Non-AP multi-band communication device, communication method and integrated circuit

Abstract

To facilitate a provision of a communication via a plurality of frequency bans between electron devices in a radio network.SOLUTION: A non-access point (non-AP) multi-band communication comprises: a transmission part that transmits an association request frame indicating a plurality of frequency bands in which a multi-band setting is requested for communicating simultaneously in multi-band operation, to an access point (AP) multi-band communication on one frequency band; and a reception part that receives an association response frame indicating the frequency band which has succeeded in association on the one frequency band from the AP multi-band communication. The frequency band having succeeded in the association includes a frequency band that is different from the one frequency band used for transmitting the association request frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to multi-band communication apparatus, multi-band access points, and communication methods for multi-band operation, and more particularly to multi-band communication devices operating in multiple frequency bands in a wireless network. [Background technology]

[0002] Wireless networks that offer multi-band communication allow electronic devices to communicate over multiple different frequency bands, giving them an advantage over other wireless networks that limit wireless communication to a single frequency band. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One non-limiting, exemplary embodiment facilitates providing communication over multiple frequency bands between electronic devices in a wireless network, including authenticating and / or associating multi-band communication devices across multiple different frequency bands over a single frequency band.

[0004] In one general aspect, the disclosed technology features a multi-band communication device including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter, during operation, transmits, over one frequency band, a frame to a multi-band communication device in a wireless network, the frame including an action related to one frequency band in which the multi-band communication device transmits and at least one other frequency band. The receiver, during operation, receives, over the one frequency band, a frame from the multi-band communication device in the wireless network, the frame including an action related to the one frequency band in which the multi-band communication device receives and at least one other frequency band.

[0005] It should be noted that the general or specific embodiments may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a storage medium, or any combination thereof.

[0006] Further benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the specification and drawings. These benefits and / or advantages may be obtained individually by various embodiments and features of the specification and drawings. However, not all of these features need to be present to obtain one or more of such benefits and / or advantages. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements throughout the different views. The accompanying drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments and serve to explain various principles and advantages according to the present embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a multi-band wireless network in which wireless transmitters / receivers operate across multiple different frequency bands with multi-band communication devices. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a multi-band wireless network in which wireless transmitters / receivers operate across multiple different frequency bands with multi-band communication devices. [Figure 3] Diagram of elements signaling multi-band capability. [Figure 4] Diagram of elements advertising the multi-band capability of nearby APs. [Figure 5] 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a non-AP STA authenticating and / or associating to all BSSs of a co-located EHT AP using a single authentication and / or association frame exchange in any one frequency band in which the co-located EHT AP operates. [Figure 6] 1 is a frame diagram for authenticating and / or associating a multi-band STA across multiple different frequency bands. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram of an exemplary association record maintained by a multi-band EHT AP. [Figure 8] Diagram of a reference model for a tri-band EHT AP and / or STA. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates the process of primitives and frame exchanges involved in multi-band authentication between a STA and an AP. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates the process of primitives and frame exchange involved in multi-band association between a STA and an AP. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates elements used to authenticate and / or associate a multi-band STA to a multi-band AP. [Figure 12] A diagram of a table of 2.4GHz association records for a STA. [Figure 13] A diagram of a table of 5 GHz association records for two stations (STA1 and STA2). [Figure 14] A diagram of a table of 6 GHz association records for two stations (STA1 and STA2). [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram of a table showing exemplary STA AID data for two stations (STA1 and STA2) for a 2.4 GHz AID, a 5 GHz AID, and a 6 GHz AID. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates the process of primitives and frame exchange involved in multi-band association between a STA and an AP. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates a wireless network in which an AP sets up a single unified BSS in multiple different frequency bands. [Figure 18] 1 is a diagram of a beacon frame and / or probe response frame used to advertise a multi-band BSS. [Figure 19] Diagram of a reference model for a multi-band communication device (multi-band capable EHT AP and / or STA). [Figure 20] Diagram of a simplified reference model for a multi-band communications device. [Figure 21] 1 is a simplified block diagram of a multi-band communication device that operates in multiple different frequency bands (shown as n bands, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2). [Figure 22] 1 is a detailed block diagram of a multi-band communication device that operates in multiple different frequency bands (shown as n bands, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Multi-band communication devices can transmit and receive data over multiple different frequency bands in a wireless network. These electronic devices have many advantages over conventional electronic devices that can operate in a single frequency band. However, operating multi-band communication devices in a wireless network presents many technical challenges.

[0009] As one exemplary problem, a multi-band communication device operating in a multi-band wireless network must be discovered, authenticated, and associated separately or independently in each frequency band of the wireless network. For example, if an access point (AP) operates in three different frequency bands, a multi-band communication device must be discovered, authenticated, and associated three times (once for each frequency band in which the device operates). This type of discovery, authentication, and association results in unnecessary network traffic and is inefficient in its utilization of processing, memory, and network resources.

[0010] Another exemplary problem is that when multi-band communication devices authenticate and associate in a wireless network, the multi-band AP maintains a different association record for each multi-band communication device for each frequency band. The multi-band AP treats each electronic device operating in each different frequency band as a separate electronic device. This situation requires the AP to maintain and manage a large number of association records, which is therefore inefficient.

[0011] As yet another exemplary problem, an AP must continually broadcast or advertise its presence over each frequency band in which it operates. Similarly, a multi-band communication device must continually monitor or scan for these broadcasts over various different frequencies. Broadcasting and scanning in this manner results in unnecessary network traffic.

[0012] Other technical challenges exist in operating multi-band communication devices in a wireless network, some of which relate to one or more of the discovery, authentication, deauthentication, association, disassociation, and management of multi-band communication devices operating in a wireless network.

[0013] The illustrative embodiments solve these and other technical problems that arise with the operation of multi-band communication devices in multi-band wireless networks.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments include apparatus and methods for operating a multi-band communication device in a multi-band wireless network. Such apparatus and methods include an electronic device having a transmitter and / or receiver that communicates with the multi-band electronic device over multiple different frequency bands in one or more wireless networks. This communication includes one or more of authenticating, associating, deauthenticating, and disassociating the multi-band communication device with one or more multi-band communication devices, such as APs.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, a multi-band communications device is discovered, authenticated, associated, deauthenticated, and / or disassociated across multiple different frequency bands via a single frequency band. Such an embodiment provides an improvement over prior art in which a multi-band communications device must be discovered, authenticated, associated, deauthenticated, and disassociated separately for each different frequency band in which the multi-band communications device operates.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-band AP maintains a single association record for each multi-band communications device, regardless of the number of different frequency bands in which the multi-band communications device operates. Thus, the multi-band AP maintains a single association record for the multi-band communications device for all operating frequency bands. Such an embodiment provides an improvement over prior art techniques that maintain a different or unique association record for each multi-band communications device for each frequency band in which the multi-band communications device operates.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, a multi-band AP broadcasts or advertises the availability of multi-band APs for multiple frequency bands in a single frequency band. The multi-band AP may also broadcast or advertise neighboring multi-band APs. This process reduces network traffic and congestion, expedites authentication and association, and provides more efficient wireless network operation.

[0018] 1 illustrates a multi-band wireless network 100 in which a wireless transmitter / receiver 110 operates across multiple different frequency bands with multi-band communication devices 120A and 120B. For example, multi-band communication device 110 is illustrated as an AP, and multi-band communication devices 120A and 120B are illustrated as non-AP stations (STAs) STA1 and STA2. The multiple different frequency bands include, but are not limited to, 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz. As illustrated, AP 110 provides three basic service sets (BSSs): 6 GHz BSS 130A, 5 GHz BSS 130B, and 2.4 GHz BSS 130C.

[0019] In this manner, the AP 110 functions as a multi-band communication device that operates in multiple different frequency bands, as opposed to an AP that can operate in a single frequency band with single-band devices. The AP 110 can function as an independent AP in each of the multiple different frequency bands. Furthermore, while the STAs 120A and 120B are multi-band communication devices (e.g., capable of operating in two or more frequency bands), single-band communication devices can also operate in the wireless network 100.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the AP is an Extremely High Throughput (EHT) AP, such as a tri-band AP operating at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The STAs may be single-band, dual-band, tri-band, etc. For example, STA1 120A is a dual-band STA operating at 5 GHz and / or 6 GHz, and STA2 120B is a tri-band STA operating at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. The EHT AP sets up BSSs in multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) as separate BSSs.

[0021] Consider an exemplary embodiment in which the wireless network is a wireless local area network (WLAN) operating in accordance with IEEE 802.11, which enhances peak throughput and multi-band transmission. The 2.4 GHz BSS 130C and the 5 GHz BSS 130B transmit independent beacon frames (e.g., at 100 ms intervals or another interval) to enable discovery of APs 110 by active and / or passive scanning. However, operation in the 6 GHz BSS 130A is limited to reduce management and / or control traffic (e.g., pre-association frame exchanges). Beacon frames in the 6 GHz BSS 130A may not be transmitted at all or may be transmitted much less frequently (e.g., once per second or another interval). Active scanning by transmitting probe request frames may not be permitted in the 6 GHz BSS 130A. Instead, the 2.4 GHz band serves to announce the presence of APs 110 operating in 6 GHz. In this example, the STA receives basic information (eg, operating channel, MAC address, etc.) about the AP in the 6 GHz band through beacon frames and / or probe response frames in the 2.4 GHz band and / or 5 GHz band.

[0022] In this exemplary embodiment, after receiving basic information of a co-located AP in another frequency band, a multi-band capable STA can gather further information about the co-located AP (e.g., band-specific capabilities, etc.) by performing active / passive scans or exchanging probe requests / responses with the co-located AP.

[0023] First, a non-AP STA can perform active and / or passive scans in the indicated band (6 GHz in this example), in which case the non-AP STA can determine the quality of its connection link in that band based on received frames (e.g., beacon frames or probe response frames).

[0024] Second, non-AP STAs can exchange probe request and / or response frames with the co-located AP in another frequency band, for example, using On-Channel Tunneling (OCT). OCT allows management frames addressed to the MAC Sublayer Management Entity (MLME) of the AP / STA in the second band to be tunneled in the first band using an On-Channel Tunnel request frame. In this case, the actual frame exchange occurs in one band, so the non-AP STA cannot determine the quality of the connection link in the other band. This can be problematic, especially when using a lower frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) to discover a higher frequency band (5 GHz or 6 GHz), since the transmission range is generally shorter in the higher frequency bands.

[0025] For example, a non-AP STA may discover a multi-band AP using OCT in 2.4 GHz, but may not be sure whether it can reach this AP in other bands. In such a case, the non-AP STA may include a transmit power control (TPC) request element in a probe request frame to request the AP to include a TPC report element in the probe response frame. Based on the transmit power value reported in the TPC report element and the actual receive power at which the probe response frame was received, the non-AP STA may roughly calculate the quality of the connection link in the other bands.

[0026] Based on the band-specific information and link quality obtained as described above, the non-AP STA can determine a frequency band for initiating a multi-band connection, as described herein. With regard to legacy device support, all EHT APs are also expected to support legacy 802.11 STAs (HT (11n), VHT (11ac), and HE (11ax)) and therefore are expected to support their respective capabilities. Since most, if not all, legacy non-AP STAs are single-band devices, the EHT AP will also recognize and operate as a single-band HE AP, a single-band VHT AP, or a single-band HE AP in each of the respective bands.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a multiband wireless network 200 in which a multiband communication device 210 having a wireless transmitter / receiver operates across multiple different frequency bands along with multiband communication devices 220A and 220B. For example, the multiband communication device 210 is shown as an AP having three antennas 230A, 230B, and 230C. The multiband communication devices 220A and 220B are shown as STA1 having two antennas 240A and 240B and STA2 having three antennas 250A, 250B, and 250C. While multiband-capable APs are fairly common, multiband-capable STAs are less common, and even the few STAs that operate in multiple bands typically only communicate in one frequency band at a time. Simultaneous communication (transmitting, receiving, or both) on multiple channels in different frequency bands is sometimes referred to as multiband communication and is an effective means of dramatically increasing transmission throughput.

[0028] Consider an example where AP 210 is a tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) capable AP, STA1 220A is a dual-band (5 GHz and 6 GHz) capable STA, and STA2 220B is a tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) capable STA. AP 210 can engage in multi-band communication with STA1 220A over the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, while AP 210 can engage in multi-band communication with STA2 220B over the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands.

[0029] FIG. 3 is an element 300 that signals multi-band capability. For example, element 300 may be a multi-band element and include one or more of an Element ID, Length, Multi-band Control, Band ID, Operating Class, Channel Number, Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID), Beacon Interval, TSF Offset, Multi-band Connection Capability, Fast Session Transfer (FST) Session Timeout, STA MAC Address, Pairwise Cipher Suite Count, Pairwise Cipher Suite List, and optional subelements (e.g., Supported Channels, Supported Operating Classes, Power Capability element, etc.).

[0030] Consider the example in which an AP broadcasts or announces that it is a multi-band-capable AP by including a multi-band element 300 in one or more of its beacon and probe response frames. For example, these frames may include one or more multi-band elements, one element corresponding to each band identified by the band ID field 302 (excluding the band in which the beacon / probe frame is transmitted) in which the AP also operates a BSS. For example, the multi-band element includes an optional element 310 that provides additional band-specific information (e.g., capabilities, operating elements, EDCA parameter sets, supported rates and BSS membership selectors, extended supported rates and BSS membership selectors, etc.) required for operation in the band identified by the band ID field 302. For example, a power capability element 312 indicates its transmit power capabilities in that band.

[0031] 4 illustrates an element 400 for advertising the multi-band capability of a nearby AP. For example, the element 400 includes one or more of an element ID, length, BSSID, BSSID information, operating class, channel number, PHY type, and optional sub-elements. The BSSID information 402 includes one or more of AP reachability, security, key scope, capabilities, mobility domain, high throughput, very high throughput, FTM, high efficiency, HE ER BSS, EHT BSS, co-located, and reserved.

[0032] Consider the example where an AP transmits frame 400 to advertise multi-band capable neighboring EHT APs (including co-located APs). For example, the AP uses a Neighbor Report element. For example, according to element 410, the EHT BSS bit identifies this as an EHT BSS. According to element 420, the co-located BSS bit is added to identify that the advertised AP is co-located with the AP transmitting the Neighbor Report element. The Operating Class field and Channel Number field together implicitly identify the frequency band.

[0033] Alternatively, an AP may use a Reduced Neighbor Report element to advertise multi-band capable neighboring EHT APs. A reserved bit in the TBTT Information Header subfield may be used to specify that the advertised AP is co-located with the AP sending the Reduced Neighbor Report element. The Operating Class field and Channel Number field together implicitly identify the frequency band.

[0034] 5 is a flow diagram 500 illustrating a non-AP STA 502 authenticating and / or associating with all BSSs of a co-located EHT AP 504 using a single authentication and / or association frame exchange in any one frequency band in which the co-located EHT AP 504 operates. For example, the STA 502 authenticates and / or associates across three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. As an example, the EHT AP 504 may be the AP 200 and the non-AP STA 502 may be STA2 220B.

[0035] Consider an example in which a non-AP STA 502 is required to be authenticated and / or associated in all applicable frequency bands in order to communicate over multiple bands. The AP 504 broadcasts a beacon frame 508 in the 5 GHz band, through which a STA 502 currently operating in the 5 GHz band discovers the AP's multi-band capability, for example by checking the included multi-band element 300, determines that it is authenticated for all frequency bands in which the AP 504 operates (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), and also determines the frequency to associate with (all three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) in this example). The STA 502 transmits an authentication frame 510 in the 5 GHz band requesting the AP 504 to authenticate the STA 502 for the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands in addition to the 5 GHz band. Based on this transmission (made at 5 GHz in this example), the AP authenticates STA 502 for all three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) and transmits an authentication frame 520 to STA 502 positively acknowledging the successful authentication.

[0036] The STA 502 then transmits an association request frame 530 to the AP 504 in the 5 GHz band requesting the AP 504 to associate the STA 502 for the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands in addition to the 5 GHz band. Based on this transmission (made in this example in 5 GHz), the AP responds with an association response frame 540 associating the STA for all three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) and positively acknowledging the successful association.

[0037] 5 illustrates an improvement over the prior art for authentication and / or association between a multi-band AP and a multi-band STA. For example, in a conventional 802.11 WLAN, a STA is required to authenticate / associate to a BSS for each frequency band independently of other bands. This prior art requires and / or includes exchanging authentication / association frames in each band, maintaining simultaneous multi-band APs in multiple bands, and maintaining separate association records (e.g., association state variables, association IDs (AIDs), security keys, etc.) for each associated STA in a different band.

[0038] In contrast to this prior art, the exemplary embodiment provides simplified multi-band operation by having the AP maintain a single association instance for multi-band capable STAs. The AP maintains this single association instance regardless of the band used for the association. Instead of treating multi-band STAs as independent entities in different frequency bands, the EHT AP in the exemplary embodiment treats multi-band STAs as a single entity that can operate across multiple frequency bands.

[0039] Although process 500 includes authentication, association, and security setup, for simplicity, the entire process 500 may be referred to as a multi-band connection. Although not shown, multi-band operation is also applicable to the reverse operation of deauthentication / disassociation. An AP can deauthenticate / disassociate a multi-band STA for multiple bands by sending a single deauthentication / disassociation frame, respectively, in any active band.

[0040] 6 illustrates a frame 600 for authenticating and / or associating multi-band STAs across multiple different frequency bands. For example, the frame 600 includes a MAC header 610 and a frame body 620. The MAC header 610 includes one or more of a Frame Control, Duration, Address 1, Address 2, Address 3, Sequence Control, and HT Control. The frame body 620 includes one or more of a Multi-Band element 630 (which may be element 300 in FIG. 3), an EHT Options element 640, and an FCS. The EHT Options element includes one or more of an Element ID, a Length, an Element ID Extension, and an EHT Control Bitmap 650. The EHT control bitmap 650 includes Multi-band Authentication, Multi-band Association, and Reservation.

[0041] The multi-band element 630 indicates additional frequency band specific information used for multi-band authentication and / or association. The EHT control bitmap 650 indicates whether multi-band authentication and / or association is required for the indicated band (within the multi-band element 630).

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, authentication, association, deauthentication, disassociation, and / or reassociation frames share a similar frame format. Apart from the frequency band on which the frame is transmitted, additional bands for authentication, association, reassociation, deauthentication, and / or disassociation are indicated by including one or more multi-band elements 630 in the respective frames, where each element identifies one band. An optional sub-element field (e.g., 310 in FIG. 3) carries one or more additional sub-elements required to authenticate and / or associate for the band indicated by the band ID field (e.g., 302 in FIG. 3) of the multi-band element. Some common parameters may be indicated by other fields in the frame (e.g., HT / VHT / HE operation / capability elements, etc.). Since many parameters (e.g., supported MCS rates, number of supported spatial streams, EDCA parameters) may be specific to a particular frequency band, if any of the common parameters differ, the band-specific parameters may also be included in the multi-band element.

[0043] A non-AP STA may also include a power capability element (e.g., 312 in FIG. 3) in its authentication frame 510 and association request frame 530 in FIG. 5 to indicate its transmit power capability in the band. The AP can use such band-specific information to determine whether to admit a non-AP STA for any particular band.

[0044] 5 shows an example of successful authentication / association for all three frequency bands, it is possible that authentication / association is successful for some bands while not for others. The AP can indicate the bands on which authentication / association was successful by including a multi-band element for that band in the authentication frame 520 and association response frame 540.

[0045] 7 is an exemplary association record 700 maintained by a multi-band EHT AP. The record includes one or more of the following: STA AID, Association State, 2.4 GHz MAC Address, 5 GHz MAC Address, 6 GHz MAC Address, Private Cipher Key, and Group Cipher Key. The record includes exemplary data in some of these fields for two stations (STA1 and STA2).

[0046] Because STAs can communicate on channels in different frequency bands using different MAC addresses, the AP also records the band-specific MAC addresses of the STAs (e.g., extracted from the multi-band elements). Row 1 of the records may indicate the record for STA1, while row 2 may indicate the record for STA2.

[0047] Although not listed in the record, the AP may also maintain other band-specific parameters for each STA (e.g., supported rates, EDCA parameter sets, etc.). For legacy non-AP STAs that are single-band devices (11n devices, 11ac devices, 11ax devices), the EHT AP continues to support single-band authentication / association according to the baseline rules. The EHT AP may choose to use the same association record 700 for such devices or may choose to maintain a separate record for associated single-band devices. To simplify operation across different bands, the AP may choose to maintain a unified AID assignment scheme that assigns AIDs to associated devices regardless of the band on which they are associated. Furthermore, AIDs are not reused across different bands to simplify AID management.

[0048] 8 is a reference model of a tri-band EHT AP and / or STA 800. For example, the AP / STA 800 operates in multiple frequency bands, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Thus, the AP / STA 800 includes three separate STAs 810A, 810B, and 810C, one for each frequency band.

[0049] As shown, each STA includes one or more of a physical layer (PHY), MAC sublayer, PHY management entity (PLME), and MAC sublayer management entity (MLME) for each frequency band, while a common station management entity (SME) is responsible for managing the PHY and MAC layers in all three bands.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, a single station management entity can access the MAC and PHY layers of each band through a respective MAC Layer Management Entity (MLME) and PHY Management Entity (PLME). A MAC Service Access Point (SAP) in each STA provides an interface to band-specific MAC and PHY sublayers for higher layer protocols.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the shared state information includes one or more of a block ack agreement, a TS, an association state, an RSNA, a security key, a sequence counter, and a PN counter.

[0052] FIG. 9 shows a process 900 of primitives and frame exchanges involved in multi-band authentication between a STA 910 and an AP 920.

[0053] With respect to process 900, a multi-band authentication flag in the MLME-AUTHENTICATE primitive may be used to distinguish the multi-band authentication primitive from normal single-band authentication. The SME of a non-AP STA 910 initiates multi-band authentication by issuing an MLME-AUTHENTICATE.request primitive 930 (with the multi-band authentication flag set) to the MLME of one of the active frequency bands, which then triggers an authentication frame 940 (which may be authentication frame 510 in FIG. 5) to be transmitted on the operating channel in this frequency band. Upon receiving the authentication frame 940, the MLME of the AP of this band generates an MLME-AUTHENTICATE.indication primitive 950 (with the multi-band authentication flag set, also indicating the additional frequency band for which authentication is requested). When the AP's SME receives MLME-AUTHENTICATE.indication primitive 950 with the multi-band authentication flag set, the AP performs multi-band authentication (955), authenticating the STA for the frequency band on which authentication frame 940 was received, plus all other bands indicated by the multi-band element carried in authentication frame 940. Upon successful completion of multi-band authentication, the AP's SME confirms the success of multi-band authentication by issuing an MLME-AUTHENTICATE.response primitive 960 (with status code set to SUCCESS) to the MLME of the frequency band on which authentication frame 940 was received, which then triggers an authentication frame 970 (which may be authentication frame 520 in FIG. 5) to be transmitted on the operating channel in this frequency band. Upon receiving authentication frame 970, the MLME of the non-AP STA of this band generates an MLME-AUTHENTICATE.confirm primitive 980 indicating successful multi-band authentication.

[0054] FIG. 10 shows a process 1000 of primitives and frame exchanges involved in a multi-band association between a STA 1010 and an AP 1020.

[0055] With respect to process 1000, a multi-band association flag in the MLME-ASSOCIATE primitive may be used to distinguish a multi-band association primitive from a regular (single-band) association. The SME of a non-AP STA 1010 initiates a multi-band association by issuing an MLME-ASSOCIATE.request primitive 1030 (with the multi-band association flag set, also indicating the additional frequency band for which association is requested) to the MLME of one of the active frequency bands, which then triggers an association request frame 1040 (which may be association request frame 530 in FIG. 5) to be transmitted on an operating channel in this frequency band. The AP's MLME for this band, upon receiving the association request frame 1040, generates an MLME-ASSOCIATE.indication primitive 1050 (with the multi-band association flag set, also indicating the additional frequency bands for which association is requested). When the AP's SME receives the MLME-ASSOCIATE.indication primitive 1050 with the multi-band association flag set, the AP performs 1055 multi-band association, associating the STA for the frequency band on which the association request frame 1040 was received, plus all other bands indicated by the multi-band elements carried in the association request frame 1040. Upon successful completion of the multi-band association, the AP's SME acknowledges the success of the multi-band association by issuing an MLME-ASSOCIATE.response primitive 1060 (with the status code set to SUCCESS) to the MLME of the frequency band in which the association request frame 1040 was received, which then triggers an association response frame 1070 (which may be the association response frame 540 in FIG. 5) to be transmitted on the operating channel in this frequency band.Upon receiving the association response frame 1070, the MLME of the non-AP STA for this band generates an MLME-ASSOCIATE.confirm primitive 1080 indicating successful multi-band association. Although not shown in Figure 9 or 10, multi-band operation is also applicable to the MLME-DEAUTHENTICATE / MLME-DISASSOCIATE primitives used for the reverse operation of deauthentication / disassociation. An AP can deauthenticate / disassociate a multi-band STA for multiple bands by sending a single deauthentication / disassociation frame, respectively, in any active band.

[0056] 11 illustrates an element 1100 used to authenticate and / or associate a multi-band STA with a multi-band AP. For example, element 1100 may be multi-band element 300 and includes an element ID, length, multi-band control, band ID, operating class, channel number (not shown), BSSID (not shown), beacon interval (not shown), TSF offset (not shown), multi-band connection capability, FST session timeout, STA MAC address (optional), pairwise cipher suite count (optional), pairwise cipher suite list (optional), and optional sub-elements. Additionally, multi-band control 1110 includes STA role, STA MAC address present, pairwise cipher suite present, multi-band action, and reservation.

[0057] 6, a STA or AP may use the "multi-band action" bit 1120 in the multi-band control field 1110 of a multi-band element to indicate that a frame carrying the multi-band element is part of a multi-band authentication or association for the band indicated by the Band ID field 1130. The "multi-band action" bit 1120 may, for example, indicate multi-band authentication if the multi-band element 1140 is carried in an authentication frame, or indicate multi-band association if the multi-band element 1140 is carried in an association request frame or an association response frame.

[0058] The optional sub-elements field 1150 carries additional sub-elements required to authenticate / associate for the band indicated by the Band ID field of the Multi-Band element.

[0059] 12 is a table 1200 of 2.4 GHz association records for STAs. The table includes the STA AID, association state, MAC address, pairwise cipher key, and group cipher key. Example data is provided for STA2.

[0060] 13 is a table 1300 of 5 GHz association records for two stations (STA1 and STA2). The table includes the STA AID, association state, MAC address, pairwise encryption key, and group encryption key. Example data is provided for STA1 and STA2.

[0061] 14 is a table 1400 of 6 GHz association records for two stations (STA1 and STA2). The table includes the STA AID, association state, MAC address, pairwise encryption key, and group encryption key. Example data is provided for STA1 and STA2.

[0062] FIG. 15 is a table 1500 showing exemplary STA AID data for two stations (STA1 and STA2) for the 2.4 GHz AID, the 5 GHz AID, and the 6 GHz AID.

[0063] In the multi-band connection 500 of FIG. 15, it was assumed that the multi-band STA 502 was not associated with the multi-band AP 504 for any band when initiating the multi-band connection 500. However, the STA may already be associated with the AP for at least one band (e.g., the 5 GHz band). During or after the association process for the 5 GHz band, the STA may discover the AP's multi-band capability and decide to associate for other bands to utilize multi-band communications. Alternatively, the STA may initially be out of coverage of the 6 GHz band and only in the 5 GHz band, but later, due to mobility, may enter coverage of the 6 GHz band as well. In such a case, the multi-band connection 500 may involve a new authentication / association for additional bands apart from the band to which the STA is already associated. If such dynamic addition of associations for different bands is enabled, this means that the association state of a STA maintained by the AP may have different states in different bands, and therefore it may be more efficient for the AP to maintain separate association instances for different bands. In an exemplary embodiment, according to FIGS. 12-15, the AP maintains separate association instances, one for each frequency band, including band-specific state variables, AIDs, security associations, etc. As an example, STA 502 may initially associate with AP 504 for the 5 GHz band using a baseline (single-band) association procedure. Subsequently, STA 502 decides to initiate a multi-band connection 500 to “join” the 2.4 and 6 GHz bands. After completing multi-band authentication, the association record for STA502 will look as shown in row 1210 for the 2.4 GHz band and as shown in row 1410 for the 6 GHz band (association state "2" indicates that STA502 has been successfully authenticated).To track STA parameters in different bands, the AP may maintain table 1500 listing multi-band STA IDs (e.g., AIDs) in different bands and use this table to cross-reference respective association records in each band for band-specific parameters. Subsequently, after successfully completing multi-band association for the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands, the association records for STA 502 (rows 1210 and 1410) are updated to reflect the new association state "4" and assigned AID. Similarly, table 1500 is also updated with the assigned AIDs in the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands.

[0064] 16 shows a process 1600 of primitives and frame exchanges involved in multi-band association between a STA 1610 and an AP 1620. Association is performed for each applicable frequency band, and the AP maintains a separate association instance for each band. The AP may deauthenticate and / or disassociate a multi-band STA for multiple bands by sending a single deauthentication and / or disassociation frame, respectively, in any active band, or deauthentication and / or disassociation may be performed for each band independently of other bands.

[0065] With respect to process 1600, a multi-band association flag in the MLME-ASSOCIATE primitive may be used to distinguish a multi-band association primitive from a regular (single-band) association. The SME of a non-AP STA 1610 initiates a multi-band association by issuing an MLME-ASSOCIATE.request primitive 1630 (with the multi-band association flag set) to the MLME of one of the active frequency bands, which then triggers an association request frame 1640 to be transmitted on an operating channel in that frequency band. The MLME of the AP of that band generates an MLME-ASSOCIATE.indication primitive 1650 upon receiving the association request frame 1640. When the AP's SME receives the MLME-ASSOCIATE.indication primitive 1650 with the multi-band association flag set, the AP performs multi-band association by performing association for the first band, association for the second band, and association for the third band 1655. Upon successful completion of the multi-band association, the AP's SME confirms the success of the multi-band association by issuing an MLME-ASSOCIATE.response primitive 1660 (with status code set to SUCCESS) to the MLME of the frequency band in which the association request frame 1640 was received, which then triggers an association response frame 1670 to be transmitted on the operating channel in this frequency band. When the MLME of the non-AP STA for this band receives the association response frame 1670, it generates an MLME-ASSOCIATE.confirm primitive 1680 indicating successful multi-band association.

[0066] Instead of maintaining separate BSSs in different frequency bands, BSS operation may be simplified by maintaining a single BSS across all operating frequency bands of the AP. Figure 17 shows a wireless network 1700 in which an AP 1710 sets up a single unified BSS in multiple different frequency bands for multiple STAs, shown as STA1 1720A and STA2 1720B. For example, the wireless network 1700 includes three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, regardless of the number of sub-7 GHz frequency bands supported, an EHT AP sets up a single unified BSS in all bands. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates a single multi-band BSS operating simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. An EHT AP (such as AP 1710) transmits beacon frames in some or all of its operating bands. All beacon and / or probe response frames indicate the same BSS, regardless of the frequency band in which they are transmitted. A single BSSID is used to represent the unified BSS in the applicable frequency bands. The AP 1710 may use the MAC address of any one of its sub-7 GHz radio interfaces as the BSSID.

[0068] 18 is a beacon frame and / or probe response frame 1800 used to advertise a multi-band BSS. Frame 1800 includes Frame Control, Duration, Address 1 (DA), Address 2 (SA), Address 3 (BSSID), and Sequence Control. Frame Body 1820 includes, among other fields, a Timestamp field and one or more Multi-band elements.

[0069] Regardless of the frequency band used to transmit the beacon frame and / or probe response frame 1800, the Address 3 field 1830 is set to the BSSID representing the multi-band BSS. Address 2 1840 carries the source address and may be set to the hardware MAC address of the air interface of the frequency band on which the frame is transmitted.

[0070] To simplify operation across various bands, an AP may choose to maintain a single clock for timing purposes, in which case the timestamp field 1850 carries a unified timing synchronization function (TSF) value.

[0071] An AP advertises its multi-band capabilities in beacon and / or probe response frames. For example, frame 1800 may include one or more multi-band elements 1860, one element for each band identified by the band ID field in which the AP also operates (excluding the band in which the beacon / probe frame is transmitted). Although not shown in FIG. 18, frame 1800 also carries the same service set identifier (SSID) that represents the wireless network regardless of frequency band. This means that a BSSID is uniquely mapped to a single SSID, further simplifying management of the wireless network. However, similar to current operation, it is also possible for two or more BSSIDs to map to the same SSID.

[0072] Regardless of the frequency band used to transmit the beacon / probe response frame, the beacon / probe response frame advertises the same BSSID and SSID, so non-AP STAs will recognize a single BSS. However, this can pose some problems for legacy (non-multiband) non-AP STAs because they cannot explicitly specify the frequency band on which they wish to associate. This problem can be overcome by transmitting authentication and / or association frames in the frequency band on which the non-AP STA wishes to join. Regardless of the BSSID / SSID specified in the association frame, the AP associates the non-AP STA with the frequency band on which the frame was received. In this case, multi-band connectivity is even simpler. For example, a single association instance is required between a multi-band AP and a multi-band STA, and band-specific association is not required, regardless of the frequency band used to authenticate and / or associate. Due to different capabilities, during authentication and / or association, a non-AP STA may still indicate its supported bands using one or more multi-band elements as described herein.

[0073] 19 is a model of a multi-band capable EHT AP and / or STA 1900. For example, the AP / STA 1900 includes three bands 1910A (band 1), 1910B (band 2), and 1910C (band 3). Each band includes one or more of a physical layer (PHY), MAC sublayer, PHY management entity (PLME), and MAC sublayer management entity (MLME), while a single station management entity (SME) has access to all band-specific PHY and MAC layers.

[0074] As shown in Figure 19, a multi-band device includes separate PHY and MAC layer sets, one or more sets corresponding to each frequency band. For simplicity, Figure 19 shows a tri-band device, but example embodiments also include other types of band devices, such as dual-band devices, quad-band devices, etc.

[0075] Consider the example of a quad-band device that includes four separate PHY and MAC layer sets (one set for the 2.4 GHz band, one set for the 5 GHz band, one set for the lower portion of the 6 GHz band (e.g., 6 GHz to 6.49 GHz), and one set for the upper portion of the 6 GHz band (e.g., 6.5 GHz to 6.99 GHz)). However, there is only a single station management entity that can access the MAC and PHY layers of each band through a respective MAC layer management entity (MLME) and PHY management entity (PLME). To simplify the management of the various band-specific PHY and MAC layers, a multi-band adaptation sublayer 1920 resides above the band-specific MAC layers and provides a unified MAC SAP 1930 to upper layers. The multi-band adaptation sublayer 1920 interacts with the band-specific MAC and PHY sublayers through a MAC Service Access Point (SAP) for each band-specific MAC layer.

[0076] One advantage of this model is that the EHT MAC layer appears as a single MAC entity to the upper layers, which handle a single layer (the multi-band adaptation sublayer 1920), which is responsible for managing the band-specific MAC / PHY layers.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, multi-band operation is natively enabled and negotiated during a multi-band connection. After successful association, a multi-band STA is considered to communicate over the enabled WM in all applicable frequency bands (i.e., the STA can begin communicating over the wireless medium (WM)) and can proceed to engage in multi-band communications across any / all associated bands without further negotiation between the AP and the STA. For example, fast session switching (FST) is not required for multi-band communications between devices that have completed a multi-band connection.

[0078] For devices with additional 60 GHz I / F, the 60 GHz I / F may be managed according to the baseline, for example, using FST, OCT, etc. Such devices can be said to include two STAs: a sub-7 GHz STA (capable of multi-band communication in frequency bands lower than 7 GHz) and a 60 GHz STA.

[0079] 20 is a model of a multi-band communication device 2000. The multi-band communication device 2000 includes an upper layer 2010, a logical link control (LLC) sublayer 2020, a unified upper MAC (UMAC) 2030, and a multi-band adaptation sublayer 2040. The sublayer 2040 couples to and / or communicates with a 2.4 GHz lower MAC (LMAC) (with its own hardware MAC ID (HMAC-ID1)), a 2.4 GHz PHY, a 5 GHz LMAC (with its own hardware MAC ID (HMAC-ID2)), a 5 GHz PHY, a 6 GHz LMAC (with its own hardware MAC ID (HMAC-ID3)), and a 6 GHz PHY. The LLC sublayer 2020 couples to and / or communicates with an upper MAC (UMAC) 2050, a 60 GHz LMAC (with its own hardware MAC ID (HMAC-ID4)), and a 60 GHz PHY. The UMAC 2030 communicates with the UMAC 2050 via the multi-band management 2060 .

[0080] As shown in Figure 20, the upper layer 2010 and LLC sublayer 2020 may be shared among all bands. The bottom left shows layers specific to the sub-7 GHz band, while the right side shows layers specific to the 60 GHz band. The MAC layer may be further divided into an upper MAC (UMAC) layer and a lower MAC (LMAC) layer. The lower MAC layer performs MAC functions that may depend on the actual frequency band used for communication, such as A-MDPU aggregation / deaggregation, CRC generation, Address 1 filtering, MPDU encryption / decryption, duplicate detection, ACK transmission, Block Ack scoreboarding, MCS adaptation, etc. The upper MAC performs band agnostic MAC functions, such as A-MSDU aggregation / deaggregation, sequence number allocation, retransmission, etc.

[0081] Because 60 GHz MAC functions may differ significantly from sub-7 GHz MAC functions, a separate upper MAC layer is maintained. However, a single upper MAC layer 2030 provides the interface between the upper layer and the band-specific lower MAC layers. Traditionally, each air interface is assigned a hardware MAC address (HMAC-ID). Thus, each band-specific lower MAC can have its own MAC address that the band-specific lower MAC uses as its transmitter / receiver address. An EHT device can select one of its HMAC-IDs as its Uniform MAC Address (U-MAC-ID), which may be used to identify the EHT device. An EHT AP can select the U-MAC-ID as the BSSID for a multi-band EHT BSS.

[0082] The sub-7 GHz MAC layer appears to the higher layers as a single MAC entity. The actual band used for communication is transparent to the higher layers. The multi-band adaptation sub-layer 2040 is responsible for determining the actual band to use for sending packets. The multi-band adaptation sub-layer 2040 is also responsible for MAC address switching (U-MAC-ID to HMAC-ID and HMAC-ID to U-MAC-ID) during transmission / reception, if necessary.

[0083] The EHT AP may also record the U-MAC-ID of the associated STA as part of its association record. Therefore, the upper MAC layer does not need to know the actual HMAC-ID used by the destination device in a particular frequency band, but may directly use the U-MAC-ID of the destination device as the destination address (DA) of the outgoing MPDU. The multi-band adaptation sublayer 1720 is responsible for replacing the DA of the outgoing MPDU with the correct HMAC-ID. For the 60 GHz band, baseline multi-band management 2060 and related protocols such as FST may be used for session switching between the sub-7 GHz band and the 60 GHz band.

[0084] When there are associated single-band non-AP STAs operating in different bands (e.g., STA1 in 5 GHz and STA2 in 6 GHz), conventional communication between STA1 and STA2 must go through the AP before being forwarded to a router in the distribution system (DS), which sends it back to the STA through the same AP. To avoid this, a multi-band AP may choose to implement a simple L3 routing function within the multi-band AP that keeps a record of the L3 addresses (e.g., IPs) of all associated devices across different bands. If the AP finds the destination L3 address in its own routing table, instead of forwarding the packet to the DS, the AP can simply send the packet via the band to which the device is associated.

[0085] FIG. 21 is a simplified block diagram of a multi-band communications device 2100 operating in multiple different frequency bands (shown as n bands, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2). Antenna 2110 couples to and / or communicates with hardware / software in band-1, including RF / analog front end 2112, PHY processing 2114, and lower MAC processing 2116. Antenna 2120 couples to and / or communicates with hardware / software in band-2, including RF / analog front end 2122, PHY processing 2124, and lower MAC processing 2126. Antenna 2130 couples to and / or communicates with hardware / software in band-n, including RF / analog front end 2132, PHY processing 2134, and lower MAC processing 2136. While FIG. 21 shows a single antenna in each frequency band, there may be multiple antennas in each frequency band, used for, for example, spatial diversity, multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), etc. The lower MAC processes 2116 / 2126 / 2136 couple to and / or communicate with each other, and with a multi-band adaptation 2140 and an upper MAC process 2150 that includes an association record 2152. The association record 2152 is included in AP devices but not in non-AP devices.

[0086] 22 is a detailed block diagram 2200 of a multi-band communications device operating in multiple different frequency bands (illustrated as n bands, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2). A band-1 radio I / F 2250 is coupled to and / or in communication with a transmitter / receiver 2252 and includes a MAC 2254 and a PHY 2256. A band-2 radio I / F 2260 is coupled to and / or in communication with a transmitter / receiver 2262 and includes a MAC 2264 and a PHY 2266. A band-n radio I / F 2270 is coupled to and / or in communication with a transmitter / receiver 2272 and includes a MAC 2274 and a PHY 2276. The band wireless I / Fs 2250 / 2260 / 2270 are coupled to and / or communicate with each other, a central processing unit (CPU) 2230, a memory 2220, a secondary storage device 2240, and a wired communication I / F 2280. The circuitry is powered by a power supply 2210, which may be a battery in the case of a non-AP device, but may in most cases be a main power source in the case of an AP device. Block diagram 2200 is applicable to both AP and non-AP devices, although each of the components used in an AP device may be much more complex and powerful than those used in a non-AP device. If block diagram 2200 is applicable to an AP device, CPU 2230 generates a frame including actions related to a first frequency band (e.g., band-1) and at least one other frequency band (e.g., band-2) in which the AP device will transmit. If block diagram 2200 is applicable to a non-AP device, CPU 2230 generates a frame in response to a frame received from an AP device.

[0087] In FIG. 22, the lower MAC functions may be implemented in the radio I / F (by hardware / firmware), whereas the multi-band adaptation layer and upper MAC functions may be implemented as software in the CPU.

[0088] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software cooperating with hardware. Each functional block used in the above-described embodiments can be realized, in part or in whole, by an LSI such as an integrated circuit. Each process described in each embodiment can be controlled, in part or in whole, by the same LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI can be formed as an individual chip, or a single chip can be formed to include some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI can include a data input / output unit coupled thereto. Herein, LSIs are sometimes referred to as ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs depending on their level of integration. However, integrated circuits are not limited to LSIs and can be realized using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, and reconfigurable processors, which can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells arranged within LSIs, can also be used. The present disclosure can be realized using digital or analog processing. When LSI is replaced by future integrated circuit technology as a result of advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, the future integrated circuit technology can be used to integrate functional blocks. Biotechnology can also be applied.

[0089] Other exemplary embodiments include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

[0090] The multi-band communication device includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits, in a wireless network, a frame to the multi-band communication device, in one frequency band, including an action related to one frequency band in which the multi-band communication device transmits and at least one other frequency band. The receiver receives, in the wireless network, a frame from the multi-band communication device, in one frequency band, including an action related to one frequency band in which the multi-band communication device receives and at least one other frequency band.

[0091] For a multi-band communication device, the action of the frame on one frequency band includes authenticating the multi-band communication device for one frequency band and at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communication device.

[0092] For a multi-band communication device, the frame actions on one frequency band include associating or re-associating the multi-band communication device for one frequency band and at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communication device.

[0093] For a multi-band communication device, the action for the frame on one frequency band includes de-authenticating the multi-band communication device for the one frequency band and at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communication device.

[0094] For a multi-band communication device, the action of the frame on one frequency band includes disassociating the multi-band communication device for the one frequency band and at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communication device.

[0095] For a multi-band communication device, the multi-band communication device is a multi-band access point (AP) and maintains a single association record for the multi-band communication device that is applicable to one frequency band and at least one other frequency band.

[0096] For a multi-band communication apparatus, a single association record for the multi-band communication device includes association state variables, an association ID (AID), and a security key.

[0097] A multi-band access point (AP) includes a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter transmits frames to non-AP stations (STAs) in a single wireless network operating simultaneously in multiple frequency bands, and the receiver receives frames from non-AP STAs in a single wireless network operating simultaneously in multiple frequency bands.

[0098] For a multi-band AP, a single wireless network is identified by a single Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) in all of the multiple frequency bands.

[0099] For a multi-band AP, the BSSID is the MAC address of the wireless interface for one of the multiple frequency bands.

[0100] For a multi-band AP, the multi-band AP communicates with a non-AP STA in one or more of the multiple frequency bands after successful association of the non-AP STA for one of the multiple frequency bands.

[0101] For a multi-band AP, all beacon and probe response frames transmitted by the multi-band AP over multiple frequency bands advertise the same basic service set identifier (BSSID).

[0102] The communication method includes an access point (AP) in a wireless network receiving a request frame from a non-AP station (STA) requesting that the AP authenticate and associate the non-AP STA over a plurality of different frequency bands in which the AP operates in the wireless network, in a single frequency band, and the AP transmitting a response frame to the non-AP STA that authenticates and associates the non-AP STA over a plurality of different frequency bands in which the AP operates in the wireless network, in the single frequency band.

[0103] The communication method further includes an AP in the wireless network transmitting beacon frames and probe response frames to non-AP STAs informing the AP as operating in a single frequency band and in a plurality of different frequency bands, including at least two of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

[0104] The communication method further includes an AP in the wireless network transmitting, in a single frequency band, a probe response frame to a non-AP STA advertising nearby APs as operating in multiple different frequency bands.

[0105] A multi-band communications apparatus for communicating with a multi-band communications device includes a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor generates a frame including actions associated with a first frequency band in which the multi-band communications apparatus transmits and at least one other frequency band, and the transceiver transmits the frame in the first frequency band.

[0106] Although exemplary embodiments have been presented in the above detailed description of the present embodiments, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should be further understood that the exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the above detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a suitable road map for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and it will be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the steps and operational methods described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0107] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software cooperating with hardware. Each functional block used in the above-described embodiments can be realized, in part or in whole, by an LSI such as an integrated circuit. Each process described in each embodiment can be controlled, in part or in whole, by the same LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI can be formed as an individual chip, or a single chip can be formed to include some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI can include a data input / output unit coupled thereto. Herein, LSIs are sometimes referred to as ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs depending on their level of integration. However, integrated circuits are not limited to LSIs and can be realized using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, and reconfigurable processors, which can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells arranged within LSIs, can also be used. The present disclosure can be realized using digital or analog processing. When LSI is replaced by future integrated circuit technology as a result of advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, the future integrated circuit technology can be used to integrate functional blocks. Biotechnology can also be applied.

[0108] Additionally, the present disclosure may be implemented by any type of apparatus, device, or system with communications capabilities (collectively referred to as communications apparatus), including, but not limited to, telephones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones, etc.), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, netbooks, etc.), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (e.g., digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, communications-enabled vehicles (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), and combinations of the above.

[0109] Communications equipment is not limited to portable or mobile equipment, but also includes non-portable or fixed equipment, devices, or systems of any kind, such as smart home devices (appliances, lighting, smart meters, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an Internet of Things (IoT) network.

[0110] Communications include data communications via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, communications satellite systems, etc., as well as data communications via combinations of these.

[0111] A communications apparatus also includes devices such as controllers and sensors connected or coupled to a communications device that performs the communications functions described in this disclosure. For example, a communications apparatus may include a controller or sensor that generates control or data signals used by the communications device to perform the communications functions of the communications apparatus.

[0112] The communication apparatus also includes infrastructure facilities, such as base stations, access points, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls the various apparatuses listed above, but are not limited to these.

Claims

1. a transmitter configured to transmit an association request frame to an access point (AP) multi-band communication device on one frequency band, the association request frame indicating a plurality of frequency bands for which a multi-band configuration is requested for simultaneous multi-band communication; a receiver for receiving an association response frame from the AP multi-band communication device on the one frequency band, the association response frame indicating a frequency band on which the association was successful; Equipped with the frequency band in which the association was successful includes a frequency band different from the one frequency band used to transmit the association request frame; Non-AP multi-band communication device.

2. The multiband setting may be performed in any one of the plurality of frequency bands.

2. The non-AP multi-band communication device according to claim 1.

3. the association request frame includes a common information field and a plurality of per-band fields; 2. The non-AP multi-band communication device according to claim 1.

4. a single association record is maintained by the AP multi-band communication device for the plurality of frequency bands; 2. The non-AP multi-band communication device according to claim 1.

5. the single association record includes, for each of the plurality of frequency bands, at least one of an association state variable, an association ID (AID), and a security key; 5. The non-AP multi-band communication device according to claim 4.

6. A uniform MAC address is used to identify the non-AP multi-band communication device; 2. The non-AP multi-band communication device according to claim 1.

7. The non-AP multiband communication device is assigned an association ID (AID); 2. The non-AP multi-band communication device according to claim 1.

8. A unified MAC Service Access Point (SAP) is used to manage multiple per-band MAC layers and multiple per-band PHYs; 2. The non-AP multi-band communication device according to claim 1.

9. After the multi-band setting is completed, the receiving unit receives a plurality of signals simultaneously transmitted on the frequency band with which the association has been successfully established.

2. The non-AP multi-band communication device according to claim 1.

10. A communication method for a non-AP multi-band communication device, comprising: transmitting an association request frame to an access point (AP) multi-band communication device on one frequency band, the association request frame indicating a plurality of frequency bands for which a multi-band configuration is requested for simultaneous multi-band communication; receiving an association response frame from the AP multi-band communication device on the one frequency band indicating a frequency band with which the association was successful; the frequency band in which the association was successful includes a frequency band different from the one frequency band used to transmit the association request frame; Communication method.

11. The multiband setting may be performed in any one of the plurality of frequency bands. The communication method according to claim 10.

12. the association request frame includes a common information field and a plurality of per-band fields; The communication method according to claim 10.

13. a single association record is maintained by the AP multi-band communication device for the plurality of frequency bands; The communication method according to claim 10.

14. the single association record includes, for each of the plurality of frequency bands, at least one of an association state variable, an association ID (AID), and a security key; The communication method according to claim 13.

15. A uniform MAC address is used to identify the non-AP multi-band communication device; The communication method according to claim 10.

16. The non-AP multiband communication device is assigned an association ID (AID); The communication method according to claim 10.

17. A unified MAC Service Access Point (SAP) is used to manage multiple per-band MAC layers and multiple per-band PHYs; The communication method according to claim 10.

18. After the multi-band setting is completed, receiving multiple signals simultaneously transmitted on the frequency bands with which the association has been successfully established. The communication method according to claim 10.

19. transmitting an association request frame to an access point (AP) multi-band communication device on one frequency band, the association request frame indicating a plurality of frequency bands for which a multi-band configuration is requested for simultaneous multi-band communication; receiving an association response frame from the AP multi-band communication device on the one frequency band indicating a frequency band with which the association was successful; Control the the frequency band in which the association was successful includes a frequency band different from the one frequency band used to transmit the association request frame; Integrated circuit.

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