Access point, terminal, and communication method

Abstract

This access point includes: a transmission circuit that transmits control information related to communication using a second channel which does not include a first channel that is a primary channel; and a control circuit that, on the basis of the control information, controls transmission or reception in communication.

Description

Access point, terminal, and communication method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an access point, a terminal, and a communication method.

[0002] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, IEEE 802.11bn (hereinafter referred to as "11bn"), is being developed by a study group (SG) as a successor to IEEE 802.11be (hereinafter referred to as "11be"), which is also known as "Extremely High Throughput (EHT)." 11bn is also known as "Ultra High Reliability (UHR)."

[0003] IEEE Std 802.11TM / 2020IEEE 802.11-23 / 0079r10, IEEE 802.11 UHR Proposed CSDIEEE 802.11-23 / 0797r1, Non-Primary Channel Access

[0004] However, the channel access control method in wireless communication such as wireless LAN has not been fully studied.

[0005] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing an access point, a terminal, and a communication method that can improve the efficiency of channel access control in wireless communication.

[0006] An access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transmitting circuit that transmits control information related to communication using a second channel that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel, and a control circuit that controls transmission or reception in the communication based on the control information.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, it is possible to improve the efficiency of channel access control in wireless communication.

[0009] Further advantages and benefits of one embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features.

[0010] Diagram showing an example of Clear Channel Access (CCA) operationDiagram showing an example of setting the Signal Detection (SD) threshold and the Energy Detection (ED) thresholdDiagram showing an example of setting the primary channel and secondary channelDiagram showing an example of Non-primary channel accessDiagram showing an example of Non-primary channel access operationBlock diagram showing an example of the configuration of a part of an Access Point (AP)Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a part of a terminal (station (STA))Diagram showing an example of a transmission and reception sequence by an AP and a STADiagram showing an example of Non-primary channel access (NPCA) control informationDiagram showing an example of notification of a secondary channel using NPCA control informationDiagram showing an example of NPCA control informationDiagram showing an example of notification of a secondary channel using NPCA control informationDiagram showing an example of signaling for notifying the priority of a secondary channel in NPCADiagram showing an example of notification of the priority of a secondary channel in NPCADiagram showing an example of operation of Non-primary channel accessDiagram showing an example of operation of Non-primary channel accessBlock diagram showing an example of the configuration of an APBlock diagram showing an example of the configuration of a STA (terminal)Diagram showing an example of setting the Contention Window (CW)Diagram showing an example of setting the back-off timeDiagram showing an example of setting the CCA thresholdTransmission Figure showing an example of setting the Opportunity (TXOP) limit. Figure showing an example of setting the TXOP limit.

[0011] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] In standards up to 11be (for example, the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard), when an access point (AP, also called a base station) or a terminal connected (or associated) to an AP (non-AP station, hereinafter called an "STA") transmits, a channel is used that includes at least a primary 20 MHz channel (also called a primary channel) determined for each network (Basic Service Set (BSS)) to which at least one of the AP and the STA (hereinafter also called an "AP / STA") belongs.

[0013] For example, an AP performing downlink (DL) communication checks whether there are other APs / STAs currently communicating on the primary 20 MHz channel using Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CAMA / CA). In CSMA / CA, the AP uses two types of carrier sense, for example, physical carrier sense and virtual carrier sense, and starts transmission only when it determines that it can avoid collisions with communications of other APs / STAs (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0014] In physical carrier sensing, for example, Clear Channel Access (CCA) is used. As shown in FIG. 1 , CCA is performed after a waiting time for each data type (for example, Distributed Coordination Function Inter Frame Space (DIFS)) and after waiting until a back-off counter randomly determined from a predetermined range reaches 0. Hereinafter, the waiting time until the back-off counter reaches 0 will also be referred to as the "back-off time." In CCA, whether a channel is available is determined using the channel power level (for example, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)). CCA is an operation that determines, for example, the channel medium state (for example, idle or busy).

[0015] For example, if the channel's RSSI is equal to or greater than a threshold (e.g., a Signal Detection (SD) threshold (e.g., -82 dBm, also known as the Preamble Detection (PD) threshold)), the AP / STA attempts to detect a Wi-Fi standard preamble on the channel. If a preamble is detected, the AP / STA determines that another AP / STA is using the channel and determines that the channel is "medium=busy," and waits for a randomly determined backoff time. The SD threshold may be specified as the same power level as the minimum MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) sensitivity. CCA using the SD threshold is also called CCA-PD.

[0016] On the other hand, if no preamble is detected on the channel, the AP / STA determines that the signal is not Wi-Fi standard, and if it is above a threshold (e.g., Energy Detection (ED) threshold (e.g., -62 dBm)), it determines that the channel is medium busy (e.g., unable to transmit) due to the large interference from non-Wi-Fi standard signals on the channel, and waits for a randomly determined backoff time again. CCA using the ED threshold is also called CCA-ED.

[0017] Also, for example, if no preamble is detected on the channel and the RSSI is smaller than the ED threshold, the AP / STA determines that the channel is "medium=idle" (e.g., transmission is possible) because interference from signals other than the Wi-Fi standard is small. Alternatively, the AP / STA may also determine that the channel is "medium=idle" if the RSSI of the channel is smaller than the SD threshold.

[0018] If the primary 20 MHz channel is determined to be channel medium=idle by CCA, for example, the AP / STA may perform CCA on a channel adjacent to the primary 20 MHz channel (hereinafter referred to as a "secondary channel") to determine whether transmission combining multiple channels (called channel bonding) is possible. For example, if a secondary 20 MHz channel adjacent to the primary channel is channel medium=idle, the AP / STA may transmit using 40 MHz frequency resources using the primary 20 MHz channel and the secondary 20 MHz channel. Also, for example, if the secondary 20 MHz channel is channel medium=busy, the AP / STA may transmit using the primary 20 MHz channel without using the secondary 20 MHz channel.

[0019] Figure 2 shows examples of SD and ED thresholds for primary and secondary channels. For frequency resources greater than 20 MHz, whether a channel is a primary or secondary channel is determined by whether it includes a primary 20 MHz channel. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when an 80 MHz frequency resource is used, a 40 MHz channel consisting of a primary 20 MHz channel (also referred to as "primary 20") and a secondary 20 MHz channel (also referred to as "secondary 20") is called a "primary 40." A 40 MHz channel that does not include a primary 20 MHz channel is called a "secondary 40."

[0020] The physical carrier sense has been described above.

[0021] In virtual carrier sensing, an AP determines whether transmission is possible based on information about the channel usage period contained in signals from other APs and STAs detected on the primary channel (hereinafter referred to as channel usage period information). For example, the AP obtains the channel usage period information from the Duration field contained in the Media Access Control (MAC) header and sets a Network Allocation Vector (NAV) with the same time length as the Duration field. The period while the NAV is set is considered a transmission prohibited period. Note that virtual carrier sensing is performed on the primary 20 MHz channel and does not necessarily have to be performed on other channels.

[0022] The virtual carrier sense has been described above.

[0023] In 11bn, "non-primary channel access (NPCA)" is being considered, which performs communication such as transmission or reception using channels that do not include the primary 20 MHz channel (see, for example, Non-Patent Documents 2 or 3). In non-primary channel access, when the primary 20 MHz channel is medium busy due to an interference signal or a signal from a network managed by another AP (called an Overlapped BSS (OBSS)), as shown in Fig. 4, transmission is performed using a channel (for example, a secondary channel) different from the available primary channel, thereby improving frequency utilization efficiency.

[0024] However, methods for controlling non-primary channel access have not been fully studied. Furthermore, non-primary channel access may impair fairness in transmission opportunities between APs / STAs that support non-primary channel access and APs / STAs that do not support non-primary channel access. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when an AP / STA in BSS#1 cannot use channel#1, which is the primary channel of BSS#1 (e.g., because it is busy with BSS#0), it attempts to transmit using non-primary channel access on channel#2, which is the primary channel of BSS#2. In this case, if the AP / STA in BSS#1 acquires a transmission opportunity on channel#2 through physical carrier sensing, the AP / STA in BSS#2 that does not use non-primary channel access may lose its transmission opportunity.

[0025] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for improving frequency utilization efficiency in control of non-primary channel access will be described. For example, by controlling (e.g., reducing) the transmission priority of non-primary channel access, it is possible to ensure fairness in transmission opportunities between APs / STAs that support non-primary channel access and APs / STAs that do not support non-primary channel access.

[0026] [Configuration of Wireless Communication System] A wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include, for example, at least one AP 100 and at least one STA 200. For example, the AP 100 transmits a downlink (DL) signal to another AP or the STA 200. Furthermore, the STA 200 transmits an uplink (UL) signal based on a signal received from the AP 100.

[0027] 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a portion of an AP 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the AP 100 illustrated in FIG. 6, a transmitter (e.g., corresponding to a transmitter circuit) transmits control information related to communication (e.g., non-primary channel access) using a second channel (e.g., a secondary channel) that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel. A controller (e.g., corresponding to a control circuit) controls transmission or reception in the communication based on the control information.

[0028] 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a portion of a STA 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the STA 200 illustrated in FIG. 7, a receiver (e.g., corresponding to a receiver circuit) receives control information related to communication (e.g., non-primary channel access) using a second channel (e.g., a secondary channel) that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel. A controller (e.g., corresponding to a control circuit) controls reception or transmission in the communication based on the control information.

[0029] [Example of Operation of AP 100 and STA 200] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP 100 notifies the STA 200 subordinate to the AP 100 of control information related to non-primary channel access (hereinafter also referred to as non-primary channel access (NPCA) control information).

[0030] As an example, a method will be described below in which the AP 100 transmits non-primary channel access control information to the STA 200 under the control of the AP 100, and transmits and receives signals on a channel different from the primary channel (for example, a non-primary channel).

[0031] Hereinafter, a channel different from the primary channel (for example, a channel that does not include a primary channel) will be referred to as a “secondary channel.” Note that a channel different from the primary channel is also called a second primary channel, a sub-primary channel, or a subband.

[0032] The following describes an example of the operation of the AP 100 and the STA 200. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the AP 100 (referred to as AP) and the STA 200 (referred to as STA).

[0033] For example, non-primary channel access (NPCA) control information may be included in a management frame (for example, a beacon, a probe response, an association / reassociation response, etc.) and notified.

[0034] In the example of Figure 8, STA 200 transmits an association request signal to AP 100. AP 100 may include NPCA control information in an association response signal in response to the association request signal from STA 200 and notify STA 200 of the same. Also, for example, AP 100 may include the NPCA control information in a beacon signal, which is one of management frames, and broadcast the beacon signal to APs and STAs within its transmission range. For example, AP 100 may determine the NPCA control information of the BSS to which AP 100 belongs based on the NPCA control information included in a beacon signal from another AP.

[0035] When STA 200 receives NPCA control information (e.g., an association response signal or a beacon signal), STA 200 performs a reception process for the NPCA control information. For example, the NPCA control information may include at least one of information on a channel (e.g., a secondary channel) used in non-primary channel access and information on an operation method (e.g., an operation type) of non-primary channel access.

[0036] The AP / STA that has acquired the NPCA control information performs an NPCA determination process using the NPCA control information. In the NPCA determination process, the AP / STA determines whether or not it can acquire a transmission right (e.g., a transmission opportunity (TXOP)) on the secondary channel, for example, by physical and / or virtual carrier sensing on the secondary channel. As an example, if the AP / STA does not acquire a transmission right through physical and virtual carrier sensing on the primary channel, it may start carrier sensing (e.g., a backoff operation) on the secondary channel.

[0037] In the example of FIG. 8, in the NPCA determination process, the AP 100 acquires the transmission right for the secondary channel and transmits a DL signal to the STA 200.

[0038] In this case, the AP 100 transmits a Request to Send (RTS) signal to the STA 200 using the secondary channel. When the STA 200 receives the RTS signal on the secondary channel, it transmits a Clear to Send (CTS) signal to the AP 100 (response transmission) using the secondary channel. By receiving the CTS signal, the AP 100 can determine which STAs 200 are capable of transmitting and receiving signals on the secondary channel. The AP 100 transmits a data signal to the STA 200 using the secondary channel for the STAs 200 that are capable of transmitting and receiving signals on the secondary channel. When the STA 200 receives a data signal on the secondary channel, it transmits a response signal (called an Acknowledge (ACK) signal) to the data signal to the AP 100.

[0039] In NPCA, the bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) of a channel (e.g., secondary channel, alternative primary channel) on which physical and / or virtual carrier sensing (e.g., backoff operation) is performed may be different from the bandwidth (e.g., 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320 MHz) of a channel (e.g., secondary channel, NPCA channel) on which frame transmission is performed. An AP / STA (e.g., the AP in FIG. 8) may acquire the transmission right based on the result of CCA on the alternative primary channel, determine the transmission bandwidth based on the result of CCA on each of the 20 MHz channels included in the NPCA channel, and transmit a frame (e.g., RTS, CTS, Trigger, BSRP, data frame, or Multi-User (MU) Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU)).

[0040] [Example of Non-Primary Channel Access Control Information] For example, the NPCA control information may include information about a channel (eg, a secondary channel) different from the primary channel that is used for non-primary channel access operations.

[0041] For example, the NPCA control information may notify information about secondary channels for each band (e.g., 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band). The information about secondary channels included in the NPCA control information may notify two or more secondary channels in one band. The information about secondary channels may include either or both of information about channels (e.g., one or more 20 MHz channels) on which physical / virtual carrier sensing (e.g., backoff operation) is performed in NPCA and information indicating channels on which frame transmission is performed in NPCA (which may be channels with a bandwidth of 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320 MHz, not including the primary channel). Note that channels on which physical / virtual carrier sensing (e.g., backoff operation) is performed in NPCA may be referred to as non-primary channels, alternative primary channels, temporary primary channels, anchor channels, etc. Channels on which frame transmission is performed in NPCA may be referred to as NPCA channels.

[0042] Furthermore, the secondary channel may be a channel included in the operating channel band of the BSS, or may be a channel not included in the operating channel band of the BSS. Note that in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the secondary channel will be described as a channel included in the operating channel band, as an example.

[0043] For example, in the NPCA control information, the secondary channel may be notified by a channel number. Fig. 9 shows an example of signaling of NPCA control information when the NPCA control information includes information on the channel number of the secondary channel. The NPCA control information shown in Fig. 9 includes the channel number of the primary channel ("Primary channel number"), the number of secondary channels ("Num Secondary channel"), and the channel numbers of the secondary channels ("Secondary channel number #1 to #N") equal to the number of secondary channels.

[0044] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the secondary channels to be used for non-primary channel access may be notified by the number of secondary channels (e.g., two) and channel numbers (e.g., Ch#3 and Ch#7).

[0045] Notification of secondary channels by channel number allows flexible notification of multiple secondary channels.

[0046] Furthermore, for example, in the NPCA control information, the secondary channel may be notified at a fixed offset interval from the primary channel. Figure 11 shows an example of signaling of NPCA control information when the NPCA control information includes information regarding the offset value (fixed offset interval) of the secondary channel from the primary channel. The NPCA control information shown in Figure 11 includes the channel number of the primary channel ("Primary channel number"), the number of secondary channels ("Num Secondary channel"), and an offset value ("Secondary channel offset") that notifies the interval between the primary channel and the secondary channel.

[0047] For example, as shown in Fig. 12, secondary channels may be notified at a fixed offset interval from the primary channel. In the example of Fig. 12, the offset interval is set to 80 MHz, and the primary channel and secondary channel, and the secondary channels, are notified at 80 MHz intervals. Note that the offset value may be expressed as a bandwidth (80 MHz in the example of Fig. 12) or as the number of channels (4 channels in the example of Fig. 12).

[0048] The method of notifying the secondary channel using an offset interval can reduce the amount of signaling compared to the method of notifying the secondary channel using a channel number.

[0049] Note that the information regarding the secondary channel notified by the NPCA control information is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 10 and 12. For example, the information regarding the primary channel may not be included in the NPCA control information, but may be notified separately to STA 200. Also, in the signaling example shown in Figure 11, a case has been described in which a primary channel, the number of secondary channels, and an offset value for the primary channel are notified, but this is not limiting, and for example, a certain secondary channel, the number of secondary channels, and an offset value for a certain secondary channel may be notified.

[0050] Furthermore, in any method of notifying the secondary channel, the priority of each secondary channel available to the NPCA may be notified. For example, secondary channel priority info as shown in FIG. 13 may be included in the NPCA control information. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the secondary channel priority info may notify the priority of each secondary channel available to the NPCA in ascending order. Note that the signaling (field) of the secondary channel priority info may be fixed in length. Alternatively, the signaling (field) of the secondary channel priority info may be variable depending on the number of secondary channels notified by Num Secondary Channel included in the NPCA control information. For example, in the example of FIG. 14, the priority of each secondary channel is notified using two bits, but if the number of secondary channels is five or more, the priority of each secondary channel may be notified using three bits.

[0051] [NPCA Operation Method] The NPCA operation method may be determined, for example, by the AP 100 based on the capability information of the AP 100 and the STA 200. For example, the STA 200 notifies the AP 100 of its capability information. The capability information may be notified to the AP 100, for example, by being included in a probe request signal or an association request signal. The capability information may include information indicating whether the AP 100 and the STA 200 support NPCA. The capability information may also include information indicating the maximum transmission bandwidth for NPCA (e.g., frame / PPDU transmission in a secondary channel). The capability information may also include information indicating the number of channels that the AP 100 and the STA 200 can carrier sense. The capability information may also include information indicating the NPCA operation method supported by the AP 100 and the STA 200.

[0052] The NPCA control information may include, for example, information regarding the operation method (or operation type) of the NPCA to be determined.

[0053] For example, if the AP / STA is capable of simultaneously performing physical carrier sensing on multiple channels, the AP / STA may simultaneously perform physical carrier sensing on the primary channel and the secondary channel.

[0054] 15 shows an example of operation when physical carrier sensing is performed simultaneously on the primary channel and the secondary channel. For example, an AP / STA that can simultaneously perform physical carrier sensing on the primary channel and the secondary channel may randomly set a backoff counter for each of the primary channel and the secondary channel, and transmit using the channel whose backoff counter reaches 0 first. In the example of FIG. 15, since the backoff for the secondary channel is smaller than that for the primary channel, the AP / STA transmits data using the secondary channel.

[0055] In addition, when the backoff counter in one of the channels (in the example of FIG. 15, the secondary channel) reaches 0 and a transmission opportunity (TXOP) is acquired, the AP / STA stops decrementing the backoff counter of the other channel (in the example of FIG. 15, the primary channel) until the TXOP ends. In addition, when physical carrier sensing is performed simultaneously on the primary channel and the secondary channel, the ED threshold and SD threshold for physical carrier sensing on the secondary channel may use the same values ​​as the thresholds set on the primary channel.

[0056] In this way, one of the operation methods (or operation types) of NPCA may include a method (type) in which NPCA is performed when the backoff counter (or backoff time) of the secondary channel becomes zero.

[0057] Also, for example, if an AP / STA is capable of physical carrier sensing one channel (for example, if it is not possible to perform physical carrier sensing on multiple channels simultaneously), the AP / STA may perform physical carrier sensing on the secondary channel when channel medium=busy on the primary channel.

[0058] 16 shows an example of operation when transmitting using a secondary channel when the primary channel is busy. For example, if the primary channel's channel medium is determined to be busy by physical carrier sensing of the primary channel, the AP / STA switches the channel for physical carrier sensing to the secondary channel. After that, if the backoff counter for the secondary channel, which is randomly set in the same way as for the primary channel, becomes 0, the AP / STA acquires a TXOP and transmits data on the secondary channel.

[0059] In this way, one of the operation methods (or operation types) of NPCA may include a method (type) in which NPCA is performed when the carrier sense result of the primary channel is busy and the backoff counter (or backoff time) of the secondary channel becomes zero.

[0060] The NPCA control information may include, for example, information regarding the NPCA operational time. For example, if non-primary channel access is possible only when the primary channel channel medium=busy, the NPCA operational time may be set (or limited) to be equal to or less than the duration of the primary channel channel medium=busy (e.g., the TXOP length of the OBSS using the primary channel). Also, for example, the NPCA operational time may be set to be equal to or less than the transmission prohibition period (or NAV timer) on the primary channel. Furthermore, the NPCA operational time may be notified in the duration field of the MAC header of the signal transmitted by the AP / STA on the secondary channel.

[0061] Furthermore, in the example of operation of the AP 100 and the STA 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when transmitting using a secondary channel in non-primary channel access, the AP 100 determines which STA 200 is available for transmission by transmitting and receiving RTS / CTS. However, other signals may be used to determine which STA 200 is available for transmission. For example, the AP 100 may transmit a buffer status report poll (BSRP), and the STA 200 may respond with a BSR. The AP 100 may determine the STA 200's UL transmission request by receiving a BSR from the STA 200, and transmit a Trigger frame signal to the STA 200 to prompt the STA 200 to perform UL transmission. Furthermore, for example, the AP 100 and the STA 200 may determine (e.g., independently) whether to perform non-primary channel access based on the results of their respective carrier senses. In this case, the AP / STA transmitting and receiving on the secondary channel may send a BSRP or RTS before transmitting a data signal, and determine whether the destination AP / STA uses the same channel depending on whether or not there is a BSRP or RTS response (e.g., BSR or CTS).

[0062] [Configuration Example of AP 100] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the AP 100 (for example, a downlink radio transmitting device).

[0063] The AP 100 shown in FIG. 17 may include, for example, a radio receiving unit 101, a preamble demodulation unit 102, a data demodulation unit 103, a data decoding unit 104, a non-primary channel access control unit 105, a carrier sense unit 106, a scheduling unit 107, a data generation unit 108, a data encoding unit 109, a data modulation unit 110, a preamble generation unit 111, and a radio transmission unit 112.

[0064] At least one of the preamble demodulation unit 102, data demodulation unit 103, data decoding unit 104, non-primary channel access control unit 105, carrier sense unit 106, scheduling unit 107, data generation unit 108, data encoding unit 109, data modulation unit 110, and preamble generation unit 111 shown in Figure 17 may be included in the control unit shown in Figure 6, and the radio transmission unit 112 shown in Figure 17 may be included in the transmission unit shown in Figure 6.

[0065] 17 , a radio receiving unit 101 receives a signal transmitted from a STA 200 (e.g., a downlink radio receiving device) via an antenna, and performs radio receiving processing such as down-conversion and Analog-to-Digital (A / D) conversion. The radio receiving unit 101 divides the signal after radio receiving processing into a preamble portion (also called a preamble signal) and a data portion (also called a data signal), and outputs the preamble signal to a preamble demodulation unit 102 and the data signal to a data demodulation unit 103.

[0066] The preamble demodulation unit 102 performs a Fourier transform (e.g., Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)) on the preamble signal input from the radio receiving unit 101, and extracts reception control information (including, for example, a frequency bandwidth (BW)), a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS), and an error correction code) used for demodulating and decoding the data signal. The preamble demodulation unit 102 also performs channel estimation based on a reference signal included in the preamble signal, and derives a channel estimation value. The preamble demodulation unit 102 outputs the reception control information to the data demodulation unit 103 and the data decoding unit 104, and outputs the channel estimation value to the data demodulation unit 103.

[0067] Data demodulation section 103 performs FFT on the data signal input from radio receiving section 101, and demodulates the data signal using the reception control information and channel estimation value input from preamble demodulation section 102. Data demodulation section 103 outputs the demodulated data signal to data decoding section 104.

[0068] Data decoding section 104 decodes the demodulated data signal input from data demodulation section 103 using the reception control information input from preamble demodulation section 102. Data decoding section 104 determines whether there is an error in the decoded data signal using a method such as Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC). If there is no error in the decoded data signal, data decoding section 104 outputs the decoded data signal to non-primary channel access control section 105 and scheduling section 107.

[0069] The non-primary channel access control unit 105 controls the operation of the non-primary channel access. For example, the non-primary channel access control unit 105 sets non-primary channel access control information (NPCA control information) of the BSS based on information about the capability of the STA 200 included in the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 104. The non-primary channel access control information may include, for example, information about channels available for use in non-primary channel access, an operation method for the non-primary channel, carrier sense control information for the secondary channel, and information about the length of the transmission and reception period (or operable time) in non-primary channel access. The non-primary channel access control unit 105 outputs the non-primary channel access control information to the carrier sense unit 106 and the scheduling unit 107.

[0070] Carrier sense unit 106 performs carrier sensing based on non-primary channel access control information (e.g., information related to carrier sensing in the secondary channel) input from non-primary channel access control unit 105. Carrier sense unit 106 outputs channel medium information (e.g., carrier sense results (busy or idle) for each channel) obtained by carrier sensing of the primary channel and secondary channel to scheduling unit 107.

[0071] The scheduling unit 107 performs scheduling based on the channel medium information input from the carrier sense unit 106. For example, when the channel medium information includes a channel medium=idle, the scheduling unit 107 determines scheduling information for transmitting a signal to the STA 200 or scheduling information for a signal (e.g., a trigger frame) that prompts the STA 200 to transmit an uplink signal based on information input from the data decoding unit 104 or non-primary channel access information input from the non-primary channel access control unit 105. The scheduling unit 107 outputs the scheduling information to the data generation unit 108, the data encoding unit 109, the data modulation unit 110, and the preamble generation unit 111. Note that the scheduling information may include at least one of destination information, MCS and error correction code, transmission power, and information on the transmission / reception period length, for example.

[0072] Also, for example, if the channel medium information does not include any channels with channel medium=idle (for example, if all channels have channel medium=busy), the scheduling unit 107 cancels scheduling and does not output to the data generation unit 108, the data encoding unit 109, the data modulation unit 110, and the preamble generation unit 111.

[0073] The data generating section 108 generates a data sequence to be transmitted to the STA 200 based on the scheduling information input from the scheduling section 107 .

[0074] For example, the data sequence transmitted to STA 200 may include a management frame signal (e.g., a Beacon signal, a Probe response signal, or an Association signal) including non-primary channel access control information, an RTS, a BSRP, a Trigger frame signal requesting STA 200 to transmit an uplink signal, and a response signal to the uplink signal from STA 200. The data generation unit 108 outputs the data sequence to the data encoding unit 109.

[0075] Data encoding section 109 encodes the data sequence input from data generation section 108 based on the scheduling information input from scheduling section 107 , and outputs the encoded data to data modulation section 110 .

[0076] The data modulation unit 110 performs modulation and inverse Fourier transform (IFFT) on the coded data signal input from the data coding unit 109 based on the scheduling information input from the scheduling unit 107, and outputs the modulated data signal to the radio transmission unit 112.

[0077] The preamble generating section 111 generates a preamble signal based on the scheduling information input from the scheduling section 107. The preamble generating section 111 performs modulation and IFFT processing on the preamble signal, and outputs the preamble signal to the radio transmitting section 112.

[0078] The wireless transmitting unit 112 generates a wireless frame (also called a packet signal) by adding a preamble signal input from the preamble generating unit 111 to the modulated data signal input from the data modulating unit 110. The wireless transmitting unit 112 performs wireless transmission processing such as digital-to-analog (D / A) conversion and up-conversion to a carrier frequency on the wireless frame, and transmits the signal after the wireless transmission processing to the STA 200 via an antenna.

[0079] [Configuration Example of STA 200] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the STA 200 (for example, a downstream radio receiving device).

[0080] The STA 200 shown in FIG. 18 may include, for example, a radio receiving unit 201, a preamble demodulating unit 202, a data demodulating unit 203, a data decoding unit 204, a non-primary channel access control unit 205, a carrier sensing unit 206, a transmission signal generating unit 207, and a radio transmitting unit 208.

[0081] At least one of the preamble demodulation unit 202, data demodulation unit 203, data decoding unit 204, non-primary channel access control unit 205, and transmission signal generation unit 207 shown in Figure 18 may be included in the control unit shown in Figure 7, and the radio receiving unit 201 shown in Figure 18 may be included in the receiving unit shown in Figure 7.

[0082] 18 , wireless receiving section 201 receives a signal transmitted from AP 100 via an antenna. Wireless receiving section 201 performs wireless receiving processing such as down-conversion and A / D conversion of the received signal. Wireless receiving section 201 outputs a preamble signal extracted from the received signal after wireless receiving processing to preamble demodulation section 202, and outputs a data signal extracted from the received signal after wireless receiving processing to data demodulation section 203.

[0083] The preamble demodulation unit 202 performs an FFT on the preamble signal input from the radio receiving unit 201, and extracts reception control information (including, for example, BW, MCS, and error correction code) used for demodulating and decoding the data signal (or data portion). The preamble demodulation unit 202 also performs channel estimation based on a reference signal included in the preamble signal, and derives a channel estimation value. The preamble demodulation unit 202 outputs the reception control information to the data demodulation unit 203 and the data decoding unit 204, and outputs the channel estimation value to the data demodulation unit 203.

[0084] The data demodulation unit 203 performs an FFT on the data signal input from the radio receiving unit 201, demodulates the data signal using the reception control information and channel estimation value input from the preamble demodulation unit 202, and outputs the demodulated data signal to the data decoding unit 204.

[0085] Data decoding section 204 decodes the demodulated data signal input from data demodulation section 203 using the reception control information input from preamble demodulation section 202. Data decoding section 204 performs error detection on the decoded data signal using a method such as CRC. If there is no error in the decoded data signal, data decoding section 204 outputs the decoded data signal to non-primary channel access control section 205 and transmission signal generation section 207.

[0086] The non-primary channel access control unit 205 acquires, from non-primary channel access control information (NPCA control information) included in the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 204, information such as channel information available for use in non-primary channel access, the operation method (or operation type) of the non-primary channel, carrier sense control information for the secondary channel, or information regarding the transmission and reception period length (operable time) for non-primary channel access, and stores this information in a buffer. The non-primary channel access control unit 205 outputs, from the non-primary channel access control information, information regarding scheduling (e.g., channel information available for use in non-primary channel access, transmission and reception period length) to the transmission signal generation unit 207. The non-primary channel access control unit 205 also outputs, from the non-primary channel access control information, information regarding carrier sense (e.g., channel information available for use in non-primary channel access, the operation method of the non-primary channel, and carrier sense control information for the secondary channel) to the carrier sense unit 206.

[0087] The carrier sense unit 206 performs carrier sensing based on non-primary channel control information input from the non-primary channel access control unit 205. The carrier sense unit 206 outputs channel medium information obtained by carrier sensing of the primary channel and secondary channel to the transmission signal generation unit 207.

[0088] The transmission signal generation unit 207 generates a data sequence to be transmitted to the AP 100 based on the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 204. For example, the data sequence to be transmitted to the AP 100 may include a probe request signal, an association request signal, a response signal to a signal received from the AP 100 (for example, called an acknowledgement (ACK) or a block ACK (BA)), or a CTS signal.

[0089] Furthermore, when the decoded data signal input from the data decoding unit 204 includes a trigger frame requesting transmission of an uplink signal, the transmission signal generating unit 207 generates a data sequence to be transmitted using a trigger-based physical layer convergence protocol data unit (TB PPDU) based on the control information included in the trigger frame.

[0090] The transmission signal generation unit 207 encodes the generated data sequence. The transmission signal generation unit 207 also allocates the encoded data sequence to frequency resources determined based on channel medium information input from the non-primary channel access control unit 205, and generates a data signal by performing modulation and IFFT processing. The transmission signal generation unit 207 adds a preamble signal to the data signal to generate a radio frame, and outputs the radio frame to the radio transmission unit 208.

[0091] The wireless transmission unit 208 performs wireless transmission processing such as D / A conversion or upconversion to a carrier frequency on the wireless frame input from the transmission signal generation unit 207, and transmits the signal after wireless transmission processing to the AP 100 via an antenna.

[0092] The above describes exemplary configurations of the AP 100 and the STA 200.

[0093] Next, an example of a non-primary channel access control method based on NPCA control information will be described.

[0094] For example, the NPCA control information may include Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameters that are different between the primary channel and the secondary channel. The EDCA parameters may include at least one of a Contention Window (CW), a CCA threshold, and a TXOP limit. For example, the EDCA parameters for the primary channel and the secondary channel may be different for each access category.

[0095] [Method 1] In Method 1, the NPCA control information includes a parameter (e.g., an EDCA parameter) related to backoff in the secondary channel. For example, the backoff-related parameter is set so that the average backoff time in the secondary channel is longer than the average backoff time in the primary channel.

[0096] For example, backoff-related parameters include the Contention Window (CW), which is selected within the range between the minimum CW value "CWmin" and the maximum CW value "CWmax." The backoff time is randomly determined within the range from 0 to CW.

[0097] In Method 1, the backoff time for each access category of the secondary channel is randomly selected from a range obtained by adding a predetermined offset to at least one of CWmin and CWmax. In this way, the backoff time for the secondary channel may be determined based on the CW obtained by adding an offset value to the CW (e.g., CWmin and CWmax) of the primary channel.

[0098] Figure 19 shows an example of setting CWmin and CWmax for the primary channel and the secondary channel. In the example shown in Figure 19, the unit of CW is slot time. The offset values ​​A, B, C, D, and E of CWmin and CWmax for the secondary channel shown in Figure 19 may be the same or different. The offset values ​​A, B, C, D, and E may be fixed values ​​or variably set values. For example, in Figure 19, the size of the CW (CWmin and CWmax) may be primary channel CWmin < secondary channel CWmin < primary channel CWmax < secondary channel CWmax.

[0099] Alternatively, for example, the backoff-related parameters may include an offset value (e.g., referred to as a CW offset) to be added to a randomly selected backoff time. For example, the backoff time may be determined using the same CW (e.g., CWmin and CWmax) for the primary channel and the secondary channel, and the CW offset may be added to the backoff time for the secondary channel. In this way, the backoff time for the secondary channel may be the time obtained by adding the CW offset value to the randomly selected backoff time. Note that the CW offset value may be a fixed value or a variably set value.

[0100] For example, in non-primary channel access, the backoff time of the secondary channel may be set to a value obtained by adding a CW offset to the initial value of a backoff counter that is randomly determined within the range of 0 to CW. The unit of the CW offset may be slot time or microseconds.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, when channel switching is performed in non-primary channel access, a CW offset may be added to the backoff time of the secondary channel.

[0102] Furthermore, for example, when channel switching is performed multiple times in non-primary channel access, a CW offset to be added to the back-off time may be set according to the number of channel switchings. For example, the more the number of channel switchings, the smaller the CW offset to be added to the back-off time may be set. For example, as shown in FIG. 20 , when channel switching is performed from channel #1 to channel #2, from channel #2 to channel #3, and from channel #3 to channel #4 in non-primary channel access, the CW offset may be set to a smaller value each time a channel switching occurs. For example, when there are N secondary channels available in non-primary channel access, the CW offset value used in the first channel switching is set to M. In this case, the CW offset value may be halved each time a channel switching occurs, such that the CW offset value used in the second channel switching is M / 2, and the CW offset value used in the third channel switching is M / 4, and the CW offset value used in the Nth channel switching is set to 0.

[0103] Method 1 increases the likelihood that an AP / STA using a channel as a primary channel will select a shorter backoff time than an AP / STA using a non-primary channel access channel as a secondary channel. This allows APs / STAs that do not support non-primary channel access to transmit with priority over APs / STAs that do support non-primary channel access, ensuring fairness in transmission opportunities.

[0104] [Method 2] In Method 2, the NPCA control information includes a parameter (e.g., an EDCA parameter) related to the CCA threshold of the secondary channel. For example, the CCA threshold of the secondary channel is set to be smaller than the CCA threshold of the primary channel.

[0105] FIG. 21 shows an example of setting the CCA threshold value according to Method 2.

[0106] For example, as shown in Fig. 21, the SD threshold for the secondary channel is set to a value (e.g., -82-N [dBm]) that is N [dBm] lower than the SD threshold for the primary channel (e.g., -82 [dBm]). This makes it easier for the AP / STA to determine that the channel is medium=busy when receiving a signal that does not comply with the Wi-Fi standard on the secondary channel, compared to the primary channel.

[0107] 21, the ED threshold of the secondary channel is set to a value (e.g., -62-M [dBm]) that is M [dBm] lower than the ED threshold of the primary channel (e.g., -62 [dBm]). This makes it easier for the AP / STA to determine that the secondary channel is channel medium=busy compared to the primary channel.

[0108] 21, the offset values ​​N and M may be the same or different from each other. The offset values ​​N and M may be fixed values ​​or may be variably set values.

[0109] Furthermore, the SD threshold and ED threshold of the secondary channel used in non-primary channel access may be defined separately from the SD threshold and ED threshold of the secondary channel used in channel bonding.

[0110] Furthermore, in NPCA, the bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) of a channel (e.g., an alternative primary channel) on which physical / virtual carrier sensing (e.g., backoff operation) is performed may be different from the bandwidth (e.g., 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320 MHz) of a channel (e.g., an NPCA channel) on which frame transmission is performed. When performing NPCA, the AP / STA may perform CCA on the alternative primary channel using the SD threshold and ED threshold of the secondary channel used in non-primary channel access, and may perform CCA on each of the 20 MHz channels included in the NPCA channel, excluding the alternative primary channel, using the SD threshold and ED threshold of the secondary channel used in channel bonding.

[0111] 21 describes a method of reducing the SD threshold and ED threshold of the secondary channel by a fixed offset value, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a fixed offset may be added to the SD threshold and ED threshold of the primary channel. In this case, the CCA threshold of the secondary channel may be set to the SD threshold and ED threshold of the primary channel before the offset is added (for example, in the example of FIG. 21, the SD threshold = -82 [dBm] and the ED threshold = -62 [dBm]).

[0112] Method 2 allows APs and STAs using a channel as a primary channel to more easily recognize the channel as medium=idle and acquire the right to transmit than APs and STAs using a non-primary channel as a secondary channel, thereby ensuring fairness in transmission opportunities.

[0113] [Method 3] In Method 3, the NPCA control information includes a parameter (e.g., an EDCA parameter) related to the maximum transmission / reception period length (TXOP limit) of the secondary channel. For example, the TXOP limit of the secondary channel is set to be smaller than the TXOP limit of the primary channel.

[0114] FIG. 22 shows an example of setting the TXOP limit according to the method 3.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 22, the TXOP limit of the secondary channel may be set to be smaller than the TXOP limit of the primary channel by, for example, an offset N [us]. Note that the offset N may be a fixed value or may be a variably set value.

[0116] Furthermore, the TXOP limit of the secondary channel may be set to be smaller by offsets A, B, C, and D [ms] than the TXOP limit of the primary channel for each access category, as shown in Fig. 23. The offset values ​​A, B, C, and D of the secondary channel shown in Fig. 23 may be the same value or different values. The offset values ​​A, B, C, and D may be fixed values ​​or may be variably set values.

[0117] Method 3 allows APs and STAs that use a channel as a primary channel to have a longer available time on the channel than APs and STAs that perform non-primary channel access and use the channel as a secondary channel, thereby ensuring fairness in transmission opportunities.

[0118] An example of a non-primary channel access control method using NPCA control information has been described above.

[0119] As described above, in this embodiment, AP 100 transmits NPCA control information regarding non-primary channel access using a channel that does not include a primary channel (e.g., a secondary channel) to STA 200. Then, AP 100 and STA 200 control transmission or reception in non-primary channel access based on the NPCA control information. This allows the AP and STA to appropriately control non-primary channel access based on the NPCA control information.

[0120] Also, for example, in this embodiment, different parameters may be applied to the primary channel and the secondary channel in the NPCA control information. For example, the parameters of the primary channel and the secondary channel may be set so that the transmission opportunities of an AP / STA that uses a certain channel as a primary channel are greater than the transmission opportunities of an AP / STA that uses the channel as a secondary channel. This makes it possible to maintain fairness in transmission opportunities between APs / STAs that support non-primary channel access and APs / STAs that do not support non-primary channel access.

[0121] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the efficiency of channel access control in wireless communication.

[0122] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above.

[0123] It is possible to apply a combination of at least two of the above-mentioned methods 1 to 3.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the AP 100 determines a secondary channel to be used in non-primary channel access and notifies the STA 200 of the secondary channel. However, the AP 100 may determine the secondary channel based on quality information related to the secondary channel notified by the STA 200. For example, Channel Quality Information (CQI) Report Information may be used as the quality information related to the secondary channel, and average SNR information of the channel in 20 MHz units may be notified. The AP 100 may also notify the STA 200 of the priority of secondary channels recommended for use in non-primary channel access, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The STA 200 may also notify the AP 100 of the quality information related to the secondary channel in at least one of a probe request and an association request signal. The AP 100 may determine the secondary channel to be used in non-primary channel access or the priority of using the secondary channel based on the CQI Report Information transmitted by the STA 200. In addition, the AP 100 may transmit a signal (for example, a Null Data PPDU (NDP) Announcement) to the STA 200 requesting the transmission of quality information regarding the secondary channel.

[0125] Although the above embodiment has described a case where different EDCA parameters are applied to the primary channel and the secondary channel, different default EDCA parameters may be applied to the primary channel and the secondary channel. For example, the default EDCA parameters for each access category of the primary channel and the secondary channel may be different depending on the PHY version of the AP / STA.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above methods 1 to 3, for example, when a low-latency signal is transmitted using a secondary channel, the same EDCA parameters (or default EDCA parameters) as those for the primary channel may be applied to the secondary channel. For example, in Restricted-Target Wake Time (R-TWT), when a signal of an access category designated as a low-latency signal is transmitted using a secondary channel, the same backoff-related parameters, CCA threshold, or TXOP limit as those for the primary channel may be applied to the secondary channel. Note that when a signal not designated as a low-latency signal (for example, a signal of an access category of best effort) is transmitted using a secondary channel, at least one of methods 1 to 3 may be applied, and the transmission priority of the signal may be reduced compared to that of the primary channel.

[0127] In addition, in the above-described methods 1 and 3, different default EDCA parameters may be applied to the primary channel and the secondary channel. For example, the CWmin and CWmax, and default EDCA parameters used in the secondary channel may be different depending on the PHY version of the AP and STA.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the AP 100 notifies all STAs 200 in the BSS of non-primary channel access control information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the non-primary channel access control information may be notified on a group basis. For example, a group including at least one STA may be defined based on the capabilities of the STAs 200, and a non-primary channel access operation method that can be used for each capability or a secondary channel to be used in non-primary channel access may be determined and notified.

[0129] In the above embodiment, non-primary channel access control information may be determined for each link used in multilink. For example, for a link for low latency signals in which the transmittable access categories are limited, the transmission priorities of the primary channel and the secondary channel may be set to be the same. In this case, no offset value is added to the secondary channel as in methods 1 to 3.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the secondary channel used in non-primary channel access may be set (or limited) to have a certain channel interval from the primary channel. For example, the primary channel and the secondary channel may be set (or limited) to have an 80 MHz interval. This prevents a situation where the primary channel and the secondary channel are adjacent to each other and are used by the same OBSS, resulting in transmission failure.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the secondary channel used for non-primary channel access may be determined in a cooperative manner between APs. For example, AP 100 may determine the secondary channel used for non-primary channel access based on the channel number of the secondary channel included in a management frame transmitted by another AP. For example, the primary channel and secondary channel selected may be different from the primary channel and secondary channel used by the OBSS. Furthermore, for example, when performing multi-AP cooperative communication, the AP that manages cooperative control may determine the primary channel and secondary channel of the other cooperative APs.

[0132] Non-primary channel access may be applied to (or limited to) the case of multi-AP cooperative communication in which multiple APs transmit in cooperation with each other, for example.

[0133] An access category (for example, low latency signals) that can use non-primary channel access may be set (or limited).

[0134] Non-primary channel access may be applied (or limited) when AP 100 acquires a TXOP on a secondary channel.

[0135] In addition, in the above embodiment, the values ​​of the bandwidth of the channels (primary channel and secondary channel), CW (e.g., CWmin and CWmax), CCA threshold (e.g., SD threshold and ED threshold), and TXOP limit are merely examples, and other values ​​may be used.

[0136] Non-primary channel access is also called secondary channel access (SCA).

[0137] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the field (or subfield) used for notifying control information is an example, and other fields or subfields may be used. Furthermore, the number of bits used for notifying control information in each field or subfield is an example, and other numbers of bits may be used.

[0138] Furthermore, the signal formats described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples, and other configurations may be used in which at least one of other fields is added and some fields is deleted, and other configurations may be used in which at least one of other subfields is added and some subfields are deleted in each of the above-mentioned fields.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as an example, a case based on the format defined in IEEE 802.11 has been described, but the format to which an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied is not limited to the IEEE 802.11 format.

[0140] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may also be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0141] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0142] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility.

[0143] The present disclosure may be implemented in any type of apparatus, device, or system (collectively referred to as a communications apparatus) that has a communications function. The communications apparatus may include a radio transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The radio transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, or both functions. The radio transceiver (transmitter and receiver) may include a radio frequency (RF) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or the like. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include telephones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, notebooks), 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, communication-enabled vehicles or mobile transportation (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), and combinations of the above devices.

[0144] The communication devices are not limited to portable or mobile devices, but also include any kind of non-portable or fixed equipment, devices, and systems, such as smart home devices (such as home appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or measuring devices, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0145] Communications include data communications via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, communication satellite systems, and the like, as well as data communications via combinations of these.

[0146] 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, such as controllers and sensors that generate control and data signals used by the communications device to perform the communications functions of the communications apparatus.

[0147] 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.

[0148] An access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transmitting circuit that transmits control information related to communication using a second channel that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel, and a control circuit that controls transmission or reception in the communication based on the control information.

[0149] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission circuit transmits the control information using a management frame.

[0150] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control information includes information regarding the second channel used for the communication.

[0151] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information about the second channels includes information about at least one second channel for each band.

[0152] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second channel includes a channel within an operating channel band or a channel outside the operating channel band.

[0153] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the information about the second channel includes a channel number of the second channel or an offset value from the first channel.

[0154] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control information includes information regarding the priority of each of the second channels available for the communication.

[0155] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control information includes information regarding an operation type of the communication.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation type includes at least one of a type in which the communication is performed when the backoff time of the second channel becomes zero, and a type in which the communication is performed when the carrier sense result of the first channel is busy and the backoff time of the second channel becomes zero.

[0157] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication behavior is determined according to the capabilities of the access point and the terminal.

[0158] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control information includes information regarding an operable time for the communication.

[0159] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operable time is set to be equal to or less than a transmission inhibit period on the first channel.

[0160] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control information includes parameters that differ between the first channel and the second channel.

[0161] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the parameters are Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameters or default EDCA parameters.

[0162] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the parameter is a parameter related to a backoff on the second channel.

[0163] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the average backoff time in the second channel is longer than the average backoff time in the first channel.

[0164] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the backoff time in the second channel is a time obtained by adding a first offset to a randomly selected backoff time, or a time selected based on a second Contention Window (CW) obtained by adding a second offset to a first CW of the first channel.

[0165] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the more the number of channel changes, the smaller the first offset is set.

[0166] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the parameter is a parameter related to a Clear Channel Access (CCA) threshold for the second channel.

[0167] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the CCA threshold of the second channel is less than the CCA threshold of the first channel.

[0168] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the parameter is a parameter related to a maximum transmission / reception period length in the second channel.

[0169] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the maximum transmission and reception period length in the second channel is shorter than the maximum transmission and reception period length in the first channel.

[0170] A terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a receiving circuit that receives control information related to communication using a second channel that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel, and a control circuit that controls reception or transmission in the communication based on the control information.

[0171] In a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an access point transmits control information regarding communication using a second channel that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel, and controls transmission or reception in the communication based on the control information.

[0172] In a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal receives control information regarding communication using a second channel that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel, and controls reception or transmission in the communication based on the control information.

[0173] The disclosures of the specification, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-145581, filed September 7, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0174] One embodiment of the present disclosure is useful in wireless communication systems.

[0175] 100 AP 101, 201 Radio receiving unit 102, 202 Preamble demodulation unit 103, 203 Data demodulation unit 104, 204 Data decoding unit 105, 205 Non-primary channel access control unit 106, 206 Carrier sense unit 107 Scheduling unit 108 Data generation unit 109 Data encoding unit 110 Data modulation unit 111 Preamble generation unit 112, 208 Radio transmission unit 200 STA 207 Transmission signal generation unit

Claims

1. An access point comprising: a transmitting circuit that transmits control information regarding communication using a second channel that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel; and a control circuit that controls transmission or reception in the communication based on the control information.

2. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the transmission circuit transmits the control information using a management frame.

3. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes information regarding the second channel to be used for the communication.

4. The access point according to claim 3, wherein the information relating to the second channels includes information relating to at least one of the second channels for each band.

5. The access point according to claim 3, wherein the second channel includes a channel within an operating channel band or a channel outside the operating channel band.

6. The access point according to claim 3, wherein the information about the second channel includes a channel number of the second channel or an offset value from the first channel.

7. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes information regarding a priority of each of the second channels available for the communication.

8. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes information relating to an operation type of the communication.

9. The access point of claim 8, wherein the operation type includes at least one of a type in which the communication is performed when a backoff time of the second channel becomes zero, and a type in which the communication is performed when a carrier sense result of the first channel is busy and a backoff time of the second channel becomes zero.

10. The access point according to claim 8, wherein the communication operation is determined according to the capabilities of the access point and the terminal.

11. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes information relating to an operable time for the communication.

12. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes parameters that differ between the first channel and the second channel.

13. A terminal comprising: a receiving circuit that receives control information related to communication using a second channel that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel; and a control circuit that controls reception or transmission in the communication based on the control information.

14. A communication method, in which an access point transmits control information regarding communication using a second channel that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel, and controls transmission or reception in the communication based on the control information.

15. A communication method, in which a terminal receives control information regarding a communication using a second channel that does not include a first channel that is a primary channel, and controls reception or transmission in the communication based on the control information.

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