Access point and communication method

Abstract

This access point includes: a control circuit for configuring a period for performing cooperative communication with another access point in a transmission opportunity for performing data transfer to another access point and the cooperative communication; and a communication circuit for transmitting control information including the configuration of the period for performing the cooperative communication.

Description

Access point and communication method

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

[0002] IEEE 802.11bn is currently under consideration as the next-generation standard for wireless LANs (Local Area Networks, also known as WLANs) that will succeed IEEE 802.11be, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. IEEE 802.11be is also known as "Extremely High Throughput (EHT)," and IEEE 802.11bn is also known as "Ultra High Reliability (UHR)."

[0003] IEEE 802.11-23 / 1838r0 Follow up on the Relay TransmissionIEEE 802.11-23 / 2009r0 Multi-AP for reliability with Coherent and Non-coherent transmissions

[0004] Control methods for cooperative communication in wireless communication such as wireless LAN have not been fully studied.

[0005] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication device and a communication method that can appropriately perform cooperative communication.

[0006] An access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control circuit that sets a period for cooperative communication during a transmission opportunity for data transfer to another access point and cooperative communication with the other access point, and a communication circuit that transmits control information including a setting for the period for cooperative communication.

[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, cooperative communication can be performed appropriately.

[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 a connection between an access point (AP) and a non-AP Station (STA)Diagram showing an example of a control sequence for Relay operationDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operationDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operationDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operationDiagram showing an example of a User Info field in a Multi-User (MU) Request to Send (RTS) Transmission Opportunity Sharing (TXS) Trigger frameDiagram showing an example of a definition of the Association ID (AID) / Multi AP (MAP) ID subfieldDiagram showing an example of a definition of the MAP Combination elementDiagram showing an example of a User Info field in an MU-RTS TXS Trigger frameDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Relay operationDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operationDiagram showing an example of a definition of Triggered Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) Sharing ModeDiagram showing an example of a definition of Triggered TXOP Sharing ModeDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Relay operationDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operationDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operationDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operationDiagram showing an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operationAP and non-AP Diagram showing an example of connection with STA Diagram showing an example of the control sequence of Relay and Multi-AP operation Block diagram showing an example of AP configuration Block diagram showing an example of STA configuration

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

[0012] In IEEE 802.11bn, a function (relay function) for relaying data transmission and reception in order to improve communication quality or coverage is being studied (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0013] Furthermore, the application of Multi-AP (MAP) coordination (hereinafter also referred to as "Multi-AP" or "cooperative communication"), in which multiple access points (also referred to as Access Points (APs) or base stations) cooperate to transmit and receive data to and from each terminal (also referred to as Stations (STAs) or non-AP STAs)), is being considered (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2). For Multi-AP in IEEE 802.11bn, the following multiple MAP coordination schemes (hereinafter referred to as MAP schemes) are being considered: Coordinated Spatial Reuse (C-SR) Coordinated Time Division Multiple Access (C-TDMA) Coordinated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (C-OFDMA) Coordinated Beamforming (C-BF) Joint Transmissions (JT) Distributed Multi User (MU) - Multiple Input Multiple Output (D-MIMO)

[0014] However, the integrated operation of Relay and Multi-AP has not been fully studied. For example, Relay operation using TXOP Sharing, which shares transmission opportunities (e.g., Transmission Opportunity (TXOP)), has been proposed, but Multi-AP operation has not been considered. Therefore, when Multi-AP operation is performed with TXOP sharing, throughput may decrease.

[0015] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for appropriately controlling the joint operation of Relay and Multi-AP in TXOP sharing will be described.

[0016] [Configuration of Wireless Communication System] A wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include, for example, a plurality of APs 100 and at least one STA 200 (non-AP STA). 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.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, data transfer from AP 100 to another AP and data transfer from another AP to STA 200 may be performed within the same TXOP. Data transfer from AP 100 to another AP (including, for example, a relay operation) and multi-AP operation between AP 100 and another AP may be performed within the same TXOP.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP 100 sets a period (e.g., a period within a TXOP) for performing Multi-AP operation in TXOP sharing that allows Relay operation and Multi-AP operation.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows an example of a connection between an AP (for example, AP 100) and a non-AP STA (for example, terminal 200).

[0020] In the example of FIG. 1 , AP1 and AP2 are associated with non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA2, respectively. For example, non-AP STA1 is connected to AP1 with AP2 as a relay STA. For example, non-AP STA2 is assumed to communicate with AP1, which is a sharing AP that controls the multi-AP operation, and AP2, which is a shared AP that operates in cooperation with the sharing AP, through multi-AP operation. Here, MAP schemes include schemes in which two or more APs transmit simultaneously or with at least partial overlap in time (e.g., JT, D-MIMO, C-SR, C-OFDMA, C-BF, etc., also known as synchronous transmission or simultaneous transmission), and schemes in which two or more APs are scheduled by time division (e.g., C-TDMA, TXOP Sharing in which two or more APs participate, etc.). In FIG. 1 , as an example, JT is applied as the MAP scheme for multi-AP operation by AP1 and AP2 for non-AP STA2.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows an example of a control sequence for relay operation, and FIG. 3 shows an example of a control sequence for multi-AP operation.

[0022] In the control sequence of the relay operation shown in FIG. 2, AP1 transmits a Request to Send (RTS) frame to AP2. For example, the RTS frame transmitted from AP1 to AP2 may include information identifying AP2 (Association ID (AID), e.g., an "AID12" subfield). Upon receiving the RTS, AP2 transmits a Clear to Send (CTS) frame to AP1. Note that, as shown in FIG. 2, the RTS frame transmitted from AP1 may be transmitted not only to AP2 but also to other STAs such as non-AP STAs (e.g., non-AP STA1 in FIG. 1), and AP1 may receive a CTS frame as a response from the non-AP STA.

[0023] 2, for example, after receiving a CTS frame from AP2 (Relay STA), AP1 transmits data for non-AP STAs to AP2. AP2 receives the data from AP1 and returns a response signal (e.g., Ack / Block Ack (BA)) to AP1. Furthermore, AP2 transmits the data received from AP1 for the non-AP STAs and receives Ack / BA from the non-AP STAs.

[0024] For example, as an example of a rule of TXOP Sharing, immediately after an Ack / BA from AP2 (Shared AP) to AP1 (Sharing AP), AP2 (Shared AP) that transmitted the Ack / BA may be allowed to transmit data at Short Interframe Space (SIFS) intervals. Also, for example, when transmitting a Data frame, AP1 (Sharing AP) may designate (e.g., signal) an AP or non-AP STA that can transmit immediately after the Ack / BA for the Data frame.

[0025] In the control sequence of the Multi-AP operation shown in Fig. 3, the operations from AP1 transmitting an RTS frame to AP2 to AP2 receiving the data and returning an Ack / BA to AP1 are the same as the control sequence of the Relay operation shown in Fig. 2. However, as shown in Fig. 3, the frame (e.g., RTS frame) transmitted from AP1 to AP2 (and non-AP STAs) includes an element for setting the period during which the Multi-AP operation is performed.

[0026] In FIG. 3 , immediately after AP2 (Shared AP) sends an Ack / BA to AP1 (Sharing AP), multiple APs (e.g., AP1 and AP2) performing Multi-AP operation maintain TXOPs and are able to transmit data at SIFS intervals. Furthermore, for example, APs or non-AP STAs competing with the AP performing Multi-AP operation may be configured with a setting for a transmission prohibition period (e.g., a Network Allocation Vector (NAV)). As a result, as shown in FIG. 3 , after AP2 receives data from AP1 (data intended for non-AP STAs) and returns an Ack / BA to AP1, AP1 and AP2 can transmit coordinated data to non-AP STAs (e.g., non-AP STA2 in FIG. 1 ). The non-AP STAs receive the data transmitted from AP1 and AP2 and return Ack / BA to AP1 and AP2.

[0027] Thus, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP 100, which is a Sharing AP, sets a period for Multi-AP operation in a TXOP for data transfer to other APs and for Multi-AP operation with other APs, and transmits an Initial Control frame (control information) including the setting for the period for Multi-AP operation. Furthermore, the AP 100, which is a Shared AP or Relay STA, receives the Initial Control frame including the setting for the period for Multi-AP operation, and controls data transfer (e.g., Relay operation) or Multi-AP operation based on the received Initial Control frame. This allows the AP 100 to appropriately perform Multi-AP operation in addition to Relay operation even in TXOP sharing, thereby enabling integrated Relay and Multi-AP operation and improving system throughput.

[0028] Below, various embodiments relating to examples of methods for setting a period during which Multi-AP operation is performed will be described.

[0029] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a method is described for defining an ID (e.g., referred to as a "MAP ID") associated with multiple APs 100 (a combination of multiple APs 100) performing Multi-AP operation as information (e.g., also represented as an AID12 subfield) that identifies the destination of the frame (e.g., an AP or a non-AP STA) contained in an Initial Control frame (e.g., an RTS frame).

[0030] Fig. 4 shows an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operation when a MAP ID is defined in AID12 in an RTS frame, which is an example of an Initial Control frame. The control sequence shown in Fig. 4 is the same as the control sequence shown in Fig. 3, but in Fig. 4, a MAP ID is defined as an example of setting a period for performing Multi-AP operation.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the User Info field in the MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame as an example of an Initial Control frame. The User Info field of the MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame shown in FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of an "AID12 / MAP ID" field in which a MAP ID is defined for an undefined value in the AID12 subfield. While existing frames use the AID12 subfield, in this embodiment, an AID12 / MAP ID subfield may be defined in which some values ​​are defined as MAP IDs. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame (e.g., the User Info field) may include an AID12 / MAP ID subfield related to a MAP ID (identification information) associated with a combination of multiple APs 100 performing Multi-AP operation, and an Allocation Duration subfield related to the allocation duration.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows an example of a definition of the AID12 / MAP ID subfield. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, MAP IDs associated with multiple APs (combinations of APs) performing Multi-AP operation may be defined for the undefined values ​​"2008" and "2009" in the existing AID12 subfield. In the example of FIG. 6, MAP Combination 1 is defined for MAP ID=2008, and MAP Combination 2 is defined for MAP ID=2009. Note that the undefined values ​​for which MAP IDs are defined in the AID12 / MAP ID subfield are not limited to 2008 and 2009, and other undefined values ​​may also be used. Furthermore, the number of MAP IDs defined in the AID12 subfield may be one or may be three or more.

[0033] MAP Combination 1 and MAP Combination 2 shown in FIG. 6 may be defined as elements including, for example, "Number of MAP 1" and "Number of MAP 2" indicating the number of APs performing multi-AP operation, and the IDs of each of the multiple APs performing multi-AP operation, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0034] In the control sequence example shown in Figure 4, for example, the number of APs (e.g., Number of MAP 1) performing Multi-AP operation in MAP Combination 1 (MAP ID = 2008) is two, and the AP IDs may include the AID of AP1 and the AID of AP2.

[0035] For example, the allocation period indicated in Allocation Duration may be set for multi-AP operation by multiple APs 100 associated with the MAP ID. In the example of Fig. 4, AP1 and AP2 specified by AID12 / MAP ID=2008 shown in Fig. 5 determine that data transmission by multi-AP operation is possible during the period allocated by the Allocation Duration subfield shown in Fig. 5.

[0036] In this way, the AP 100 performing multi-AP operation is specified by the MAP ID associated with multiple APs 100 performing multi-AP operation, and the period for performing multi-AP operation is set by information regarding the allocation period (e.g., Allocation Duration subfield) notified along with the MAP ID.

[0037] For example, as shown in Fig. 6, AP 100 (e.g., AP2 in Fig. 4) may perform relay operation when the value of the AID12 / MAP ID subfield is any one of 1 to 2007, and may perform multi-AP operation when the value of the AID12 / MAP ID subfield is any one of 2008 or 2009. In this case, in either relay operation or multi-AP operation, AP 100 may determine the period for performing relay operation or multi-AP operation based on the value of the Allocation Duration subfield shown in Fig. 5.

[0038] In this way, in this embodiment, AID12 (here, AID12 / MAP ID) included in the Initial Control frame defines a MAP ID indicating the ID associated with multiple APs 100 performing Multi-AP operation, so that AP 100 determines whether to perform Relay operation or Multi-AP operation based on the value of the AID12 / MAP ID subfield, and if Multi-AP operation is to be performed, the allocation duration specified by the Initial Control frame can be set to the period during which Multi-AP operation will be performed.

[0039] As a result, according to this embodiment, integrated operation of Relay and Multi-AP becomes possible, and throughput can be improved.

[0040] The MAP ID indicates the group ID (ID indicating the combination) of multiple APs 100 performing Multi-AP operation, but is not limited to this and may be defined as the following IDs: AP ID of the Sharing AP (for example, Basic Service Set (BSS) color, BSSID, etc.) Combination of information including the AP ID of the Sharing AP, the AID of the destination STA, and the traffic identifier (TID) performing JT Session ID set when setting up JT (for example, an ID linked to information including the AP ID of the Sharing AP, the AID of the destination STA, and the TID performing JT) Combination of the IDs of the APs participating in Multi-AP, and the AID and TID of the destination STA

[0041] In addition, AP 100 may explicitly specify the AP to be the TXOP holder among multiple APs specifying Multi-AP operation, for example, by using an index number or the like, or may specify it by a predetermined index (for example, the first index, etc.).

[0042] The above-mentioned MAP Combination elements may be set in advance by a Management frame or an Action frame, or may be defined in an Initial Control frame (for example, a Common Info field in an MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame), or may be defined by extending a Reverse Direction Grant (RDG). These settings may also be performed by notification or Request / Response negotiation, for example.

[0043] Furthermore, the Shared AP (AP2 in the example of FIG. 4) may have the details of the Multi-AP operation (e.g., the MAP scheme, the association of access rules during the MAP operation, etc.) set in advance by a Setup frame for the Multi-AP, or may be instructed by a Trigger frame for the Multi-AP (e.g., a MAP Trigger frame). The Shared AP may determine the detailed operation from the MAP ID, for example, based on the details of the Multi-AP operation that are set or instructed.

[0044] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a field (for example, referred to as a "MAP Allocation Duration" subfield) relating to a period during which multi-AP operation is performed (or an allocation period during which multi-AP operation is possible) is defined.

[0045] Fig. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the User Info field in the MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame as an example of an Initial Control frame. In the User Info field in the MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame shown in Fig. 8, an allocation period (MAP Allocation Duration) subfield in which Multi-AP operation is possible is defined in an undefined area (e.g., the Reserved field shown in Fig. 5) in the User Info field in the existing MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame. Note that the area and size in which the MAP Allocation Duration subfield is defined are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 8.

[0046] 9 shows an example of a control sequence for relay operation. As shown in FIG. 9, AP2 performs relay operation when the value of the MAP Allocation Duration subfield included in the RTS frame (e.g., MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame) transmitted from AP1 is invalid (e.g., 0). The relay operation may be the same as the operation shown in FIG. 2 above, for example. AP2 may identify the period during which relay operation is possible based on the value of the Allocation Duration subfield, for example.

[0047] Fig. 10 shows an example of a control sequence for multi-AP operation. As shown in Fig. 10, AP2 performs multi-AP operation when the value of MAP Allocation Duration included in an RTS frame (e.g., MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame) transmitted from AP1 is valid (e.g., a value other than 0). The multi-AP operation may be similar to the operation shown in Fig. 3 above, for example. AP1 and AP2 may identify a period during which multi-AP operation is possible based on the value of the MAP Allocation Duration subfield, for example.

[0048] The period during which multi-AP operation is possible may be set to the same period as the period specified by Allocation Duration. In this case, a flag (0 or 1) indicating whether multi-AP operation is possible may be defined in MAP Allocation Duration. For example, if the flag indicated in MAP Allocation Duration indicates that multi-AP operation is possible (for example, if it is "1"), AP 100 may perform multi-AP operation during the period specified by Allocation Duration. On the other hand, for example, if the flag indicated in MAP Allocation Duration indicates that multi-AP operation is not possible (for example, if it is "0"), AP 100 may perform relay operation during the period specified by Allocation Duration.

[0049] 10 illustrates the case where the period specified by the MAP Allocation Duration is the same as the period specified by the Allocation Duration, but this is not limiting. For example, the period specified by the MAP Allocation Duration may be defined as part of the period specified by the Allocation Duration, and may be set as TXOP≧Allocation Duration≧MAP Allocation Duration.

[0050] The start timing of the period specified by the MAP Allocation Duration may be, for example, immediately after an Ack / BA from AP2 (Shared AP) to AP1 (Sharing AP). Note that the start timing of the period specified by the MAP Allocation Duration is not limited to this and may be other timing.

[0051] In this way, in this embodiment, by defining a MAP Allocation Duration subfield for the period during which multi-AP operation is performed (e.g., the allocation period during which multi-AP operation is possible) included in the initial control frame, AP100 determines whether to perform relay operation or multi-AP operation based on the value of the MAP Allocation Duration subfield, and if multi-AP operation is to be performed, the allocation period (MAP Allocation Duration) specified by the initial control frame can be set to the period during which multi-AP operation is performed.

[0052] As a result, according to this embodiment, integrated operation of Relay and Multi-AP becomes possible, and throughput can be improved.

[0053] In this embodiment, when Multi-AP operation is performed, the Allocation Duration subfield may not be used, may be used to notify parameters related to Relay operation, or may be used to notify parameters related to operation other than Relay operation.

[0054] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a mode capable of multi-AP operation is defined in a TXOP sharing mode (for example, Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode).

[0055] 11 and 12 show examples of the definition of the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode. Note that the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode subfield may be included in, for example, the MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame (for example, the Common Info field).

[0056] In the existing Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode, subfield values ​​"0" to "2" corresponding to modes in which transmission (e.g., data transfer or relay operation) from a STA (e.g., including a Relay STA) is possible in TXOP sharing. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, a subfield value "3" corresponding to a mode in which transmission from multiple APs 100 (e.g., Multi-AP operation) is newly defined in the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode.

[0057] The AP 100 performs either a relay operation (for example, data transfer) or a multi-AP operation, depending on the value of the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode subfield, for example.

[0058] Figure 13 shows an example of a control sequence for relay operation. As shown in Figure 13, when Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode is "2", AP2, which is a relay STA, determines that relay operation is possible and performs relay operation. Note that the relay operation may be the same as the operation in Figure 2, for example.

[0059] 14 shows an example of a control sequence during multi-AP operation. As shown in FIG. 14, when the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode is "3", multiple APs 100 including AP2, which is a shared AP, and AP1, which is a sharing AP, determine that multi-AP operation is possible and perform multi-AP operation. Note that the multi-AP operation may be the same as the operation in FIG. 3, for example.

[0060] In this way, in this embodiment, by defining a mode in which Multi-AP operation is possible in the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode included in the Initial Control frame, AP100 determines whether to perform Relay operation or Multi-AP operation depending on the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode, and if Multi-AP operation is to be performed, it can set the period specified by the Initial Control frame (for example, the period set in accordance with the TXOP sharing rules) as the period for performing Multi-AP operation.

[0061] As a result, according to this embodiment, integrated operation of Relay and Multi-AP becomes possible, and throughput can be improved.

[0062] Fourth Embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a period for performing Multi-AP operation is set using a Joint Transmission Announcement (JTA) frame, which is one of the Initial Control frames.

[0063] FIG. 15 shows an example of a control sequence for Multi-AP operation using a JTA frame.

[0064] 15, AP1 transmits a JTA frame to AP2. AP2 transmits a CTS frame to AP1 in response to the JTA frame. Note that the JTA frame transmitted from AP1 may be transmitted not only to AP2 but also to other STAs such as non-AP STAs (e.g., non-AP STA2 in FIG. 1), and AP1 may receive a CTS frame from each STA in response (not shown).

[0065] After receiving the CTS frame, AP1 transmits data intended for a non-AP STA (e.g., non-AP STA2 in FIG. 1 ) to AP2 (Relay STA). After receiving the data, AP2 returns a JT Trigger frame to AP1. This JT Trigger frame may also function as an Ack / BA for data from AP1 (e.g., backhaul traffic transmission). AP1 receives a JT Trigger frame (e.g., a frame that triggers multi-AP operation) from AP2 in response to the data transmitted to AP2.

[0066] In addition, AP1 may transmit information granting the right to trigger Multi-AP to AP2 (such as a Shared AP or a Relay STA). The information granting the right to trigger Multi-AP may be included in, for example, a JTA frame or another frame.

[0067] Multiple APs (e.g., AP1 and AP2) performing multi-AP operation (e.g., JT) hold TXOP and can transmit data at SIFS intervals. Non-AP STAs receive data transmitted from AP1 and AP2 and return Ack / BlockAck to AP1 and AP2.

[0068] Here, the JTA frame may include, for example, information (elements) relating to setting a period during which multi-AP operation is performed. This element enables AP1 and AP2 to transmit data cooperatively through multi-AP operation after AP2 receives data and transmits a JT Trigger frame to AP1 or a non-AP STA. As an element for setting the period during which multi-AP operation is performed, for example, any of the MAP ID described in the first embodiment, the MAP Allocation Duration described in the second embodiment, and the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode that enables multi-AP operation described in the third embodiment may be applied.

[0069] In this way, by using the JTA frame as an Initial Control frame (e.g., control information) that sets the period for performing Multi-AP operation, AP 100 can determine whether to perform Relay operation or Multi-AP operation based on the JTA frame and set the period for performing Multi-AP operation.

[0070] As a result, according to this embodiment, integrated operation of Relay and Multi-AP becomes possible, and throughput can be improved.

[0071] The method of using the JTA frame is not limited to the method shown in FIG.

[0072] 16 shows an example of a control sequence during Multi-AP operation in which a JTA frame and data (e.g., data between APs) are multiplexed. The control sequence example shown in FIG. 16 differs from the control sequence example shown in FIG. 15 in that when AP1 transmits data intended for a non-AP STA to AP2 (Relay STA), the JTA frame and data are multiplexed and transmitted. Note that, as shown in FIG. 16, the exchange of an RTS frame and a CTS frame prior to the multiplexing of the JTA frame and data may not be necessary. For example, AP1 may acquire a TXOP when transmitting the JTA frame and data.

[0073] 17 shows another example of a control sequence for multi-AP operation using a JTA frame and a JT trigger. The control sequence example shown in FIG. 17 differs from the control sequence example shown in FIG. 16 in that a JT trigger frame is transmitted from AP1 to AP2 (a relay STA) or a non-AP STA (e.g., non-AP STA2 in FIG. 1 ) separately from an Ack / BA response to data transmission from AP1 to AP2. AP1 transmits relay transmission data (data intended for a non-AP STA) to AP2, and after receiving an Ack / BA from AP2, may transmit a frame (e.g., a JT trigger frame (a frame that triggers multi-AP operation)) that grants transmission resources (or transmission rights) to AP2.

[0074] Regarding the JT Trigger frame transmitted from AP1 (Sharing AP) or AP2 (Relay STA / Shared AP), if the same data is transmitted from each AP 100, such as in Coherent JT or Non-Coherent JT, the non-AP STA does not need to receive the JT Trigger frame. On the other hand, if different streams are transmitted from each AP 100, such as in D-MIMO, and advance notification is required, the non-AP STA may receive the JT Trigger frame (including, for example, information about the stream).

[0075] Furthermore, when AP1 transfers multiple streams of data to AP2 (Relay STA), the data may be transmitted with precoding information included therein, or the precoding information may be included in the JT Trigger frame. Alternatively, the data to be transferred may be data that is multiplied by precoding and then transmitted from each antenna.

[0076] Fifth Embodiment In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a period for performing Multi-AP operation is set using an Initial Control frame. Note that the Initial Control frame may be, for example, an MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame, a JTA frame, or another frame.

[0077] FIG. 18 shows an example of a connection between an AP (for example, AP 100) and a non-AP STA (for example, terminal 200).

[0078] In the example of Figure 18, AP1 and AP2 are connected to non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA2, respectively. For example, non-AP STA1 is connected to AP1 with AP2 as a Relay STA. For example, it is assumed that non-AP STA2 communicates with AP1, which is a Sharing AP that controls the Multi-AP operation, and AP2, which is a Shared AP that operates in cooperation with the Sharing AP, in a Multi-AP operation. Here, the MAP scheme is assumed to be a scheme (e.g., C-SR) in which each AP transmits different data, which is different from JT and D-MIMO.

[0079] FIG. 19 shows an example of a control sequence for relay and multi-AP operations using an initial control frame.

[0080] 19 , AP1 transmits an Initial Control frame to AP2. AP2 transmits a CTS frame to AP1 in response to the Initial Control frame. Note that the Initial Control frame transmitted from AP1 may be transmitted to other STAs, such as non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA2, in addition to AP2, and AP1 may receive a CTS frame from each STA in response (not shown).

[0081] After receiving the CTS frame, AP1 transmits data intended for non-AP STA1 to AP2 (Relay STA). After receiving the data intended for non-AP STA1, AP2 returns a MAP Trigger frame to AP1. This MAP Trigger frame may also function as an Ack / BA for data from AP1 (e.g., backhaul traffic transmission). AP1 receives a MAP Trigger frame (e.g., a frame that triggers multi-AP operation) from AP2 in response to the data transmitted to AP2.

[0082] In addition, regarding the MAP Trigger frame transmitted from AP2 (Shared AP and Relay STA), if different data is transmitted from each AP, such as C-SR, and advance notification is required, non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA2 may also receive the MAP Trigger frame.

[0083] In addition, AP1 may transmit information granting the right to trigger Multi-AP to AP2 (Shared AP and Relay STA). The information granting the right to trigger Multi-AP may be included in, for example, an Initial Control frame or another frame.

[0084] Multiple APs (e.g., AP1 and AP2) performing multi-AP operation (e.g., C-SR) hold TXOPs and are able to transmit data at SIFS intervals. For example, as shown in FIG. 19 , AP1 transmits data to non-AP STA2, and AP2 transmits data to non-AP STA1. Non-AP STA1 and non-AP STA2 receive the data transmitted from AP1 and AP2 and return Ack / BA to AP1 or AP2. Thus, in the example of FIG. 19 , relay operation and multi-AP (e.g., C-SR) operation are performed from AP1 to non-AP STA1, and multi-AP (e.g., C-SR) operation is performed from AP1 to non-AP STA2.

[0085] Here, the Initial Control frame may include, for example, information (elements) related to setting a period during which Multi-AP operation is performed. This element enables AP1 and AP2 to transmit data cooperatively through Multi-AP operation after AP2 receives data and transmits a MAP Trigger frame to AP1 or a non-AP STA (e.g., non-AP STA1, non-AP STA2). As an element for setting the period during which Multi-AP operation is performed, for example, any of the MAP ID described in the first embodiment, the MAP Allocation Duration described in the second embodiment, and the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode that enables Multi-AP operation described in the third embodiment may be applied.

[0086] In this way, by setting the period for multi-AP operation using the initial control frame, AP 100 can determine whether to perform relay operation or multi-AP operation based on the initial control frame and set the period for multi-AP operation.

[0087] As a result, according to this embodiment, integrated operation of Relay and Multi-AP becomes possible, and throughput can be improved.

[0088] The method of using the Initial Control frame is not limited to the method shown in FIG.

[0089] For example, similar to Fig. 16, when AP1 transmits data for non-AP STAs to AP2 (Relay STA), the initial control frame and the data may be multiplexed and transmitted. In this case, before the multiplexing of the initial control frame and the data, for example, exchange of an RTS frame and a CTS frame may not be necessary. For example, AP1 may acquire a TXOP when transmitting the initial control frame and the data.

[0090] 17 , for example, AP1 may transmit a MAP Trigger frame directed to AP2 (Relay STA) or a non-AP STA, separately from the Ack / BA response to the data transmission from AP1 to AP2. AP1 may transmit relay transmission data to AP2, and after receiving the Ack / BA from AP2, transmit a frame (for example, a MAP Trigger frame (a frame that triggers multi-AP operation)) that grants a transmission resource (or a transmission right) to AP2.

[0091] The above-described embodiments may be used in combination as appropriate, or may be used by switching between them.

[0092] [Configuration Examples of AP 100 and STA 200] Configuration examples of the AP 100 and the STA 200 according to the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0093] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the AP 100.

[0094] For example, in the AP 100, which is a sharing AP, a control unit (e.g., corresponding to a control circuit) sets a period for performing multi-AP operation in a TXOP for data transfer to other APs (e.g., relay operation) and multi-AP operation with other APs. A communication unit (e.g., corresponding to a communication circuit) transmits control information (e.g., an initial control frame) including the setting of the period for performing multi-AP operation.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, in the AP 100 that is a Shared AP or a Relay STA, a communication unit (e.g., a communication circuit) receives control information (e.g., an Initial Control frame) including a setting of a period for performing Multi-AP operation in a TXOP that performs data transfer (e.g., Relay operation) from another AP and Multi-AP operation with another AP. A control unit (e.g., corresponding to a control circuit) controls the data transfer or Multi-AP operation based on the received control information.

[0096] For example, the setting of the period for performing Multi-AP operation may be the setting of the MAP ID shown in embodiment 1, the setting of the MAP Allocation Duration shown in embodiment 2, or the setting of the Triggered TXOP Sharing Mode that enables Multi-AP operation shown in embodiment 3. Furthermore, the control information (Initial Control frame) may be, for example, an MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame, a JTA frame, or another Initial Control frame.

[0097] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the STA 200. In the STA 200 shown in Fig. 21, a communication unit (e.g., corresponding to a communication circuit) receives control information (e.g., an MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame, a JTA frame, or an Initial Control frame) or data from the AP 100. The communication unit also transmits an Ack / BA to the AP 100 in response to a signal (e.g., control information or data) received from the AP 100. A control unit (e.g., a control circuit) performs control related to relay operation or multi-AP operation, for example, based on the received control information.

[0098] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0099] In the above-described embodiments, the notation "... part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuit," "... assembly," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0100] The interface names (frame names), field names, or subfield names described in the above-described embodiments may be other names.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] Furthermore, in recent years, in the field of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, CPS (Cyber ​​Physical Systems) has been attracting attention as a new concept that creates new added value by linking information between physical space and cyberspace. This CPS concept can also be adopted in the above-described embodiment.

[0113] That is, as a basic configuration of a CPS, for example, an edge server located in physical space and a cloud server located in cyberspace can be connected via a network, and processing can be distributed and performed by processors installed on both servers. Here, it is preferable that each piece of processing data generated in the edge server or cloud server is generated on a standardized platform, and the use of such a standardized platform can improve the efficiency of building a system that includes a variety of sensor groups and IoT application software.

[0114] An access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control circuit that sets a period for cooperative communication during a transmission opportunity for data transfer to another access point and cooperative communication with the other access point, and a communication circuit that transmits control information including a setting for the period for cooperative communication.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control information includes a field related to identification information associated with a combination of multiple access points performing the cooperative communication, and a field related to an allocation period, and the allocation period is set for the cooperative communication by the multiple access points associated with the identification information.

[0116] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control information includes a field related to a period during which the cooperative communication is performed.

[0117] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control circuit performs the data transfer operation if the value of the field is invalid.

[0118] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control information includes a field related to a mode of sharing the transmission opportunity, the mode including a mode corresponding to the data transfer and a mode corresponding to the cooperative communication, and the control circuit performs either the data transfer operation or the cooperative communication operation depending on the value of the field related to the mode.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control information is an Initial Control frame.

[0120] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Initial Control frame is an MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame or a Joint Transmission Announcement (JTA) frame.

[0121] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Initial Control frame is multiplexed with data between access points.

[0122] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the Initial Control frame includes information granting the other access points the right to trigger the cooperative communication.

[0123] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication circuit receives a frame that triggers the cooperative communication from the other access point in response to data transmitted to the other access point.

[0124] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication circuit transmits a frame that triggers the cooperative communication to the other access point after receiving a response to data transmitted to the other access point.

[0125] An access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication circuit that receives control information including a setting of a period for performing the cooperative communication during a transmission opportunity for data transfer from another access point and cooperative communication with the other access point, and a control circuit that controls the data transfer or the cooperative communication based on the control information.

[0126] In a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an access point, during a transmission opportunity for transferring data to another access point and for performing cooperative communication with the other access point, sets a period for the cooperative communication and transmits control information including the setting of the period for the cooperative communication.

[0127] In a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an access point receives control information including a setting of a period for performing the cooperative communication during a transmission opportunity for data transfer from another access point and cooperative communication with the other access point, and controls the data transfer or the cooperative communication based on the control information.

[0128] The disclosures of the specification, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-021383, filed February 15, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0129] One embodiment of the present disclosure is useful in wireless communication systems.

[0130] 100 Access point 200 Terminal (STA)

Claims

1. An access point comprising: a control circuit that sets a period for cooperative communication during a transmission opportunity for data transfer to another access point and cooperative communication with the other access point; and a communication circuit that transmits control information including the setting of the period for cooperative communication.

2. The access point described in claim 1, wherein the control information includes a field related to identification information associated with a combination of multiple access points performing the cooperative communication and a field related to an allocation period, and the allocation period is set for the cooperative communication by the multiple access points associated with the identification information.

3. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the control information includes a field related to a period during which the cooperative communication is performed.

4. The access point according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit performs the data transfer operation when the value of the field is invalid.

5. The access point of claim 1, wherein the control information includes a field related to a mode of sharing the transmission opportunity, the mode including a mode corresponding to the data transfer and a mode corresponding to the cooperative communication, and the control circuit performs either the data transfer operation or the cooperative communication operation depending on the value of the field related to the mode.

6. The access point according to claim 1, wherein the control information is an Initial Control frame.

7. The access point according to claim 6, wherein the Initial Control frame is an MU-RTS TXS Trigger frame or a Joint Transmission Announcement (JTA) frame.

8. The access point according to claim 6, wherein the initial control frame is multiplexed with data between access points.

9. The access point according to claim 6, wherein the initial control frame includes information granting the other access points the right to trigger the cooperative communication.

10. The access point according to claim 6, wherein the communication circuit receives a frame that triggers the cooperative communication from the other access point in response to data transmitted to the other access point.

11. The access point according to claim 6, wherein the communication circuit transmits a frame that triggers the cooperative communication to the other access point after receiving a response to data transmitted to the other access point.

12. An access point comprising: a communication circuit that receives control information including a setting of a period for performing data transfer from another access point and cooperative communication with the other access point during a transmission opportunity; and a control circuit that controls the data transfer or the cooperative communication based on the control information.

13. A communication method, in which an access point, at a transmission opportunity for data transfer to another access point and cooperative communication with the other access point, sets a period for the cooperative communication, and transmits control information including the setting of the period for the cooperative communication.

14. A communication method in which an access point receives control information including a setting of a period for performing cooperative communication with another access point during a transmission opportunity for data transfer from the other access point and cooperative communication with the other access point, and controls the data transfer or the cooperative communication based on the control information.

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