Preemption / abortion of an in-progress lower priority PPDU

Abstract

A wireless local area network (WLAN) having stations (STAs) using carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance (CSMA / CA), at least some of which support full-duplex (FD) transmission. A mechanism is described in which a STA can transmit a preemption request to a station performing an ongoing transmission. The preempted STA detects the preemption request of the preempting STA. If the preempted STA decides to accept the preemption request, it suspends its own ongoing transmission. Thus, the preempting STA preempts the transmission of the preempted STA and transmits a preemptive transmission after receiving notification that the preempted STA has suspended its ongoing transmission.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 820,454, filed August 17, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 261,213, filed September 15, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable

[0003] Notification of copyrighted material 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 reproduction by any third party of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office publicly available 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 secrecy, including, but not limited to, the right pursuant to 37 CFR § 1.14.

[0004]

[0005] TECHNICAL FIELD The techniques of this disclosure relate generally to wireless network communications, and more particularly to protocols that allow for preemption and / or interruption of ongoing low priority data. [Background technology]

[0005]

[0007] Stations on a network transmit and receive physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), and some of these stations are configured to perform full-duplex communications in which they transmit and receive simultaneously.

[0006]

[0008] However, in many cases, these ongoing communications interfere with high priority traffic. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007]

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure overcomes this problem and provides further benefits. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008]

[0010] During ongoing communications between stations (STAs), high-priority traffic may be held up by these ongoing transmissions. For example, assume that a STA (denoted as STA A) has full-duplex (FD) capability and is transmitting a PPDU, while another STA (denoted as STA B) has high-priority traffic to transmit. This disclosure describes a mechanism that allows STA B to request that STA A's transmission be interrupted and possibly preempted.

[0009]

[0011] Further aspects of the technology described herein will become apparent in the remainder of this specification, and this detailed description is intended to fully disclose preferred embodiments of the technology without limiting them.

[0010]

[0012] The techniques described herein will be better understood by reference to the following drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of self-interference cancellation (SIC) hardware on a wireless station in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a hardware block diagram of station (STA) hardware in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a hardware block diagram of a station configuration as included in multi-link device (MLD) hardware, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example network topology used for demonstration purposes, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a transmitter STA transmitting a PPDU including punctured resources to aid receiver STAs and other STAs in detecting third-party transmissions, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a flow diagram for detecting third-party transmissions when a STA is receiving a PPDU, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a communication diagram for detecting third-party transmissions based on channel conditions, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a communication diagram in which a transmitter STA transmits a signal over punctured resources to notify other STAs of the detection of a third party transmission, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a communication diagram in which a STA detects a third party transmission on a partial channel resource, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for an FD originating STA to initiate a full-duplex transmission, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for an FD originating STA to initiate a full-duplex transmission, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for an FD receiving STA to initiate a full-duplex transmission, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a communication diagram of a full-duplex transmission of PPDU1 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a communication diagram of a full-duplex partial channel transmission in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for an FD originating STA to abort its ongoing full-duplex transmission, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for an FD receiving STA to abort its ongoing full-duplex transmission, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 is a flow diagram for a preempting STA to initiate a preemption transmission, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 1 is a flow diagram of a preempted STA accepting or rejecting a preemption transmission, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a communication diagram of a first example of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a communication diagram of a second example of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a communication diagram of a third example of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a communication diagram of a fourth example embodiment of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a communication diagram of a fifth example embodiment of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a communication diagram of a sixth example embodiment of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a communication diagram of a seventh example of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a communication diagram of an eighth example of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27]FIG. 13 is a communication diagram of a ninth example embodiment of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 16 is a communication diagram of a tenth example of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmissions in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is a data field diagram of an FD PPDU format that can be used for FD transmission and preemption, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a data field diagram of a DTX confirmation signal format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a data field diagram of a preemption request signal format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 1. Station Hardware and Network Topology

[0044] This disclosure describes an apparatus and method for wireless network communication between stations implementing a carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance protocol under 802.11.

[0013] 1.1.FD Station with Self-Interference Cancellation (SIC)

[0046] Station hardware for stations providing full duplex (FD) operation typically includes a radio frequency front end (RFFE) 30 that provides self-interference cancellation (SIC) as described by Sony in a previous FD STA application.

[0014]

[0047] 1 shows an example embodiment 10 of self-interference cancellation (SIC) hardware as used in a station having a radio frequency front end (RFFE) 30. This SIC hardware is used in a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as the STA shown in FIG. 2 and the MLD shown in FIG. 3 below.

[0015]

[0048] The Tx Digital BB (12) is the baseband transmit (TX) signal. The baseband digital signal accumulates harmonics and transmitter noise through modulation by a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and Up-Converter (UC) 14 into a passband signal. Before the transmit signal is sent to the TX antenna 16, a small portion of the transmit signal, including the transmitter noise, passes through circuitry 15 to perform analog SIC.

[0016]

[0049] The SIC circuit consists of parallel fixed lines of variable delays 26a-26n and tunable attenuators 28a-28n, which are then summed together and this combined signal is then subtracted 23 from the signal on the receive path.

[0017]

[0050] The passband signal received from antenna 22 has SIC correction applied (23) and passes through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and downconverter (DC) 20. The baseband digital signal from the ADC and DC has digital SIC (24) applied (19) to estimate the remaining residual self-interference, including the main TX SI, after analog cancellation and any delayed reflections of this signal from the environment, to produce the receiver digital baseband signal (18).

[0018]

[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment 50 of STA hardware configured to execute the protocol of the present disclosure. An external I / O connection 54 preferably couples to an internal bus 56 of circuitry 52, to which a CPU 58 and memory (e.g., RAM) 60 are connected for executing programs implementing the communications protocol. The host machine contains at least one modem 62 to support communications, which is coupled to at least one RF module 64, 68, each of which is connected to one or more antennas 69, 66a, 66b, 66c, ..., 66n. RF modules containing multiple antennas (e.g., antenna arrays) enable beamforming during transmission and reception. In this manner, the STA can transmit signals using a set of multiple beam patterns.

[0019]

[0052] The bus 54 allows for connecting various devices to the CPU, e.g., sensors, actuators, etc. Executing on the processor 58 are instructions from a memory 60 for executing programs that implement a communication protocol, allowing the STA to perform the functions of an Access Point (AP) station or a regular station (non-AP STA). It should also be understood that the programming may be configured to operate in different modes (TXOP holder, TXOP sharing participant, source, intermediate, destination, first AP, other AP, station associated with first AP, station associated with other AP, coordinator, coordinator, AP in OBSS, STA in OBSS, etc.) depending on what role it is performing in the current communication context.

[0020]

[0053] The illustrated STA HW is therefore configured to include at least one modem and associated RF circuitry to provide communications in at least one band, with this disclosure primarily directed to the sub-6 GHz band.

[0021]

[0054] It should be understood that the present disclosure can be configured to include multiple modems 62, each coupled to any number of RF circuits. In general, the more RF circuits used, the wider the coverage of the antenna beam direction. It should be understood that the number of RF circuits and antennas utilized will depend on 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 circuitry is 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.

[0022]

[0055] Furthermore, it should be noted that multiple instances of station hardware such as those shown in the figure can be combined into a multi-link device (MLD), which typically has a processor and memory for coordinating activity, but a separate CPU and memory are not always required for each STA within the MLD.

[0023]

[0056] FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment 70 of a multi-link device (MLD) hardware configuration. The MLD can include a soft AP MLD, which is an MLD consisting of one or more associated STAs operating as an AP. The soft AP MLD should support multiple radio operation at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Among the multiple radios, the basic link set is a link pair that satisfies simultaneous transmit / receive (STR) mode, such as a basic link set (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) or a basic link set (2.4 GHz and 6 GHz).

[0024]

[0057] A conditional link is a link that forms a non-simultaneous transmit / receive (NSTR) link pair that includes several fundamental links. For example, these link pairs can include a 6 GHz link as a conditional link corresponding to the 5 GHz link when the 5 GHz is the fundamental link, and when the 6 GHz is the fundamental link, the 5 GHz link is a conditional link corresponding to the 6 GHz link. Soft APs are used in different scenarios, including Wi-Fi hotspots and tethering.

[0025]

[0058] Multiple STAs are associated with the MLD, each operating on a different frequency link. The MLD has external I / O access to applications, which connect to an MLD management entity 78 having a CPU 92 and memory (e.g., RAM) 94 to run programs that implement communication protocols at the MLD level. The MLD distributes tasks to each associated station (shown here as STA1 72, STA2 74, ..., STA_N 76) to which the MLD is connected, collects information from each associated station, and can share information among the associated STAs.

[0026]

[0059] In at least one embodiment, each STA in the MLD has its own CPU 80 and memory (RAM) 82, which are coupled via a bus 88 to at least one modem 84, which in turn is connected to at least one RF circuit 86, which in turn has one or more antennas. In this example, the RF circuit has multiple antennas 90a, 90b, 90c, ..., 90n, e.g., an antenna array. The modem cooperates with the RF circuit and associated antennas to transmit / receive data frames to / from neighboring STAs. In at least one implementation, the RF module includes a frequency converter, an array antenna controller, and other circuitry for interfacing with the antennas.

[0027]

[0060] It should be understood that each STA in an MLD does not necessarily require its own processor and memory, as they may share resources with each other and / or with an MLD management entity, depending on the particular MLD implementation. The above MLD illustration is provided by way of example and not limitation, and it should be understood that the present disclosure can work with a wide range of MLD implementations.

[0028] 1.2. Network Topology Example

[0062] 4 illustrates an example network topology embodiment 110 used in the examples by way of illustration and not limitation, and which also applies to other topologies illustrated herein. In this example, as shown, stations reside within a communication area 112 (such as a room or building) that may have an opening (door / window) 114, and within this area there may be multiple stations (STAs) (illustrated as 116, 118, 120, and 122). Of these STAs, STA A 116 and STA C 120 are capable of full-duplex (FD) transmission. All of these STAs contend for channel access using CSMA / CA.

[0029] 2.0 Full-duplex station using CSMA / CA

[0064] Consider full-duplex (FD) STAs using CSMA / CA to contend for the channel. FD STAs can simultaneously send and receive physical layer protocol data units (PPDUs) over the same channel.

[0030] 2.1. Problem Statement

[0066] A situation arises in which a STA (here represented as STA A) is transmitting a PPDU when another STA (represented as STA B) with a higher priority request would benefit from interrupting its ongoing transmission to preempt STA A's transmission. This situation proves to be particularly beneficial when STA B has a PPDU to transmit that is significantly higher priority than STA A's ongoing PPDU. Assume that STA A is capable of FD transmission, while STA B can also be assumed to be capable of FD transmission.

[0031]

[0067] This technique describes how STA B can request to preempt STA A's ongoing transmission.

[0032] 2.2.Terminology Used

[0069] FD originating STA: The STA that initiates PPDU transmission and enables full-duplex transmission during PPDU transmission.

[0033]

[0070] FD Receiving STA: A STA that is permitted to transmit PPDUs to an FD Originating STA during the FD Originating PPDU transmission for full-duplex transmission.

[0034]

[0071] Preempting STA: A STA that transmits a preemption request to preempt the ongoing transmission of a preempted STA. A transmission of the preempting STA that is requested to preempt the ongoing transmission of a preempted STA is denoted as a preemption transmission.

[0035]

[0072] Preempted STA: The STA that receives the preemption request and arranges the preemption transmission for the preempting STA.

[0036]

[0073] Note that in at least one embodiment, the FD receiving STA or the preempted STA cannot be the preempting STA.

[0037] 3. Detection of Third-Party Transmissions

[0075] This section considers a scenario in which a STA transmits a PPDU to another STA. The STA transmitting the PPDU is denoted as the sender STA, and the STA that is the intended receiver of the PPDU is denoted as the receiver STA. The other STA is a STA that is neither a sender nor a receiver STA and is therefore considered a "third party."

[0038]

[0076] A mechanism for detecting third-party transmissions, such as a STA detecting another PPDU transmission while a transmitter STA is transmitting a PPDU on the same channel, is described. Detecting third-party transmissions can help the receiver STA and other STAs recognize whether there are two PPDUs transmitting simultaneously. If the transmitter STA is FD-enabled, the receiver STA or other STAs can transmit a PPDU to the transmitter STA when there are no detected third-party transmissions. When a third-party transmission is detected, the receiver STA or other STAs should not transmit a PPDU to the transmitter STA for the following reasons: PPDUs transmitted by the receiver STA or other STAs interfere with the third-party transmissions. If the transmitter STA listens to (receives) third-party transmissions, it cannot receive the PPDUs transmitted by the receiver STA or other STAs.

[0039]

[0077] A practical use case for this detection of third party transmissions is to initiate preemption transmissions, which will be explained later.

[0040]

[0078] When a transmitter STA is FD-enabled, it can receive while transmitting, so it can detect third-party transmissions. However, the receiver STA and other STAs cannot receive two PPDUs at the same time, even if they are FD-enabled. Therefore, this section proposes a solution to allow the receiver STA and other STAs to detect third-party transmissions.

[0041]

[0079] In this section, we propose that a transmitter STA leave some punctured resources of a channel empty (reserve) when transmitting a PPDU. It should be understood that "puncturing" is an optional feature described in 802.11ax to improve spectral efficiency by allowing transmission of "punctured" portions of a spectrum channel when parts of the channel are in use by legacy users. In this disclosure, punctured resources are used for different purposes.

[0042]

[0080] Because PPDUs are not transmitted through punctured resources, the receiver STA and other STAs detect that the channel is idle during the punctured resources when the transmitter STA is the only STA transmitting PPDUs. When there is a third party transmission through the punctured resources, the receiver STA and other STAs detect that the channel is busy during the punctured resources and detect the third party transmission.

[0043]

[0081] This section also proposes that when a transmitter STA is transmitting a PPDU and detects a third-party transmission, it can transmit information through the punctured resource to indicate the detection of the third-party transmission. Then, the receiver STA and other STAs can know that the transmitter STA cannot receive PPDUs from the receiver STA and other STAs due to this third-party transmission.

[0044]

[0082] A method for the receiver STA and other STAs to detect third-party transmissions (eg, transmissions initiated by STAs other than the sender STA while the sender STA is transmitting a PPDU to the receiver) is detailed.

[0045] 4. Third-Party Detection Embodiments 4.1. Detection of Third-Party Transmissions

[0085] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment 130 in which a transmitter STA may transmit a PPDU containing punctured resources to help receiver STAs and other STAs detect third-party transmissions during the PPDU transmission time.

[0046]

[0086] The transmitter STA transmits 132 a PPDU to the receiver STA. The transmitter STA specifies 134 the locations of the punctured resources in the PPDU. For example, the locations of the punctured resources are signaled in the preamble of the PPDU as shown in Figure 29. The PPDU is transmitted 136 over the channel without using the punctured resources.

[0047]

[0087] A check (138) determines whether the transmitter STA is capable of full-duplex transmission and detects a CCA busy during PPDU transmission. If the condition is met, the STA can transmit (140) a signal over the punctured resources (not part of the PPDU transmission) to indicate the presence of a third-party transmission. If not, in block 142, the transmitter STA does not transmit this signal over the punctured resources.

[0048]

[0088] The punctured resource may be any type of channel resource capable of carrying a signal during a PPDU. For example, the punctured resource may relate to an RU, an OFDM symbol, and / or a carrier tone. For example, if the punctured resource relates to an RU, the transmitter does not transmit a signal through that RU for a specific period of time. If the punctured resource relates to an OFDM symbol, the transmitter does not transmit a signal for several OFDM symbol durations. If the punctured resource relates to a carrier tone, the transmitter does not transmit a signal through that tone for a specific period of time. The punctured resource may be embedded periodically during a PPDU transmission. Note that the punctured resource signal may be carried by the preamble of the PPDU. The location of the punctured resource may be randomly determined by the transmitter for each PPDU.

[0049]

[0089] In at least one embodiment / mode / option, punctured resources across different channel frequencies should be located in the same period of channel time. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, punctured resources on different frequencies should start and / or end at the same time.

[0050]

[0090] 6 illustrates an example embodiment 150 in which a STA detects a third party transmission when it receives 152 a PPDU that includes location information for resources punctured in the received PPDU, where the STA may or may not be the intended receiver of the PPDU.

[0051]

[0091] Next, a check (154) determines the result of the STA's channel sensing through the punctured resources. If the STA senses CCA busy through the punctured resources, a third party transmission is registered in block 156. This third party detection indicates that a STA other than the PPDU transmitter STA is transmitting simultaneously. If the punctured resources are located on a partial channel, such as an RU, the STA recognizes that a third party transmission is present on that partial channel. On the other hand, if a third party transmission is not present, the STA proceeds to block 158 and ends the process.

[0052] 4.2.1. Third Party Detection Example 1

[0093] 7 illustrates an example embodiment 170 of a process for detecting third party transmissions based on channel conditions during punctured resources. The illustrated communication diagram includes STA A 172, STA B 174, and STA C 176.

[0053]

[0094] As shown, STA A 172 is the transmitter STA transmitting PPDU1 182, including its preamble 180, and including punctured resources 186 and 188. STA C 176 is interested in transmitting to STA A and performs third-party transmission detection during PPDU1 transmission. Initially, no third-party transmission is detected (186). If STA C detects CCA busy (188) in the punctured resources, this indicates the presence of a third-party transmission, and therefore STA C cannot transmit to STA A. Otherwise, STA C can transmit to STA A.

[0054]

[0095] This example shows how STA C detects (188) the presence of a third party transmission, e.g., PPDU2 192 including a preamble 190 as transmitted by STA B, during the transmission of PPDU1. Note that the arrows shown in the diagram represent STA C receiving (listening to) the PPDU transmission from STA A or STA B.

[0055]

[0096] As shown in the figure, STA A transmits a PPDU including punctured resources, i.e., PPDU1 182. STA C receives and decodes PPDU1, but it should be understood that STA C can decode only the preamble of PPDU1 to obtain the punctured resource information. From this, STA C obtains the location of the punctured resources in PPDU1 and performs channel sensing through the punctured resources. When only STA A is transmitting, STA C detects that the channel is idle (without a CCA busy) in punctured resources 186. If another STA, i.e., STA B 174 transmitting PPDU2 (shown as PPDU2 192), is present when STA A is transmitting, STA C detects a CCA busy in punctured resources 188 (which includes a CCA busy). As a result, STA C cannot preempt STA A. Note that STA C may or may not be the intended receiver of PPDU1.

[0056]

[0097] STA B may transmit PPDU2 192 when STA B is the intended receiver of PPDU1 and is transmitting PPDU2 for full-duplex transmission, or when STA A is a hidden node with respect to STA B, or when PPDU2 is a preemption request sent by STA B.

[0057] 4.2.2. Third Party Detection Example 2

[0099] 8 shows an example embodiment 210 in which a transmitter STA transmits a signal over punctured resources to notify other STAs of the detection of a third party transmission. The involved STAs are the same as those in FIG.

[0058]

[0100] As shown, STA A is a transmitter STA transmitting PPDU1 182, including its preamble 180 and including at least one punctured resource (shown at different times 186 and 188). STA C is interested in transmitting to STA A and performs detection for third-party transmissions during PPDU1 transmission 182. If STA C detects CCA busy 188 during the punctured resource, it detects the third-party transmission and is unable to transmit to STA A. Otherwise, STA C can transmit to STA A. This example illustrates how, if STA A detects a third-party transmission, e.g., PPDU2 192 including preamble 190 as transmitted by STA B, during the transmission time of PPDU1 and STA A detects the third-party transmission 212, it forwards this third-party transmission information through the punctured resource to notify STA C. Otherwise, STA A does not transmit this signal through the punctured resource. Note that the arrow in the figure indicates that STA C listens to (receives) a PPDU transmission from STA A or STA B.

[0059]

[0101] In this example, a transmitter STA transmits a signal through punctured resources of PPDU1 to notify STA C of a third party's transmission. As shown in the figure, STA A transmits a PPDU including punctured resources, i.e., PPDU1. STA C listens to and decodes PPDU1. Thus, STA C obtains the location of the punctured resources of PPDU1 and performs channel sensing through the punctured resources.

[0060]

[0102] When only STA A is transmitting, STA C detects that the channel is idle during punctured resources 186 (not including the CCA busy). If another STA, e.g., STA B transmitting PPDU2 192, is present when STA A is transmitting, STA C will not detect the CCA busy through the punctured resources due to being a hidden node to STA B. However, STA A will hear the PPDU2 transmission. During the time of PPDU2 transmission, STA A will transmit a signal through the punctured resources to indicate the presence of a third-party transmission (i.e., PPDU2), but will not receive a signal (e.g., from STA C) during that time. STA C will then stop attempting to preempt STA A.

[0061]

[0103] Note that STA C may or may not be the intended receiver of PPDU1.

[0062] 4.2.3. Third Party Detection Example 3

[0105] 9 illustrates an example embodiment 230 in which a STA detects a third party transmission on a partial channel resource. The involved STAs are the same as those shown in FIG.

[0063]

[0106] As shown in the figure, STA A is a transmitter STA transmitting PPDU1 182, which includes its preamble 180 and at least one punctured resource. STA C is interested in transmitting to STA A and performs third-party transmission detection during PPDU1 transmission. Initially, there is no CCA busy detected through the punctured resources (186). If STA C detects a CCA busy (188) in the punctured resources, it knows that a third-party transmission is occurring and cannot transmit to STA A through the partial channel in which the punctured resources are located. Meanwhile, STA C can transmit to STA A through the partial channel in which STA C detects the punctured resources as idle. This example shows how STA C detects a third-party transmission, i.e., PPDU2 232, including preamble 190 transmitted by STA B, during the transmission time of PPDU1. Note that the arrows in the figure represent STA C listening to (receiving information about) a PPDU transmission from STA A or STA B.

[0064]

[0107] As shown in the figure, STA A transmits a PPDU (illustrated as PPDU1) including punctured resources. STA C listens to and decodes PPDU1. Therefore, STA C knows the location of the punctured resources of PPDU1 and performs channel sensing through the punctured resources. When only STA A is transmitting, STA C detects that the channel is idle during the punctured resources at time 186 (not including the CCA busy). If another STA, i.e., STA B, transmits PPDU2 232 while STA A is transmitting through some RUs, STA C detects a CCA busy (188) through the punctured resources on those RUs (including the CCA busy). STA C then cannot transmit to STA A using those RUs whose punctured resources are CCA busy. STA C can use other RUs whose punctured resources are idle, for example, to perform preemption.

[0065]

[0108] It should be understood that STA C may or may not be the intended receiver of PPDU1.

[0066] 5.0. Full-Duplex (FD) Transmission Techniques

[0110] This section describes a technique for initiating full-duplex transmission between two full-duplex-capable STAs. When initiating full-duplex transmission, the FD originating STA indicates the start of full-duplex transmission in the preamble of the PPDU it sends to the FD receiving STA. The FD receiving STA receives the PPDU preamble and recognizes that it is an FD receiving STA. The FD receiving STA then begins transmitting PPDUs to the FD originating STA for full-duplex transmission.

[0067]

[0111] This section also considers self-interference estimation of the FD receiving STA. When an FD originating STA transmits a PPDU that enables FD transmission, it transmits a signal following the preamble of the PPDU. The signal can be: (a) a signal that is predetermined and recognized by the FD receiving STA, allowing the FD receiving STA to cancel the signal and obtain self-interference estimation; or (b) a signal that can be orthogonal to the PPDU to be transmitted by STA C, allowing STA C to perform self-interference estimation without having to cancel the signal.

[0068]

[0112] This section also describes a mechanism by which an FD originating STA can request an FD receiving STA to leave some RUs empty (unused for transmission) to allow other STAs to transmit preemption requests and optionally related information through those RUs.

[0069] 5.1.FD Transmission 5.1.1. FD Transmission from the Originating STA

[0115] 10 and 11 show an example embodiment 250 in which an FD originating STA initiates a full-duplex transmission. The FD originating STA sends 252 a PPDU to the FD receiving STA, indicating in the PPDU whether FD transmission is allowed in the PPDU.

[0070]

[0116] The FD originating STA determines (254) whether full-duplex transmission should be allowed during PPDU transmission. If FD is not allowed, execution proceeds to block 266 of Figure 11, where the FD originator indicates in the PPDU that FD is not allowed and terminates the process. Note that the FD originator can use a legacy preamble (which does not include FD transmit parameter settings) to indicate that FD transmission is not allowed.

[0071]

[0117] On the other hand, if FD is permitted in block 254, in block 256, the FD originating STA embeds full-duplex transmission parameter settings (FD permission indication, transmit power of the FD originating STA, expected received power from the FD receiving STA, punctured resource information of the PPDU, channel resources reserved for preemption, etc.) in the PPDU (e.g., preamble of the PPDU).

[0072]

[0118] Next, the FD sender transmits a known signal (258) after transmitting the preamble of the PPDU, so that the FD receiving STA performs self-interference estimation during the known signal transmission time.

[0073]

[0119] Next, in check (260) of FIG. 11, the FD originating STA determines whether it has detected a PPDU transmitted by the FD receiving STA.

[0074]

[0120] If the FD originating STA detects a PPDU, the FD originating STA begins receiving PPDUs from the FD receiving STA in block 262. The FD originating STA continues its transmission regardless of whether it receives a PPDU from the FD receiving STA.

[0075]

[0121] On the other hand, if the check (260) does not detect a PPDU by the FD receiving STA, then in block 264 the FD originating STA continues its transmission.

[0076] 5.1.2. FD Transmission from the Perspective of the Receiving STA

[0123] FIG. 12 illustrates an example embodiment 270 in which an FD receiving STA initiates a full-duplex transmission initiated by an FD originating STA.

[0077]

[0124] The FD receiving STA receives the PPDU (272). A check (274) determines from the PPDU whether full-duplex transmission is permitted. If full-duplex transmission is not permitted, then in block 282 the FD receiving STA does not transmit during the FD originating STA's PPDU transmission.

[0078]

[0125] On the other hand, if FD transmission is permitted in the PPDU, the receiving STA begins (276) transmitting a PPDU to the FD originating STA according to the full-duplex transmission parameter setting in the PPDU received from the FD originating STA. When the FD receiving STA begins transmitting the PPDU, it terminates (278) its self-interference estimation while the FD originating STA is transmitting a known signal. The FD receiving STA can reserve (280) a portion of channel resources in the time and / or frequency domain that should not be transmitted in the PPDU. The FD originating STA can then detect a preemption request through the reserved channel resources. The reserved channel resources can be indicated in the PPDU transmitted by the FD originating STA. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, the reserved channel resources are negotiated in advance.

[0079] 5.2.1. Full-Duplex Transmission Example 1

[0127] 13 shows an example embodiment 290 of full-duplex transmission of PPDU1. STA A 292 is the FD originating STA and STA C 294 is the FD receiving STA. STA A accesses the channel and begins transmitting PPDU1 302 to STA C. The preamble 296 of PPDU1 indicates that full-duplex transmission is allowed during the PPDU1 time. STA A performs its own self-interference check during the preamble time of PPDU1.

[0080]

[0128] STA C receives the preamble of PPDU1, from which it can recognize (know) that it is authorized to transmit PPDU2 304, including preamble 298, to STA A for full-duplex transmission. When STA A transmits known signal 300 after finishing preamble 296 of PPDU1, STA C can begin transmitting preamble 298 of PPDU2 304 and perform its own self-interference estimation during the known signal time of PPDU1. STA A and STA C then exchange PPDU1 and PPDU2 simultaneously.

[0081]

[0129] The preamble of PPDU1, e.g., the LTF field therein, can be used by STA A for self-interference estimation, e.g., to determine what the self-interference is at the receiver after reflections from the environment, while the preamble of PPDU1, e.g., the LTF field therein, can be utilized by STA C for channel estimation from STA A.

[0082]

[0130] STA C receives the preamble of PPDU1 and recognizes that FD is permitted. Then, STA C can start its PPDU2 transmission, for example, immediately after the end of the preamble of PPDU1. The known signal following the preamble of PPDU1 can be one of the following options: (1) In at least one option, the known signal can consist of a predetermined signal, such as an LTF field. When STA C receives the preamble of PPDU1, it can cancel the known signal of PPDU1 based on its own channel estimation. Then, STA C can perform its own self-interference estimation when transmitting the preamble of PPDU2. (2) In at least one other option, the known signal can be orthogonal to the signal being transmitted by STA C, so that STA C does not need to cancel the known signal. For example, the known signal is transmitted based on one row of a P matrix, and the preamble of PPDU2 uses another row of the same P matrix. The P matrix can be shared between STA A and STA C before full-duplex transmission.

[0083]

[0131] Then, both STA A and STA C can cancel their self-interference and begin full-duplex transmission. STA A begins transmitting the payload of PPDU1 and receives the payload of PPDU2. STA C begins transmitting the payload of PPDU2 and receives the payload of PPDU1.

[0084]

[0132] The duration of the known signal for PPDU1 should provide sufficient time for STA C to perform self-interference estimation for PPDU2. To do so, the duration of the known signal for PPDU1 can be the same as or longer than the duration of the preamble for PPDU2. Alternatively, the preamble for PPDU2 should end at the same time as or earlier than the known signal for PPDU1.

[0085]

[0133] Alignment of the OFDM symbol boundary between PPDU1 and PPDU2 may be required. Also, STA A can set the transmit power level of STA C in the preamble of PPDU1.

[0086]

[0134] Note that PPDU1 carries a Block Ack (BA) for the MAC Protocol Data Unit (MPDU) in PPDU2, and PPDU2 can carry the BA for the MPDU in PPDU1. An example is given in Figure 24, which shows Example 6 of Preemption / Abortion of FD Transmission.

[0087] 5.2.2. Full-Duplex Transmission Example 2

[0136] 14 illustrates another example embodiment 310 of full-duplex partial channel transmission. Compared to the above example, this example shows STA A 292 requesting STA C 294 to leave RUs unused for the transmission of PPDU2. STA A indicates this information in the preamble 296 of PPDU1 302. Upon receiving this information, STA C transmits a preamble 298, but uses only the partial channel to transmit PPDU2 312, leaving the RUs 314 indicated by PPDU1 unused. Therefore, the RUs not used for the transmission of PPDU2 can be used to transmit preemption requests by other STAs, as described below.

[0088]

[0137] The preamble of PPDU1, e.g., the LTF field of the preamble, can be utilized by STA A for self-interference cancellation estimation, e.g., to enable STA A to cancel the signal received from PPDU1 and receive a PPDU from another STA while transmitting PPDU1. Meanwhile, the preamble of PPDU1, e.g., the LTF field in the preamble, can be used by STA C for channel estimation from STA A.

[0089]

[0138] STA C receives the PPDU1 preamble 298 and recognizes from the information in the preamble that FD is permitted. STA C can then begin transmitting its PPDU2 312, for example, immediately after the end of the PPDU1 preamble. Because there is a known signal 300 (e.g., LTF) following the PPDU1 preamble, STA C can cancel the known signal of PPDU1 due to its channel estimation when receiving the PPDU1 preamble. STA C can then perform self-interference cancellation, if necessary, while transmitting the PPDU2 preamble 298.

[0090]

[0139] Therefore, both STA A and STA C can cancel their own interference and start full-duplex transmission. STA A starts transmitting the payload of PPDU1 and receives the payload of PPDU2. STA C starts transmitting the payload of PPDU2 and receives the payload of PPDU1.

[0091]

[0140] The duration of the known signal 300 of PPDU1 may be the same as the duration of the preamble 298 of PPDU2 312. Alternatively, the preamble 298 of PPDU2 312 and the known signal 300 of PPDU1 should end at the same time. As shown in the figure, STA C does not use all of the RUs to transmit PPDU2 (as can be indicated in the full-duplex transmission parameter setting for PPDU1). For example, STA A sets the RU for FD indication field in PPDU1 to a first state (e.g., "0"), so that the format of PPDU1 is as shown in FIG. 29. In this case, another STA can send a preemption request to STA A through the RU 314 not utilized by PPDU2.

[0092]

[0141] To minimize co-channel interference between PPDU1 and PPDU2, alignment of OFDM symbols between PPDU1 and PPDU2 may be required. Also, STA A can set the transmit power level for STA C in the preamble of PPDU1.

[0093] 5.3. Preemption and / or Interruption of FD Transmission

[0143] This section describes how a preempting STA initiates a preemption transmission by sending a preemption request to a preempted STA. The preempting STA indicates the priority of its preemption transmission in the preemption request. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, a preemption transmission is only allowed if the preemption transmission has a higher priority than the ongoing transmission.

[0094]

[0144] As described above, the preempted STA can transmit a PPDU that includes the punctured resources. The preempting STA can sense the channel (or partial channel) in the punctured resources and, if no third-party transmissions are present, transmit a preemption request over the channel (or partial channel).

[0095]

[0145] When a preempted STA is performing an FD transmission, it may request (solicit) the FD receiving STA to leave at least one RU empty so that it can transmit a preemption request through that RU.

[0096]

[0146] The preempting STA can send a preemption request to reserve a short-term TXOP to occupy the channel and wait for a response from the preempted STA.

[0097]

[0147] When the preempted STA receives the preemption request, it either accepts or rejects the request. If the preempted STA accepts the request, it aborts its ongoing transmission. Otherwise, the preempted STA continues its ongoing transmission.

[0098]

[0148] When a preempting STA preempts a preempted STA's FD transmission, the preempted STA is the FD originating STA and notifies its FD receiving STA to cease transmission.

[0099]

[0149] If the preempted STA accepts the preemption request, it transmits a signal over the punctured resource to indicate acceptance of the preemption request and notify the FD receiving STA to abort any ongoing FD transmissions, thereby occupying the channel and avoiding other preemption requests.

[0100]

[0150] The preempting STA may initiate the preemption transmission immediately after the interruption of the ongoing transmission of the preempted transmission. Alternatively, the preemption transmission may be triggered by the preempted STA.

[0101]

[0151] Note that the preempted STA may or may not be the intended receiver of the preemption transmission requested by the preempting STA. The preempting STA may or may not be the intended receiver of the preempted STA's ongoing PPDU transmission at the time of sending the preemption request. In an embodiment, the preempting STA is STA B and the preempted STA is STA A.

[0102] 5.3.1. Aborting an ongoing FD transmission 5.3.1.1.FD Receiving STA Abort

[0154] FIG. 15 illustrates an example embodiment 330 in which the FD originating STA aborts its ongoing full-duplex transmission.

[0103]

[0155] If the FD originating STA has received a PPDU from the FD receiving STA when it decides (332) to suspend its ongoing full-duplex transmission, it suspends (334) the FD receiving STA's ongoing transmission. For example, the FD originating STA sends a signal to the FD receiving STA to suspend its ongoing transmission. Note that if the FD receiving STA did not suspend its ongoing transmission following a previous suspend signal, the FD originating STA can send another suspend signal to the FD receiving STA.

[0104]

[0156] The FD originating STA then aborts (336) its own ongoing PPDU transmission. The FD originator does this as follows: (a) The FD originating STA can abort its ongoing PPDU transmission at any time. A DTX acknowledgement signal can be sent to indicate the abort of the ongoing PPDU. (b) The FD originating STA can abort its ongoing PPDU at the end of one MPDU of the PPDU. (c) The FD originating STA can end its current PPDU transmission and then avoid starting another PPDU transmission within the current TXOP.

[0105] 5.3.1.2. Abort of ongoing FD transmission by FD receiver

[0158] FIG. 16 illustrates an example embodiment 350 in which the FD receiving STA suspends its own ongoing full-duplex transmission.

[0106]

[0159] The FD receiving STA suspends (354) its own ongoing PPDU transmission when it receives (352) a signal to suspend the ongoing transmission from the FD originating STA.

[0107] 5.3.1.3 Preemption of PPDUs by the Preempting STA

[0161] FIG. 17 illustrates an example embodiment 370 in which a preempting STA initiates a preemption transmission.

[0108]

[0162] The preempting STA sends a signal (372) to the preempted STA requesting a preemption transmission. A check (374) determines whether the preempting STA has received a signal from the preempted STA to initiate a preemption transmission. If the condition is met, then in block 376 the preempting STA initiates the preemption transmission. If not, execution proceeds to block 378, where the preemption transmission is not permitted.

[0109]

[0163] In at least one embodiment / mode / option, even if the preempting STA detects that the channel is idle through the punctured resources of the preempted STA's PPDU transmission, the preempting STA does not send a preemption request if the relative signal strength indication (RSSI) at the preempting STA is higher than a given threshold.

[0110]

[0164] If the preempted STA is an FD originating STA and is performing full-duplex transmission, the preempting STA can only detect punctured resources through RUs that are not being used for transmission by the FD receiving STA.

[0111] 5.3.1.4. Preemption of PPDUs at the Preempted STA

[0166] FIG. 18 illustrates an example embodiment 390 in which a preempted STA either accepts or rejects a preemption transmission.

[0112]

[0167] The preempted STA receives a signal from the preempting STA to request a preemption transmission (392). The preempted STA makes a decision (394) to accept or reject the preemption transmission request. For example, if the preemption transmission has a higher priority than the preempted STA's ongoing transmission, the preempted STA may accept the request, and execution proceeds to block 396. Otherwise, the preempted STA rejects the request, and execution proceeds to block 400.

[0113]

[0168] If the preempted STA accepts the preemption transmission request, it will suspend its ongoing transmission (396). The procedure for suspending PPDU transmission may be the same as that shown in Figures 15 and 16. The preempted STA then sends a signal (398) to the preempting STA to begin the preemption transmission.

[0114]

[0169] If the preempted STA rejects the preemption transmission request in check (394), it continues (400) with its ongoing transmission.

[0115] 5.4 Backoff Procedures for Preempting STAs

[0171] When the preempting STA should preempt an ongoing transmission, it can perform a backoff procedure to obtain channel access. The preempting STA senses the channel condition only in the punctured resource as indicated by the ongoing PPDU transmitted by the preempted STA during the backoff procedure. If the channel condition in the punctured resource is idle for the backoff slot time, the backoff counter is decremented (e.g., by one). Otherwise, the backoff counter is not decremented. When the channel remains idle and the backoff counter reaches zero, the preempting STA obtains channel access.

[0116]

[0172] When a preempted STA is performing an FD transmission, the preempting STA senses the channel conditions only during punctured resources on the fractional channel (RU) not used by the FD receiving STA of the FD transmission.

[0117]

[0173] The backoff procedure for preemption can be independent of normal EDCA or parts of it, as described below. (a) The backoff procedure for preemption can be independent of the backoff procedure used for normal EDCA (or CSMA / CA) channel contention. The backoff procedure for preemption is used only when the preempting STA contends for the channel for preemption transmission. The preempting STA can reset or pause the backoff counter for preemption when it is not contending for the channel to perform preemption transmission. (b) The preempting STA can allow EDCAFs of several traffic identifiers (TIDs) to contend for the channel to perform preemption. When the preempting STA decides to initiate a preemption transmission for a TID, the EDCAF can start or continue in those channel contentions.

[0118] 5.4.1. Preemption / Suspension Example 5.4.1.1. Preemption / Suspension Example 1

[0176] 19 illustrates an example embodiment 410 of preempting and / or suspending FD transmission when a preempted STA is transmitting only. This example illustrates an implementation in which preempting STA B 414 transmits a preemption request signal and initiates STA B's preemption transmission immediately after detecting the suspension of preempted STA A's PPDU transmission.

[0119]

[0177] STA A 412 is a preempted STA and is transmitting a preamble 416 including a priority indication (here set to low priority) for PPDU1 418, as shown. PPDU1 has punctured resources 420 embedded in it. STA B 414 is a preempted STA and contends for the channel by sensing the channel status during the punctured resources of PPDU1. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 422 when it senses that the channel is idle during the punctured resources of PPDU1 and pauses its backoff when it senses that the channel is busy during the punctured resources of PPDU1. Also, STA B can pause its backoff 422 while STA A is transmitting PPDU1, which has a higher priority than PPDU2. When backoff 422 counts down to zero, STA B gains access to the channel and transmits a signal 424 to request a preemption transmission. Note that STA B may wait a few microseconds when accessing the channel to allow STA B's OFDM symbol boundary to align with STA A's OFDM symbol boundary.

[0120]

[0178] As shown, STA B transmits a preemption request signal 424 to STA A. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, a preemption preamble 428 indicates the priority (shown as P=High) of the preemption transmission (shown as PPDU2 430) and other parameters such as the length of the preemption transmission.

[0121]

[0179] STA A, upon receiving the preemption request signal 424, determines whether to accept the preemption request. In this example, STA A accepts the request and immediately interrupts its ongoing transmission of PPDU1 418 and ceases to transmit, as indicated by discontinuous transmission (DTX) 426. Note that the DTX portion of PPDU1 426 is that portion of PPDU1 that is not transmitted due to this interruption.

[0122]

[0180] If STA A immediately (e.g., within an IFS time) interrupts its ongoing transmission, STA B can initiate a preemption transmission (illustrated by PPDU2 430). STA B recognizes the interruption of PPDU1 by detecting that the channel is idle for a short period of time (e.g., a SIFS time), and therefore transmits preamble 428 (which in this example includes a high priority indicator) and PPDU2 430 (which itself may have punctured resources).

[0123]

[0181] In certain embodiments / modes / options, the gap between the end time of the preemption request signal and the start time of the preamble of PPDU2 should not be longer than a selected period, e.g., the ACK / BA timeout or two SIFS periods. Alternatively, if STA B is FD-capable, STA B can continue transmitting or keep the channel busy until it detects that STA A has aborted its PPDU1 transmission. For example, STA B can send padding after the preemption request signal to continue (hold) transmission or otherwise keep the channel busy.

[0124] 5.4.1.2. Preemption / Suspension Example 2

[0183] 20 illustrates an example embodiment 450 of preempting and / or suspending FD transmission when a preempted STA is only transmitting. In this example, preempted STA A transmits a DTX signal to indicate suspension of its ongoing PPDU transmission upon receiving a preemption request from preempting STA B. The preempting STA then recognizes the suspension of the preempted STA's PPDU transmission and begins its own preemptive transmission.

[0125]

[0184] STA A 412 is a preempted STA transmitting PPDU1 418 preceded by a preamble 416 and filled with punctured resources 420. STA B 414 is a preempting STA and can contend for the channel by sensing the channel status during the punctured resources of PPDU1. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 422 when it senses the channel is idle during the punctured resources of PPDU1 and pauses its backoff when it senses the channel is busy. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, STA B pauses its backoff while STA A is transmitting PPDU1, which has a higher priority than PPDU2. When the backoff counts down to zero, STA B can access the channel and send a signal to request a preemption transmission.

[0126]

[0185] Note that STA B may wait a few microseconds when accessing the channel to allow STA B's OFDM symbol boundary to align with STA A's OFDM symbol boundary.

[0127]

[0186] As shown, STA B transmits a preemption request signal 424 to STA A. The preemption request signal may indicate the priority (Priority (P) = High in the figure) of the preemption transmission (e.g., PPDU2 430). The preemption request 424 may also reserve a period of the TXOP (e.g., length L_length 452 in the figure) to prevent other STAs from accessing the channel while waiting for the DTX confirmation. Upon receiving the preemption request signal, STA A terminates its PPDU1 transmission and accepts the preemption request, including the DTX confirmation signal 454, as shown. The DTX portion 456 of PPDU1 is that portion of PPDU1 that is not transmitted due to the interruption. According to the information in the DTX confirmation signal 454, both the receiver of PPDU1 and STA B can recognize (know) that PPDU1 has been interrupted.

[0128]

[0187] If STA A interrupts its ongoing transmission within the time period L_length, STA B may begin its preemption transmission (shown here as PPDU2 430, which includes preamble 428). STA B will see that PPDU2 may optionally include punctured resource(s) 432.

[0129]

[0188] STA A can determine when it should be allowed to abort its ongoing PPDU (i.e., PPDU1) within the L_length time. If the value of the L_Length time is set to a specific flag value (e.g., 0), it can indicate that STA A can abort its ongoing PPDU (i.e., PPDU1) at any time.

[0130] 5.4.1.3. Preemption / Suspension Example 3

[0190] 21 illustrates an example embodiment 470 of preempting and / or suspending FD transmissions when a preempted STA is the only STA transmitting. The preempting STA B transmits a preemption request signal to initiate a preemption transmission. The preemption request also reserves a short period of TXOP time to prevent other STAs from accessing the channel until the expected time that STA A triggers a preemption transmission. The preempted STA A suspends its ongoing transmission and triggers a preemption transmission.

[0131]

[0191] STA A 412 is a preempted STA and is transmitting PPDU1 418 preceded by a preamble 416 that includes an indication that the PPDU has a lower priority. PPDU1 is embedded with punctured resources 420. STA B 414 is a preempted STA. STA B contends for the channel by sensing the channel status during punctured resources 420 of PPDU1. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 422 when it senses the channel is idle during punctured resources 420 of PPDU1, but pauses its backoff when it senses the channel is busy. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, STA B pauses its backoff when STA A is transmitting PPDU1, which has a higher priority than PPDU2.

[0132]

[0192] When backoff 422 counts down to zero, STA B can access the channel and transmits signal 472 to request a preemption transmission. Note that when STA B accesses the channel, it can wait a few microseconds to align its OFDM symbol boundary with STA A's OFDM symbol boundary.

[0133]

[0193] As shown in this example, STA B transmits this preemption request signal 472 across the channel to STA A. The preemption request signal may include an indication of the priority of the preemption transmission (e.g., PPDU2 486). The preemption request signal may reserve the duration of the TXOP (e.g., as shown by L_length 474) to prevent other stations from interfering while waiting for a response to the preemption request.

[0134]

[0194] When STA A receives the preemption request signal, it decides to accept the request, pauses transmission of PPDU1 418, and transmits a DTX confirmation signal 476. The DTX portion of PPDU1 480 is that portion of PPDU1 that is not transmitted due to the interruption. Note that it is STA A that decides when to interrupt its own ongoing PPDU (i.e., PPDU1) within the L_length time.

[0135]

[0195] As shown, L_length 474 may be set to the time STA B expects to receive a SU trigger frame 478 from STA A or the expected time to send a CTS frame 482 .

[0136]

[0196] If STA A interrupts its ongoing transmission and transmits a frame (e.g., SU trigger frame 478) to initiate a preemptive transmission within L_length time, STA B can initiate its own preemptive transmission, e.g., PPDU2 486, preceded by a preamble 484 (in this case indicating a higher priority than PPDU1). The format of the SU trigger can be the same as the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame 482 as defined in IEEE 802.11be. Then, after receiving the SU trigger 478, STA B sends a CTS frame 482 back to STA A and initiates its own preemptive transmission (indicated as a preamble 484 and PPDU2 486 (which itself may have punctured resource(s) 488)). In at least one embodiment / mode / option, the SU trigger frame only allows a given duration in which PPDU2 transmission must be completed or allows the CTS to exceed the NAV of the SU trigger. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, STA B does not transmit a CTS frame, but instead begins transmitting PPDU2 immediately after receiving the SU trigger frame from STA A.

[0137]

[0197] Note that having punctured resources in PPDU2 is optional.

[0138] 5.4.1.4. Preemption / Suspension Example 4

[0199] 22 illustrates an example embodiment 510 of preempting and / or suspending FD transmission when the preempted STA is transmitting only. Compared to the example above, the preempting STA sends an RTS frame to request preemption and reserve TXOP time for the preemption transmission. Otherwise, the stations and initial operation are the same.

[0139]

[0200] STA A 412 is a preempted STA and is transmitting PPDU1 418, which includes a preamble 416 containing information that PPDU1 is of lower priority (lower than PPDU2 in this example). PPDU1 is shown to include embedded punctured resources 420. STA B 414 is a preempted STA and can contend for the channel by sensing the channel status during the punctured resources of PPDU1. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 422 when it senses the channel is idle during the punctured resources of PPDU1 and pauses its backoff when it senses the channel is busy. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, STA B pauses its backoff when STA A is transmitting PPDU1, which has a higher priority than PPDU2.

[0140]

[0201] When the backoff counts down to zero, STA B can access the channel and transmit a signal 512 to request a preemption transmission. Note that when STA B accesses the channel, it can wait a few microseconds to align its OFDM symbol boundary with that of STA A. As shown in the figure, the preemption request signal is transmitted to STA A throughout the entire channel, so the signal transmitted by STA B to request a preemption transmission is an RTS frame (shown as a preemption RTS frame). The preemption RTS frame can indicate the priority of the preemption transmission (e.g., PPDU2). The preemption RTS frame can also reserve a TXOP or set the NAV 514 for the preemption transmission.

[0141]

[0202] When STA A receives the preemption RTS frame, it decides whether to accept the request. The future preempted STA (illustrated as STA A) makes a decision as to when to abort its ongoing PPDU (denoted as PPDU1).

[0142]

[0203] In this example, STA A accepts the preemption request and immediately suspends PPDU1 transmission. The DTX portion 520 of PPDU1 is the portion of PPDU1 that is not transmitted due to the suspension. STA A then transmits a DTX confirmation signal 516 indicating the suspension of its ongoing transmission. STA A then transmits a frame 518 (shown as a trigger frame, by way of example and not limitation, as a single-user (SU) trigger frame) to initiate the preemption transmission. The format of the SU trigger may be the same as the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame as defined in IEEE 802.11be. STA B then transmits a CTS frame 522 back to STA A and begins its preemption transmission (shown as a preamble 524 and PPDU2 526). The preamble 524 in this example includes priority information, such as the priority of PPDU2 being higher than the priority of PPDU1. PPDU2 may also include punctured resource(s) 528.

[0143]

[0204] Compared to the example approach above, the RTS can set the NAV 514 for a preemption transmission, e.g., a PPDU2 transmission as shown in the figure. If the preemption transmission is not successfully initiated (e.g., STA A does not interrupt its PPDU1 transmission or STA B does not send a CTS frame), any third-party STA can cancel the NAV set by the RTS frame. The RTS frame can also add a packet extension field or padding signal at the time it expects to receive the SU trigger frame.

[0144] 5.4.1.5. Preemption / Suspension Example 5

[0206] 23 illustrates an example embodiment 550 of preempting and / or interrupting FD transmission when the preempted STA is the only station transmitting. In this example, the communication example includes a third station, and the preempted STA uses the punctured resources of its ongoing PPDU transmission to indicate the results of the preemption request and occupy the channel to prevent other STAs from transmitting another preemption request. Also, preempted STA A can repeat symbols potentially interfered with by the preemption request in the packet extension (PE) of PPDU1.

[0145]

[0207] STA A 554 is a preempted STA and is transmitting PPDU1 560, which includes a preamble 558, to STA C 552. PPDU1 is embedded with punctured resources 562. STA B 556 is a preempting STA and can contend for the channel by sensing the channel status during the punctured resources of PPDU1. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 564 when it senses the channel is idle during the punctured resources of PPDU1 and pauses its backoff when it senses the channel is busy. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, STA B pauses its backoff while STA A is transmitting PPDU1, which has a higher priority than PPDU2. When its backoff counts down to zero, STA B is able to access the channel and transmits a signal 566 to request a preemption transmission. Note that STA B may wait a few microseconds when accessing the channel to allow STA B's OFDM symbol boundary to align with STA A's OFDM symbol boundary.

[0146]

[0208] As shown, STA B transmits a preemption request signal 566 to STA A. The preemption request signal may also indicate the priority of the preemption transmission (shown as PPDU2 582).

[0147]

[0209] When STA A receives the preemption request signal 566, it determines whether to accept the request. In this example, STA A accepts the request. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, STA A begins transmitting signals and / or noise in the punctured resources (punctured resources to transmit) 568 in PPDU1. STA B and other STAs (e.g., STA C) can then detect a CCA busy in the punctured resources of PPDU1. Meanwhile, STA B and other STAs (e.g., STA C) can recognize that a third-party transmission is in progress or scheduled.

[0148]

[0210] In at least one embodiment / mode / option, STA A may send an acknowledgement (Ack) to STA B via punctured resource 563 of PPDU1 indicating that the preemption request has been accepted or rejected by STA A, which may be used to prevent other STAs from sending requests and to notify STA C of the preemption.

[0149]

[0211] STA A may decide to start preemption transmission after finishing its ongoing PPDU (i.e., PPDU1 560). At the end of PPDU1, STA A may add a packet extension (PE) 570. At the beginning of the PE period, a NAV period 572 begins. The PE may repeat symbols possibly interfered with by STA B (i.e., symbols of PPDU1 transmitted during the transmission time of STA B's preemption request signal). STA C may also transmit a BA 574 to STA A during this PE time 570.

[0150]

[0212] Note that the repeated symbol may need to occur before the BA transmission. STA A then stops its transmission and transmits a signal 576 to initiate STA B's preemption transmission. By way of example, this signal is represented here as an SU trigger frame to STA B, and its format may be the same as the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame as defined in IEEE 802.11be. STA B then transmits a CTS frame 578 back to STA A, beginning its preemption transmission (shown as PPDU2 582), preceded by a preamble 580 as shown. Note that PPDU2 may also have punctured resource(s) 584. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, the SU trigger is only allowed to trigger STA B's preemption transmission within the NAV time acquired by STA A.

[0151] 5.4.1.6. Preemption / Suspension Example 6

[0214] 24 illustrates an example embodiment 590 of preempting and / or suspending FD transmission when a preempted STA is performing an FD transmission. In this example, preempting STA B transmits a preemption request signal with padding through a preemption signaling RU to reserve a short-term TXOP. STA A responds to the preemption request within the TXOP time reserved by the preemption request. When STA B recognizes that its preemption request has been accepted, it transmits another preamble, i.e., a null data packet (NDP), to occupy the preemption signaling RU and prevent other STAs from transmitting preemption request signals until the preemption transmission begins.

[0152]

[0215] STA A 554 is a preempted STA and is transmitting PPDU1 596, as shown, with a preamble 558, followed by a known signal 594, then punctured resources 598. STA A 554 receives PPDU2 602, including preamble 592, from STA C 552. PPDU2 is transmitted over several RUs of the channel, leaving one or more RUs 604 for preemption signaling.

[0153]

[0216] STA B 556 is the preempting STA and contends for the channel by sensing the channel status in the punctured resources of PPDU1. The punctured resources are shown as sensing CCA busy (600) at certain times and not sensing CCA busy (598) at other times. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 606 when it senses the channel is idle (598) through the punctured resources of PPDU1 located on the preemption signaling RU, and pauses its backoff when it senses the channel is busy (600). When backoff 606 counts down to zero, STA B can access the channel and transmits a signal 608 to request a preemption transmission. Note that STA B may wait a few microseconds to align its OFDM symbol boundary with STA A's OFDM symbol boundary when accessing the channel.

[0154]

[0217] As shown, STA B transmits preamble 1 608, followed by a preemption request signal 610 and padding 612 to STA A. By way of example, preamble 1 may consist of a legacy preamble, such as a non-HT, HT, VHT, HE, or EHT preamble, as defined in IEEE 802.11be. The preemption request signal is transmitted through a preemption signaling RU not used to transmit PPDU2. The preemption request signal may include an indication of the priority of the preemption transmission (e.g., PPDU3 632). Due to the preemption signal and padding through the preemption signaling RU, other nodes detect the punctured resources and do not transmit signals that may interfere.

[0155]

[0218] When STA A receives the preemption request signal, it determines whether to accept the request. In this example, STA A accepts the request. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, STA A begins transmitting a signal 614 in the punctured resources in PPDU1 (the punctured resources transmitting the signal). When STA A transmits the signal in the punctured resources of PPDU1, it can also transmit a signal to STA B to indicate acceptance of the preemption request. For example, STA A can also transmit an Ack signal 615 through the punctured resources to notify STA B that its preemption request has been accepted. The Ack can be transmitted by a PSK / QAM signal containing coded information including a cyclic redundancy check (CRC), which can be equalized (using STA A's LTF), and decoded for the CRC check. The CRC check distinguishes the Ack from third-party interference. The format of the Ack can be the same as that defined in IEEE 802.11 and includes STA B's MAC address. STA B can then transmit another Preamble 2 616 containing padding 618 to occupy the channel until the start of the preemption transmission. Due to the padding through the preemption signaling RU, other nodes detect the punctured resources through the punctured resources located in the preemption signaling RU and do not transmit signaling.

[0156]

[0219] At the end of PPDU1 and PPDU2, STA A and STA C can exchange BAs 620 and 624 to report packet loss for the transmitted portions of PPDU1 and PPDU2. Note that NAV begins at this time (622). STA A then does not begin transmitting another PPDU, but transmits a signal 626 to initiate a preemption transmission for STA B. By way of example and not limitation, the illustrated signal is an SU trigger frame, the format of which may be the same as an MU-RTS TXS trigger frame as defined in IEEE 802.11be, transmitted here from STA A to STA B.

[0157]

[0220] STA B then returns a response (illustrated as a CTS frame) to STA A (628) and begins preemption transmission, as shown, with preamble 630 and PPDU2 632 being communicated. Note that PPDU2 and / or PPDU3 may have punctured resource(s) 634.

[0158]

[0221] In at least one embodiment / mode / option, the SU trigger is only allowed to trigger a preemption transmission for STA B within the NAV time acquired by STA A.

[0159]

[0222] Note that STA B's Preamble 1 608 may only be allowed to reserve a limited TXOP time, set a limited NAV, or maintain a limited CCA busy time or padding time. For example, in at least one embodiment / mode / option, these times should not exceed the time it expects to receive an Ack from STA A.

[0160] 5.4.1.7. Preemption / Suspension Example 7

[0224] 25 illustrates an example embodiment 650 of preempting and / or suspending FD transmission when a preempted STA is performing FD transmission. Compared to the above example, this figure shows that Preamble 1 and Preamble 2 can reserve a portion of a TXOP instead of transmitting padding signals. STA A is a preempted STA and is transmitting PPDU1 to STA C and receiving PPDU2 from STA C. PPDU1 has punctured resources embedded in it. PPDU2 is not transmitted through an RU (i.e., a preemption signaling RU as shown in the figure).

[0161]

[0225] By way of example and not limitation, as again shown in the figure, three stations interact: STA C 552, STA A 554, and STA B 556. The first part of the figure is the same as Figure 24 until the following point.

[0162]

[0226] STA B 556 is a preempting STA and can contend for the channel by sensing the channel status during the punctured resources of PPDU1. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 606 when it senses that the channel is idle (598) through the punctured resources of PPDU1 located on the preemption signaling RU, and pauses its backoff when it senses that the channel is busy (600). When the backoff counts down to zero, STA B can access the channel and transmit a signal to request a preemption transmission. Note that when accessing the channel, STA B can wait a few microseconds to align its OFDM symbol boundary with STA A's OFDM symbol boundary.

[0163]

[0227] As shown, STA B transmits Preamble 1 608 followed by a preemption request signal 656 to STA A. Preamble 1 may be the same as, but not limited to, a legacy preamble (e.g., a non-HT, HT, VHT, HE, or EHT preamble) as defined in IEEE 802.11be. The preemption request signal is transmitted through a preemption signaling RU not used to transmit PPDU2. The preemption request signal may include an indication of the priority of the preemption transmission (shown as PPDU3). The preemption request reserves TXOP time having L_length1 652 and waits for an Ack 655 from punctured resources 654 to transmit the signal from STA A.

[0164]

[0228] When STA A receives the preemption request signal, it decides whether to accept the request and can start transmitting signals and / or noise in the punctured resources in PPDU1 (the punctured resources transmitting the signals).

[0165]

[0229] Other STAs can then detect that the channel is busy during the punctured resources and cannot access the channel. STA A can signal STA B to indicate acceptance of its preemption request when transmitting during the punctured resources of PPDU1. For example, in this example, STA A transmits an Ack signal 655 over the punctured resources to inform STA B that its preemption request has been accepted. The Ack can be transmitted by a PSK / QAM signal containing coded information including a CRC, which can be equalized (using STA A's LTF), and decoded for a CRC check. The CRC check distinguishes this Ack from third-party interference. The Ack format can be the same as that specified in IEEE 802.11 and includes STA B's MAC address. STA B can then transmit another Preamble 2 658 to reserve a TXOP for L_length 2 660 until the start of the preemption transmission.

[0166]

[0230] At the end of PPDU1 and PPDU2, STA A and STA C can exchange BAs 662 and 666 to report packet loss for those portions of the transmitted PPDU1 and PPDU2. As shown, at the beginning of these BAs, NAV 664 begins. STA A then transmits a signal 668 to stop transmitting other PPDUs and initiate STA B's preemption transmission. As an example, STA A transmits an SU trigger frame 668 to STA B, the format of which may be the same as the MU-RTS TXS trigger frame as defined in IEEE 802.11be. In response, STA B transmits a CTS frame 670 back to STA A and initiates its preemption transmission (including preamble 672 and PPDU3 674, as shown).

[0167]

[0231] Note that both PPDU2 and PPDU3 may also include punctured resources. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, if PPDU3 is transmitted to STA A, it may be used to initiate a full-duplex transmission between STA A and STA B, in which case the format of PPDU3 should be the same as PPDU1.

[0168]

[0232] Note that L_length1 652 should span the duration of at least one punctured resource of PPDU1 so that STA A can use the punctured resource to send an Ack for the preemption request frame. L_length1 should not exceed the end time of PPDU1 (possibly including the BA time).

[0169]

[0233] The SU trigger may be allowed to trigger a preemption transmission of STA B only within the NAV time acquired by STA A.

[0170] 5.4.1.8. Preemption / Suspension Example 8

[0235] 26 illustrates an example embodiment 690 of preemption and / or interruption of FD transmission when a preempted STA is performing FD transmission. Compared to the example above, this example shows that STA B transmits only one preemption request signal to reserve a period of TXOP and wait for the start of preemption transmission (PPDU3).

[0171]

[0236] The first part of the figure is the same as described in the previous figure, as indicated by like reference numbers. STA A 554 is a preempted STA, transmitting PPDU1 596 to STA C 552 and receiving PPDU2 from STA C. PPDU1 has punctured resources 598 embedded in it.

[0172]

[0237] PPDU2 602 is not transmitted through one or more RUs 604 utilized for preemption signaling. STA B 556 is the preempting STA. STA B can contend for the channel by sensing the channel status in the punctured resources 598 of PPDU1 596. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 606 when it senses the channel is idle through the punctured resources of PPDU1 located on the preemption signaling RU, and pauses the backoff when it senses the channel is busy. When the backoff counts down to zero, STA B can access the channel and transmits an optional signal 694 to request a preemption transmission. Note that when accessing the channel, STA B can wait a few microseconds to align its OFDM symbol boundary with STA A's OFDM symbol boundary.

[0173]

[0238] As shown, STA B transmits a preemption request signal 696 to STA A. The preemption request preamble may be the same as, but not limited to, a legacy preamble (e.g., non-HT, HT, VHT, HE, EHT preamble) as defined in IEEE 802.11be and may be transmitted throughout the channel. The preemption request signal is transmitted through a preemption signaling RU. The preemption request signal may include an indication of the priority of the preemption transmission (illustrated as PPDU3 710). The preemption request preamble 694 may also reserve a period of TXOP time, such as L_length time 692, or set the NAV.

[0174]

[0239] When STA A receives the preemption request signal, it determines whether to accept the request. In this example, STA A accepts the request, suspends its own ongoing transmission within L_length time 692, and transmits DTX confirmation signal 698. In light of the transmission of DTX confirmation signal 698, the receiver of PPDU1 (e.g., STA A) recognizes the suspension of PPDU1, and simultaneously STA C 552 suspends its own ongoing transmission of PPDU2 602.

[0175]

[0240] When STA A receives the preemption request, it decides when to abort its ongoing PPDU (i.e., PPDU1 596). For example, STA A may decide to abort the PPDU when it finishes transmitting its current MPDU.

[0176]

[0241] STA A is shown to interrupt its ongoing transmission and transmit a signal 702 (illustrated as an SU trigger frame) within L_length time 692, thereby allowing STA B to begin its preemption transmission (shown as PPDU3 710).

[0177]

[0242] Thus, in this case, STA A terminates the transmission of PPDU1 596 by transmitting DTX confirmation signal 698. According to the DTX confirmation signal, both the receiver of PPDU1 and STA B can recognize the interruption of PPDU1. Note that DTX portion 704 of PPDU1 and DTX portion 700 of PPDU2 are the portions of PPDU1 and PPDU2 that are not transmitted due to the interruption. Upon receiving signal 702 (e.g., an SU trigger), STA B responds with a CTS 706. CTS 706 may be configured to extend the NAV set by the SU trigger. After this, STA B transmits a preamble 708 (optionally including priority information), followed by its PPDU (shown as PPDU3 710). PPDU3 710 may include punctured resource(s) 712.

[0178]

[0243] It should also be noted that PPDU2 and PPDU3 may have optional punctured resource(s). In at least one embodiment / mode / option, if PPDU3 is transmitted to STA A, it may be used to initiate a full-duplex transmission between STA A and STA B, in which case the format of PPDU3 should be the same as PPDU1.

[0179] 5.4.1.9. Preemption / Suspension Example 9

[0245] Figure 27 shows an example embodiment 730 of preempting and / or suspending FD transmission when a preempted STA is performing FD transmission. Compared to the above example, this figure shows that only RU preemption signaling can be used to transmit a preemption request signal. The first part of this figure is the same as that described in Figure 26.

[0180]

[0246] STA A 554 is a preempted STA and is transmitting PPDU1 596, preceded by preamble 558 and known signal 594, to STA C 552. STA A is also receiving PPDU2 602 from STA C 552. PPDU1 has punctured resources 598 embedded in it. PPDU2 602 is not transmitted over all RUs because RU 604 is reserved for preemption signaling, as shown.

[0181]

[0247] STA B 556 is a preempting STA and can contend for the channel by sensing the channel status during the punctured resources 598 of PPDU1 596. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 606 when it senses that the channel is idle through the punctured resources 598 of PPDU1 596 located on the preemption signaling RU, and pauses the backoff when it senses that the channel is busy. When the backoff counts down to zero, STA B can access the channel and transmits a signal 734 to request a preemption transmission. Note that STA B may wait a few microseconds to align its OFDM symbol boundary with STA A's OFDM symbol boundary when accessing the channel.

[0182]

[0248] In this example, a preemption request preamble and a preemption request signal are transmitted over a preemption signaling RU (734). The preemption request signal may include a priority indicator for the preemption transmission (e.g., PPDU3 748). The preemption request preamble may also reserve a period of TXOP time, such as L_length 732.

[0183]

[0249] When STA A receives the preemption request signal, it determines whether to accept the request. In this example, STA A is deemed to have accepted the request, and STA A terminates its PPDU1 transmission by interrupting its ongoing transmission 596 within L_length time 732 and transmitting a DTX confirmation signal 736.

[0184]

[0250] In view of the use of the DTX confirmation signal, STA C, the receiver of PPDU1, recognizes the interruption of PPDU1 and simultaneously interrupts its own ongoing transmission of PPDU2 602. Note that the DTX portion 742 of PPDU1 and the DTX portion 738 of PPDU2 are the portions of PPDU1 and PPDU2 that are not transmitted due to the interruption.

[0185]

[0251] STA A can decide when to abort its own ongoing PPDU (i.e., PPDU1 596). For example, STA A can decide to abort the PPDU when it finishes its current MPDU transmission. If STA A aborts its ongoing transmission and sends a signal (e.g., SU trigger frame 740) within L_length time 732, this allows STA B to begin its preemption transmission.

[0186]

[0252] As shown, STA B transmits a CTS 744, which may also extend the NAV set by the SU trigger. After this, STA B transmits a preamble 746 (which may include priority information), and then PPDU3 748. PPDU3 748 may include its own punctured resource(s) 750.

[0187]

[0253] Note that any of the PPDUs may contain punctured resources. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, if PPDU3 is transmitted to STA A, it may be used to initiate full-duplex transmission between STA A and STA B. The format of PPDU3 should then be the same as PPDU1.

[0188] 5.4.1.10. Preemption / Suspension Example 10

[0255] 28 illustrates an example embodiment 770 of preempting and / or suspending FD transmission when a preempted STA is performing FD transmission. Compared to Example 8, this example shows that the preempting STA uses punctured resources to transmit an acknowledgment (Ack) to the preemption request and a DTX confirmation signal to suspend full-duplex transmission. After STA A suspends its FD transmission, STA B begins transmitting PPDU3 immediately after the suspension of PPDU1. L_length is independent of the length of PPDU3.

[0189]

[0256] The first part of the diagram is the same as seen in the diagram above. STA A 554 is the preempted STA and is transmitting PPDU1 596 to STA C 552 and receiving PPDU2 602 from STA C. PPDU1 596 includes padded punctured resources 598. PPDU2 is not transmitted over all RUs because at least one RU is reserved for preemption signaling (604), as shown in the diagram.

[0190]

[0257] STA B 556 is a preempting STA and can contend for the channel by sensing the channel status during the punctured resources 598 of PPDU1 596. For example, STA B counts down its backoff 606 when it senses the channel is idle through the punctured resources 598 of PPDU1 located on the preemption signaling RU, and pauses the backoff when it senses the channel is busy. STA B can access the channel and transmit a signal to request a preemption transmission. This signal is a preemption request signal 776 transmitted on the preemption signaling RU 777, as shown, and may include a priority value for the preemption transmission (e.g., PPDU3 786). An optional preamble 774 may be transmitted before the signal 776. The preemption request preamble may be, but is not limited to, a legacy preamble as defined in IEEE 802.11be (e.g., HT, VHT, EHT preamble), in which case it may be transmitted over the entire channel.

[0191]

[0258] Note that STA B may wait a few microseconds when accessing the channel to allow STA B's OFDM symbol boundary to align with STA A's OFDM symbol boundary.

[0192]

[0259] When STA A receives the preemption request signal, it determines whether to accept the request. In this example, STA A accepts the preemption transmission request, interrupts its ongoing transmission within L_length time 772, and transmits a DTX confirmation signal 778 and an optional Ack 779 through the punctured resource. STA A can determine when to interrupt its ongoing PPDU (i.e., PPDU1). STA A can transmit an Ack signal through the punctured resource to notify STA B that its preemption request has been accepted. The Ack can be transmitted, for example, by a PSK / QAM signal containing coding information including a CRC, and can be equalized (using STA A's LTF) and decoded for a CRC check. The CRC check allows the Ack to be distinguished from third-party interference. The format of the Ack can be, but is not limited to, the same as that defined in IEEE 802.11 and includes STA B's MAC address.

[0193]

[0260] In response to receiving the DTX confirmation signal, the receiver of PPDU1, STA C, and the preempting STA, STA B, can both recognize that the ongoing transmission of PPDU1 596 has been interrupted and that the ongoing transmission of PPDU2 602 has been interrupted. Note that DTX portion 782 of PPDU1 and DTX portion 780 of PPDU2 are the portions of PPDU1 and PPDU2 that are not transmitted due to the interruption.

[0194]

[0261] STA B can begin its preemptive transmission without requiring a CTS and transmits PPDU3 786 immediately after the interruption of PPDU1, preceded by a preamble 784 which may contain priority information.

[0195]

[0262] Note that PPDU2 and / or PPDU3 may optionally include punctured resources. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, when PPDU3 is transmitted to STA A, it may be used to initiate a full-duplex transmission between STA A and STA B, in which case the format of PPDU3 should be the same as PPDU1.

[0196] 6. Data Format

[0264] By way of example and not limitation, the following data formats are provided: Note that some of these fields may utilize predefined formats, but are not limited to those formats.

[0197] 6.1.FD PPDU Format

[0266] 29 illustrates an example embodiment 810 of a PPDU format that can be used for FD transmission and preemption. An FD originator or FD recipient, or a preempting STA, or a preempted STA, can use the FD PPDU format when initiating the transmission of a PPDU.

[0198]

[0267] The field between L-STF and EHT-LTF is the preamble of the PPDU. The fields L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, EHT-STF, and EHT-LTF may be the same as defined in IEEE 802.11be, but are not limited to them. The fields U-SIG and EHT-SIG may be the same as defined in IEEE 802.11be, and include the following additional fields:

[0199]

[0268] When the FD transmission permission field is set to a first state (e.g., "1"), it indicates that a PPDU has been sent for FD transmission. Thus, the receiver STA can recognize that there is an ongoing FD transmission, and the transmitter STA of this PPDU is either an FD originator or an FD receiver. Otherwise, this field is set to a second state (e.g., "0").

[0200]

[0269] The FD sender / receiver field is set to indicate that the transmitter of this PPDU is either an FD sender or an FD receiver. When the FD transmission permission field is set to a second state (e.g., "0"), the FD sender / receiver field can be reserved. If the transmitter STA is an FD sender and preemption is permitted, it is possible that a STA that is not an FD sender or an FD receiver can request preemption transmission during the PPDU transmission time.

[0201]

[0270] The time and frequency fields of the punctured resources are used to indicate the length, period, and frequency allocation of the punctured resource(s) in the PPDU. From this field, the receiver STA can obtain the information of the punctured resources in the PPDU and sense the channel through the punctured resources to detect any third-party transmissions.

[0202]

[0271] When the Preemption Allowed field is set to a first state (e.g., "1"), it indicates that preemption is allowed. A receiver STA can request preemption during a PPDU transmission time. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, a receiver STA requests preemption transmission when its PPDU priority is higher than the priority of the PPDU. Otherwise, this field is set to a second state (e.g., "0"), and the receiver STA is not allowed to request preemption during the PPDU transmission time. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, if the transmitter STA is an FD receiver, this field must be set to the second state (e.g., "0"). In at least one embodiment / mode / option, when an FD PPDU is transmitted during the transmitter STA's spatial reuse transmission or cooperative MAP transmission, the transmitter STA sets this field to the second state (e.g., "0") in the FD PPDU. In at least one embodiment / mode / option, a transmitter STA is not permitted to transmit FD PPDUs during its spatial reuse transmission or cooperative MAP transmission.

[0203]

[0272] The priority field indicates the priority of the PPDU, and may be UP, AC, TID, or any other information that can indicate the priority of the PPDU.

[0204]

[0273] The RU as FD indication field is set to indicate the presence of the common information field and the user information list field. When this field is set to a first state (e.g., "1"), the common information field and the user information list field are present. On the other hand, when this field is set to a second state (e.g., "0"), the common information field and the user information list field are not present.

[0205]

[0274] The common information (Info) field may be the same as the common information field in a basic trigger frame as defined in IEEE 802.11ax. A receiver STA that is an FD receiver or preempting STA transmits a TB PPDU in IEEE 802.11ax, and therefore may transmit a PPDU that conforms to the requirements in the common field. The trigger type field in the common information field may be set to basic or FD trigger to indicate that this field is for triggering the transmission of the FD receiver. If the FD transmit permission is set to a second state (e.g., "0") or the transmitter STA is an FD receiver, this field may not be needed or may be reserved. Note that the AP Tx power subfield in the common information field as defined in IEEE 802.11ax may represent the power level requested for the transmitter STA.

[0206]

[0275] The User Information (Info) list field is set to assign RUs and other transmission information to the FD receiving STA and the preempting STA. Each User Information field can be similar to the User Information field in the Basic Trigger frame as defined in IEEE 802.11ax.

[0207]

[0276] The User Information field for the FD receiver is set to indicate the PPDU transmission requirements of the FD receiving STA. The FD receiving STA should transmit PPDUs for FD transmission according to the requirements indicated in this field. If the FD transmission permission is set to the second state (e.g., "0") or the transmitter STA is an FD receiver, this field may not be needed or may be reserved. User Information fields for multiple FD receivers can be carried in the same User Information List.

[0208]

[0277] The User Information field for FD Preemption is set to indicate the PPDU transmission requirements of the preempting STA. The preempting STA should transmit a preemption signal to the transmitter STA according to the requirements indicated in this field. If the preemption permission is set to the second state (e.g., "0") or the transmitter STA is an FD receiver, this field may not be needed or may be reserved.

[0209] 6.2.DTX confirmation signal format

[0279] An example embodiment of a DTX acknowledgement signal format 830 is shown in Figure 30. This signal can be added during an ongoing PPDU transmission to indicate an interruption in the PPDU transmission.

[0210]

[0280] The STF field may be the same as the L-STF, EHT-STF, or other type of short training field as defined in IEEE 802.11, and may be used by the receiver STA to detect the start of the DTX confirmation signal during reception.

[0211]

[0281] The LTF field may be the same as the L-LTF, EHT-LTF, or other type of long training field as defined in IEEE 802.11, and may be used by the receiver STA to estimate the channel conditions.

[0212]

[0282] The SIG field may carry signaling information, similar to the U-SIG as defined in IEEE 802.11be.

[0213]

[0283] The DTX indication field is used to indicate that the purpose of the signal is to abort the current PPDU. For example, this field can be a 1-bit indication. When set to a first state (e.g., "1"), this field is a DTX confirmation signal for when the current ongoing PPDU is aborted at DTX time. If the transmitter STA is an FD receiving STA and there is another ongoing transmission by the FD receiving STA, the FD receiving STA should also abort its own transmission at DTX time. Otherwise, this field is set to a second state (e.g., "0"). This bit can be a reserved bit in the U-SIG field.

[0214]

[0284] The DTX Time field indicates the time at which the transmitter STA and FD receiving STA will suspend their ongoing transmission. This field can also be set to the number of OFDM symbols. For example, if this field is set to "n" OFDM symbols, the transmitter STA and FD receiving STA will suspend their ongoing transmission after transmitting "n" OFDM symbols. In certain examples, this field is not required. If the DTX Time field is not present, the transmitter STA and FD receiving STA should suspend their ongoing transmission immediately after receiving the DTX confirmation signal.

[0215]

[0285] The EHT-LTF field may be the same as that defined in IEEE 802.11be. This field may provide the transmitter STA with time to detect an interruption in the transmission of the FD receiving STA. If there is no FD receiving STA, this field may not be necessary. If the transmitter STA does not detect an interruption in the transmission of the FD receiving STA, it may retransmit the DTX confirmation signal.

[0216]

[0286] The data field can be used to carry additional information such as a BAR to request a BA from the receiver STA of the ongoing PPDU. Upon receiving this BAR, the STA should immediately send a BA.

[0217]

[0287] The PE field is a packet extension field used by the transmitter STA to receive feedback carried by the data field.

[0218] 6.3 Preemption Request Signal Format

[0289] Figure 31 shows an example embodiment 840 of a preemption request signal format. The Frame Control field indicates the type of frame. The Duration field contains the duration of the signal. The Address 1 field contains the address of the receiver of the frame. The Address 2 field contains the address of the sender of the frame. Address 3 contains the BSS ID of the sender of the frame. The Sequence Control field contains the fragment number and sequence number of the packet.

[0219]

[0290] The HT Control field, like IEEE 802.11ax, can provide additional information for the preempting STA. For example, this field can carry a BSR. Upon receiving this field, the preempted STA can estimate the channel resources required by the preempting STA to transmit the buffer reported by the BSR. The preempted STA can then decide whether to accept or reject the preemption request.

[0220]

[0291] The data field carries the information of the preemption request.

[0221]

[0292] The category and action fields indicate that the frame is a preemption request signal. If the preempted STA accepts the request, it will interrupt its own ongoing transmission and begin the preemption transmission of the preempting STA. When the preempted STA accepts the request, it can respond to the preempting STA by sending an Ack. Note that the ostensibly preempted STA can decide not to respond and reject the request.

[0222]

[0293] The BW field indicates the bandwidth the preempting STA requests to transmit in the preemption transmission. The BW value should be greater than the BW value used by the preempted STA's ongoing transmission. Based on this information, the preempted STA can decide whether to accept or reject the request.

[0223]

[0294] The priority field indicates the priority of the preemption transmission requested by the preempting STA. If the priority of the preemption transmission is higher than the ongoing transmission of the preempted STA, the preempted STA can accept the request. Also, if the preempted STA is the FD originator, it can accept the request if the priority of the preemption transmission is higher than the ongoing transmissions of both the FD originator STA and the FD recipient STA.

[0224]

[0295] The Preemption Time field indicates the time the preempting STA needs to send its preemption transmission. The Preemption Time may not be longer than the remaining time of the preempted STA's ongoing PPDU or the remaining TXOP duration as obtained by the preempted STA. If not, the preempted STA may reject the preemption request.

[0225] 7. General Scope of Embodiments

[0297] Embodiments of the present technology may be described herein with reference to flow diagrams 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 flowcharts, and combinations of blocks (and / or steps) of the flowcharts, 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 computer-readable program code. It will be understood that 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 other programmable processing device to produce a machine, such that the computer program instructions executing on the computer processor(s) or other programmable processing device produce means for implementing the specified function(s).

[0226]

[0298] Thus, the flowchart blocks 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 flowchart block and any 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.

[0227]

[0299] Furthermore, 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 that can direct 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 that includes instruction means that implement the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions may be executed by the computer processor or other programmable processing device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer processor or other programmable processing device to generate a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer processor or other programmable processing device provide steps for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block(s), procedure(s), algorithm(s), step(s), operation(s), mathematical formula(s), or computational expression(s).

[0228]

[0300] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "program" or "program executable" 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 both locally and remotely. Remotely stored instructions may be downloaded (pushed) to the device upon user initiation or automatically based on one or more factors.

[0229]

[0301] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms processor, hardware processor, computer processor, central processing unit (CPU), and computer are used interchangeably to refer to devices 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.

[0230]

[0302] From the description herein, it will be understood that the present disclosure includes multiple implementations of the technology, including but not limited to the following:

[0231]

[0303] An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, the apparatus comprising: (a) wireless communication circuitry as a station (STA) for wirelessly communicating with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to support carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) a processor coupled to the STA; and (c) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor for communicating with other STAs and performing different roles in a communication protocol, the instructions, when executed by the processor, performing one or more steps, the one or more steps including: (d)(i) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by the station having full duplex (FD) capability; (ii) receiving a preemption request from another STA at the STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (d)(iii) determining from information in the preemption request whether to accept the preemption request; and (d)(iv) when the STA accepts the preemption request from the other STA acting as a preempting STA, the preempted STA interrupting the ongoing transmission by the STA currently acting as a preempted STA to allow the preempting STA to use the channel.

[0232]

[0304] An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, the apparatus comprising: (a) wireless communication circuitry as a station (STA) for wirelessly communicating with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to support carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) a processor coupled to the STA; and (c) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor for communicating with other STAs and performing different roles in a communication protocol, the instructions, when executed by the processor, performing one or more steps, the one or more steps including: (d)(i) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by the station having full duplex (FD) capability; and (d)(ii) determining whether a preempted STA has resources punctured in the PPDU and whether a preempted STA has resources punctured in the PPDU. (d)(iii) receiving a preemption request by another STA at the STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (d)(iv) determining whether to accept the preemption request from information in the preemption request; and (d)(v) when the STA accepts the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, the preempted STA allows the preempting STA to use the channel by suspending the ongoing transmission by the STA currently acting as a preempted STA.

[0233]

[0305] A method for performing wireless communications in a network, the method including the steps of: (a) configuring a station (STA) for wireless communications with other STAs on a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to allow different STAs to perform different roles during communications supporting carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by the station having full duplex (FD) capability; (c) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (d) determining, from information in the preemption request, whether to accept the preemption request; and (e) in response to accepting the preemption request from the other STA acting as a preempting STA, interrupting an ongoing transmission by the preempted STA to allow the preempting STA to transmit on a channel.

[0234]

[0306] A wireless communication device that performs packet transmission, wherein CSMA / CA is applied to the system / device and a STA supports full-duplex transmission, and the device includes the following steps (a) to (c): (a) a preempted STA detects a preemption request from a preempting STA while transmitting; (b) if the preempted STA accepts the preemption request, it suspends its own ongoing transmission; and (c) the preempting STA preempts the transmission of the preempted STA after the preempted STA suspends its ongoing transmission.

[0235]

[0307] An apparatus or method of any of the preceding implementations, wherein the preempted STA has punctured resources in its PPDU, and the preempting STA can use the punctured resources to detect third party transmissions.

[0236]

[0308] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempted STA only accepts preemption requests from within its own BSS.

[0237]

[0309] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempted STA chooses to reject the preemption request and continues its ongoing transmission.

[0238]

[0310] The apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempted STA chooses to simultaneously suspend its ongoing transmission and its receiving operation as well.

[0239]

[0311] An apparatus or method of any of the preceding implementations, wherein the preempted STA suspends its ongoing transmission but chooses to wait until after completing transmission of the current medium access control service data unit (MSDU) or A-MSDU in the PPDU.

[0240]

[0312] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempting STA transmits a frame to initiate the preemption transmission of the preempting STA.

[0241]

[0313] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempting STA is permitted to perform preemption transmissions only during transmit opportunities (TXOPs) as obtained by the preempted STA.

[0242]

[0314] Further, an apparatus or method of any of the above implementations, wherein (a) the preempting STA has FD capability, and (b) the preempted STA transmits a PPDU to the preempting STA while the preempting STA transmits the preemption transmission to the preempted STA.

[0243]

[0315] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempted STA disables the preemption transmission during spatial reuse transmission.

[0244]

[0316] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempted STA disables the preemption transmission during a cooperative MAP transmission.

[0245]

[0317] An apparatus or method of any of the preceding implementations, wherein the preempted STA can have resources punctured in its PPDU, allowing the preempting STA to use the punctured resources to detect any third party transmissions.

[0246]

[0318] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempted STA can only accept preemption requests from the same BSS.

[0247]

[0319] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempted STA can reject the preemption transmission request.

[0248]

[0320] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempted STA can simultaneously suspend its own ongoing transmission and reception of a transmission.

[0249]

[0321] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempted STA can suspend ongoing transmission after finishing the current MSDU or A-MSDU in the PPDU.

[0250]

[0322] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempting STA can transmit a frame to initiate the preemption transmission of the preempting STA.

[0251]

[0323] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the preempting STA can have a preemption transmission only during a TXOP obtained by the preempted STA.

[0252]

[0324] An apparatus or method of any of the preceding implementations, wherein the preempting STA can transmit a PPDU to the preempted STA while the preempting STA is transmitting the preemption transmission to the preempted STA (i.e., full-duplex transmission between the preempting STA and the preempted STA).

[0253]

[0325] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the STA can disable the preemption transmission during spatial reuse transmission.

[0254]

[0326] An apparatus or method of any preceding implementation, wherein the STA can disable the preemption transmission during a cooperative MAP transmission.

[0255]

[0327] As used herein, the term "implementation" is intended to include, but is not limited to, any embodiment, example, or other form of implementing the techniques described herein.

[0256]

[0328] As used herein, the singular words "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 otherwise, but rather means "one or more."

[0257]

[0329] Phrasal constructions within this disclosure such as "A, B and / or C" describe when either A, B, or C can be present, or any combination of items A, B, and C. Phrasal constructions such as "at least one of" followed by a listed group of elements indicate that at least one of the group elements is present, and, where applicable, includes any possible combination of the listed elements.

[0258]

[0330] Reference herein to "one embodiment," "at least one embodiment," or similar embodiment terminology indicates that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the described embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, these various embodiment phrases do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or to a specific embodiment that is different from all other embodiments described. The embodiment phrase should be interpreted to mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic of a given embodiment can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments of the disclosed devices, systems, or methods.

[0259]

[0331] As used herein, the term "set" means a collection of one or more objects. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single object or multiple objects.

[0260]

[0332] Relative terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another and do not necessarily require or imply that any actual relationship or order exists between such entities or actions.

[0261]

[0333] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," or any other variations of these terms, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, includes, contains, or has a list of elements may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus, rather than including only those elements. An element introduced by "comprises...a," "has...a," "includes...a," or "contains...a" does not, in the absence of further constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements within the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, includes, contains, or has that element.

[0262]

[0334] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “approximate,” “substantially,” “essentially,” and “about,” or any other versions of these terms, are intended to describe and explain slight variations. When used in connection with events or circumstances, these terms can mean that the events or circumstances will definitely occur and that the occurrence of these events or circumstances is highly probable. When used in connection with 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 angular 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.

[0263]

[0335] In addition, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values ​​may be presented in range format herein. Such range formats are used as a shorthand for convenience and should be understood to include numerical values ​​explicitly specified as the limits of the range, but should also be understood to include all individual numerical values ​​or subranges within the range, as if each such numerical value and subrange were expressly 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 to include individual ratios such as about 2, about 3, and about 4, as well as subranges such as about 10 to about 50 and about 20 to about 100.

[0264]

[0336] The term "coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a particular way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in unrecited ways.

[0265]

[0337] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may result in or make more apparent any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature or element of the technology described herein or any or all of the claims.

[0266]

[0338] Furthermore, in the foregoing disclosure, various features may be grouped together in various embodiments for brevity of the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Inventive subject matter may comprise less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.

[0267]

[0339] The Abstract of the Disclosure is intended to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

[0268]

[0340] It is understood that some jurisdictions have a practice of requiring the deletion of one or more portions of the disclosure after filing. Therefore, the reader should refer to the application as of its filing date for the original content of the disclosure. The deletion of any of the disclosure content should not be construed as an abandonment, forfeiture, or public disclosure of any subject matter of the application as originally filed.

[0269]

[0341] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0270]

[0342] 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 encompass other embodiments that may become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0271]

[0343] All structural and functional equivalents of 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 within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, no elements, components, or method steps of the present disclosure are 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 expressly recited using the phrase "means for." Also, no claim element herein should be construed as a "step-plus-function" element unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "step for." [Explanation of symbols]

[0272] 10 Example of Implementation 12 Tx Digital BB 14 DAC and UC 15 circuits 16 TX antenna 18 Rx Digital BB 19 Apply digital SIC 20 ADC and DC 22 RX antenna 23 Subtract / SIC correction applied 24 BB / Digital 26a~26n variable delay 28a~28n variable attenuator 30 Radio Frequency Front End (RFFE) 50 Example of Implementation 52 circuits 54 External I / O Connections / Bus 56 Internal Bus 58 CPUs / Processors 60 memory 62 Modem 64,68 RF Module 66a, 66b, 66c, …, 66n, 69 Antenna 70 Example of Implementation 72 STA1 74 STA2 76 STA_N 78 MLD Management Entity 80 CPU 82 memory 84 modem 86 RF circuit 88 Bus 90a, 90b, 90c, ..., 90n antennas 92 CPU 94 memory 110 Example of an embodiment 112 communication area 114 Opening 116,118,120,122 stations (STA) 130 Example of Implementation 132 The transmitter STA sends a PPDU to the receiver STA. 134 The transmitter STA indicates the location of the punctured resources in the PPDU. 136 The transmitter STA transmits the PPDU through the channel without using the punctured resources. 138 Is the transmitter STA an FD STA and has it detected CCA busy during PPDU transmission? 140 The transmitter STA may transmit a signal over the punctured resource to indicate the presence of a third-party transmission. 142 The transmitter STA does not transmit this signal through the punctured resource. 150 Example of Implementation 152 STA receives PPDU containing location information of punctured resources in PPDU 154 Did the STA detect a CCA busy through a punctured resource? 156 There is a third party transmission on the partial channel where the punctured resource is located 158 There is no third-party transmission on the partial channel where the punctured resource is located 170 Example of Implementation 172 ST A 174 STA B 176 STA C 180 Preamble 182 PPDU1 186 Punctured Resources 188 Punctured Resources 190 Preamble 192 PPDU2 210 Example of Implementation 212 Punctured Resources 230 Example of Implementation 232 PPDU2 250 Example of Implementation 252 FD originating STA starts sending PPDU Is full-duplex transmission allowed during 254 PPDU transmission? 256 The FD originating STA indicates that FD is permitted and specifies FD transmission parameter settings in the preamble of the PPDU. 258 The FD source STA transmits a known signal after the preamble of the PPDU to allow the FD receiving STA to perform self-interference estimation. 260 Did the FD originating STA detect the PPDU sent by the FD receiving STA? 262 The FD originating STA starts receiving PPDUs from the FD receiving STA and continues its own transmission. 264 FD originating STA continues its transmission 266 FD The originating STA indicates in the PPDU that FD is not allowed. 270 Example of Implementation 272 FD receiving STA receives PPDU 274 Is full-duplex transmission allowed during PPDU transmission? 276 The FD receiving STA starts sending PPDUs to the FD originating STA. 278 While the FD source STA transmits a known signal, the FD receiving STA completes its self-interference estimation. 280 The FD receiving STA may reserve some channel resources in the time or frequency domain to allow the FD originating STA to detect the preemption request. 282 The FD receiving STA does not start sending PPDUs to the FD originating STA. 290 Example of Implementation 292 STA A 294 STA C 296 Preamble 298 Preamble 300 known signals 302 PPDU1 304 PPDU2 310 Example of Implementation 312 PPDU2 314RU 330 Example of Implementation 332 FD The originating STA decides to abort its ongoing transmission 334 The FD originating STA shall suspend the ongoing transmission of the FD receiving STA if it has received a PPDU from the FD receiving STA. 336 The FD originating STA aborts its ongoing PPDU transmission. 350 Example of embodiment 352 The FD receiving STA receives a signal from the FD originating STA. 354 FD receiving STA will suspend its ongoing PPDU transmission according to the signal. 370 Example of Implementation 372 The preempting STA sends a signal to the preempted STA requesting a preemption transmission 374 Has the preempting STA received a signal from the preempted STA to initiate a preemption transmission? 376 Preempting STA starts preemption transmission 378 Preemption Send Not Allowed 390 Example of Implementation 392 The preempted STA receives a signal requesting a preemption transmission 394 Is preemption transmission allowed? 396 The preempted STA will abort its ongoing transmission. 398 The preempted STA signals the preempting STA to begin preemption transmission. 400 Preempted STA continues its transmission 410 Example of Implementation 412 ST A 414 STA B 416 Preamble 418 PPDU1 420 Punctured Resource 422 Backoff 424 Preemption Request Signal 426 DTX 428 Preamble 430 PPDU2 432 Punctured Resources 450 Example of embodiment 452 L_length 454 DTX confirmation signal 456 DTX 470 Example of Implementation 472 Preemption Request Signal 474 L_length 476 DTX confirmation signal 478 SU Trigger 480 DTX 482 CTS 484 Preamble 486 PPDU2 488 Punctured Resources 510 Example of embodiment 512 RTS 514 NAV 516 DTX confirmation signal 518 SU Trigger 520 DTX 522 CTS 524 Preamble 526 PPDU2 528 Punctured Resources 550 Example of embodiment 552 ST A C 554 STA A 556 STA B 558 Preamble 560 PPDU1 562 Punctured Resources 563 Punctured Resources 564 Backoff 566 Preemption Request Signal 568 Punctured Resources 570 PE 572 NAV 574 BA 576 SU Trigger 578 CTS 580 Preamble 582 PPDU2 584 Punctured Resources 590 Example of Implementation 592 Preamble 594 Known Signals 596 PPDU1 598 Punctured Resources 600 punctured resources 602 PPDU2 604RU 606 Backoff 608 Preamble 1 610 Preemption Request Signal 612 padding 614 signal 615 Ack 616 Preamble 2 618 padding 620,624 BA 622 NAV 626 SU Trigger 628 CTS 630 Preamble 632 PPDU2 / PPDU3 634 Punctured Resources 650 Example of embodiment 652 L_length1 654 Punctured Resources 656 Preemption Request Signal 655 Ack 658 Preamble 2 660 L_length2 662,666 BA 664 NAV 668 SU Trigger 670 CTS 672 Preamble 674 PPDU3 690 Example of Implementation 692 L_length 694 Preamble 696 Preemption Request Signal 698 DTX confirmation signal 700 DTX 702 SU Trigger 704 DTX 706 CTS 708 Preamble 710 PPDU3 712 Punctured Resources 730 Example of Implementation 732 L_length 734 Preemption Request Signal 736 DTX confirmation signal 738,742 DTX 740 SU Trigger 744 CTS 746 Preamble 748 PPDU3 750 punctured resources 770 Example of Implementation 772 L_length 774 Preamble 776 Preemption Request Signal 777 Preemption Signaling RU 778 DTX confirmation signal 779 Ack 780 DTX 782 DTX 784 Preamble 786 PPDU3 810 Example of embodiment 830 Example of embodiment 840 Example of embodiment

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, the apparatus comprising: (a) wireless communication circuitry as a station (STA) for wirelessly communicating with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to support carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) a processor coupled to the STA; (c) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor for communicating with other STAs and performing different roles in a communication protocol; Equipped with (d) the instructions, when executed by the processor, (i) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (ii) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (iii) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (iv) when the STA accepts the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, the preempted STA makes the channel available to the preempting STA by interrupting an ongoing transmission by the STA currently acting as a preempted STA; (v) the preempted STA having a punctured resource in its PPDU, allowing the preempting STA to detect third party transmissions using the punctured resource; To execute An apparatus characterized in that

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the preempted STA accepts preemption requests only from within its own basic service set (BSS).

3. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the preempted STA chooses to reject the preemption request and continues its ongoing transmission.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the preempted STA chooses to simultaneously suspend its ongoing transmission and its receiving operation.

5. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the preempted STA suspends its ongoing transmission but chooses to wait until after completing transmission of the current Medium Access Control Service Data Unit (MSDU) or A-MSDU in the PPDU.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the preempting STA transmits a frame to initiate a preemption transmission of the preempting STA.

7. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the preempting STA is permitted to perform preemption transmissions only during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) as obtained by the preempted STA.

8. Furthermore, (a) the preempting STA has FD capability; (b) while the preempting STA is sending a preemption transmission to the preempted STA, the preempted STA sends a PPDU to the preempting STA as a new transmission different from the interrupted transmission; 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the preempted STA disables preemption transmissions during spatial reuse transmissions.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the preempted STA disables preemption transmissions during cooperative MAP transmissions.

11. An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, comprising: (a) wireless communication circuitry as a station (STA) for wirelessly communicating with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to support carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) a processor coupled to the STA; (c) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor for communicating with other STAs and performing different roles in a communication protocol; Equipped with (d) the instructions, when executed by the processor, (i) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (ii) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (iii) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (iv) when the STA accepts the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, the preempted STA makes the channel available to the preempting STA by interrupting an ongoing transmission by the STA currently acting as a preempted STA; (v) the preempted STA suspending its ongoing transmission but choosing to wait until after completing transmission of the current Medium Access Control Service Data Unit (MSDU) or A-MSDU in the PPDU; To execute An apparatus characterized in that 12. An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, the apparatus comprising: (a) wireless communication circuitry as a station (STA) for wirelessly communicating with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to support carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) a processor coupled to the STA; (c) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor for communicating with other STAs and performing different roles in a communication protocol; Equipped with (d) the instructions, when executed by the processor, (i) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (ii) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (iii) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (iv) when the STA accepts the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, the preempted STA makes the channel available to the preempting STA by interrupting an ongoing transmission by the STA currently acting as a preempted STA; (v) while the preempting STA has FD capability and is sending a preemption transmission to the preempted STA, the preempted STA sends a PPDU to the preempting STA as a new transmission different from the interrupted transmission; To execute An apparatus characterized in that 13. An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, comprising: (a) wireless communication circuitry as a station (STA) for wirelessly communicating with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to support carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) a processor coupled to the STA; (c) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor for communicating with other STAs and performing different roles in a communication protocol; Equipped with (d) the instructions, when executed by the processor, (i) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (ii) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (iii) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (iv) when the STA accepts the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, the preempted STA makes the channel available to the preempting STA by interrupting an ongoing transmission by the STA currently acting as a preempted STA; (v) the preempted STA disabling preemption transmissions during spatial reuse transmissions; To execute An apparatus characterized in that 14. An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, comprising: (a) wireless communication circuitry as a station (STA) for wirelessly communicating with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to support carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) a processor coupled to the STA; (c) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor for communicating with other STAs and performing different roles in a communication protocol; Equipped with (d) the instructions, when executed by the processor, (i) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (ii) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (iii) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (iv) when the STA accepts the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, the preempted STA makes the channel available to the preempting STA by interrupting an ongoing transmission by the STA currently acting as a preempted STA; (v) the preempted STA disabling preemption transmissions during a cooperative MAP transmission; To execute An apparatus characterized in that

15. 1. An apparatus for wireless communication in a network, the apparatus comprising: (a) wireless communication circuitry as a station (STA) for wirelessly communicating with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to support carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) a processor coupled to the STA; (c) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor for communicating with other STAs and performing different roles in a communication protocol; Equipped with (d) the instructions, when executed by the processor, (i) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (ii) the preempted STA has punctured resources in its PPDU, and the punctured resources can be used by the preempting STA to detect third party transmissions; (iii) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (iv) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (v) when the STA accepts the preemption request from another STA acting as the preempting STA, the preempted STA makes the channel available to the preempting STA by suspending an ongoing transmission by the STA currently acting as the preempted STA; To execute An apparatus characterized in that

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the preempted STA only accepts preemption requests from within its own basic service set (BSS).

17. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the preempted STA chooses to reject the preemption request and continues its ongoing transmission.

18. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the preempted STA chooses to suspend its ongoing transmission and also its receiving operation upon acceptance of the preemption request.

19. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the preempted STA suspends its ongoing transmission but chooses to wait until after completing transmission of the current Medium Access Control Service Data Unit (MSDU) or A-MSDU in the PPDU.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the preempting STA transmits a frame to initiate preemption transmission of the preempting STA.

21. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the preempting STA is permitted to perform preemption transmissions only during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) as obtained by the preempted STA.

22. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the preempted STA disables preemption transmissions during spatial reuse transmissions or during cooperative MAP transmissions.

23. 1. A method for performing wireless communication in a network, the method comprising: (a) configuring a station (STA) for wireless communication with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to allow different STAs to perform different roles during communication supporting carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (c) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (d) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (e) in response to accepting the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, interrupting an ongoing transmission by the preempted STA to allow the preempting STA to transmit on the channel; (f) the preempted STA having a punctured resource in its PPDU, allowing the preempting STA to detect third party transmissions using the punctured resource; Contains A method characterized by:

24. A method for performing wireless communication in a network, the method comprising: (a) configuring a station (STA) for wireless communication with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to allow different STAs to perform different roles during communication supporting carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (c) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (d) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (e) in response to accepting the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, interrupting an ongoing transmission by the preempted STA to allow the preempting STA to transmit on the channel; (f) the preempted STA suspending its ongoing transmission but choosing to wait until after completing transmission of the current Medium Access Control Service Data Unit (MSDU) or A-MSDU in the PPDU; Including, A method characterized by:

25. A method for performing wireless communication in a network, the method comprising: (a) configuring a station (STA) for wireless communication with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to allow different STAs to perform different roles during communication supporting carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (c) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (d) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (e) in response to accepting the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, interrupting an ongoing transmission by the preempted STA to allow the preempting STA to transmit on the channel; (f) while the preempting STA has FD capability and is sending a preemption transmission to the preempted STA, the preempted STA sends a PPDU to the preempting STA as a new transmission different from the interrupted transmission; Including, A method characterized by:

26. A method for performing wireless communication in a network, the method comprising: (a) configuring a station (STA) for wireless communication with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to allow different STAs to perform different roles during communication supporting carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (c) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (d) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (e) in response to accepting the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, interrupting an ongoing transmission by the preempted STA to allow the preempting STA to transmit on the channel; (f) the preempted STA disabling preemption transmissions during spatial reuse transmissions; Including, A method characterized by:

27. A method for performing wireless communication in a network, the method comprising: (a) configuring a station (STA) for wireless communication with other STAs over a wireless local area network (WLAN) in an IEEE 802.11 protocol configured to allow different STAs to perform different roles during communication supporting carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA); (b) performing an ongoing physical layer protocol data unit (PPDU) transmission by said station having full duplex (FD) capability; (c) receiving, at the STA, a preemption request by another STA while the STA is performing the ongoing transmission; (d) determining from information in the preemption request whether the preemption request should be accepted; (e) in response to accepting the preemption request from another STA acting as a preempting STA, interrupting an ongoing transmission by the preempted STA to allow the preempting STA to transmit on the channel; (f) the preempted STA disabling preemption transmissions during a cooperative MAP transmission; Including, A method characterized by:

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