Access point, communication method, and integrated circuit

Abstract

To provide a communication device for enhanced direct link communication.SOLUTION: A communication device is configured to wirelessly communicate with an AP (Access Point) on a first channel. The communication device includes: a circuit that, in operation, generates a channel use permission request frame including information indicating the communication device, another communication device, and a second channel different from the first channel; a transmitter that, in operation, transmits the generated channel use permission request frame to the AP to request permission from the AP to use the second channel for direct link communication with the other communication device; and a receiver that, in operation, receives a channel use permission response frame that permits use of the second channel from the AP. The communication device is further configured to communicate with the other communication device on a direct link on the second channel after receiving the channel use permission response frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a communication method for extended direct link communication, and particularly to a communication device and a communication method for extended direct link communication in a regulated band such as the 6 GHz band.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has opened up the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use. The 6 GHz band plays an important role in achieving throughput targets in future wireless standards such as IEEE 802.11ax (HE), IEEE 802.11be (EHT), and 3GPP's 5G standards.

[0003] To protect existing users, the FCC has proposed the following rules in the latest NPRM (Notice for Proposed Rulemaking). · The U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands are heavily used by point-to-point microwave links that include links that must maintain a high level of availability. Therefore, in these subbands, only "standard power access points (APs)" that use the power levels of the U-NII-1 and U-NII-3 bands can operate on the frequencies determined by the AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) system. U-NII is an abbreviation for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure. · The U-NII-6 and U-NII-8 subbands are used by mobile stations in locations where the position of existing receivers cannot be easily determined from existing databases and the use of AFC is difficult. Therefore, in these subbands, only indoor "low power access points" that use the lower power levels of the U-NII-2 band may be permitted. Client devices may be permitted to operate across the entire 6GHz band under the control of either a standard-power AP or a low-power AP.

[0004] However, communication equipment and methods for direct link communication in the 6GHz band have not been discussed to date. In particular, in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands, it is unclear how devices involved in direct link communication may operate, as devices may not be directly connected to the AFC system.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for communication apparatus and methods that provide a feasible technical solution for extended direct-link communication in the 6 GHz band. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the background of this disclosure. [Overview of the project]

[0006] Non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure contribute to providing communication devices and communication methods for extended direct link communications.

[0007] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is a communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with an access point (AP) on a first channel, comprising: a circuit that, when in operation, generates a channel use permission request frame including information indicating the communication device, another communication device, and a second channel different from the first channel; a transmitter that, when in operation, transmits the generated channel use permission request frame to the AP to request permission from the AP to use the second channel for direct link communication with the other communication device; and a receiver that, when in operation, receives a channel use permission response frame from the AP granting permission to use the second channel, and further configured to communicate with the other communication device on a direct link on the second channel after receiving the channel use permission response frame.

[0008] A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with an access point (AP), comprising: a circuit that generates a TDLS (Tunneled Direct Link Setup) RTS (Request To Send) frame containing information indicating another communication device when in operation; a transmitter that, when in operation, transmits the generated TDLS RTS frame to the AP to request a TXOP (Transmit Opportunity) for TDLS transmission with the other communication device; and a receiver that, when in operation, receives a TDLS CTS (Clear To Send) frame from the AP, wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit one or more data frames to the other communication device over the TDLS direct link within the requested TXOP after receiving the TDLS CTS frame.

[0009] According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, an access point (AP) configured to wirelessly communicate with a communication device on a first channel is provided, comprising: a receiver that, during operation, receives a channel use permission request frame from the communication device requesting the use of a second channel different from the first channel for direct link communication with other communication devices; a circuit configured, during operation, to determine from a frequency adjustment database whether the second channel may be used by the communication device and the other communication devices after receiving the channel use permission request frame, and to generate a channel use permission response frame containing information indicating the determination; and a transmitter that, during operation, transmits the channel use permission response frame to the communication device configured to communicate with the other communication device on a direct link on the second channel based on the determination.

[0010] According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, an access point (AP) configured to wirelessly communicate with a communication device is provided, comprising: a receiver that, when in operation, receives from the communication device a TDLS RTS (Request To Send) frame containing information indicating another communication device and requesting the AP to make a TXOP (Transmit Opportunity) for TDLS (Tunneled Direct Link Setup) transmission with the other communication device; a circuit that, when in operation, generates a TDLS CTS (Clear To Send) frame; and a transmitter that, when in operation, transmits the TDLS CTS frame to the communication device, wherein the communication device is configured to transmit one or more data frames over the TDLS direct link to the other communication device within the requested TXOP after receiving the TDLS CTS frame.

[0011] A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method comprising: generating a channel use permission request frame that includes information indicating a communication device, another communication device, and a second channel different from a first channel; transmitting the generated channel use permission request frame to the AP to request permission from the AP to use the second channel for direct link communication with the other communication device; receiving a channel use permission response frame from the AP that permits the use of the second channel; and communicating with the other communication device on the second channel via a direct link on the second channel after receiving the channel use permission response frame.

[0012] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium, or as any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0013] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of this disclosure will be made apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them are necessarily provided in order to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure will be better understood and readily grasped by those skilled in the art from the following description, which is for illustrative purposes only, in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1A] This is a schematic diagram for setting up direct link communication between two terminals (STAs). [Figure 1B] This is a schematic diagram of direct link communication between two terminals (STAs) in an infrastructure network. [Figure 1C] This is a schematic diagram of direct link communication between two devices (STAs) in a Wi-Fi Direct (peer-to-peer) network. [Figure 2] This is a message flow showing TDLS settings in the 6GHz band off-channel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a message flow illustrating TDLS channel switching to an off-channel in the 6GHz band according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] This figure shows the format of a TDLS Setup Request frame used to request TDLS direct link configuration according to various embodiments. [Figure 4B] This figure shows the format of a TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame used to request channel use permission for direct link communication, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4C]This figure shows the format of a TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame used to respond to a TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a message flow illustrating the configuration of a traffic stream for a TDLS direct link in the 6GHz band according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the configuration of a multiband traffic stream for a TDLS direct link in the 6GHz band according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows the format of an EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) parameter set element according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the format of the ADDTS Request (Add Traffic Stream Request) frame and the ADDTS Response (ADDTS Response) frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the format of a Cease Operation element used for a stop operation instruction according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing direct link communication between two STAs in a TXOP (Transmission Opportunity) according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11A] This figure shows the format of a TDLS trigger frame used to initiate direct link communication according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11B] This figure shows an alternative format for a TDLS trigger frame used to initiate direct link communication, according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. showing the format of a TDLS Action frame used to report TDLS buffer status according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. showing the formats of a TDLS RTS (Request to Send) frame and a TDLS CTS (Clear to Send) frame according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] Message flow showing direct link communication between two STAs in a TXOP according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. showing a schematic example of a communication device according to various embodiments. The communication device may be implemented as an AP or a STA, and may be configured for extended direct link communication according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. showing the flow of a communication method according to various embodiments. [Figure 17] FIG. showing the configuration of a communication device, such as a communication device or a terminal (STA), according to various embodiments. [Figure 18] FIG. showing the configuration of a communication device, such as an AP, according to various embodiments. [Figure 19] FIG. showing the reference structure of a multi-band communication device, such as a STA, that can participate in direct link communication according to various embodiments.

[0015] Those skilled in the art can understand that the elements in the figure are clearly and simply shown and are not necessarily drawn to a certain scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figure, block diagram, or flowchart may be exaggerated relative to other elements for the purpose of promoting an accurate understanding of the present embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Embodiments of this disclosure are described by reference to the drawings for illustrative purposes only. Similar reference numerals and letters in the drawings refer to similar or equivalent elements.

[0017] The following paragraphs describe several exemplary embodiments with reference to access points (APs) and terminals (STAs) for extended direct link communication.

[0018] In IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technology, a terminal, also known as an STA, is a communication device that supports the use of the 802.11 protocol. Based on the definition in IEEE 802.11-2016, an STA may be any device that includes IEEE 802.11-compliant media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interfaces for wireless media (WM).

[0019] For example, an STA may be a laptop computer, a desktop computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an access point in a WLAN (wireless local area network) environment, or a Wi-Fi telephone. An STA may be fixed or mobile. In a WLAN environment, the terms "STA," "wireless client," "user," "user device," and "node" are often used interchangeably.

[0020] Similarly, an AP, also known as a WAP (wireless access point) in IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technology, is a communication device that allows STAs within a WLAN to connect to a wired network. APs typically connect to a router (via a wired network) as standalone devices, but they may also be integrated with or incorporated into the router.

[0021] As mentioned above, an STA within a WLAN can, in some cases, operate as an AP, and vice versa. This is because a communication device in IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technology may have both STA hardware components and AP hardware components. Thus, a communication device can switch between STA mode and AP mode based on the actual WLAN conditions and / or requirements.

[0022] Direct link communication (also known as peer-to-peer or device-to-device communication) offers many advantages. In traditional wireless networks such as IEEE 802.11 WLANs, even if the two devices involved in communication are on the same wireless network (called a Basic Service Set (BSS) in 802.11), all communication must pass through an access point (AP). To make such device-to-device communication more efficient, TDLS (Tunneled Direct Link Setup) was introduced in the IEEE 802.11z revision. TDLS is characterized by the use of setup frames encapsulated in data frames that can be transparently transmitted through the AP, hence the term "tunneling." For example, all management frames related to TDLS setup, such as TDLS setup request frames and TDLS setup response frames, are encapsulated within data frames, making TDLS setup completely transparent to the AP. In fact, the AP may not even need to be TDLS-enabled. A communication link between two devices using TDLS is known as a TDLS direct link, or simply a TDLS link. Because packets between the two devices are exchanged directly over the TDLS link and bypass the access point (AP), TDLS can reduce packet transmission by half. Therefore, TDLS links can improve the efficiency of wireless networks, especially when the two devices are located relatively close to each other than the AP. Compared to wireless links with APs, TDLS links can also utilize higher data rates due to the reduced distance between devices.

[0023] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram 100 for setting up direct peer-to-peer communication between two non-AP STAs. STA 104 can send a TDLS setup request frame to STA 106 via AP 102 (as shown in transmission paths 1a and 1b) to set up direct link communication between STA 104 and STA 106. Then, upon receiving the TDLS request frame, STA 106 can send a TDLS setup response frame to STA 104 via AP 102 (as shown in transmission paths 2a and 2b). The TDLS setup request frame and the TDLS setup response frame are management frames for setting up TDLS and are data-encapsulated and sent directly to the AP, so the TDLS setup is transparent to AP 102. Once TDLS is set up, the two STAs 104 and 106 can communicate directly with each other via the "direct link". A direct link may be switched to a different channel than the operating channel of the BSS (base channel), and may be on a different bandwidth; such a direct link channel is called an "off-channel".

[0024] Currently, APs do not control TDLS configuration / usage. However, in the 6GHz band, client devices are permitted to operate in the 6GHz band only while under AP control. When operating in the 5GHz DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) band, the TDLS initiator STA acts as the DFS owner (DO), but in the 6GHz band, the TDLS STA may not have such capability.

[0025] Therefore, this invention describes an enhanced direct link communication procedure that allows the AP to have greater control over direct link communication in a specific band / channel. Without such enhanced functionality, direct links such as TDLS may not be usable in the 6GHz band.

[0026] When operating on certain subbands of the 6GHz band (e.g., U-NII-5 and U-NII-7), an AP may be required to refer to the AFC (Automatic Frequency Control Database) to determine the permissible operating frequencies and transmit parameters. Such an AP may be called an ADD (AFC Database Dependent) enabled STA, and a non-AP STA associated with such an AP may be called an ADD-dependent STA. A non-AP STA may only be able to communicate on channels on these subbands if it is "enabled" by an enabled STA, and such a non-AP STA may be considered "under the control" of the AP. An AP may announce its presence on channels requiring activation by periodically transmitting an activation signal on the channel, for example, by including such an activation signal in a beacon frame.

[0027] When two ADD-dependent STAs negotiate a TDLS direct link on the base channel, they can use the same transmit parameters used for the AP link for transmission on the TDLS direct link.

[0028] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of TDLS direct link communication between two terminals (STAs) in a channel infrastructure network. Another advantage of TDLS is that, because TDLS is transparent to the AP, if both devices support more advanced capabilities than the AP, the TDLS link can operate at higher capabilities that may not be supported by the AP. For example, AP112 may only support 802.11ac, but both TDLS devices may support the latest 802.11ax revision, in which case those devices can communicate at higher 802.11ax data rates over the direct link. Furthermore, even if both devices are multiband devices and connected to the AP in the 5GHz band (base channel), if both devices support the 6GHz band, the two devices may choose to switch the TDLS link to a wider channel in the 6GHz band (off-channel TDLS link), even if the AP itself does not operate in the 6GHz band.

[0029] As described above, AP112 may refer to the AFC database 118 to determine the permissible operating frequency and transmit parameters. Then, if the TDLS link between ADD-dependent STA114,116 is on the operating channel of the BSS, i.e., the direct link is on the base channel, STA114,116 may use the same transmit parameters for transmission on the TDLS link as those used for the AP link. In Figure 1B, a direct link is shown between the AP and the AFC database, but in practice, the AP may go through the AFC system to check the availability of channels in the AFC database. Alternatively, there may be no direct interaction between the AP and the AFC database, and all decisions regarding channel (frequency usage) availability at a particular geolocation may be made by the AFC system.

[0030] However, if two non-AP STAs attempt to configure or switch the TDLS direct link to a 6GHz band channel that is not the base channel, the following rules shall apply: • The relevant AP will be set to ADD-enabled STA. The TDLS initiator STA requests permission from the AP to use the channel for a direct link by sending a TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame. The AP responds by sending a TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame. The direct link may be set to / switched to a 6GHz band channel other than the base channel only after receiving a TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame from the AP containing a SUCCESS status.

[0031] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram 120 of direct link communication between two terminals (STAs) in a Wi-Fi Direct (peer-to-peer) network. TDLS links can also operate within temporary wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi Direct networks. A Wi-Fi Direct network is a device-to-device network where one device acts as the "group owner" (GO) and does not require a traditional access point (AP). For example, in Figure 1C, smartphone 122 acts as the GO, and Wi-Fi-enabled printer 124 and Wi-Fi-enabled digital camera 126 can join the Wi-Fi Direct network by forming a Wi-Fi Direct connection with the GO. In this case, the GO may act as the AP and establish a TDLS link between the digital camera 126 and the printer 124 so that the digital camera 126 can send photos directly to the printer 124 for printing. Again, if both the digital camera 126 and the printer 124 are multiband devices and both support the 6GHz band, the two devices may choose to switch the TDLS link to a wider channel in the 6GHz band (off-channel TDLS link). In this example, as long as smartphone 122 has internet access and can access the AFC database 128 (via the AFC system), it can act as an ADD-enabled STA and authorize two TDLS devices to transmit over the TDLS direct link on channels within the 6GHz U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a message flow illustrating the TDLS configuration in the 6GHz band off-channel according to the first embodiment. AP202 may be an ADD-enabled STA. Non-APSTA204 and non-APSTA206 are associated with AP202 on a 6GHz band channel. For various reasons, non-APSTA204 and non-APSTA206 may choose to communicate via direct link on a channel different from the BSS operating channel. Due to regulatory requirements in the 6GHz band, it may be required to check channel availability from the AFC system before any transmission on the channel. Non-APSTA204, which is a TDLS initiator STA, can request permission from AP202 to use a different channel in the 6GHz band for direct link communication with non-APSTA206 by sending a TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame 208 to AP202. The channel may be, for example, a channel in the 6GHz U-NII-5 or U-NII-7 subband, which is different from the 6GHz base channel used for communication between AP202 and STA204, 206.

[0033] After AP202 receives a TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame 208 from STA204, it checks the availability of the requested channel in the AFC database (for example, via the AFC system). If successful, AP202 may send a TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame 210 with a SUCCESS status to STA204 to indicate that the requested channel is available for direct link communication. STA204 can then initiate the setup of a direct link with STA206 on the requested channel by sending a TDLS Setup Request frame 212 to STA206 via AP202. STA206 may respond by sending a TDLS Setup Response frame 214 to STA204 via AP202. Subsequently, STA204 sends a TDLS Setup Confirm frame 216 to STA206 via AP202, and a TDLS direct link is established on the requested channel in the 6GHz band. If the requested channel is unavailable due to a check of the AFC database, AP202 may send a TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame 210 to STA204, including a failure status (e.g., TDLS_CHANNEL_USE_DENIED) to indicate that the use of the requested channel for direct link communication has been denied.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a message flow illustrating a TDLS direct link channel switch to an off-channel in the 6GHz band according to the first embodiment. In this example, non-AP STA304 and 306 are associated with AP302 on a 5GHz band channel, and a TDLS direct link has already been established on the base channel. However, STA304 is attempting to switch the direct link to an off-channel in the 6GHz band. Therefore, STA304, being a TDLS initiator STA, can request permission from AP302 to use a different channel in the 6GHz band for direct link communication with STA306 by sending a TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame 308 to AP302. The channel may be, for example, a 6GHz band channel different from the 5GHz band base channel used for communication between AP302 and STA304 and 306.

[0035] After AP302 receives a TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame 308 from STA304, it checks the AFC database for the availability of the requested channel. If successful, AP302 may send a TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame 310 with a SUCCESS status to STA304 to indicate that the requested channel is available for direct link communication. STA304 can then initiate the switch of the direct link with STA306 to the requested 6GHz channel by sending a TDLS Channel Switch Request frame 312 to STA306. STA306 responds by sending a TDLS Channel Switch Response frame with a SUCCESS status to STA304, and the TDLS direct link is switched to the requested 6GHz channel. If the requested channel fails to become available after checking the AFC database, AP302 may send a TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame 310 containing the failure status to AP304 to indicate that the switch to a direct link to the requested channel was rejected.

[0036] If STA204 and 304 (TDLS initiator STAs) have the ability to directly check the AFC database regarding the use of off-channel in the 6GHz band for direct links (e.g., via a cellular internet link), it will be understood that they can directly configure / switch direct links to off-channel without needing permission from AP202 and 302.

[0037] Figure 4A shows the format of a TDLS Setup Request frame 400 used to request TDLS direct link setup according to various embodiments. The TDLS Setup Request frame 400 may be used in the form of a TDLS Setup Request frame 212 sent by STA204 to STA206 via AP202, as shown in Figure 2. The TDLS Setup Request frame 400 may include (or consist of) a Frame Control field, a Duration field, one or more Address fields, a Sequence Control field, an HT Control field, a Category field, a TDLS Action field, a Dialog Token field, optionally a Target Channel field, optionally a Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element field, and an FCS (frame check sequence) field. The Target Channel field may include (or consist of) the Operating Class field and the Channel Number field. The Channel Number field may indicate the channel to be used for the requested direct link communication. The Target Channel field and the Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element field may be present in the TDLS Setup Request frame 400 to request a TDLS setup on a channel different from the base channel.Additionally, the Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element field may be present when the TDLS Setup Request frame 400 is used to request a channel wider than 20 MHz. Although not illustrated, if the TDLS link is configured in a different frequency band, and the MAC address of the STA on that frequency band is different from the band in which the base channel resides, the MAC address on the other band may also be included in the TDLS Setup Request frame. If the peer STA accepts the TDLS setup request, it may include its MAC address on the other band in the TDLS Setup Request Response frame. If necessary, configuring a TDLS link on a different channel may also trigger the configuration of a TPK (TDLS PeerKey) security association on the other channel.

[0038] Figure 4B shows the format of a TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame 410 used to request permission to use a channel for direct link communication according to the first embodiment. The TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame 410 may be used in the form of TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frames 208, 308 sent by STA204, 304 to AP202, 302, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame 410 may include (or consist of) a Frame Control field, a Duration field, one or more Address fields, a Sequence Control field, an HT Control field, a Category field, a TDLS Action field, a Dialog Token field, a Link Identifier element field, optionally a Device Information field, a Target Channel field, optionally a Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element field, and an FCS field. The Device Information field may include (or consist of) a First Device ID field, a First Device Location field, a Second Device ID field, and a Second Device Location field.The Device ID may be, for example, the device's FCC ID, and may be used by the AFC system to verify whether the device is permitted to be used on that channel. Similarly, the Device Location field may provide the device's geographical location, such as latitude, longitude, and optionally antenna height information. The Target Channel field may include (or consist of) an Operating Class field and a Channel Number field (not shown) that identifies the channel requested for direct link communication. A Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element field may also be present if a channel wider than 20 MHz is requested. Device location information may be used by the AFC system to calculate whether transmissions from any TDLS device on the requested channel could interfere with licensed users operating in the vicinity. The AFC system may consider many factors in such a determination, including information such as the licensed users' receiving antennas and terrain (rural, urban, semi-rural). If the AFC system determines that direct link transmissions on the requested channel will not interfere with any licensed users in the vicinity, the use of the requested channel for direct link communication may be permitted. Alternatively, the AFC system can simplify interference calculations by using information about the APs (location, antenna height, etc.) to perform interference calculations, under the assumption that transmissions by APs on the requested channel do not interfere with licensed users, and that transmissions by any client device (i.e., TDLS STA) do not interfere with licensed users.

[0039] Figure 4C shows the format of a TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame 420 used to respond to a TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame 410 according to the first embodiment. The TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame 420 may be used in the form of TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frames 210, 310 sent by AP202, 302 to STA204, 304, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame 420 may include (or consist of) a Frame Control field, a Duration field, one or more Address fields, a Sequence Control field, an HT Control field, a Category field, a TDLS Action field, a Dialog Token field, a Status field, a Maximum Power Level field, a Validity Period field, optionally an Alternate Channel field, optionally a Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element field, and an FCS field.

[0040] The Status field may indicate "SUCCESS" if the channel requested in the TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame is available for direct link communication, and "TDLS_CHANNEL_USE_DENIED" if the channel requested in the TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame (for example, the channel indicated in the Channel Number field of the TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame) is not available for direct link communication. If the status is not SUCCESS, the AP may include an Alternate Channel field and a Wide Bandwidth Channel Switch element in the TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame to recommend an alternative channel for direct link communication. The TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frame 420 may also include applicable transmit parameters (for example, Maximum Transmit Power level) and the validity period for channel use.

[0041] The Maximum Power Level field may indicate the maximum power permitted to be transmitted on the channel indicated in the Channel Number field, in units of 0.5 dBm. The Validity Period field may indicate the period during which the Channel Use Permission is valid. Upon expiration of the validity period, the STA is to request permission again from the associated AP, for example, by sending another TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frame to the associated AP. The TDLS Channel Use Permission Request / Response frame may be understood to be transmitted directly to and from the AP without data encapsulation.

[0042] Furthermore, non-AP STAs may be required to set up a traffic stream (TS) for a TDLS direct link before transmitting data frames over a TDLS direct link in the 6GHz band. Figure 5 is a message flow illustrating the setup of a TS for a TDLS direct link on a 6GHz band channel according to the first embodiment. STA 504 can send an Add Traffic Stream Request (ADDTS) frame 508 to AP 502. The ADDTS request (ADDTS request) frame 508 may contain information identifying the TDLS direct link. For example, STA 504 may include a Link Identifier element in the ADDTS request (ADDTS request) frame 508 to notify TDLS of the TS and to identify the addresses of the initiator STA (e.g., STA 504) and the receiving STA (e.g., STA 506). If AP 502 authorizes the TS, AP 502 creates the TS for the TDLS direct link. Having information about both STAs involved in the TDLS link allows the AP to make a more appropriate decision. For example, if an AP knows that two STAs are physically close to each other, it can provide more transmission opportunities for a direct link, or it can reject traffic configuration requests between STAs that are far apart from each other to prevent interference with the other STA.

[0043] Additionally, AP502 may send an ADDTS response frame 510 to STA504, and the ADDTS response frame 510 may include a Link Identifier element indicating the TDLS link. If the TS is bidirectional, STA504 may send a TDLS Setup Confirm frame 512 to STA506 to notify STA506 that the TS setup was successful. The TDLS Setup Confirm frame 512 may also notify the TS's TSPEC (Traffic Specification) and TID (Traffic ID). Alternatively, STA506 may repeat the TS setup in the reverse direction. In this example, it is assumed that a TDLS direct link has already been established between STA504 and STA506. Otherwise, the two STA504 and 506 can perform TDLS setup immediately after successfully setting up the traffic stream for the TDLS link. After the TS configuration is successful, one or more data frames 514 belonging to the TID may be transmitted over the TDLS direct link. If a TS is required for the TDLS direct link, data frame transmission over the TDLS direct link will not be permitted if the TDLS TS configuration fails. The TS configuration by AP502 is advantageous because it allows AP502 to establish control over communication traffic between non-AP STA504 and 506.

[0044] If the BSS operating channel is in the 5GHz or 2.4GHz band and the TDLS direct link is switched to a 6GHz band channel (off-channel), the TDLS TS may be set to the 6GHz band, but the actual TDLS TS setting is performed on the BSS operating channel. Figure 6 is a message flow showing the configuration of a traffic stream for a TDLS direct link in a 6GHz band off-channel according to the first embodiment. STA604 can send an ADDTS Request frame 608 to AP602 on the BSS operating channel. The ADDTS Request frame 608 may contain information that identifies the TDLS direct link. For example, STA604 may include a Link Identifier element in the ADDTS Request frame 608 to notify the TS to the TDLS and to identify the addresses of the initiator STA (e.g., STA604) and the receiving STA (e.g., STA606). Additionally, the ADDTS request frame 608 may include a multiband element indicating the 6GHz band and the channel to be switched in the 6GHz band. If AP602 authorizes the TS, AP602 creates a TS for the TDLS direct link in the 6GHz band.

[0045] Furthermore, AP602 may send an ADDTS response frame 610 to STA604 on the BSS operating channel, and the ADDTS response frame 610 may include a Link Identifier element indicating the TDLS link. The ADDTS response frame 610 may also include a multiband element indicating the channel to be switched in the 6GHz band. Then, STA604 can send a TDLS Setup Confirm frame 612 to STA606 via AP602 (i.e., encapsulated in a data frame) to notify STA606 that the TS setup was successful. The TDLS Setup Confirm frame 612 may also notify the TS's TSPEC (Traffic Specification) and TID (Traffic ID). In this example, it is assumed that a TDLS direct link has already been established between STA504 and STA506 on the 6GHz channel. After the TS configuration is successful, one or more data frames 614 belonging to the TID may be transmitted over the TDLS direct link, at which time STA604 and STA606 may be in PS (Power Save) mode relative to AP602. The TS configuration by AP602 allows AP602 to establish control over communication traffic between non-AP STA604 and 606, which is advantageous.

[0046] An AP can indicate that a TDLS TS setting is required for a 6GHz AC by setting the "TDLS ACM" bit in the Parameter Record field of the AC (Access Category) within the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Parameter Set (EDCA) element transmitted in a 6GHz band Beacon / Probe Response frame. Figure 7 shows the format of an EDCA Parameter Set element 700 according to the first embodiment. The EDCA Parameter Set element 700 may include (or consist of) an Element ID field, a Length field, a QoS Info field, an Update EDCA Info field, an AC_BE Parameter Record field, an AC_BK Parameter Record field, an AC_VI Parameter Record field, and an AC_VO Parameter Record field. The AC_BK Parameter Record field may include (or consist of) the ACI / AIFSN field, the ECWmin / ECWmax field, and the TXOP Limit field. The ACI / AIFSN field may include (or consist of) the AIFSN subfield, the ACM subfield, the ACI subfield, and the TDLS ACM subfield. If the TDLS ACM subfield bit is set, data transmission over a TDLS direct link in the 6GHz band is permitted only after the STA has configured a TDLS TS for that AC with the AP (regardless of the setting of the ACM bit for that AC).On the other hand, if the TDLS ACM subfield bits are not set, data transmission over the 6GHz TDLS direct link is permitted for that AC without requiring TS configuration. The TDLS ACM subfield allows the AP to have more control over direct link communication in non-AP STAs, which is advantageous.

[0047] Figure 8 shows the format of the ADDTS Request frame 800 and ADDTS Response frame 802 according to the first embodiment. The ADDTS Request frame 800 may be used in the form of ADDTS Request frames 508, 608 sent by STA 504, 604 to AP 502, 602, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. An ADDTS Request frame 800 may include (or consist of) the following fields: Frame Control, Duration, Address 1 (RA), Address 2 (TA), Address 3 (BSSID), Sequence Control, HT Control, Category, QoS Action, Dialog Token, TSPEC element, Link Identifier element, and FCS. As shown in the examples in Figures 5 and 6, an ADDTS Request frame is sent by the initiator STA to the AP to request that the AP configure a TS for a direct link.

[0048] The ADDTS Response frame 802 may be used in the form of ADDTS Response frames 510, 610 sent by AP 502, 602 to STA 504, 604, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The ADDTS Response frame 802 may include (or consist of) the Frame Control field, Duration field, Address 1 (RA) field, Address 2 (TA) field, Address 3 (BSSID) field, Sequence Control field, HT Control field, Category field, QoS Action field, Dialog Token field, Status Code field, TS Delay field, TSPEC element field, Link Identifier element field, and FCS field. As shown in the examples in Figures 5 and 6, an ADDTS Response frame is sent by the AP to the initiator STA to confirm that the TS has been set up. A TDLS direct link may be identified in the ADDTS Request / Response frame by a Link Identifier element field which may include (or be composed of) the Element ID field, Length field, BSSID field, TDLS Initiator STA Address field, and TDLS Responder STA Address field.

[0049] An AP may instruct an associated non-AP STA to cease operation on a 6GHz TDLS direct link by including a Cease Operation element in a broadcast / unicast frame addressed to the STA. For example, this Cease Operation instruction may be sent by the AP when it detects the primary user of the spectrum (e.g., due to a change in the AFC database), when instructed by the AFC system, or in other similar circumstances. Such requirements for ceasing operation may include immediately ceasing all ongoing transmissions and may be mandated by regulatory bodies to protect licensed users of the spectrum from harmful interference. Figure 9 shows the format of a Cease Operation element 900 used for a Cease Operation instruction according to the first embodiment. The Cease Operation element 900 may include (or consist of) an Element ID field, a Length field, an Extended Element ID field, a BSSID field, a Band ID field, an Operating Class field, an Operating Channel field, and a Reason Code field. The Band ID field (if present), the Operating Class field, and the Operating Channel field together identify the frequency band and channel to which the Cease Operation applies. The Reason Code field may indicate the reason why the STA requests the cessation of operation on the direct link. For example, a value of "0" indicates that primary or licensed use has been detected, a value of "1" indicates that use of the channel was not permitted by the AFC system in the AFC database, and other values ​​from 2 to 255 may be reserved for other reasons. For example, another reason may be that a licensed user of the channel has reported interference to the AFC system.

[0050] When the STA receives a cease operation instruction from the AP along with the cease operation element 900, it ceases all operations on the TDLS direct link on the specified channel. This may include, for example, ceasing transmission on the direct link, disconnecting the direct link, or deleting the TDLS TS associated with the direct link. The AP can use cease operation instructions to gain an advantage in controlling TDLS direct link setup / transmission in the 6GHz band.

[0051] In a second embodiment, the AP may only allow scheduled transmissions of data frames, even on a TDLS direct link, and therefore TDLS data frame transmissions may require the reception of a TDLS Trigger frame from the AP. While the AP can have some control over transmissions on a TDLS link by requesting TS settings for the TDLS link from the TDLS STA, in some regulated areas, the AP may need much stricter control over which STAs can transmit on the radio medium and when. In such scenarios, the AP may disable all contention-based transmissions (e.g., EDCA) and only allow transmissions scheduled by the AP. Upon receiving a TDLS Trigger frame, the TDLS initiator STA can transmit one or more data frames to the TDLS receiving STA on the TDLS direct link within the TXOP period. Figure 10 shows a message flow illustrating direct link communication between two STAs in a TXOP according to a second embodiment. AP 1002 can generate a TDLS Trigger frame 1008 and transmit it to STA 1004. STA1004 receives a TDLS Trigger frame 1008 and, after SIFS (Short Interframe Spacing) 1010, transmits one or more TDLS Data frames 1012 within TXOP 1016 to STA1006. STA1006 can acknowledge each TDLS Data frame 1012 received from AP1004 by transmitting an acknowledgment frame 1014 (ACK frame or BlockAck frame) to STA1004.In various embodiments, the TDLS Trigger frame 1008 may include information indicating the MAC address of the STA 1004, the authorized access category (AC), and the maximum transmit power level, and one or more data frames are transmitted to that MAC address based on the TID identified by the authorized AC or a higher AC, and one or more data frames are transmitted with a transmit power lower than the maximum transmit power level.

[0052] EDCA-based transmission of data frames is not permitted on TDLS direct links. Furthermore, such triggered transmissions according to the second embodiment are only possible when the TDLS direct link is in the base channel. Therefore, TDLS channel switching to an off-channel in the 6GHz band may not be permitted. AP1002 may use TDLS TS parameters, as well as a TDLS Buffer Status Report, to schedule the transmission of a TDLS Trigger frame 1008.

[0053] Figure 11A shows the format of a TDLS Trigger frame 1100 used to initiate direct link communication according to a second embodiment. The TDLS Trigger frame 1100 is available in the form of a TDLS Trigger frame 1008, as shown in Figure 10. The TDLS Trigger frame 1100 may include (or consist of) a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field, a TA field, a Common Info field, a User Info field, a Padding field, and an FCS field. The RA field may be set to, for example, the MAC address of the TDLS initiator STA. In the example shown in Figure 10, this is the MAC address of STA 1004 that sends data frame 1012. The Common Info field may include a Trigger Type field, which may contain the value "8" indicating that the frame is a TDLS Trigger frame. All fields in the Common Info field, except for the Trigger Type and CS Required fields, may be reserved. There is no Trigger Dependent Common Info field. The User Info field may include an AID12 field and a Trigger Dependent User Info field. There may be only one User Info field. The AID12 field may be set to the AID of the TDLS initiator STA. In the example shown in Figure 10, this is the AID of STA1004.The Trigger Dependent User Info field may further include (or consist of) the Destination MAC address field, the Allowed AC field, and the Maximum Power Level field. The Destination MAC address field may, for example, indicate the MAC address of the TDLS receiving STA. In the example shown in Figure 10, this is the MAC address of STA 1006, which is the recipient of data frame 1012. All other fields in the Trigger Dependent User Info field may be reserved. A TDLS initiator STA that receives a TDLS trigger frame 1100 may be permitted to send data frames to the TDLS receiving STA from any TID from the AC indicated in the Allowed AC field, or from any other higher-priority AC.

[0054] Figure 11B shows an alternative format for a TDLS Trigger frame used to initiate direct link communication according to a second embodiment. The format of the TDLS Trigger frame can be simplified to a format such as that shown in TDLS Trigger frame 1102. TDLS Trigger frame 1102 may include (or consist of) a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field, a TA field, a Trigger Type field, a CS Required field, an Allowed AC field, a Maximum Power Level field, a Destination MAC address field, and an FCS field. Thus, TDLS Trigger frame 1008 in Figure 10 may be in the simplified TDLS Trigger frame 1102 format.

[0055] Additionally, a new TDLS Action frame (TDLS Buffer Status Report) may be defined for the STA to report its TDLS buffer status to the AP. Figure 12 shows the format of a TDLS Action frame 1200 used to report the TDLS buffer status according to a second embodiment. The TDLS Buffer Status Report frame 1200 may include (or consist of) a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an Address 1 field, an Address 2 field, an Address 3 field, a Sequence Control field, an HT Control field, a Category field, a TDLS Action field, a Link Identifier element field, one or more TDLS Buffer Status fields, and an FCS field. Each TDLS Buffer Status field may include (or consist of) a TID field and a Queue Size field. The TDLS Action field may have a value of, for example, "11" to indicate that the action frame is a TDLS Buffer Status Report frame. The Link Identifier element field may contain information identifying the TDLS link. The TID may indicate the TID corresponding to the TDLS data frame. The Queue Size field may indicate the queue size of the TID corresponding to the data frame destined for the TDLS peer STA, and may use the same encoding as the Queue Size subfield of the QoS Control field.If a TS is configured for TDLS direct linking, the TID field may correspond to the TSID.

[0056] The TDLS Buffer Status Report frame 1200 may be transmitted directly to and from the AP without data encapsulation. The AP can use the information provided in the TDLS Buffer Status Report frame 1200 to dynamically schedule TDLS Trigger frames 1100 and 1102 to initiate TDLS transmission in the 6GHz band, which is advantageous.

[0057] For example, the AP can indicate in the Extended Capabilities field of the Beacon / Probe Response frame whether a TS setting is required for a 6GHz TDLS direct link (bit #83) and / or whether a trigger frame is required for data frame transmission on a 6GHz TDLS direct link (bit #84). Table 1 below shows the bit values ​​that the AP can use in the Extended Capabilities field of the Beacon / Probe Response frame to indicate the above requirements. The AP has more control over the requirements for enabling TDLS direct link transmission in the 6GHz band, which is advantageous.

[0058] [Table 1]

[0059] According to the third embodiment, new RTS (Request to Send) and CTS (Clear to Send) frames can be defined for requesting and acknowledging TDLS transmissions. Figure 13 shows the format of a TDLS RTS frame 1300 and a TDLS CTS frame 1302 according to the third embodiment. The TDLS RTS frame 1300 may be sent from a TDLS initiator STA to an associated AP to request a TXOP for TDLS transmission with another STA (e.g., a TDLS receiving STA). The TDLS RTS frame 1300 may include (or consist of) a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field, a TA field, a Destination MAC address field, and an FCS field. The RA field may be set to, for example, the MAC address of the TDLS initiator STA, and the Destination MAC address field may be set to the MAC address of the TDLS receiving STA. TDLS RTS frames differ from regular RTS frames in that they include a Destination MAC address field.

[0060] A TDLS CTS frame 1302 may be sent by the AP to the TDLS initiator STA if the AP allows TDLS transmission. The TDLS CTS frame 1302 may include (or consist of) a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field, a Destination MAC address field, and an FCS field. Similar to the Destination MAC address field of the TDLS RTS frame 1300, the Destination MAC address field of the TDLS CTS frame 1302 may be set to the MAC address of the TDLS receiving STA. The TDLS CTS frame differs from a normal CTS frame in that it includes a Destination MAC address field.

[0061] According to the third embodiment, transmission of data frames over the TDLS direct link can only be permitted after an RTS / CTS exchange with the AP. Furthermore, since transmission is only possible when the TDLS direct link is on the base channel, switching the TDLS channel to an off-channel in the 6GHz band is not permitted. The RTS / CTS exchange allows the AP to dynamically permit / deny TDLS transmission in the 6GHz band, which is advantageous. One advantage of using this RTS and CTS procedure to initiate communication over the TDLS link is that the AP has no scheduling burden regarding the TDLS link, and while the TDLS initiator STA (STA1 1404 in this example) initiates the TDLS TXOP, the AP still has strict control over whether or not transmission over the TDLS direct link is permitted.

[0062] Figure 14 shows a message flow illustrating direct link communication between two STAs in TXOP according to a third embodiment. STA1404 can generate a TDLS RTS frame 1408 and send it to AP1402 to request TXOP1416 for TDLS transmission with STA1406. The TDLS RTS frame 1408 can take the form of a TDLS RTS frame 1300 as shown in Figure 13 and may contain information identifying STA1406, such as the MAC address of STA1406. Upon receiving the TDLS RTS frame 1408, AP1402 can generate a TDLS CTS frame 1410 and send it to STA1402 to authorize transmission. The TDLS CTS frame 1410 can take the form of a TDLS CTS frame 1302 as shown in Figure 13 and may contain information identifying STA1406, such as the MAC address of STA1406. Then, after receiving the TDLS CTS frame 1410, STA1404 can send one or more data frames 1412 to STA1406 within request TXOP 1416. STA1406 can acknowledge each data frame by sending an acknowledgment frame 1414 to STA1404. In this example, we assume that both STA1404 and STA1406 are operating in active mode (i.e., not power-saving mode).

[0063] Figure 15 is a partially partitioned schematic diagram of a communication device 1500 according to various embodiments. The communication device 1500 can be implemented as an AP or STA according to various embodiments.

[0064] As shown in Figure 15, the communication device 1500 may include a circuit 1514, at least one radio transmitter 1502, at least one radio receiver 1504, and at least one antenna 1512 (for simplification, only one antenna is shown in Figure 15 for illustrative purposes). The circuit 1514 may include at least one control unit 1506, which is used to perform tasks designed to be performed, including controlling communication with one or more other communication devices in a radio network, with the assistance of software and hardware. The circuit 1514 may further include at least one transmit signal generation unit 1508 and at least one receive signal processing unit 1510. At least one control unit 1506 receives frames transmitted to one or more other communication devices via at least one wireless transmitter 1502 (for example, if communication device 1500 is an STA, TDLS Setup Request frames, TDLS Setup Response frames, TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frames, ADDTS request frames, and TDLS RTS frames; and for example, if communication device 1500 is an AP, TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frames, ADDTS response frames, EDCA Parameter Set element frames, cease operation instruction frames, TDLS Trigger frames, TDLS Buffer Status Report frames, and TDLSTo generate CTS frames, at least one transmit signal generation unit 1508 may be controlled, and frames received from one or more other communication devices via at least one radio receiver 1504 under the control of at least one control unit 1506 (for example, if communication device 1500 is an STA, TDLS Channel Use Permission Response frames, ADDTS response frames, EDCA Parameter Set element frames, cease operation instruction frames, TDLS Trigger frames, TDLS Buffer Status Report frames, and TDLS CTS frames; and for example, if communication device 1500 is an AP, TDLS Setup Request frames, TDLS Setup Response frames, TDLS Channel Use Permission Request frames, ADDTS request frames, and TDLSTo process RTS frames, at least one received signal processing unit 1510 may be controlled. At least one transmitted signal generation unit 1508 and at least one received signal processing unit 1510 may be standalone modules of the communication device 1500, communicating with at least one control unit 1506 for the functions described above, as shown in Figure 15. Alternatively, at least one transmitted signal generation unit 1508 and at least one received signal processing unit 1510 may be included in at least one control unit 1506. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the arrangement of these functional modules is flexible and can be changed according to actual needs and / or requirements. Data processing, storage, and other related control devices can be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or chipset. In various embodiments, at operation, at least one radio transmitter 1502, at least one radio receiver 1504, and at least one antenna 1512 may be controlled by at least one control unit 1506.

[0065] The communication device 1500 provides the functions necessary for extended direct link communication when in operation. For example, the communication device 1500 may be an STA configured to wirelessly communicate with an AP on a first channel, and the circuit 1514 (for example, at least one transmit signal generation unit 1508 of the circuit 1514) may, when in operation, generate a channel use permission request frame containing information indicating the communication device 1500, another communication device, and a second channel different from the first channel. The radio transmitter 1502 may, when in operation, transmit the generated channel use permission request frame to the AP to request permission from the AP to use the second channel for direct link communication with the other communication device. The radio receiver 1504 may, when in operation, receive a channel use permission response frame from the AP granting permission to use the second channel, and the communication device 1500 is further configured to communicate with the other communication device on a direct link on the second channel after receiving the channel use permission response frame.

[0066] The direct link may be a TDLS direct link. The channel use permission response frame may include information indicating the maximum transmit power level and validity period for using the second channel, and communication between the communication device and the other communication device on the direct link is terminated upon expiration of the validity period.

[0067] Furthermore, the wireless receiver 1504 may be configured to receive a stop operation instruction from the AP, and the communication device 1500 may be further configured to stop communication on the direct link after receiving the stop operation instruction.

[0068] Furthermore, the circuit 1514 (for example, at least one transmit signal generation unit 1508 of the circuit 1514) may be further configured to generate an ADDTS request frame containing information identifying the direct link, the radio transmitter 1502 may be further configured to transmit the generated ADDTS request frame to the AP to request the AP to set up a traffic stream for the direct link, the radio receiver 1504 may be further configured to receive an ADDTS response frame from the AP confirming that the traffic stream has been set up, and the radio transmitter 1502 may be further configured to transmit data frames belonging to the traffic stream to the other communication device.

[0069] For example, the communication device 1500 may be an STA, the wireless receiver 1504 may receive a trigger frame from the AP during operation, and the wireless transmitter 1502 may, after receiving the trigger frame during operation, transmit one or more data frames over the direct link to the other communication device. The trigger frame may be, for example, a TDLS trigger frame. The trigger frame may include information indicating the MAC address of the other communication device, the authorized AC (Access Category), and the maximum transmit power level, and the one or more data frames are transmitted to the MAC address, and based on the TID (Traffic Identifier) ​​identified by the authorized AC or a higher AC, the one or more data frames are transmitted at a transmit power lower than the maximum transmit power level. The wireless transmitter 1502 may also be configured to periodically transmit a buffer status report frame to the AP, which further includes information indicating the direct link to report the size of the buffer data corresponding to the TID and addressed to the other communication device.

[0070] For example, the communication device 1500 may be an STA configured to wirelessly communicate with an AP, and the circuit 1514 (for example, at least one transmit signal generation unit 1508 of the circuit 1514) may, in operation, generate a TDLS RTS frame containing information indicating another communication device. The wireless transmitter 1502 may, in operation, transmit the generated TDLS RTS frame to the AP to request a TXOP (transmit opportunity) for TDLS transmission with the other communication device. The wireless receiver 1504 may, in operation, receive a TDLS CTS frame from the AP, and the wireless transmitter 1502 is further configured to, after receiving the TDLS CTS frame, transmit one or more data frames over the TDLS direct link to the other communication device in the requested TXOP.

[0071] For example, the communication device 1500 may be an AP configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication device on a first channel, and the radio receiver 1504 may, during operation, receive a channel use permission request frame from the communication device requesting the use of a second channel different from the first channel for direct link communication with other communication devices. Circuit 1514 may, during operation, after receiving the channel use permission request frame, determine from a frequency adjustment database whether the second channel may be used by the communication device and the other communication devices. Circuit 1514 (for example, at least one transmit signal generation unit 1508 of circuit 1514) may further be configured to generate a channel use permission response frame containing information indicating the determination. Radio transmitter 1502 may, during operation, transmit the channel use permission response frame to the communication device configured to communicate with the other communication device on a direct link on the second channel based on the determination.

[0072] The frequency regulation database may be, for example, an AFC database. The channel use permission response frame further includes information indicating the maximum transmit power level and validity period for using the second channel, and communication between the communication device and the other communication device on the direct link is terminated upon expiration of the validity period.

[0073] Furthermore, the circuit 1514 (for example, at least one transmit signal generation unit 1508 of the circuit 1514) may be configured to generate a stop operation instruction frame. The wireless transmitter 1502 may be configured to transmit the generated stop operation instruction to the communication device, instructing it to stop communication on the direct link.

[0074] Furthermore, the circuit 1514 (for example, at least one transmit signal generation unit 1508 of the circuit 1514) may be configured to generate a trigger frame containing information identifying the other communication device, the wireless transmitter 1502 may be configured to transmit the generated trigger frame to the communication device, and the communication device is configured to transmit one or more data frames to the other communication device over the direct link after receiving the trigger frame. The trigger frame may be, for example, a TDLS (TDLS Trigger) trigger frame.

[0075] For example, the communication device 1500 may be an AP configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication device, and the wireless receiver 1504 may, during operation, receive from the communication device a TDLS RTS frame containing information indicating another communication device and requesting the AP to send a TXOP for TDLS transmission with the other communication device. The circuit 1514 (for example, at least one transmit signal generation unit 1508 of the circuit 1514) may, during operation, generate a TDLS CTS frame. The wireless transmitter 1502 may, during operation, transmit the TDLS CTS frame to the communication device, and the communication device is configured to, after receiving the TDLS CTS frame, transmit one or more data frames over the TDLS direct link to the other communication device in the requested TXOP.

[0076] Figure 16 is a diagram 1600 showing a flow of a communication method according to various embodiments. In step 1602, a channel use permission request frame may be generated that includes information indicating a communication device, another communication device, and a second channel different from the first channel. In step 1604, the generated channel use permission request frame may be sent to the AP to request permission from the AP to use the second channel for direct link communication with the other communication device. In step 1606, a channel use permission response frame granting permission to use the second channel may be received from the AP. In step 1608, after receiving the channel use permission response frame, communication with the other communication device may be initiated on the direct link in the second channel.

[0077] Figure 17 shows the configuration of a communication device 1700, such as an STA, according to various embodiments. Similar to the schematic example of a communication device shown in Figure 15, the communication device 1700 in the schematic example of Figure 17 includes at least one antenna 1702 having at least one radio transmitter and at least one radio receiver (for simplicity, the radio transmitter and receiver are not shown in Figure 17), and a circuit 1704. The circuit 1704 may include at least one control unit or CPU 1706, which is used to perform tasks designed to be performed, including controlling communication with other communication devices such as other STAs or APs, with the assistance of software and hardware.

[0078] Circuit 1704 may further include a location determination module 1708 that determines the location of a communication device 1700, which may include latitude and longitude information of its own geolocation location. In some regulated areas, location information may be used by the AFC system to determine the frequency channels that can be used by the STA for direct link communication. Circuit 1704 may further include a channel selection module 1710 that selects the channels to be used for direct links with other STAs and tracks the channel usage period for each channel. This module may also process channel usage permission responses from associated APs regarding channel usage for direct links. Circuit 1704 may further include a direct link record module 1712 that holds relevant information about direct links and corresponding traffic, such as the channels assigned to the direct links and their usage periods, traffic stream parameters assigned to the direct links, buffer statuses for various direct links, and other similar data.

[0079] Figure 18 shows the configuration of a communication device 1800, such as an AP, according to various embodiments. Similar to the schematic example of a communication device shown in Figure 15, the communication device 1800 in the schematic example of Figure 18 includes at least one antenna 1802 having at least one radio transmitter and at least one radio receiver (for simplicity, the radio transmitter and receiver are not shown in Figure 18), and a circuit 1804. The circuit 1804 may include at least one control unit or CPU 1806, which is used to perform tasks designed to be performed (including controlling communication with other communication devices such as STAs or other APs) with software and hardware assistance.

[0080] Circuit 1804 may further include an AFC system interface module 1814 that holds information necessary for communicating with the AFC system and acts as a gateway to the AFC system and the AFC database. Actual communication with the AFC system may be via a wired interface. Circuit 1804 may further include a positioning module 1808 that determines the position of the AP device, which may include latitude and longitude information of the AP's geolocation position, as well as the AP's position and attitude from the ground. The positioning information may be used by the AFC system to determine the frequency channels that can be used by the AP and the STA associated with the AP. Circuit 1804 may further include a channel management module 1810 that manages the channels used by the STA associated with the AP (which may include transmitting activation signals on the channel, tracking the channel usage period, etc.). This module may also process channel usage permission requests from the associated STA regarding the use of the channel for direct links and may work in conjunction with the AFC system interface module. Circuit 1804 may further include a direct link record module 1812 that holds relevant information about direct links and corresponding traffic, such as the channels assigned to the direct links and their validity periods, traffic stream parameters assigned to the direct links, buffer statuses for various direct links, and other similar data.

[0081] Figure 19 shows the configuration of a multiband device, such as an STA, according to various embodiments. A multiband device can be said to consist of multiple STAs, each corresponding to a different frequency band. For example, if a multiband device supports the 5GHz and 6GHz bands, it may appear to have a 5GHz STA (e.g., STA1902) and a 6GHz STA (e.g., STA1904), each having its own MAC layer and PHY layer, as well as associated entities. Each STA may have a terminal management entity that can access the MAC and PHY layers of each band via its respective MLME (MAC Layer Management Entity) and PLME (PHY Management Entity). The MAC SAP (Service Access Point) of each STA provides the upper-layer protocol with an interface to the band-specific MAC and PHY sublayers. In conventional 802.11 networks, even if both AP and non-AP devices are multiband devices, they are treated as separate STAs on each frequency band, requiring that a 5GHz non-AP STA be associated with a 5GHz AP STA, and a 6GHz non-AP STA with a 6GHz AP STA. In a scenario where the AP is a single-band device (e.g., an 802.11ac AP) and operates only in the 5GHz band, the non-AP device may not be able to use its own 6GHz STA for communication with the AP. However, two such non-AP devices can communicate in the 6GHz band by establishing a TDLS link between their corresponding 6GHz STAs. In such a case, the 5GHz non-AP STA can request permission from the AP to use a 6GHz channel for direct-link communication with the other 6GHz STA on behalf of the 6GHz STA. If the MAC address used by the 6GHz STA is different from the MAC address used by the 5GHz STA, the AP may maintain a record of the 6GHz MAC address to track the direct link.

[0082] EHT APs and most non-EHT AP STAs are required to be multiband devices capable of operating across multiple frequency bands. Traditionally, each frequency band has its own MAC and PHY layers, as well as associated entities, and 802.11 treats entities associated with each frequency band as separate STAs, even if housed within the same physical device. Alternatively, regardless of the number of frequency bands a multiband device can operate on, each device may be represented by a single unified MAC address and communication links on various frequencies distinguished by band IDs and channel numbers.

[0083] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide advanced communication systems, communication methods, and communication devices that enable enhanced direct-link communication. While most of the references in this disclosure relate to IEEE 802.11 networks and devices, the disclosure can also be applied to cellular systems for device-to-device communication (D2D communication) in, for example, LTE-Advanced networks or future 5G networks. Before initiating direct-link communication on a 6GHz band channel between two cellular UEs, a UE (User Equipment) can request channel use permission from a service base station (e.g., an eNodeB) to use the channel for D2D communication with another nearby UE by sending a channel use permission request to that base station. Upon receiving a channel use permission request from a UE, the base station checks its AFC database (e.g., via an AFC system) for the availability of the requested channel. If successful, the base station can send a channel use permission response to the UE, including a SUCCESS status, to inform it that the requested channel is available for D2D communication. The UE can then begin using the channel for D2D communication with the other UE.

[0084] This disclosure can be implemented as software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be implemented partially or entirely as an integrated circuit (LSI), and each process described in the above embodiments may be controlled partially or entirely by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI may consist of individual chips, or it may consist of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may have data inputs and outputs. Depending on the degree of integration, LSIs may be referred to as ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs. The method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs, and may also be implemented with dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. This disclosure may be implemented as digital processing or analog processing. Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace LSIs, then naturally, it would be possible to use those technologies to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possibility.

[0085] This disclosure is applicable to all types of devices, systems, and equipment with communication capabilities (collectively referred to as communication equipment).

[0086] The communication device may include a radio transceiver and a processing / control circuit. The radio transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, or both as functions. The radio transceiver (transmitter, receiver) may include an RF (Radio Frequency) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or something similar.

[0087] Non-exclusive examples of communication devices include telephones (mobile phones, smartphones, etc.), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (laptops, desktops, notebooks, etc.), cameras (digital still / video cameras, etc.), digital players (digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, vehicles or mobile transport with communication capabilities (cars, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the above-mentioned devices.

[0088] Communication devices are not limited to portable or movable devices, but also include all kinds of non-portable or fixed devices, devices, and systems, such as smart home devices (appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or measuring instruments, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0089] Communication includes data communication via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, and communication satellite systems, as well as data communication using combinations of these.

[0090] Furthermore, the communication device also includes devices such as controllers and sensors that are connected to or linked to a communication device that performs the communication functions described in this disclosure. For example, this includes controllers and sensors that generate control signals and data signals used by the communication device that performs the communication functions of the communication device.

[0091] Furthermore, communication equipment includes infrastructure facilities such as base stations, access points, and any other devices, devices, and systems that communicate with or control the aforementioned non-limited types of equipment.

[0092] While some characteristics of various embodiments are described with reference to the device, the corresponding characteristics also apply to the methods of the various embodiments, and vice versa.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will understand that, as shown in certain embodiments, this disclosure may be modified and / or altered in numerous ways without departing from the broadly described spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not as limiting the invention.

Claims

1. A circuit that generates one trigger frame, A transmitter that transmits one trigger frame to a first station during a transmission opportunity (TXOP), It is equipped with, The aforementioned trigger frame includes information about a plurality of data frames that the first station transmits to the second station at different points in time within the TXOP, The aforementioned transmitter does not transmit a trigger frame in the aforementioned part of the TXOP. Access point.

2. The second station is a peer station that is linked to the first station via a peer-to-peer link. The access point according to claim 1.

3. The first station receives a block ack frame from the second station within the portion of the TXOP. The access point according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned plurality of data frames are transmitted at a transmission power lower than a predetermined transmission power level. The access point according to claim 1.

5. The trigger frame contains only one User Info field addressed to the individual station. The access point according to claim 1.

6. The trigger frame includes a User Info field addressed to the first station, and the User Info field includes an AID 12 subfield in which the AID of the first station is set. The access point according to claim 1.

7. Some of the aforementioned data frames are transmitted without the preceding trigger frame. The access point according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned plurality of data frames are transmitted by scheduled transmission. The access point according to claim 1.

9. A process that generates one trigger frame, The process includes transmitting the one trigger frame to the first station during a transmission opportunity (TXOP), Includes, The aforementioned trigger frame includes information about a plurality of data frames that the first station transmits to the second station at different points in time within the TXOP, A step in which a trigger frame is not transmitted in a part of the TXOP, A communication method that includes this.

10. The process of generating a single trigger frame, During a transmission opportunity (TXOP), the process involves transmitting the one trigger frame to the first station. Control, The aforementioned trigger frame includes information about a plurality of data frames that the first station transmits to the second station at different points in time within the TXOP, In the aforementioned TXOP, the process involves not transmitting a trigger frame within a certain part of the TXOP. An integrated circuit that controls something.

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