (FIG. 17B). If not, discovery assistance is supported, so proceed to block 298 to determine a discovery assistance response and then check the type of response (300). If the response is a rejection of DA, proceed to block 310 of FIG. 17B to populate the DA element and send a discovery assistance response to the STA propagating the DA request and then end the process (312).

[0111]

[0159] On the other hand, if block 300 of FIG. 17A decides to accept the DA request, proceed to decision block 302 of FIG. 17B to check how discovery assistance is planned to be performed. If sector sweeping is planned to be performed, block 304 uses the DMG capability element to determine the time and window length of the discovery assistance campaign and proceeds to block 310. On the other hand, if scheduled beamforming is to be provided, block 306 uses the DMG capability element to determine the time required for beamform training and waits for a schedule assignment from the AP or PCP (308), and then proceeds to block 310. Block 310 populates the DA element and sends a discovery assistance response to the STA that propagates the DA request, and then ends the process (312).

[0112] 6. Information Element (IE) Definitions

[0161] FIG. 18 shows an example embodiment 330 of a discovery assistance information element that contains all the information required to trigger the beamforming process. The element ID and length fields define the ID of the element and its length. The discovery assistance control field controls aspects of the discovery process and is described below. The BTI field indicates the time interval in time units between the start of the transmission of the first DMG beacon frame during the assistance discovery window in a beacon interval and the end of the transmission of the last DMG beacon frame by a STA in the same beacon interval. The beamforming start TSF indicates the time to start discovery assistance. This time can indicate the start of a DMG beacon sweep, TDD SP beamforming, or the planned time when a new STA starts active scanning. The value can be the lowest 4 octets (8-bit bytes) of the TSF of the DMG BSS at the time to start transmitting beamforming frames. The discovery assistance window length indicates the time in time units that a discovered STA provides discovery assistance. During this time, the discovered STA transmits beamforming beacons or frames to the new STA or listens for beamforming frames or probes of the new STA. The Dwell Time field indicates the recommended time in microseconds for the new STA to sweep its receive antenna pattern when scanning for beamforming or discovery signals. The Temporary Association ID (AID) contains a value assigned to the new STA by the BSS STA to represent the temporary AID of the new STA. The new STA uses this value to identify the period scheduled for the new STA by the BSS STA when an extended schedule element is provided.

[0113]

[0162] FIG. 19 illustrates an example embodiment 340 of the discovery assistance control field of FIG. 18 with the following subfields: The request / response indication subfield is used to inform the receiving node whether the frame containing this element represents a request for discovery assistance (request element) or a response to a discovery assistance request sent by the receiving node (response element). If this field is set to request, the receiving node triggers the discovery assistance protocol upon receiving this element. If this field is set to response, the receiving node extracts the response information to receive discovery assistance from the transmitting node. The discovery assistance type subfield indicates the type of discovery assistance, i.e., whether through scheduled beamforming frame transmission or through triggered beamforming. If this subfield is present in a request element, it represents a request, and if present in a response element, it represents a response. When this subfield is set to triggered beamforming, it performs discovery assistance through triggering a beamforming signal at a specified time (beamforming start TSF). This can be performed using, for example, beacon sweeping or TDD-beamforming. When this subfield is set to scheduled beamforming, discovery assistance is scheduled in the attached Extended Schedule element. The Discovery Assistance Request Status Code subfield specifies the response to the discovery assistance request. The possible values ​​of the Discovery Assistance Request Status Code subfield are listed below. However, other status codes can be defined to provide additional communication between peer STAs.

[0114]

[0163] An example of a discovery assistance state map is shown below.

[0115]

[0164] Value 00: Reject discovery assistance request on the band defined by Band ID, Operating Class, Channel Number, and BSSID for other reasons. STAs receiving this element should abort and optionally restart discovery assistance procedures.

[0116]

[0165] Value 01: Reject discovery assistance requests on the band defined by the Band ID, Operating Class, Channel Number, and BSSID due to unauthorized access or other reasons. STAs receiving this element should abort and optionally restart the discovery assistance procedure.

[0117]

[0166] Value 10: Accept discovery assistance requests on the band defined by the band ID, operating class, channel number and BSSID. STAs receiving this information element process the information in the element to continue with the discovery assistance procedure, which may include transmitting or receiving beamforming frames or beacons.

[0118]

[0167] Value 11: Reject assisted discovery in response to the band defined by Band ID, Operating Class, Channel Number, and BSSID, because a different BSS is being proposed. STAs receiving this element should abort and optionally restart the assisted discovery procedure.

[0119]

[0168] The Time Units subfield in the figure indicates the time units of the next Beamforming Frame Exchange field. In the example Time Units table, value 0 indicates 1 μs, 1 indicates 100 μs, 2 indicates 400 μs, and values ​​3-15 are currently reserved. The new STA uses the values ​​of these fields to know the time units of the next Beamforming frame.

[0120]

[0169] The Beamforming Period subfield indicates the number of Beacon Intervals (BI) or TDD slots after which there will be no DMG Beacon or Beamforming frames until the next Beamforming frame. Discovered STAs transmit Beacons or Beamforming frames every Beamforming Period. Discovered STAs can expect Beamforming frames or Probe Requests from new STAs every Beamforming Period.

[0121]

[0170] The Fragmented TXSS subfield, when set to a first state (e.g., 1), indicates that the TXSS is a fragmented sector sweep, and when set to a second state (e.g., 0), indicates that the TXSS is a full sector sweep. This subfield is intended to inform STAs that beamforming or beacon sweeping spans multiple beacon intervals in the case of passive scanning.

[0122]

[0171] The TXSS Span subfield indicates the number of beacon intervals it takes for a STA transmitting a DMG beacon frame to complete the TXSS phase, and this subfield is always greater than or equal to 1. A new STA can use this information to quickly decide to end the scanning process if it does not receive a beamforming frame during the TXSS span period. This information can also be used in some cases to make the beamforming process more efficient.

[0123] 6.2 Extended Schedule Elements

[0173] FIG. 20 shows an example embodiment 350 of an Extended Schedule element that contains information about allocations in the mmW band. A new STA uses this element to extract information about allocations on the mmW band and whether any stations are allocated for discovery. Based on the information in the Extended Schedule element, the new STA can decide whether to join the BSS or not. In at least one embodiment, the Extended Schedule information has a structure similar to that specified in the 802.11 WLAN standard. The Extended Schedule element includes an element ID and a length, and any desired number of allocation fields (defined below).

[0124]

[0174] FIG. 21 shows an example embodiment 360 of the assignment field format shown in FIG. 20. Each assignment field includes the following fields in addition to other fields: The assignment control fields are described below: The beamforming control field (BF Control) includes information about the type of beamforming training to carry in the assigned slot (initiator TXSS or responder TXSS), the number of training sectors used for training from the initiator and / or responder, and the total number of RX DMG antennas. The source and destination AIDs represent the IDs of the source and destination. If the source is a discovered STA and the destination is a new STA, the new STA performs passive discovery. If the source ID is a new STA and the destination ID is a discovered STA, the new STA performs active discovery. The new STA can obtain a temporary AID from the BSS STA, since the AID has not yet been assigned to a station on the mmW band. Alternatively, the BSS STA can assign the new STA a reserved value of AID. In this case, an AID value of 0 (which is reserved) is used for this transaction. Allocation Start Time indicates the time to start the allocation. Allocation Block Duration, Number of Blocks and Allocation Block Period indicate the duration of the allocation and whether the allocation is repeated in the same BI after the allocation start. The other fields are used in the same context as they are specified in the WLAN 802.11 standard.

[0125]

[0175] FIG. 22 illustrates an example embodiment 370 of bits in the Allocation Control subfield illustrated in FIG. 21. In addition to other subfields, an Allocation ID is defined to indicate a unique ID for this allocation. Allocation Type is set to the type of channel access whether this allocation is CBAP, SP or TDD SP. The Pseudo-Static subfield can be used to indicate that the allocation is static and that it is valid for the discovery assistance window length. The Abort Allowed subfield indicates whether the source DMG STA and destination DMG STA can request SP abort of the SP allocation. The Extend Allowed subfield indicates whether the source DMG STA and destination DMG STA can request SP extension of the SP allocation. The PCP Active subfield indicates whether the PCP is available for transmission or reception during CBAP or SP when in active mode. LP SC Use indicates whether to use low power SC mode for this SP.

[0126] 6.3 DMG Ability Components

[0177] The DMG capability element carries information about the DMG capability of the STA in the mmW band (mmW band capability). In certain circumstances, the new STA and the BSS STA may exchange DMG capabilities with each other to know each other's capabilities and optimize the discovery and beamforming process. The new STA may send the DMG capability information element to the BSS STA in a lower band in which it can communicate with the BSS STA. The DMG capability information element may be sent in an FST setup request frame to indicate the DMG capability of the new STA in the mmW band. The BSS STA may send the DMG capability information element to the new STA in a lower band in which it can communicate with the new STA. The DMG capability information element may be sent in an FST setup response frame to indicate the DMG capability of the BSS STA in the mmW band.

[0127]

[0178] FIG. 23 illustrates an example embodiment 380 of a DMG Capability element having the following fields, and which may include additional fields as desired: Element ID and Length identify the element and its size. STA Address contains the MAC address of the STA. AID field contains the AID assigned to the STA by the AP or PCP; new STAs reserve this field. DMG STA Capability Information subfield has subfields as shown below. The following fields are described in the WLAN 802.11 specification and are included here for convenience only: AP or PCP Capability Information defines certain capabilities of the PCP or AP. DMG STA Beam Tracking Limit Time is used to set the value of the beam tracking limit time. Extended SC MCS Capability field signals the STA's support for certain MCS values. Maximum Number of Basic A-MSDU Subframes in A-MSDU indicates the maximum number of basic A-MSDU subframes in an A-MSDU that a DMG STA can receive from another DMG STA. The maximum number of short A-MSDU subframes in an A-MSDU indicates the maximum number of short A-MSDU subframes in an A-MSDU that a DMG STA can receive from another DMG STA.

[0128]

[0179] 24 illustrates an example embodiment 390 of the Directional Multi-Gigabit (DMG) STA Capability Information subfield. Note that the illustrated elements have been arbitrarily split into multiple parts solely to fit the width of the drawing page, and that other fields may be included in the same context as defined in the WLAN 802.11 standard.

[0129]

[0180] The following fields are described in the WLAN 802.11 specification and are included herein for convenience only: Reverse subfield (B0) indicates whether the STA supports reverse transmission; Upper Layer Timer Synchronization subfield (B1) indicates whether the STA supports upper layer timer synchronization; TPC subfield (B2) indicates whether the STA supports transmit power control; Spatial Sharing (SPSH) and Interference Mitigation subfield (B3) indicates whether the STA can perform spatial sharing and interference mitigation functions; RX DMG Antenna Number subfield (B4-B5) indicates the total number of receive DMG antennas of the STA; Fast Link Adaptation subfield (B6) indicates whether the STA supports the fast link adaptation procedure defined in the WLAN 802.11 standard and included herein for convenience only; Total Sector Number subfield (B7) indicates the total number of transmit sectors combined across all DMG antennas that the STA uses in a transmit sector sweep, including any LBIFS required for DMG antenna switching.

[0130]

[0181] The value represented by the RXSS Length subfield (B14-B19) specifies the total number of receiving sectors combined across all receiving DMG antennas of the STA, including any LBIFS required for DMG antenna switching. The DMG Antenna Reciprocity (B20) subfield, when set to a first state (e.g., 1), indicates that the STA's best transmitting DMG antenna is the same as the STA's best receiving DMG antenna and vice versa. Otherwise, this subfield is set to a second state (e.g., 0). The following fields are described in the WLAN 802.11 specification and are included herein for convenience only: A-MPDU Parameters (B21-B26) define the parameters of the A-MPDU. BA with Flow Control (B27) indicates whether the STA supports Block ACK with Flow Control. Supported MCS Sets (B28-B51) indicate which MCS the STA supports. DTP Supported subfield (B52) indicates whether the STA supports dynamic tone pairing. The A-PPDU Support subfield (B53) indicates whether the STA supports A-PPDU aggregation. The Supports Other AID subfield (B55) indicates how the STA configures its AWV configuration. The Antenna Pattern Reciprocity subfield (B56), when set to 1, indicates that the transmit antenna pattern associated with the AWV is the same as the receive antenna pattern of the same AWV. Otherwise, this subfield is set to 0.

[0131]

[0182] The following fields are described in the WLAN 802.11 specification and are included here for convenience only: The Heartbeat Progress Indication subfield (B57-B59) indicates whether the STA is expecting to receive a heartbeat frame. The Grant ACK Support subfield (B60) indicates whether the STA can respond to a grant frame with a Grant ACK frame. The RXSS TxR ATE Support subfield (B61) indicates whether the STA can perform RXSS on SSW frames transmitted with MCS 1 of the DMG SC modulation class. There are currently reserved fields (B61-B62).

[0132]

[0183] A discovery assistance support subfield (B62) according to the present disclosure is added above. This subfield indicates whether the STA supports discovery assistance. When the discovery assistance support subfield is set to a first state (e.g., 1), it indicates that the STA supports discovery assistance, and when set to a second state (e.g., 0), it indicates otherwise. When this field is set to 1, the STA should always respond to a discovery assistance request when it receives one. Also, the STA can provide discovery assistance to STAs that request discovery assistance and propagate the request to other STAs if necessary. The other fields are used in the same context as they are specified in the WLAN 802.11 standard. One reserved bit remains (B63).

[0133] 6.4 Information Request Frame Format

[0185] FIG. 25 illustrates an example embodiment 400 of an FST Information Request frame with the following fields: The Category and DMG Action fields define the type of frame. The Target Address field contains the MAC address of the STA for which information is being requested. If this frame is sent to a PCP and the value of the Target Address field is a broadcast address, the STA requests information about all related STAs. The Requested Elements field contains the ID of the elements that are requested to be sent. The DMG Capabilities element carries information about the sender STA and other STAs known to the sender STA. Zero or more Provided Elements are elements that the sender of this frame is providing to the frame's destination, e.g., discovery assistance elements. The Extended Request element is the ID of the elements that the STA is requested to send.

[0134] 6.5 Information Response Frame Format

[0187] FIG. 26 shows an example embodiment 410 of an FST information response frame with the following fields: The Category and DMG Action fields define the type of frame. The Target Address field contains the MAC address of the STA for which information is being provided. If this field is set to a broadcast address, the STA provides information for all related STAs. The Requested Elements field contains the ID of the element that is requested to be sent. The DMG Capabilities element carries information about the sender STA and other STAs known to the sender STA. The Requested Elements are those that are returned in response to an Information Request frame. Zero or more Provided Elements are elements, e.g., discovery assistance elements, that the sender of this frame provides to the frame's destination in addition to the Requested Elements or in an unsolicited Information Response frame.

[0135] 7. Discovery Assistance Implementation Example 7.1 Example Topology

[0190] 27-29 show example embodiments 430, 450, 470 for propagating discovery assistance to STAs in the BSS of an AP / PCP that receives a discovery assistance request from a new STA attempting to discover a neighboring STA.

[0136] 7.1.1 Discovery Assistance Requests and Responses

[0192] In Figure 27, AP / PCP 432 is communicating over an established mmW link with STA 1 434. STA 2 436 is a new STA attempting to discover neighboring nodes.

[0137]

[0193] STA 2 may also be a STA connected to an AP and attempting to discover new neighboring STAs. STA 2 sends a discovery assistance (DA) request to the AP / PCP and waits for a discovery assistance response from the AP / PCP. In at least one embodiment, frames exchanged between STA 2 and the AP / PCP are as follows: (a) Frames are exchanged using lower band signaling. STA 2 and the AP / PCP are connected through the lower band and exchange frames in the lower band. The AP, and possibly other STAs, are requested to provide discovery assistance to the STA. The STA sends and receives discovery assistance request and response frames in the lower band. STA 2 may signal discovery assistance request and response using FST setup request and FST setup response frames that include a discovery assistance element. (b) Frames are exchanged using mmW band signaling in two different ways: (b)(1) STA 2 and the AP / PCP are connected through the mmW band. STA 2 sends a discovery assistance request to the AP / PCP to request a discovery assistance campaign to help STA 2 discover new neighboring STAs. The AP / PCP receives the request, propagates it to other STAs, and sends a response to STA 2. The AP may or may not participate in the discovery campaign since it is already connected to STA 2. STA 2 may signal the discovery assistance request and response using information request and information response frames that include a discovery assistance element. (b)(2) STA 2 and the AP / PCP are not connected through the mmW band. STA 2 broadcasts the discovery assistance request by sending the discovery assistance request in all directions. The AP / PCP receives the request and may propagate the request to other STAs in the surrounding area or in its BSS. The AP / PCP sends a response back to STA 2 by broadcasting the response in all directions. STA 2 may signal the discovery assistance request and response using information request and information response frames that include a discovery assistance element.

[0138]

[0194] The discovery assistance request from STA 2 to the AP / PCP may include other elements, such as a DMG capability element, a multi-band element, or any other capability and operation elements, to inform the STA receiving the request of its capabilities.

[0139]

[0195] The discovery assistance response from the AP / STA may include other elements such as an extended schedule element, a TDD slot structure, a TDD slot schedule, a DMG capability element, or any other capability and operation elements to inform STA 2 of the nature of the discovery campaign and the STA's ability to provide the discovery campaign.

[0140] 7.1.2 Propagated Discovery Assistance Requests and Responses

[0197] When the DMG AP or PCP receives a discovery assistance request, it can send a DMG discovery assistance request to other DMG STAs in the BSS to assist the DMG STA requesting discovery assistance in discovering neighboring STAs in the BSS. The DMG discovery assistance request is an information request frame that includes the DMG discovery assistance element and the DMG capabilities element of the STA requesting discovery assistance. In the case of a DMG discovery assistance request, the information request frame does not carry other DMG capabilities elements.

[0141]

[0198] A DMG STA that receives a DMG discovery assistance request responds with a DMG discovery assistance response, such as an information response frame that includes a DMG discovery assistance element, if the STA supports the discovery assistance feature. If the DMG STA accepts the discovery assistance request and sends a DMG discovery assistance response back to the DMG AP or PCP, it begins on-demand sector sweeping as specified in the sent DMG discovery assistance response or scheduled assignment.

[0142]

[0199] After sending a DMG discovery assistance request, the DMG AP or PCP waits for a DMG discovery assistance response for a waiting time X. After the timer expires or after receiving a DMG discovery assistance, the station determines what discovery assistance is provided to the STA requesting discovery assistance.

[0143]

[0200] In the example 430 shown in FIG. 27, STA 2 436 sends a DA request to the AP / PCP 432 (438). When the AP / PCP receives the DA request, it propagates the DA request to STA 1 434, which sends a DA request to request discovery assistance for STA 1 to STA 2 along with STA 2's DMG capabilities (440). If STA 1 supports discovery assistance, it responds with a discovery assistance response (442). If the request is accepted, STA 1 sends information about the discovery assistance provided to STA 2 in the response 442. The AP / PCP receives the response, processes the discovery assistance information from STA 1, including the discovery assistance provided to STA 2, and sends a DA response to STA 2 (444).

[0144]

[0201] In the example 450 shown in FIG. 28, new STA 2 456 sends a DA request to the AP / PCP 452 (460). When the AP / PCP receives the DA request, it propagates the DA request to STA 1 454 and STA 3 458, which send a DA request to request discovery assistance to STA 2 along with STA 2's DMG capabilities (462, 464). STA 1 responds with a discovery assistance response if it supports discovery assistance (468), and STA 3 responds with a discovery assistance response if it supports discovery assistance (466). If the request is accepted, STA 1 and STA 3 send information about the discovery assistance provided to STA 2 in responses 466, 468. The AP / PCP receives the response, processes the discovery assistance information from STA 1 and STA 3, including the discovery assistance provided to STA 2, and sends a DA response to STA 2 (470).

[0145]

[0202] In the example 470 shown in FIG. 29, new STA 2 478 sends a DA request to the AP / PCP 472 (480). When the AP / PCP receives the DA request 480, it propagates the DA request to STA 1 474, which sends a DA request to STA 1 to request discovery assistance to STA 2 according to STA 2's DMG capabilities (482). STA 1 receives the propagated DA request and decides to propagate it to STA 4. STA 1 sends a DA request to STA 4 476 including STA 2's DMG capabilities (484). If STA 4 supports discovery assistance, it responds to STA 2's request by sending a discovery assistance response to STA 2 (486). If the request is accepted, STA 4 sends information about the discovery assistance provided to STA 2 in response 486 to STA 1. STA 1 receives the response from STA 4 and processes the response with its expected response. If STA 1 provides discovery assistance to STA 2 in light of the accepted request, STA 1 combines the discovery assistance response from STA 4 with its prepared response to the request and sends a response (488) to AP / PCP 472. In this response 488, STA 1 sent information about the discovery assistance to be provided to STA 2 by STA 1 and STA 4. AP / PCP 472 receives the response, processes the discovery assistance information from STA 1, including the discovery assistance provided to STA 2, and sends a DA response to STA 2 (490).

[0146]

[0203] In the previous example, STA 4 can be in the same BSS as STA 1 and the AP, or in a different BSS. An example of STA 4 being part of a different BSS is when STA 1 has multiple MACs, one of which is part of the AP / PCP BSS, and the other MACs form another BSS that includes STA 4.

[0147] 7.1.3 Discovery Assistance Propagation Frame

[0205] Information request and information response frames can be used to transmit propagated discovery assistance requests and responses, respectively. To do so, the information request and information response frames carry discovery assistance elements that indicate various fields of information in the request or response.

[0148]

[0206] When a DMG AP or PCP sends a DMG discovery assistance request to a STA in its BSS, it determines the type of discovery assistance to be provided and sets fields in the DMG discovery assistance element in the information request frame as follows:

[0149]

[0207] If discovery assistance is performed through sector sweeping, the discovery assistance type subfield within the discovery assistance control field is set to a first state (eg, 0).

[0150]

[0208] If discovery assistance is performed through scheduled beamforming allocation, the discovery assistance type subfield in the discovery assistance control field is set to a second state (e.g., 1). The temporary AID field is set to a temporary AID assigned by the DMG AP or PCP to the DMG STA requesting discovery assistance for discovery assistance action decisions and on-demand sector sweeping.

[0151]

[0209] When a DMG STA that supports discovery assistance receives an information request frame containing a DMG discovery assistance element and a DMG capabilities element, the DMG STA determines whether to accept the discovery assistance request. In addition, the DMG STA responds to the DMG AP or PCP with an information response frame containing a DMG discovery assistance element. If the discovery assistance request is accepted, the discovery assistance request status code field in the DMG discovery assistance element in the information response frame is set to ACCEPTED (SUCCESS). Otherwise, the field is set to REJECTED (REFUSED). According to at least one embodiment, the DMG STA takes one of the following actions when accepting the discovery assistance request:

[0152]

[0210] If discovery assistance is requested through sector sweeping, the following actions are performed: The DMG STA uses the DMG capability element of the DMG STA requesting discovery assistance, included in the information request frame, to calculate the discovery assistance window length and schedule the sector sweep. The antenna configuration (number of TX and RX sectors and number of DMG antennas) is used to determine the time required to sweep all sectors over one or more beacon intervals. For example, the number of transmit antenna sectors in the STA requesting discovery assistance is used to determine the exact number of slots required within the A-BFT period of the responder TXSS. The DMG STA may use multiple beacon intervals to complete a full DMG beacon sweep. The discovery assistance window length may include one or more completed full DMG beacon sweeps. The DMG discovery assistance element field in the information response frame is set as follows: (a) set the discovery assistance type subfield in the discovery assistance control field to a first state (e.g., 0), (b) set the dwell time present subfield in the discovery assistance control field to a first state (e.g., 0), (c) set the discovery assistance window length field to the discovery assistance window length value, and (d) set the sector sweep start time field to a TSF value indicating when to begin discovery assistance. The DMG STA begins sector sweeping at the sector sweep start time for a duration equal to the discovery assistance window length.

[0153]

[0211] If discovery assistance is requested through a scheduled beamforming allocation, the following actions are performed: The DMG STA uses the DMG Capability element of the DMG STA requesting discovery assistance contained in the Information Request frame to determine the discovery assistance window length as the total time required to complete beamforming training, including at least the time covering the initiator TXSS and the responder TXSS. The DMG Discovery Assistance Element field in the Information Response frame is set as follows: (a) the discovery assistance type subfield in the discovery assistance control field is set to a second state (e.g., 1), (b) the dwell time presence subfield in the discovery assistance control field is set to 0, (c) the discovery assistance window length field is set to the discovery assistance window length value (in microseconds), and (d) the temporary AID field is set to the temporary AID assigned by the DMG AP or PCP to the DMG STA requesting discovery assistance. The DMG STA should receive an extended schedule element containing the allocation information of the beamforming training with the STA requesting discovery assistance.

[0154]

[0212] When the DMG AP or PCP receives an information response frame indicating ACCEPT (SUCCESS) in the discovery assistance request status code field in the DMG discovery assistance element, it processes all DMG discovery assistance elements received through the information response frame. The DMG AP or PCP sends the DMG discovery assistance element containing discovery assistance information, including discovery assistance from the AP / PCP and any other STAs to which the request was propagated and accepted, to the DMG STA requesting discovery assistance.

[0155] 7.1.4 Processing Propagated Discovery Assistance Responses

[0214] After sending a DMG discovery assistance request, the DMG AP or PCP waits for a DMG discovery assistance response for a waiting time X. After the timer expires or after receiving a DMG discovery assistance, the DMG AP or PCP determines the discovery assistance to be provided to the STA requesting discovery assistance and sends a response to the STA requesting discovery assistance.

[0156]

[0215] When multiple STAs, including or excluding the DMG AP or PCP, provide discovery assistance and discovery assistance is performed through scheduled beamforming assignment, the AP or PCP schedules a beamforming training period between the DMG STAs requesting discovery assistance and the DMG STAs providing discovery assistance. The AP or PCP transmits a DMG extended schedule element to all DMG STAs providing discovery assistance and the DMG STAs requesting discovery assistance, e.g., through transmitting a notification frame or a beacon frame containing the DMG extended schedule element. In the case of active scanning, the destination AID subfield in the assignment field in the DMG extended schedule element is set to the DMG STA providing the discovery assistance AID, and in the case of passive scanning, the source AID subfield in the assignment field is set to the DMG STA providing the discovery assistance AID.

[0157]

[0216] After the DMG AP or PCP determines the discovery assistance action, it sends a discovery assistance response to the DMG STA requesting discovery assistance. If multiple STAs, including or excluding the DMG AP or PCP, provide discovery assistance, the DMG AP or PCP sets the discovery assistance request status code field to ACCEPT (SUCCESS) in the DMG discovery assistance element sent to the STA requesting discovery assistance. The DMG AP or PCP configures the DMG discovery assistance element according to its provided discovery assistance parameters and updates the following fields:

[0158]

[0217] If discovery assistance is performed through sector sweeping, the discovery assistance window length is set to the duration after the sector sweep start time until all STAs providing discovery assistance have completed discovery assistance, and the sector sweep start time field is set to the earliest start time value among the STAs providing discovery assistance and the time at which the first DMG STA providing discovery assistance begins discovery assistance.

[0159]

[0218] When discovery assistance is performed through scheduled beamforming allocations, the discovery assistance window length is set to the duration of the beamforming period for all STAs starting from the first allocation (including all time blocks if multiple time blocks are scheduled).

[0160]

[0219] A DMG AP or PCP or other STA providing discovery assistance initiates an on-demand sector sweeping or beamforming training period at a scheduled time.

[0161] 8. Overview of disclosure elements

[0221] The following summary discloses certain key elements of the disclosure, but this summary should not be construed as describing the only key elements of the disclosure.

[0162]

[0222] When a BSS STA receives a discovery assistance request from a STA requesting discovery assistance, it propagates the discovery assistance request to the neighboring STAs by transmitting a discovery assistance request to the neighboring STAs. If the STA receiving the request supports discovery assistance, it is configured to respond with a discovery assistance response and provide discovery assistance to the STA requesting discovery assistance if the request is accepted. The STA propagating the DA request is configured to transmit the following information in a discovery assistance element to the neighboring STA when the discovery assistance request is transmitted: (a) the type of discovery assistance to be provided to the STA requesting discovery assistance: (a)(1) on-demand sector sweeping starting at a specific time, (a)(2) an assigned beamforming training period between the STA requesting discovery assistance and the STA providing discovery assistance, (b) the temporary AID of the STA requesting discovery assistance, and (c) the DMG capability of the STA requesting discovery assistance.

[0163]

[0223] A STA receiving a propagated DA request is configured to respond with a discovery assistance response that includes the following information: (a) if the type of discovery assistance is on-demand sector sweeping, send the time to start sector sweeping and the discovery assistance window length, and (b) if the type of discovery assistance is assigned beamforming training period, send the time required to perform beamforming with the STA requesting DA.

[0164]

[0224] The information request frame may carry a discovery assistance element that is propagated to neighboring STAs, including the DMG capabilities element of the STA requesting DA, to represent a discovery assistance request. The information response frame may carry a discovery assistance element that is propagated to neighboring STAs, to represent a discovery assistance response.

[0165]

[0225] If the discovery assistance type is assigned beamforming training period, the assigned beamforming training period schedules all beamforming training periods between the STA requesting discovery assistance and all STAs that accepted the discovery assistance request. An extended schedule element containing the assignment information should be sent to all STAs participating in the discovery campaign.

[0166]

[0226] A BSS STA that receives a discovery assistance request from a STA that requests discovery assistance processes all discovery assistance responses received from neighboring STAs in response to the propagated discovery assistance requests sent to neighboring STAs, and sends one discovery assistance response to the STA that requests discovery assistance. The discovery assistance response to the STA that requests discovery assistance should include discovery campaign information.

[0167]

[0227] A STA that accepts a propagated discovery assistance request is configured to perform on-demand sector sweeping or beamforming training at the time indicated in the discovery assistance response or at the time received in an extended schedule element from the STA that sends the propagated discovery assistance request.

[0168] 8. General Scope of the Embodiments

[0229] The described enhancements of the presented techniques can be readily implemented within the protocols (e.g., programs executing on the station's processor) of various wireless communication stations. It should also be understood that the wireless communication station is preferably implemented to include one or more computer processor devices (e.g., CPU, microprocessor, microcontroller, computer-enabled ASIC, etc.) and associated memory (e.g., RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, FLASH, computer readable media, etc.) that store instructions, such that programs (instructions) stored in the memory are executed on the processor to perform the various process steps described herein.

[0169]

[0230] Those skilled in the art will recognize the use of computer equipment to perform steps associated with controlling wireless communication stations, and therefore for simplicity, computer equipment and memory devices are not shown in the figures, and the presented technology is not limited in this regard, insofar as memory and computer readable media are non-transitory and therefore do not constitute transitory electronic signals.

[0170]

[0231] Embodiments of the present technology may be described herein with reference to flowcharts of methods and systems according to embodiments of the present technology, and / or procedures, algorithms, steps, operations, formulas, or other computational expressions, which may also be implemented as computer program products. In this regard, each block or step of the flowchart, and combinations of blocks (and / or steps) of the flowchart, and any procedures, algorithms, steps, operations, formulas, or computational expressions, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, and / or software that includes one or more computer program instructions embodied in a computer readable program code. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be executed by one or more computer processors, including, but not limited to, a general purpose computer or a special purpose computer, or any other programmable processing device for producing a machine, such that the computer program instructions executing on the computer processor or other programmable processing device produce means for performing the specified function(s).

[0171]

[0232] Thus, the blocks of the flowcharts and procedures, algorithms, steps, operations, formulas, or computational expressions described herein support combinations of means for performing a particular function(s), combinations of steps for performing a particular function(s), and computer program instructions for performing a particular function(s) as embodied in computer readable program code logic means. It will also be understood that each block of the flowcharts and procedures, algorithms, steps, operations, formulas, or computational expressions described herein, and combinations thereof, can also be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based computer system that performs the particular function(s) or step(s), or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer readable program code.

[0172]

[0233] Moreover, these computer program instructions, embodied in computer readable program code or the like, may be stored in one or more computer readable memories or memory devices capable of directing a computer processor or other programmable processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in these computer readable memories or memory devices produce an article of manufacture including instruction means for performing the functions specified in the flowchart(s). The computer program instructions may be executed by the computer processor or other programmable processing device to generate a computer-implemented process by causing a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer processor or other programmable processing device, such that the instructions executing on the computer processor or other programmable processing device provide steps for performing the function specified in the flowchart(s) block(s), procedure(s), algorithm(s), step(s), operation(s), mathematical formula(s), or computational expression(s).

[0173]

[0234] Additionally, the terms "program" or "program executable" as used herein will be understood to mean one or more instructions executable by one or more computer processors to perform one or more functions described herein. The instructions may be embodied in software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The instructions may be stored locally on a non-transitory medium of the device or remotely, such as on a server, or all or a portion of the instructions may be stored locally or remotely. Remotely stored instructions may be downloaded (pushed) to the device upon user initiation or automatically based on one or more factors.

[0174]

[0235] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms processor, hardware processor, computer processor, central processing unit (CPU), and computer are used synonymously to indicate a device capable of executing instructions and communicating with input / output interfaces and / or peripheral devices, and it will be understood that the terms processor, hardware processor, computer processor, CPU, and computer are intended to include single or multiple devices, single-core devices and multi-core devices, and variations thereof.

[0175]

[0236] From the description herein, it will be understood that the present disclosure can include multiple embodiments, including but not limited to the following.

[0176]

[0237] 1. An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, comprising: (a) a wireless communication link configured as a station for wirelessly communicating with at least one other station using directional communication; (b) a processor coupled to the wireless communication link in a station configured to operate on a wireless network; and (c) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor, the instructions, when executed by the processor, performing the steps of: (d)(i) performing directional communication with one or more other stations on the wireless network through a directional antenna sector selected from a plurality of directional antenna sectors; (d)(ii) receiving a discovery assistance request from a first neighboring station seeking discovery assistance to discover a station on the wireless network; and (d)(iii) detecting the first neighboring station. (d)(iv) receiving a discovery assistance response from the one or more neighboring stations that support discovery assistance, the one or more neighboring stations supporting discovery assistance responding with a discovery assistance response to provide discovery assistance; and (d)(v) determining a discovery assistance response that includes information obtained from itself and from stations providing discovery assistance in a discovery information frame, wherein (d)(vi) the discovery assistance response includes information about a type of discovery assistance along with associated scheduling and time information; and (d)(vii) transmitting the discovery assistance response to the first neighboring station seeking discovery assistance, the discovery assistance response including an information response frame carrying a discovery assistance element.

[0177]

[0238] 2. A method for performing wireless communication in a network, comprising: (a) performing directional communication from a wireless communication link configured as a station for wireless communication with at least one other station on a wireless network using directional communication through a directional antenna sector selected from a plurality of directional antenna sectors; (b) receiving a discovery assistance request from a first neighboring station seeking discovery assistance to discover a station on the wireless network; (c) propagating the received discovery assistance request to one or more neighboring stations within its BSS or outside its BSS, excluding the first neighboring station; (d) receiving a discovery assistance response from the one or more neighboring stations supporting discovery assistance, which support discovery assistance and therefore respond with a discovery assistance response to provide discovery assistance; (e) determining a discovery assistance response including information obtained from the station itself and from a station providing discovery assistance in a discovery information frame, (f) the discovery assistance response includes information about a type of discovery assistance along with associated scheduling and time information; and (g) transmitting the discovery assistance response including an information response frame carrying a discovery assistance element to the first neighboring station seeking discovery assistance.

[0178]

[0239] 3. The apparatus or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, accept the propagated discovery assistance request by performing on-demand sector sweeping or beamforming training at a time indicated in a discovery assistance response or at a time received in an extended schedule element from a station transmitting the propagated discovery assistance request.

[0179]

[0240] 4. The apparatus or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the type of discovery assistance is either (a) on-demand sector sweeping starting at a specific time, or (b) an allocated beamforming training period between the station requesting discovery assistance and the station providing discovery assistance.

[0180]

[0241] 5. The apparatus or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, perform the discovery assistance by further incorporating a temporary association identification (AID) of the first neighbor station requesting discovery assistance and a directional multi-gigabit DMG capability of the station requesting discovery assistance.

[0181]

[0242] 6. The apparatus or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, perform the assigned beamforming training period including scheduling all beamforming training periods between the station requesting discovery assistance and all stations that accepted the discovery assistance request.

[0182]

[0243] 7. The apparatus or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, incorporate an extended schedule element including assignment information to be transmitted to all stations participating in a discovery campaign to perform the assigned beamforming training period and assist the first neighbor station seeking discovery assistance.

[0183]

[0244] 8. The apparatus or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, perform the operation of a station receiving a propagated discovery assistance (DA) request and responding thereto with a discovery assistance response, the discovery assistance response including either (a) transmitting a time to start sector sweeping and a discovery assistance window length if the discovery assistance type uses on-demand sector sweeping, or (b) transmitting a time required to perform beamforming with the station requesting discovery assistance (DA) if the discovery assistance type uses assigned beamforming training periods.

[0184]

[0245] 9. The apparatus or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus or method to transmit an information request frame carrying discovery assistance elements to be propagated to neighboring stations, the information request frame including a directional multi-gigabit (DMG) capability element of the station requesting discovery assistance.

[0185]

[0246] 10. The apparatus or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the station includes an enhanced directional multi-gigabit personal basic service set control point (PCP) or access point (AP) that enables and advertises a distributed scheduling protocol by setting a distributed scheduling enable field in a transmitted enhanced directional multi-gigabit (EDMG) extended schedule element.

[0186]

[0247] 11. The apparatus or method of any preceding embodiment, wherein the apparatus is applicable to a network application selected from the group of network types and applications consisting of device-to-device (D2D), peer-to-peer (P2P), wireless and mesh networking applications, wireless personal area networks (WPANs), outdoor wireless communications, Wi-Fi, WiGig, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, data backhaul, data fronthaul, indoor and outdoor distribution networks, mesh networks, next generation cellular networks, and next generation cellular networks using D2D communications.

[0187]

[0248] As used herein, the singular terms "a," "an," and "the" may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to an item in the singular does not mean "one and only one" unless expressly stated, but rather means "one or more."

[0188]

[0249] As used herein, the term "set" refers to a collection of one or more objects. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single object or multiple objects.

[0189]

[0250] The terms "substantially" and "about" as used herein are used to describe and explain slight variations. When used in relation to events or circumstances, these terms can mean that the events or circumstances will definitely occur and that the events or circumstances are highly likely to occur. When used in relation to a numerical value, these terms can mean a variation range of ±10% or less, such as ±5% or less, ±4% or less, ±3% or less, ±2% or less, ±1% or less, ±0.5% or less, ±0.1% or less, or ±0.05% or less of the numerical value. For example, being "substantially" aligned can mean an angle variation range of ±10% or less, such as ±5° or less, ±4° or less, ±3° or less, ±2° or less, ±1° or less, ±0.5° or less, ±0.1° or less, or ±0.05° or less.

[0190]

[0251] In addition, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values ​​may be expressed in range format in this specification. Such range formats are used as a shorthand for convenience, and include numerical values ​​explicitly specified as the limits of the range, but should be understood to flexibly include all individual numerical values ​​or subranges within the range as if each of these numerical values ​​and subranges were explicitly set forth. For example, a ratio within the range of about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include the explicitly recited limits of about 1 and about 200, but also include individual ratios such as about 2, about 3, about 4, and subranges such as about 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 100, etc.

[0191]

[0252] Although the description herein contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but merely as exemplifying some of the presently preferred embodiments, and therefore the scope of the disclosure will be understood to fully embrace other embodiments that may become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0192]

[0253] All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the scope of the claims. Moreover, no element, component, or method step of the present disclosure is intended to be publicly disclosed, regardless of whether they are explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein should be construed as a "means-plus-function" element unless the element is explicitly recited using the phrase "means for". No claim element herein should be construed as a "step-plus-function" element unless the element is explicitly recited using the phrase "step for". [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 10 Example of embodiment 12 I / O Paths 13 Hardware Blocks 14 Bus 16 Computer Processor (CPU) 18 Memory (RAM) 20mmW modem 22a,22b,22c Radio frequency (RF) circuit 24a~24n, 26a~26n, 28a~28n Antennas 30 sub-6GHz modem 32 Radio Frequency (RF) Circuits 34 Antenna 50 Example of embodiment 52a,52b,52c RF circuit 54a, 54b, 54c Beamforming Patterns 56a,56b,56c,56d,56e,56f,56g,56h,56i,56j,56k,56n Beamforming Pattern 70 Example of embodiment 72 RF circuit 74 Quasi-Omnidirectional Antenna 90 Example of embodiment 92, 94, 96, 98, 100 STA 102 Discovery Assistance Request Frame 104 Discovery Assistance Request Frame 106 Discovery Assistance Request Frame 108 Discovery Assistance Response Frame 110 Discovery Assistance Request Frame 112 Discovery Assistance Response Frame 114 Processing Received Responses 116 Discovery Assistance Response Frame 118 Processing Received Responses 120 Discovery Assistance Response Frame 122,124,126,128 Beamforming Frame 130,132 Connection Setup 150 Example of embodiment 152,154,156,158,160 STA 162 Discovery Assistance Request Frame 164 Discovery Assistance Request Frame 166 Discovery Assistance Request Frame 168 Discovery Assistance Response Frame 170 Discovery Assistance Request Frame 172 Discovery Assistance Response Frame 174 Processing Received Responses 176 Discovery Assistance Response Frame 178 Processing Received Responses 180 Discovery Assistance Response Frame (contains scheduling and allocation information) 182 Scheduling and Allocation Information 184 Scheduling and Allocation Information 186 Scheduling and Allocation Information 188 Scheduling and Allocation Information 190,192,194,196 On-Demand Sector Sweeping 198,200 connections set up 210 Example of embodiment 212 Start Transmits discovery assistance requests to nearby STAs on the 214 mmW band or lower 216 Wait for discovery response for time X on the same bandwidth as the request was sent 218 Did you receive a discovery assistance response within waiting time x? 220 Will discovery assistance requests be honored? 222 Discovery aid type? 224 Scan the mmW band at the specified time corresponding to the specified window length to check whether there is a sector sweeping BF frame. 226 Receive an extended schedule element containing a beamforming period allocation in a response contained in another frame 228 Assigned Source ID? 230 Transmit a beamforming frame in the mmW band at the specified time. 232 Scan the mmW band at the specified time to check if there is a beamforming frame 234 End 250 Example of embodiment 252 Start 254 Receive a discovery assistance request from a STA requesting DA 256 Does STA support discovery assistance? 258 Determine discovery support type 260 Propagate discovery assistance requests? 262 Propagate discovery assistance to neighboring STAs 264 Wait until all responses are received or until the response time expires 266 Discovery aid type? 268 Calculate the start time and window length of the discovery support campaign 270 Schedule beamforming training periods according to requested beamforming times 272 Sends an extended schedule element to the STA requesting DA and to the STA supporting the STA requesting DA. 274 Send discovery assistance response to STA requesting DA 276 End 290 Example of embodiment 292 Start 294 Receive a discovery assistance request from a STA requesting DA 296 Does STA support discovery assistance? 298 Determine discovery assistance response 300 Discovery Assistance Response? 302 Discovery aid type? 304 Calculate start time and window length for Assisted Discovery Campaigns using DMG Capability Elements Calculate the time required for beamforming training using 306 DMG capability factors 308 Wait for schedule assignment sent from AP or PCP 310 Populates the DA element and sends a discovery assistance response to the STA that propagates the DA request 312 End 330 Example of embodiment 340 Example of embodiment 350 Example of embodiment 360 Example of embodiment 370 Example of embodiment 380 Example of embodiment 390 Example of embodiment 400 Example of embodiment 410 Example of embodiment 430 Example of embodiment 432 AP / PCP 434STA1 436STA2 438 DA request 440 Propagated DA Request 442 Propagated DA Responses 444 DA Response 450 Example of embodiment 452 AP / PCP 454STA1 456 New Station 2 458STA3 460 DA requests 462 Propagated DA Request 464 Propagated DA Request 466 Propagated DA Responses 468 Propagated DA Responses 470 DA Response / Example of Implementation 472 AP / PCP 474STA1 476 STA 4 478 New Station 2 480 DA requests 482 Propagated DA Request 484 Propagated DA Request 486 Propagated DA Responses 488 Propagated DA Response 490 DA Response

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, comprising: (a) a wireless communication circuit configured as a first station for wireless communication with at least one other station; (b) a processor within the first station; and (c) a non-transitory memory that stores instructions executable by the processor; and Equipped with (d) the instructions, when executed by the processor, perform steps for performing discovery assistance for at least a second station, the steps including: (i) receiving a discovery assistance request from the second station over a frequency band; (ii) the discovery assistance request, when received from the second station requesting the discovery assistance, comprises discovery assistance information included in a discovery assistance frame or discovery assistance information included in another frame; (iii) performing scheduling by the first station of expected assistance between the second station and other stations, including the first station, and conveying information indicating sending scheduling information to the second station and all other stations providing the discovery assistance; (iv) providing the discovery assistance to the second station in a frequency band different from or the same as the frequency band; (v) forming a new wireless communication connection between the second station requesting the discovery assistance and the first station providing the discovery assistance; (vi) upon receiving the discovery assistance request, the first station forwarding the discovery assistance request to another station within the same basic service set (BSS) or a neighboring wireless communication area, the other station being capable of receiving the discovery assistance request and providing the discovery assistance to the second station that originally requested the discovery assistance; The apparatus includes:

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the discovery assistance is provided by initiating beamforming or transmitting a beacon.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further comprise: collecting discovery assistance responses from other stations to which the discovery assistance request was forwarded.

4. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further comprise the step of the first station transmitting a discovery assistance response to the second station including information about the discovery assistance provided from the first station and other stations that are willing to perform the discovery assistance for the second station.

5. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further comprise the step of the first station transferring information for coordinating transmission of a probe response to the second station requesting the discovery assistance.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the discovery assistance information is transferred through beacons, beamforming, or connection setup.

7. An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, comprising: (a) a wireless communication circuit configured as a first station for wireless communication with at least one other station; (b) a processor within the first station; and (c) a non-transitory memory that stores instructions executable by the processor; and Equipped with (d) the instructions, when executed by the processor, perform steps for performing discovery assistance for at least a second station, the steps including: (i) receiving a discovery assistance request from the second station over a frequency band; (ii) the discovery assistance request, when received from the second station requesting the discovery assistance, comprises discovery assistance information included in a discovery assistance frame or discovery assistance information included in another frame; (iii) performing scheduling by the first station of expected assistance between the second station and other stations, including the first station, and conveying information indicating sending scheduling information to the second station and all other stations providing the discovery assistance; (iv) providing the discovery assistance to the second station in a frequency band different from or the same as the frequency band; (v) forming a new wireless communication link between the second station requesting the discovery assistance and the first station providing the discovery assistance; (vi) upon receiving the discovery assistance request, the first station forwarding the discovery assistance request to other stations within the same basic service set (BSS) or within a neighboring wireless communication area, the other stations being capable of receiving the discovery assistance request and providing the discovery assistance to the second station that initially requested the discovery assistance; (vii) collecting, by the first station receiving the discovery assistance request from the second station requesting the discovery assistance, discovery assistance responses from other stations; The apparatus includes:

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the discovery assistance is provided by initiating beamforming or transmitting a beacon.

9. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further comprise the step of the first station transmitting a discovery assistance response to the second station including information about the discovery assistance provided from the first station and other stations that are willing to perform the discovery assistance for the second station.

10. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further comprise the step of the first station transferring information for coordinating transmission of a probe response to the second station requesting the discovery assistance.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the discovery assistance information is forwarded through beacons, beamforming, or connection setup.

Images