Design of control frame for flexible power saving in wireless LAN system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a design of a control frame for dynamic power saving (DPS) in a wireless LAN system. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method performed by a first station (STA) operating in a wireless LAN system comprises the steps of: activating a DPS mode; on the basis of an operation parameter for a listening state in the listening state of the DPS mode, receiving, from a second STA, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a switching time between the listening state and a frame exchange state of the DPS mode; switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the switching time on the basis of the reception of the ICF; transmitting, after switching to the frame exchange state, an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF to the second STA; and receiving data from the second STA on the basis of an operation parameter for the frame exchange state in the frame exchange state.

Description

Design of a control frame for dynamic power savings in wireless LAN systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the design of a control frame for dynamic power saving (DPS) in a wireless LAN system.

[0002] Next-generation Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11be and / or later) aims to support ultra-high reliability when transmitting signals to STAs. To this end, various technologies are being considered to support high throughput, low latency, and extended range. For example, dynamic power saving (DPS) can be applied to conserve power in APs / STAs. Control frames for DPS need to be designed.

[0003] The present disclosure provides a method and device for designing a control frame for DPS in a wireless LAN system.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a first STA (station) configured to operate in a wireless LAN system includes: activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; receiving, from a second STA, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between a listening state and a frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operating parameter for the listening state in a listening state of the DPS mode; transitioning from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the transition time based on receiving the ICF; transmitting, after transitioning to the frame exchange state, an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF to the second STA; and receiving, from the second STA in the frame exchange state, data based on the operating parameter for the frame exchange state.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a second STA (station) configured to operate in a wireless LAN system includes the steps of: transmitting, to a first STA in a listening state of a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and a frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operating parameter for the listening state, wherein the first STA is configured to transition from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the transition time based on receiving the ICF; receiving, from the first STA in the frame exchange state, an initial control response frame (ICR) to the ICF; and transmitting data to the first STA based on the operating parameter for the frame exchange state.

[0006] In various embodiments, devices for implementing the above-described methods are provided.

[0007] The present disclosure may have various advantageous effects.

[0008] For example, if a control frame for DPS operation is appropriately designed, the DPS operation can be performed effectively / efficiently.

[0009] The beneficial effects that can be achieved through specific embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the beneficial effects listed above. For example, various technical effects may be understood and / or derived from the present disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specific effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but may include various effects that can be understood or derived from the technical features of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a transmitting device and / or a receiving device of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a general link setup process.

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of multi-link (ML).

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a modified example of a transmitting device and / or a receiving device of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a PPDU (physical protocol data unit or physical layer (PHY) protocol data unit) transmitted / received by an STA of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 shows the operation according to UL-MU.

[0017] Figure 8 shows an example of a header of a MAC frame.

[0018] Figure 9 shows an example of EMLSR operation.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a method performed by a first STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a method performed by a second STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of DPS operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an MU-RTS TF variant format for indicating an operating bandwidth according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an MU-RTS TF variant format for indicating DPS-MCS according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a common information field format of an MU-RTS trigger frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a user information field format of an MU-RTS trigger frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a DPS user information field format according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a DPS operation utilizing MU-RTS TF as an ICF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a BSRP TF format for indicating DPS capability / operation parameters according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a BSRP TF including one or more user information fields to include DPS operating parameters / capability information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a DPS operation utilizing BSRP TF as an ICF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 22 illustrates a first example of a multi-TID BAR frame format including DPS capability information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 23 illustrates a second example of a multi-TID BAR frame format including DPS capability information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 24 illustrates a third example of a multi-TID BAR frame format including DPS capability information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a DPS operation utilizing a BAR frame as an ICF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] In this disclosure, “A or B” can mean “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.” In other words, “A or B” in this disclosure can be interpreted as “A and / or B.” For example, “A, B or C” in this disclosure can mean “only A,” “only B,” “only C,” or “any combination of A, B, and C.”

[0036] As used herein, a slash ( / ) or a comma can mean "and / or." For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B." Accordingly, "A / B" can mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C."

[0037] In the present disclosure, “at least one of A and B” may mean “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.” Additionally, in the present disclosure, the expressions “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of A and / or B” may be interpreted identically to “at least one of A and B.”

[0038] In addition, parentheses used in the present disclosure may mean “for example.” Specifically, when “control information (UHR-Signal field)” is indicated, the “UHR-Signal field” may be suggested as an example of “control information.” In other words, the “control information” of the present disclosure is not limited to the “UHR-Signal field,” and the “UHR-Signal field” may be suggested as an example of “control information.” In addition, even when indicated as “control information (UHR-Signal field),” the “UHR-Signal field” may be suggested as an example of “control information.”

[0039] Additionally, as used herein, “a / an” can mean “at least one” or “one or more.” Additionally, terms ending in “(s)” can mean “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0040] Additionally, the expressions “based on” or “on the basis of” or “according to” used in this disclosure mean “based at least in part on” and do not mean “based solely on.”

[0041] Technical features individually described in one drawing in this disclosure may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0042] The following examples of the present disclosure can be applied to various wireless communication systems. For example, the following examples of the present disclosure can be applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN) system. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to the IEEE 802.11a / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn standards. Furthermore, the examples of the present disclosure can be applied to the Ultra High Reliability (UHR) standard or a next-generation wireless LAN standard that enhances IEEE 802.11bn. Furthermore, the examples of the present disclosure can be applied to a mobile communication system. For example, the examples of the present disclosure can be applied to a mobile communication system based on the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard and its evolution based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard.

[0043] In order to explain the technical features of the present disclosure, technical features to which the present disclosure can be applied are described below.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a transmitting device and / or a receiving device of the present disclosure.

[0045] An example of FIG. 1 can perform various technical features described below. FIG. 1 relates to at least one STA (station). For example, the STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure may also be referred to by various names such as a mobile terminal, a wireless device, a Wireless Transmit / Receive Unit (WTRU), a User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Station (MS), a Mobile Subscriber Unit, or simply a user. The STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure may also be referred to by various names such as a network, a base station, a Node-B, an access point (AP), a repeater, a router, a relay, etc. The STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure may also be referred to by various names such as a receiving apparatus, a transmitting apparatus, a receiving STA, a transmitting STA, a receiving device, a transmitting device, etc.

[0046] For example, STA (110, 120) may perform the role of an AP (access point) or a non-AP role. That is, STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure may perform the functions of an AP and / or a non-AP. In the present disclosure, an AP may also be indicated as an AP STA.

[0047] The STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure can support various communication standards other than the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, it can support communication standards according to the 3GPP standard (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR standard). In addition, the STA of the present disclosure can be implemented in various devices such as a mobile phone, a vehicle, a personal computer, etc. In addition, the STA of the present disclosure can support communication for various communication services such as voice calls, video calls, data communications, and autonomous driving (Self-Driving, Autonomous-Driving).

[0048] In the present disclosure, STA (110, 120) may include a medium access control (MAC) and a physical layer interface for a wireless medium that follow the provisions of the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0049] Based on the sub-drawing (a) of Fig. 1, STA (110, 120) is described as follows.

[0050] The first STA (110) may include a processor (111), a memory (112), and a transceiver (113). The illustrated processor, memory, and transceiver may each be implemented as separate chips, or at least two blocks / functions may be implemented through a single chip.

[0051] The transceiver (113) of the first STA performs signal transmission and reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit and receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be, etc.).

[0052] For example, the first STA (110) can perform the intended operation of the AP. For example, the processor (111) of the AP can receive a signal through the transceiver (113), process the received signal, generate a transmission signal, and perform control for signal transmission. The memory (112) of the AP can store a signal received through the transceiver (113) (i.e., a reception signal) and store a signal to be transmitted through the transceiver (i.e., a transmission signal).

[0053] For example, the second STA (120) can perform the intended operation of a non-AP STA. For example, the transceiver (123) of the non-AP performs signal transmission and reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit and receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be, etc.).

[0054] For example, the processor (121) of the Non-AP STA can receive a signal through the transceiver (123), process the received signal, generate a transmission signal, and perform control for signal transmission. The memory (122) of the Non-AP STA can store a signal received through the transceiver (123) (i.e., a reception signal) and store a signal to be transmitted through the transceiver (i.e., a transmission signal).

[0055] For example, in the specification below, the operation of a device indicated as AP may be performed in the first STA (110) or the second STA (120). For example, if the first STA (110) is an AP, the operation of the device indicated as AP may be controlled by the processor (111) of the first STA (110), and a related signal may be transmitted or received through a transceiver (113) controlled by the processor (111) of the first STA (110). In addition, control information related to the operation of the AP or a transmission / reception signal of the AP may be stored in the memory (112) of the first STA (110). In addition, when the second STA (110) is an AP, the operation of the device indicated as an AP is controlled by the processor (121) of the second STA (120), and a related signal can be transmitted or received through a transceiver (123) controlled by the processor (121) of the second STA (120). In addition, control information related to the operation of the AP or the transmission / reception signal of the AP can be stored in the memory (122) of the second STA (110).

[0056] For example, in the specification below, the operation of a device indicated as a non-AP (or User-STA) may be performed in the STA (110) or the second STA (120). For example, if the second STA (120) is a non-AP, the operation of the device indicated as a non-AP may be controlled by the processor (121) of the second STA (120), and a related signal may be transmitted or received through a transceiver (123) controlled by the processor (121) of the second STA (120). In addition, control information related to the operation of the non-AP or the transmission / reception signal of the AP may be stored in the memory (122) of the second STA (120). For example, if the first STA (110) is a non-AP, the operation of a device indicated as a non-AP is controlled by the processor (111) of the first STA (110), and a related signal may be transmitted or received through a transceiver (113) controlled by the processor (111) of the first STA (120). In addition, control information related to the operation of the non-AP or the transmission / reception signal of the AP may be stored in the memory (112) of the first STA (110).

[0057] In the following specification, devices called (transmitting / receiving) STA, first STA, second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, first AP, second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmitting / receiving) Terminal, (transmitting / receiving) device, (transmitting / receiving) apparatus, network, etc. may refer to the STA (110, 120) of FIG. 1. For example, devices indicated as (transmitting / receiving) STA, first STA, second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, first AP, second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmitting / receiving) Terminal, (transmitting / receiving) device, (transmitting / receiving) apparatus, network, etc. without specific drawing symbols may also refer to the STA (110, 120) of FIG. 1. For example, in the example below, the operation of various STAs transmitting and receiving signals (e.g., PPPDU) may be performed by the transceiver (113, 123) of FIG. 1. In addition, in the example below, the operation of various STAs generating transmission and reception signals or performing data processing or calculations in advance for transmission and reception signals may be performed by the processor (111, 121) of FIG. 1.For example, an example of an operation for generating a transmission / reception signal or performing data processing or operation in advance for a transmission / reception signal may include 1) an operation for determining / obtaining / configuring / computing / decoding / encoding bit information of a subfield (SIG, STF, LTF, Data) field included in a PPDU, 2) an operation for determining / configuring / obtaining time resources or frequency resources (e.g., subcarrier resources) used for a subfield (SIG, STF, LTF, Data) field included in a PPDU, 3) an operation for determining / configuring / obtaining a specific sequence (e.g., a pilot sequence, an STF / LTF sequence, an extra sequence applied to SIG) used for a subfield (SIG, STF, LTF, Data) field included in a PPDU, 4) a power control operation and / or a power saving operation applied to an STA, 5) an operation related to determining / obtaining / configuring / computing / decoding / encoding an ACK signal, etc. Additionally, in the examples below, various information (e.g., information related to fields / subfields / control fields / parameters / power, etc.) used by various STAs for determining / acquiring / configuring / computing / decoding / encoding transmission / reception signals can be stored in the memory (112, 122) of FIG. 1.

[0058] The device / STA of the sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1 described above can be modified as in the sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure will be described based on the sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1.

[0059] For example, the transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1 may perform the same function as the transceiver illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1 described above. For example, the processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1 may include a processor (111, 121) and a memory (112, 122). The processor (111, 121) and the memory (112, 122) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1 may perform the same function as the processor (111, 121) and the memory (112, 122) illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1 described above.

[0060] The mobile terminal, wireless device, Wireless Transmit / Receive Unit (WTRU), User Equipment (UE), Mobile Station (MS), Mobile Subscriber Unit, user, user STA, network, Base Station, Node-B, Access Point (AP), repeater, router, relay, receiving device, transmitting device, receiving STA, transmitting STA, receiving Device, transmitting Device, receiving Apparatus, and / or transmitting Apparatus described below may refer to the STA (110, 120) illustrated in the sub-drawings (a) / (b) of FIG. 1, or may refer to the processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in the sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1. That is, the technical feature of the present disclosure may be performed in the STA (110, 120) illustrated in the sub-drawings (a) / (b) of FIG. 1, or may be performed only in the processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in the sub-drawings (b) of FIG. 1. For example, the technical feature that the transmitting STA transmits a control signal may be understood as a technical feature that the control signal generated in the processor (111, 121) illustrated in the sub-drawings (a) / (b) of FIG. 1 is transmitted through the transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in the sub-drawings (a) / (b) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the technical feature that the transmitting STA transmits a control signal may be understood as a technical feature that the control signal to be transmitted to the transceiver (113, 123) is generated in the processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in the sub-drawings (b) of FIG. 1.

[0061] For example, the technical feature of a receiving STA receiving a control signal can be understood as a technical feature of a control signal being received by a transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the technical feature of a receiving STA receiving a control signal can be understood as a technical feature of a control signal received by a transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1 being acquired by a processor (111, 121) illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the technical feature of a receiving STA receiving a control signal can be understood as a technical feature of a control signal received by a transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1 being acquired by a processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG.

[0062] Referring to the sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1, software code (115, 125) may be included in the memory (112, 122). The software code (115, 125) may include instructions that control the operation of the processor (111, 121). The software code (115, 125) may be included in various programming languages.

[0063] The processor (111, 121) or processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in FIG. 1 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), another chipset, a logic circuit, and / or a data processing device. The processor may be an application processor (AP). For example, the processor (111, 121) or processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in FIG. 1 may include at least one of a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a modem (modulator and demodulator). For example, the processor (111, 121) or processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in FIG. 1 may be a SNAPDRAGON® series processor manufactured by Qualcomm®, an EXYNOS® series processor manufactured by Samsung®, an A series processor manufactured by Apple®, a HELIO® series processor manufactured by MediaTek®, an ATOM® series processor manufactured by INTEL®, or an enhanced processor thereof.

[0064] In the present disclosure, uplink may mean a link for communication from a non-AP STA to an AP STA, and uplink PPDU / packet / signal, etc. may be transmitted through the uplink. In addition, in the present disclosure, downlink may mean a link for communication from an AP STA to a non-AP STA, and downlink PPDU / packet / signal, etc. may be transmitted through the downlink.

[0065] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0066] The upper part of Figure 2 shows the structure of the infrastructure BSS (basic service set) of IEEE (institute of electrical and electronic engineers) 802.11.

[0067] Referring to the top of FIG. 2, the wireless LAN system may include one or more infrastructure BSSs (200, 205) (hereinafter, BSS). The BSSs (200, 205) are a collection of APs and STAs, such as an access point (AP) 225 and a station (STA1, 200-1), that have successfully synchronized and can communicate with each other, and are not a concept that designates a specific area. The BSS (205) may also include one or more STAs (205-1, 205-2) that can be associated with one AP (230).

[0068] A BSS may include at least one STA, an AP (225, 230) providing a distribution service, and a distribution system (DS, 210) connecting multiple APs.

[0069] A distributed system (210) can connect multiple BSSs (200, 205) to implement an extended service set (ESS, 240). An ESS (240) can be used as a term to indicate a network formed by connecting one or more APs through the distributed system (210). APs included in a single ESS (240) can have the same SSID (service set identification).

[0070] The portal (portal, 220) can act as a bridge to connect a wireless LAN network (IEEE 802.11) to another network (e.g., 802.X).

[0071] In a BSS such as the upper part of Fig. 2, a network between APs (225, 230) and a network between APs (225, 230) and STAs (200-1, 205-1, 205-2) can be implemented. However, it may also be possible to establish a network and perform communication between STAs without an AP (225, 230). A network that establishes a network and performs communication between STAs without an AP (225, 230) is defined as an ad-hoc network or an independent basic service set (IBSS).

[0072] The bottom of Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing IBSS.

[0073] Referring to the bottom of Fig. 2, the IBSS is a BSS that operates in ad-hoc mode. Since the IBSS does not include an AP, there is no centralized management entity. That is, in the IBSS, the STAs (250-1, 250-2, 250-3, 255-4, 255-5) are managed in a distributed manner. In the IBSS, all STAs (250-1, 250-2, 250-3, 255-4, 255-5) can be mobile STAs, and access to the distributed system is not permitted, forming a self-contained network.

[0074] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a general link setup process.

[0075] In step S310, the STA may perform a network discovery operation. This network discovery operation may include scanning by the STA. That is, for the STA to access the network, it must find a network it can join. Before joining a wireless network, the STA must identify compatible networks. The process of identifying networks in a specific area is called scanning. Scanning methods include active scanning and passive scanning.

[0076] Figure 3 illustrates a network discovery operation that includes an active scanning process as an example. In active scanning, an STA performing scanning transmits a probe request frame to discover which APs exist in the vicinity while moving between channels and waits for a response. A responder transmits a probe response frame to the STA that transmitted the probe request frame in response to the probe request frame. Here, the responder may be the STA that last transmitted a beacon frame in the BSS of the channel being scanned. In a BSS, the AP transmits the beacon frame, so the AP becomes the responder. In an IBSS, the STAs within the IBSS take turns transmitting beacon frames, so the responder is not constant. For example, an STA that transmits a probe request frame on channel 1 and receives a probe response frame on channel 1 can store BSS-related information included in the received probe response frame and move to the next channel (e.g., channel 2) to perform scanning (i.e., transmitting and receiving probe requests / responses on channel 2) in the same manner.

[0077] Although not shown in the example of FIG. 3, the scanning operation can also be performed in a passive scanning manner. An STA performing scanning based on passive scanning can wait for a beacon frame while moving between channels. A beacon frame is one of the management frames in IEEE 802.11. It announces the presence of a wireless network and is periodically transmitted so that the scanning STA can find the wireless network and participate in the wireless network. In the BSS, the AP periodically transmits the beacon frame, and in the IBSS, the STAs within the IBSS take turns transmitting the beacon frame. When the scanning STA receives a beacon frame, it stores the information about the BSS included in the beacon frame and moves to another channel, recording the beacon frame information on each channel. An STA that receives a beacon frame can store the BSS-related information included in the received beacon frame, move to the next channel, and perform scanning on the next channel in the same manner.

[0078] An STA that discovers a network can perform an authentication process through step S320. This authentication process may be referred to as the first authentication process to clearly distinguish it from the security setup operation of step S340 described below. The authentication process of S320 may include a process in which the STA transmits an authentication request frame to the AP, and the AP responds by transmitting an authentication response frame to the STA. The authentication frame used for the authentication request / response corresponds to a management frame.

[0079] The authentication frame may include information such as an authentication algorithm number, an authentication transaction sequence number, a status code, a challenge text, a Robust Security Network (RSN), and a Finite Cyclic Group.

[0080] An STA can transmit an authentication request frame to an AP. The AP can determine whether to grant authentication to the STA based on the information contained in the received authentication request frame. The AP can provide the result of the authentication process to the STA via an authentication response frame.

[0081] A successfully authenticated STA may perform an association process based on step S330. The association process includes a process in which the STA transmits an association request frame to the AP, and the AP transmits an association response frame to the STA in response. For example, the association request frame may include information related to various capabilities, such as a beacon listen interval, a service set identifier (SSID), supported rates, supported channels, RSN, mobility domain, supported operating classes, a Traffic Indication Map Broadcast request, and interworking service capabilities. For example, the association response frame may contain information related to various capabilities, status codes, Association ID (AID), supported rates, Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameter sets, Received Channel Power Indicator (RCPI), Received Signal to Noise Indicator (RSNI), mobility domains, timeout interval (association comeback time), overlapping BSS scan parameters, TIM broadcast response, QoS maps, etc.

[0082] In step S340, the STA may perform a security setup process. The security setup process of step S340 may include, for example, a process of setting up a private key through a four-way handshaking using an Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) frame.

[0083] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a multi-link (ML).

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 4, multiple multi-link devices (MLDs) can communicate over a remote link. The MLDs can be categorized into AP MLDs including multiple AP STAs and non-AP MLDs including multiple non-AP STAs. That is, the AP MLD can include affiliated APs (i.e., AP STAs), and the non-AP MLD can include affiliated STAs (i.e., non-AP STAs, or user-STAs).

[0085] A multilink may include a first link and a second link, and different channels / subchannels / frequency resources may be allocated to the first and second links. The first and second multilinks may be identified through a link ID of 4 bits (or other n bits). The first and second links may be configured in the same 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz band. Alternatively, the first link and the second link may be configured in different bands.

[0086] The AP MLD of FIG. 4 includes three affiliated APs. In the example of FIG. 4, AP1 may operate in the 2.4 GHz band, AP2 may operate in the 5 GHz band, and AP3 may operate in the 6 GHz band. In the example of FIG. 4, the first link in which AP1 and non-AP1 operate may be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 2.4 GHz band. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 4, the second link in which AP2 and non-AP2 operate may be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 5 GHz band. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 4, the third link in which AP3 and non-AP3 operate may be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 6 GHz band.

[0087] In the example of FIG. 4, AP1 may initiate a multi-link setup procedure (ML setup procedure) by transmitting an Association Request frame to non-AP STA1. In the example of FIG. 4, non-AP STA1 may transmit an Association Response frame in response to the Association Request frame. Each AP (e.g., AP1 / 2 / 3) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be identical to the AP illustrated in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2, and each non-AP (e.g., non-AP1 / 2 / 3) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be identical to the STA (i.e., user-STA or non-AP STA) illustrated in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2.

[0088] The specific features of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific features of FIG. 4. That is, the number of links can be defined in various ways, and multiple links can be defined in various ways within at least one band.

[0089] FIG. 5 illustrates a modified example of a transmitting device and / or a receiving device of the present disclosure.

[0090] The devices (e.g., AP STA, non-AP STA) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be modified as illustrated in FIG. 5. The transceiver (530) of FIG. 5 may be identical to the transceivers (113, 123) of FIG. 1. The transceiver (530) of FIG. 5 may include a receiver and a transmitter.

[0091] The processor (510) of FIG. 5 may be identical to the processor (111, 121) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the processor (510) of FIG. 5 may be identical to the processing chip (114, 124) of FIG. 1.

[0092] The memory (150) of FIG. 5 may be the same as the memory (112, 122) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the memory (150) of FIG. 5 may be a separate external memory different from the memory (112, 122) of FIG. 1.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 5, a power management module (511) manages power to a processor (510) and / or a transceiver (530). A battery (512) supplies power to the power management module (511). A display (513) outputs results processed by the processor (510). A keypad (514) receives input to be used by the processor (510). The keypad (514) may be displayed on the display (513). A SIM card (515) may be an integrated circuit used to securely store an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and an associated key used to identify and authenticate a subscriber in a mobile phone device, such as a mobile phone or computer.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 5, the speaker (540) can output sound-related results processed by the processor (510). The microphone (541) can receive sound-related input to be used by the processor (510).

[0095] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a PPDU (physical protocol data unit or physical layer (PHY) protocol data unit) transmitted / received by an STA of the present disclosure.

[0096] The STA (e.g., AP STA, non-AP STA, AP MLD, non-AP MLD) of the present disclosure can transmit and / or receive the PPDU of FIG. 6. The PPDU described in the present disclosure may have, for example, the structure of FIG. 6. In addition, the PPDU described in the present disclosure may be called by various names such as a transmission PPDU, a reception PPDU, a first type PPDU, or an Nth type PPDU, etc. The PPDU described in the present disclosure can be used in a WLAN system defined according to IEEE 802.11bn and / or a next-generation WLAN system that improves upon IEEE 802.11bn.

[0097] The PPDU of FIG. 6 may be related to various PPDU types used in a UHR system. For example, the example of FIG. 6 may be used for at least one of a single-user (SU) mode / type / transmission, a multi-user (MU) mode / type / transmission, and a null data packet (NDP) mode / type / transmission related to channel sounding. For example, if the example of FIG. 6 is related to NDP, the Data field illustrated may be omitted. If the PPDU of FIG. 6 is used for a trigger-based (TB) mode, the UHR-SIG of FIG. 6 may be omitted. In other words, an STA that has received a trigger frame for UL-MU (Uplink-MU) communication may transmit a PPDU with the UHR-SIG omitted in the example of FIG. 6.

[0098] In FIG. 6, L-STF or UHR-LTF may be called a preamble or physical preamble, and may be generated / transmitted / received / acquired / decoded in the physical layer (included in the transmitting / receiving STA).

[0099] Each block illustrated in Fig. 6 may be called a field / subfield / signal, etc. The names of these fields / subfields / signals may be, as illustrated in Fig. 6, L-STF (legacy short training field), L-LTF (legacy long training field), L-SIG (legacy signal), RL-SIG (repeated L-SIG), U-SIG (Universal Signal), UHR-SIG (UHR-signal), etc.

[0100] The subcarrier spacing of the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields in FIG. 6 may be set to 312.5 kHz, and the subcarrier spacing of the UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, and Data fields may be set to 78.125 kHz. That is, the tone index (or subcarrier index) of the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields may be expressed in units of 312.5 kHz, and the tone index (or subcarrier index) of the UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, and Data fields may be expressed in units of 78.125 kHz.

[0101] In the PPDU of Fig. 6, L-LTF and L-STF may be identical to conventional fields (e.g., non-HT LTF and non-HT STF defined in conventional WLAN standards).

[0102] The L-SIG field of FIG. 6 may include, for example, 24 bits of bit information. For example, the 24 bits of information may include a 4 bit Rate field, a 1 bit Reserved bit, a 12 bit Length field, a 1 bit Parity bit, and a 6 bit Tail bit. For example, the 12 bit Length field may include information about the length or time duration of the PPDU. For example, the value of the 12 bit Length field may be determined based on the type of the PPDU. For example, if the PPDU is a non-HT (non-High Throughput), HT (High Throughput), VHT (Very High Throughput) PPDU, or an EHT (extremely high throughput) PPDU or UHR PPDU, the value of the Length field may be determined as a multiple of 3. For example, if the PPDU is a HE PPDU, the value of the Length field may be determined as "a multiple of 3 + 1" or "a multiple of 3 + 2". In other words, for non-HT, HT, VHT PPDU, EHT PPDU, UHR PPDU, the value of the Length field can be determined as a multiple of 3, and for HE (High-Efficiency) PPDU, the value of the Length field can be determined as "a multiple of 3 + 1" or "a multiple of 3 + 2". In other words, the Length field in an UHR PPDU is set to a value satisfying the condition that the remainder is zero when LENGTH is divided by 3.

[0103] For example, (non-AP and AP) STAs can apply BCC encoding based on a code rate of 1 / 2 to the 24 bits of information in the L-SIG field. Then, the transmitting STA can obtain 48 BCC coded bits. BPSK modulation can be applied to the 48 coded bits to generate 48 BPSK symbols. The transmitting STA can map the 48 BPSK symbols to positions excluding the pilot subcarriers {subcarrier index -21, -7, +7, +21} and the DC subcarrier {subcarrier index 0}. As a result, the 48 BPSK symbols can be mapped to subcarrier indices -26 to -22, -20 to -8, -6 to -1, +1 to +6, +8 to +20, and +22 to +26. The transmitting STA can additionally map the signal {-1, -1, -1, 1} to the subcarrier indices {-28, -27, +27, +28}. The above signal can be used for channel estimation for the frequency domain corresponding to {-28, -27, +27, +28}.

[0104] For example, (non-AP and AP) STA can generate RL-SIG, which is generated in the same manner as L-SIG. BPSK modulation can be applied to RL-SIG. Receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can determine whether the received PPDU is a HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, or UHR PPDU based on the presence of RL-SIG. In other words, if RL-SIG is present, receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can determine whether the received PPDU is one of HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, or UHR PPDU. In other words, if RL-SIG is not present, receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can determine whether the received PPDU is one of non-HT PPDU, HT PPDU, or VHT PPDU. In other words, the RL-SIG field is a repeat of the L-SIG field and is used to differentiate an UHR PPDU from a non-HT PPDU, HT PPDU, and VHT PPDU.

[0105] After the RL-SIG in Fig. 6, a U-SIG (Universal SIG) may be inserted. The U-SIG may be called by various names such as the first SIG field, the first SIG, the first type SIG, the control signal, the control signal field, the first (type) control signal, the common control field, and the common control signal.

[0106] A U-SIG can contain N bits of information and can include information for identifying the type of EHT PPDU. For example, a U-SIG can be formed based on two symbols (e.g., two consecutive OFDM symbols). Each symbol (e.g., an OFDM symbol) for a U-SIG can have a duration of 4 microseconds. Each symbol of a U-SIG can be used to transmit 26 bits of information. For example, each symbol of a U-SIG can be transmitted and received based on 52 data tones and 4 pilot tones.

[0107] For example, A bit information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) can be transmitted through U-SIG, and the first symbol of U-SIG can transmit the first X bits of information (e.g., 26 uncoded bits) out of the total A bit information, and the second symbol of U-SIG can transmit the remaining Y bits of information (e.g., 26 uncoded bits) out of the total A bit information. For example, the transmitting STA can obtain 26 uncoded bits included in each U-SIG symbol. The transmitting STA can perform convolutional encoding (i.e., BCC encoding) based on a rate of R=1 / 2 to generate 52 coded bits, and perform interleaving on the 52 coded bits. The transmitting STA can perform BPSK modulation on the interleaved 52 coded bits to generate 52 BPSK symbols allocated to each U-SIG symbol. A single U-SIG symbol can be transmitted based on 56 tones (subcarriers) from subcarrier index -28 to subcarrier index +28, excluding DC index 0. The 52 BPSK symbols generated by the transmitting STA can be transmitted based on the remaining tones (subcarriers) excluding the pilot tones -21, -7, +7, and +21.

[0108] For example, A bit information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) transmitted by U-SIG may include a CRC field (e.g., a 4-bit long field) and a tail field (e.g., a 6-bit long field). The CRC field and the tail field may be transmitted through the second symbol of the U-SIG. The CRC field may be generated based on 26 bits allocated to the first symbol of the U-SIG and the remaining 16 bits excluding the CRC / tail field within the second symbol, and may be generated based on a conventional CRC calculation algorithm. In addition, the tail field may be used to terminate the trellis of the convolutional decoder and may be set to, for example, "000000".

[0109] The A bit information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) transmitted by the U-SIG (or U-SIG field) can be divided into version-independent bits and version-dependent bits. For example, the size of the version-independent bits can be fixed or variable. For example, the version-independent bits can be assigned only to the first symbol of the U-SIG, or the version-independent bits can be assigned to both the first symbol and the second symbol of the U-SIG. For example, the version-independent bits and the version-dependent bits can be called by various names, such as the first control bit and the second control bit.

[0110] For example, the version-independent bits of the U-SIG may include a 3-bit PHY version identifier. For example, the 3-bit PHY version identifier may include information related to the PHY version of the transmitted and received PPDU. For example, a first value (e.g., a value of 000) of the 3-bit PHY version identifier may indicate that the transmitted and received PPDU is an EHT PPDU. In addition, a second value (e.g., a value of 001) of the 3-bit PHY version identifier may indicate that the transmitted and received PPDU is an UHR PPDU.

[0111] In other words, when the (AP / non-AP) STA transmits an EHT PPDU, it can set the 3-bit PHY version identifier to the first value. In other words, the receiving (AP / non-AP) STA can determine that the received PPDU is an EHT PPDU based on the PHY version identifier having the first value, and can determine that the received PPDU is an UHR PPDU based on the PHY version identifier having the second value.

[0112] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG may include a 1-bit UL / DL flag field. The first value of the 1-bit UL / DL flag field relates to UL communication, and the second value of the UL / DL flag field relates to DL communication.

[0113] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG may include information about the length of a transmission opportunity (TXOP) and information about the BSS color ID.

[0114] For example, if a UHR PPDU is classified into various types (e.g., a type related to SU transmission (performed based on UL or DL), a type related to DL transmission, a type related to NDP transmission, a type related to DL non-MU-MIMO, a type related to DL MU-MIMO, a type related to Multi-AP operation, a type related to CO-BF (Coordinated beamforming), SR (Spatial Reuse), a type related to C-OFDMA (Coordinated OFDMA), a type related to CO-TDMA (Coordinated TDMA)), information about the type of the EHT PPDU (e.g., 2-bit or 3-bit information) can be included in the version-dependent bits of the U-SIG.

[0115] For example, a U-SIG may include information about 1) a bandwidth field including information about a bandwidth, 2) a field including information about a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) technique applied to the UHR-SIG, 3) an indication field including information about whether a dual subcarrier modulation (DCM) technique is applied to the UHR-SIG, 4) a field including information about the number of symbols used for the UHR-SIG, 5) a field including information about whether the UHR-SIG is generated over the entire band, 6) a field including information about the type of UHR-LTF / STF, and 7) a field indicating the length of the UHR-LTF and the CP length.

[0116] Preamble puncturing may be applied to the PPDU of FIG. 6. Preamble puncturing refers to applying puncturing to a portion of the entire bandwidth of the PPDU (e.g., the secondary 20 MHz band). For example, when an 80 MHz PPDU is transmitted, the STA may apply puncturing to the secondary 20 MHz band within the 80 MHz band, and transmit the PPDU only through the primary 20 MHz band and the secondary 40 MHz band.

[0117] For example, the pattern of preamble puncturing can be preset. For example, when the first puncturing pattern is applied, puncturing can be applied only to the secondary 20 MHz band within the 80 MHz band. For example, when the second puncturing pattern is applied, puncturing can be applied only to one of the two secondary 20 MHz bands included in the secondary 40 MHz band within the 80 MHz band. For example, when the third puncturing pattern is applied, puncturing can be applied only to the secondary 20 MHz band included in the primary 80 MHz band within the 160 MHz band (or 80+80 MHz band). For example, when the fourth puncturing pattern is applied, a primary 40 MHz band included in the primary 80 MHz band within the 160 MHz band (or 80+80 MHz band) may be present, and puncturing may be applied to at least one 20 MHz channel that does not belong to the primary 40 MHz band.

[0118] Information regarding preamble puncturing applied to the PPDU may be included in the U-SIG and / or UHR-SIG. For example, the first field of the U-SIG may include information regarding the contiguous bandwidth of the PPDU, and the second field of the U-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing applied to the PPDU.

[0119] For example, U-SIG and UHR-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing based on the following method. If the bandwidth of the PPDU exceeds 80 MHz, the U-SIG may be individually configured in units of 80 MHz. For example, if the bandwidth of the PPDU is 160 MHz, the PPDU may include a first U-SIG for the first 80 MHz band and a second U-SIG for the second 80 MHz band. In this case, the first field of the first U-SIG may include information regarding the 160 MHz bandwidth, and the second field of the first U-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing applied to the first 80 MHz band (i.e., information regarding the preamble puncturing pattern). Additionally, the first field of the second U-SIG may include information about a 160 MHz bandwidth, and the second field of the second U-SIG may include information about preamble puncturing applied to the second 80 MHz band (i.e., information about a preamble puncturing pattern). Meanwhile, the UHR-SIG consecutive to the first U-SIG may include information about preamble puncturing applied to the second 80 MHz band (i.e., information about a preamble puncturing pattern), and the UHR-SIG consecutive to the second U-SIG may include information about preamble puncturing applied to the first 80 MHz band (i.e., information about a preamble puncturing pattern).

[0120] Additionally or alternatively, U-SIG and UHR-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing based on the following methods. U-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing for all bands (i.e., information regarding preamble puncturing patterns). That is, UHR-SIG may not include information regarding preamble puncturing, and only U-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing (i.e., information regarding preamble puncturing patterns).

[0121] U-SIGs can be configured in 20 MHz units. For example, if an 80 MHz PPDU is configured, U-SIGs can be duplicated. That is, four identical U-SIGs can be included within an 80 MHz PPDU. PPDUs exceeding the 80 MHz bandwidth can contain different U-SIGs.

[0122] The UHR-SIG of FIG. 6 may include control information for a receiving STA. The UHR-SIG may be transmitted via at least one symbol, and each symbol may have a length of 4 us. Information regarding the number of symbols used for the UHR-SIG may be included in the U-SIG.

[0123] UHR-SIG provides additional signals to the U-SIG field to enable STAs to interpret / decode UHR PPDUs. The UHR-SIG field may contain U-SIG overflow bits that are common to all users. The UHR-SIG field also contains resource allocation information, allowing STAs to look up resources used in fields containing data fields / UHR-STF / UHR-LTF (i.e., UHR modulated fields of an UHR PPDU).

[0124] The frequency resources of the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and data fields illustrated in FIG. 6 can be determined based on RUs (resource units) defined by multiple subcarriers / tones. That is, the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and data fields of the present disclosure can be transmitted / received through RUs (resource units) defined by multiple subcarriers / tones.

[0125] Figure 7 illustrates an operation according to UL-MU. As illustrated, a transmitting STA (e.g., AP) can acquire a TXOP (725) by performing channel access through contending (i.e., backoff operation) and transmit a trigger frame (730). That is, the transmitting STA (e.g., AP) can transmit a PPDU including a trigger frame (730). When a PPDU including a trigger frame is received, a TB (trigger-based) PPDU is transmitted after a delay of SIFS.

[0126] TB PPDUs (741, 742) are transmitted at the same time and can be transmitted from multiple STAs (e.g., User STAs) whose AIDs are indicated in the Trigger frame (730). The ACK frame (750) for the TB PPDU can be implemented in various forms. For example, the ACK frame (750) for the TB PPDU can be implemented in the form of a BA (block ACK).

[0127] In FIG. 7, transmission(s) of a Trigger Frame (730), a TB PPDU (741, 742) and / or an ACK frame (750) may be performed within a TXOP (725).

[0128] Below, the structure and types / subtypes of MAC frames are described.

[0129] Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a header of a MAC frame. As illustrated, the MAC frame may include a frame control field / information of 2 octets in length, a duration field / information of 2 octets in length, a RA (Receiver Address) field / information of 6 octets in length, and a TA (Transmitter Address) field / information of 6 octets in length. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the four fields may be consecutive to each other. The MAC header of Fig. 8 may be modified in various ways, and a new field may be inserted between the four illustrated fields, or at least one of the illustrated fields may be omitted.

[0130] The MAC header illustrated in Fig. 8 may be positioned at the very front of the MAC frame. That is, the MAC frame may include a MAC header as illustrated in Fig. 8 and MAC body fields / information subsequent to the MAC header. The MAC frame including the MAC header of Fig. 8 is inserted / included in the data field of the PPDU (e.g., UHR PPDU) illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0131] The MAC frames included in the data field of the PPDU of this specification can be classified into various types. For example, the MAC frames of this specification can be classified into control frames, management frames, and data frames.

[0132] For example, the management frame includes Association Request, Association Response, Reassociation Request, Reassociation Response, Probe Request, Probe Response, Beacon, Disassociation, Authentication, and Deauthentication frames / signals defined in conventional WLAN. For the management frame, the values ​​of the type fields (B3 and B2) in FIG. 8 are set to 00. In addition, the values ​​of the subtype fields (B7, B6, B5, B4) in FIG. 8 are as follows: Association Request (0000), Association Response (0001), Reassociation Request (0010), Reassociation Response (0011), Probe Request (0100), Probe Response (0101), Beacon (1000), Disassociation (1010), Authentication (1011), Deauthentication (1100).

[0133] For example, the control frame includes Trigger Beamforming Report Poll, NDP Announcement (NDPA), Control Frame Extension, Control Wrapper, Block Ack Request (BlockAckReq), Block Ack (BlockAck), PS-Poll, RTS, CTS, Ack, and CF-End frames / signals defined in conventional WLAN. For the control frame, the values ​​of the type fields (B3 and B2) in FIG. 8 are set to 01. Also, the values ​​of the subtype fields (B7, B6, B5, B4) of FIG. 8 are as follows: Trigger (0010), Beamforming Report Poll (0100), NDP Announcement (0101), Control Frame Extension (0110), Control Wrapper (0111), BlockAckReq (1000), BlockAck (1001), PS-Poll (1010), RTS (1011), CTS (1100), Ack (1101), CF-End (1110).

[0134] For example, the data frame includes (QoS) Data, (QoS) Null, etc. defined in conventional WLAN. For the management frame, the value of the type field (B3 and B2) of Fig. 8 is set to 10.

[0135] The MAC frame / signal used in this specification can be identified through the type field / information and subtype field / information described above. For example, the “trigger frame” in this specification can mean a MAC frame in which the type bits B3 and B2 bits in the frame control field of the MAC header are set to 01, and the subtype bits B7, B6, B5, B4 bits in the frame control field are also set to 0010. Various MAC frames described in this specification are inserted / included in the data fields of various PPDUs (e.g., HE / VHT / HE / EHT / UHR PPDUs).

[0136] Below, the power saving mode is described.

[0137] A non-AP STA can be in one of two power management modes:

[0138] - Active mode: STAs receive and transmit frames whenever they are awake. Non-HE STAs remain awake. HE STAs remain awake unless they are unavailable. Unavailable STAs cannot receive PPDUs.

[0139] - Power saving (PS) mode: The STA enters the awake state to receive or transmit frames. Otherwise, the STA remains in the doze state.

[0140] An STA in PS mode can be in one of two power states:

[0141] - awake state: STA is fully powered.

[0142] - Doze state: STA cannot transmit or receive non-WUR PPDUs and consumes very low power.

[0143] An STA that changes its power management mode while connected to an AP must notify the AP of this fact using the Power Management subfield within the Frame Control field of the transmitted frame. The STA must maintain its current power management mode until it notifies the AP of the power management mode change through a frame exchange sequence that includes the AP's acknowledgment. The power management mode does not change during a single frame exchange sequence. That is, the Power Management subfield is the same for all MPDUs in an A-MPDU.

[0144] I. Non-AP STA Power Management Mode

[0145] A non-AP STA shall be in active mode upon (re)association. However, if (re)association is performed using an on-channel tunneling procedure, the non-AP STA shall be considered to be in power-saving mode and in power-saving mode upon (re)association to a BSS identified by the BSSID, band ID, and channel number fields contained in the multi-band element transmitted in the on-channel tunnel request frame carrying the (re)association request frame.

[0146] An STA that transmits a frame to an AP that is not connected and expects a response must remain awake until it receives that response or the procedure times out.

[0147] To change the power management mode, an STA must notify the AP by completing a successful frame exchange initiated by the STA. This frame exchange sequence includes a management frame, extension frame, or data frame from the STA and an Ack or BlockAck frame from the AP. The Power Management subfield in the Frame Control field of the frame transmitted by the STA in this exchange indicates the power management mode that the STA should adopt upon successfully completing the frame exchange sequence, unless the Power Management subfield is reserved. A non-AP STA must not use a frame exchange sequence that does not receive an Ack or BlockAck frame from the AP, or use a BlockAckReq frame to change the power management mode. The Power Management subfield is ignored in the AP-initiated frame exchange sequence.

[0148] A non-S1G STA that transitions from doze to awake to transmit must perform CCA until a frame capable of setting a NAV is detected or the period specified by the NAVSyncDelay of the MLME-JOIN.request primitive has elapsed. An S1G STA that transitions from doze to awake to transmit must perform CCA until a frame capable of setting a RID or NAV is detected or the period specified by the NAVSyncDelay of the MLME-JOIN.request primitive has elapsed.

[0149] To change the power management mode, an STA coordinated by the MM-SME must notify the AP through a successful frame exchange sequence initiated by the STA. In this exchange, the power management subfield in the frame control field of the frame transmitted by the STA indicates the power management mode that the STA should adopt upon successful completion of the frame exchange sequence, as announced in the MMS element coordinated by the MM-SME and transmitted by the STA. To change the power management mode of a coordinated STA, a frame can be transmitted using an MMSL within the MMSL cluster established with the AP.

[0150] A non-AP S1G STA requests the PS mode type (TIM mode or non-TIM mode) through a (re)association request frame transmitted to the S1G AP.

[0151] A non-AP S1G STA requests operation in non-TIM mode by setting the Non-TIM Support field in the S1G Capabilities element of the (re)connection request frame to 1.

[0152] A non-AP S1G STA requests operation in TIM mode by setting the Non-TIM Support field in the S1G Capabilities element of the (re)connection request frame to 0.

[0153] A non-AP S1G STA checks the PS mode type (TIM mode or non-TIM mode) in the (re)association response frame received from the S1G AP.

[0154] When the S1G AP sets the non-TIM support field in the S1G operation element of the (re)association response frame to 1, the non-AP S1G STA sets dot11NonTIMModeActivated to true and operates in non-TIM mode after association, and is called a non-TIM STA.

[0155] When the S1G AP sets the non-TIM support field in the S1G operation element of the (re)association response frame to 0, the non-AP S1G STA sets dot11NonTIMModeActivated to false and operates in TIM mode after association, and is called a TIM STA.

[0156] Non-AP S1G STAs must operate in the negotiated PS mode during the connection, unless a PS mode transition is negotiated or a temporary PS mode transition occurs. STAs must update the ListenInterval parameter value used in the primitive call with the AID Response Interval field in the AID Response element of the (re)connection response frame.

[0157] An S1G STA in TIM mode receives a selected beacon frame (based on the ListenInterval parameter of the MLME-ASSOCIATE.request or MLME-REASSOCIATE.request primitive) and transmits a PS-Poll frame to the AP if the TIM element of the most recent beacon frame indicates that a BU individually addressed to that STA is buffered.

[0158] An S1G STA in non-TIM mode shall transmit at least one individually addressed PS-Poll or Trigger frame to its associated AP per receive interval and may not receive selected S1G Beacon frames (based on the ListenInterval parameter of the MLME-ASSOCIATE.request or MLME-REASSOCIATE.request primitive) unless it follows the TWT or NDP paging procedure. An S1G STA in non-TIM mode may transmit (NDP) PS-Poll frames to an S1G AP regardless of whether the S1G AP has instructed it to buffer individually addressed BUs.

[0159] II. AP Power Management

[0160] APs with dot11APPMActivated set to false or absent must operate in active mode. APs with dot11APPMActivated set to true can operate in the following power management modes:

[0161] - Active mode; and

[0162] - Power saving mode.

[0163] An AP in active mode must be awake and able to receive frames at any time.

[0164] In power saving mode, an AP with dot11APPMActivated set to true can be in one of two power states:

[0165] - awake state; and

[0166] - doze state.

[0167] An AP with dot11APPMActivated set to true can indicate that it is operating in power-saving mode in two ways:

[0168] - Set the AP PM bit to 1 in the frame control field of the S1G beacon frame, or

[0169] - Include one or more RPS elements in the S1G beacon frame indicating AP PM RAW (i.e., RAW assignment type is Simplex RAW and RAW type option is 0).

[0170] The AP shall operate in the active mode during the beacon interval or short beacon interval when the AP PM subfield of the S1G beacon frame transmitted in the TBTT or TSBTT is 0. Similarly, the AP shall operate in the active mode during one or more RAWs defined by the RPS element whose RAW assignment type is Normal RAW, Sounding RAW, Triggering Frame RAW, or Simplex RAW with RAW Type Option 1 or 2.

[0171] An AP transmitting an S1G beacon frame with the AP PM subfield set to 1 may be in doze at any time until the next TBTT or TSBTT, but must be in awake for one of the following time intervals:

[0172] - any RAW or PRAW interval set (except RAW defined by any RPS element whose RAW allocation type is Simplex RAW and whose RAW type option is 0); and

[0173] - All TWT SPs negotiated in accordance with TWT.

[0174] An AP must not remain in a doze state for a period exceeding the dot11MaxAwayDuration value. The AP must set dot11MaxAwayDuration to the lowest value obtained from the Max Away Duration field contained in the most recently received MAD element from the associated STA.

[0175] Regardless of power management mode and power state, APs must generate beacons to maintain network synchronization.

[0176] An STA that is the intended recipient of a frame transmitted by an AP with the PM Mode subfield set to 0 must consider the AP to be in active mode.

[0177] An AP that has previously transmitted a frame to one or a group of STAs with the PM bit set to 0 must transmit a frame with the PM bit set to the same set of STAs before changing its operating mode to power-save mode.

[0178] An STA that is the intended recipient of a frame in which the PM mode subfield is 1 must consider the AP to be in power-saving mode.

[0179] Meanwhile, APs generally remain active at all times to provide high throughput and fast service to connected STAs, and can exchange frames using the highest possible bandwidth and a large number of spatial streams.

[0180] In the present disclosure, "frame exchange (FE)" may include frame transmission and / or reception operations between STAs. The STAs may be APs or non-AP STAs. Here, the frames may include various types of frames (e.g., data frames, control frames, management frames).

[0181] Because APs can be powered continuously, the need for power reduction may be relatively small for APs. However, the actual power consumption of APs is substantial, which can increase network maintenance costs. Furthermore, battery-operated APs (e.g., mobile APs) require battery life considerations. Consequently, power consumption of APs needs to be reduced. Furthermore, considering the introduction of multi-link operation in IEEE 802.11be and multi-AP cooperative networks in IEEE 802.11bn, the number of links and / or STAs operated by each multi-link device (MLD) may increase, further increasing AP power consumption. Therefore, a new method / device for reducing AP power needs to be designed, and a unified framework applicable to all STAs may also be considered.

[0182] For example, power saving scheme(s) for reducing power of AP / STA may include enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) operation. EMLSR operation allows a non-AP STA belonging to a non-AP MLD with multiple receive chains to participate in frame exchange on the link on which an initial control frame included in a non-HT (duplicated) PPDU transmitted by an AP belonging to an AP MLD was received when the non-AP STA is in a listening state on one or more EMLSR links.

[0183] Figure 9 shows an example of EMLSR operation.

[0184] EMLSR was introduced in IEEE 802.11be to enable efficient multi-link operation of a single radio non-AP MLD. A non-AP MLD operating in EMLSR mode can perform a listening operation on an awake EMLSR link(s). The listening operation at this time may include reception of an initial control frame (ICF) for frame exchange(s) initiated from the AP MLD and / or CCA. That is, a non-AP MLD can perform a listening operation on one or more links using multiple receive chains of a single radio and exchange frames with an AP on a link where an ICF is received.

[0185] During this listening operation, the STA can reduce its power consumption by receiving (RXing) PPDUs with restricted settings (e.g., non-HT (duplicate) PPDU, 20 MHz-only, 1 spatial stream) and / or performing CCA for the restricted bandwidth. That is, the operating characteristics such as the listening operation of EMLSR can be utilized in one of the power saving modes (e.g., awake, doze state). Specifically, the characteristics of the EMLSR operation as shown in FIG. 19 can be applied to individual links to reduce the power consumed by each link during the listening state. An AP / STA operating in power saving (PS) mode on one or more links can have low capability / configuration in the listening state, and can switch to a capability / configuration that can utilize a wide bandwidth and a large number of spatial streams for fast frame exchange. These PSs are also similar to dynamic spatial multiplexing (SM) PSs and can be classified as dynamic PSs because they do not achieve power savings based on scheduled time.

[0186] In the present disclosure, a dynamic PS may mean a PS in which the PS mode / state is changed based on detection of a specific event and / or transmission / reception of a specific frame.

[0187] For example, when an STA operating as a dynamic PS (e.g., an AP / non-AP STA) detects an ICF transmission event (e.g., detects that there is data to transmit / receive) in the listening state and / or receives an ICF, the STA may transition to the frame exchange state and perform frame exchange in the frame exchange state. For example, when the STA receives an ICF in the listening state, the STA may transition from the listening state to the frame exchange state, perform CCA / backoff for a wide bandwidth, and transmit an initial control response (ICR) based on the normal capabilities / settings. When the frame exchange is completed (e.g., when an ACK frame is transmitted / received), the STA may transition back to the listening state.

[0188] In the present disclosure, a listening state may refer to a state in which an STA (e.g., an AP / non-AP STA) operates with limited capabilities / configurations, receives ICFs based on the limited capabilities / configurations, and / or performs CCA / backoff (i.e., listening operations) for a limited bandwidth. The listening state may also be referred to as a low capability mode (LCM).

[0189] In the present disclosure, a frame exchange state may refer to a state in which an STA (e.g., an AP / non-AP STA) operates with normal capabilities / configurations and performs frame exchange based on the normal capabilities / configurations. For example, the frame exchange state may include an awake state. The frame exchange state may be referred to as a high capability mode (HCM).

[0190] Fundamentally, for an AP / STA to perform DPS operations, the most crucial factor is its ability to seamlessly interact with legacy STAs (e.g., STAs supporting pre-UHR wireless LAN technologies). For example, an AP / STA that has entered a listening state may not be able to receive and / or decode certain frames transmitted from legacy STAs that do not support DPS.

[0191] Meanwhile, a non-AP STA and / or AP performing a DPS operation needs to transition to an appropriate capability / configuration before receiving a subsequent data frame when receiving an ICF and / or initiating frame from the AP and / or non-AP STA. An STA that receives the ICF and / or initiating frame transmitted to initiate frame exchange but fails to transition to a higher capability (or a configuration associated with the higher capability) within SIFS may not successfully receive the subsequent PPDU. Therefore, an ICF and / or initiating frame needs to be designed to transition the capability / configuration of an AP and / or non-AP STA performing a DPS operation, and / or to initiate frame exchange with the opposing STA.

[0192] In the present disclosure, an ICF and / or an initiation frame that a transmitting STA can transmit for frame exchange with an AP and / or a non-AP STA performing a DPS operation are defined. Alternatively, by transmitting the ICF and / or the initiation frame proposed in the present disclosure, an AP can initiate frame exchange with a non-AP STA performing a DPS operation. That is, entities that can transmit the ICF and / or the initiation frame may include an AP and / or a non-AP STA. Specifically, STAs that support the DPS operation of an AP or a non-AP STA can transmit the ICF to initiate frame exchange with an AP and / or a non-AP STA performing the DPS operation. On the other hand, UHR STAs and / or legacy STAs that do not support the DPS operation of an AP and / or a non-AP STA can transmit the initiation frame to initiate frame exchange with an AP and / or a non-AP STA performing the DPS operation.

[0193] In the present disclosure, an STA that performs a DPS operation and / or has a DPS mode enabled may be referred to as a DPS-enabled STA or DPS STA. In addition, an STA that supports a DPS operation of a target STA and / or allows and / or supports the target STA to enter a DPS mode may be referred to as a DPS-supporting STA or DPS assisting STA. On the other hand, an STA that does not support the DPS operation of the target STA may be referred to as a DPS-non-supporting STA. Here, the DPS-non-supporting STA may include at least one of a UHR STA that does not support DPS or a legacy STA that does not support DPS.

[0194] In this disclosure, “field,” “subfield,” and “element” may be used interchangeably.

[0195] The specific designations (names) proposed in this disclosure may be changed and are not limited thereto.

[0196] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a method performed by a first STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 10, in step S1001, the first STA can activate the DPS mode.

[0198] In step S1003, the first STA may receive an ICF from the second STA, which includes information for providing a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode, based on the operation parameters for the listening state in the listening state of the DPS mode.

[0199] In step S1005, the first STA may switch from a listening state to a frame exchange state during a transition time based on receiving an ICF.

[0200] In step S1007, after transitioning to a frame exchange state, the first STA can transmit an ICR for the ICF to the second STA.

[0201] In step S1009, the first STA can receive data from the second STA based on the operating parameters for the frame exchange state in the frame exchange state.

[0202] According to various embodiments, the ICF may include an intermediate FCS field positioned before the FCS field in addition to the frame check sequence (FCS) field positioned at the end of the ICF. The intermediate FCS field may include information for providing a transition time between a listening state and a frame exchange state in a DPS mode. A first STA may decode the ICF, and while decoding the ICF, may perform an FCS check based on the intermediate FCS field. The first STA may initiate a transition from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on the FCS check. After initiating a transition from the listening state to the frame exchange state, the first STA may transition from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the transition time.

[0203] According to various embodiments, the ICF may include a first request to send (RTS) frame, and the ICR may include a first clear to send (CTS) frame.

[0204] According to various embodiments, after receiving the first RTS frame and before transmitting the first CTS frame, the first STA may transmit a second CTS frame for the first RTS frame to the second STA based on the operating parameters for the listening state in the listening state. Through the second CTS frame, the first STA may inform the second STA that it is necessary to secure a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode.

[0205] According to various embodiments, a first STA may receive a first RTS frame and, after a short inter-frame space (SIFS), may receive a second RTS frame from a second STA. After receiving the second RTS frame, the first STA may transmit a first CTS frame to the second STA.

[0206] According to various embodiments, the ICF may include a multi-user (MU)-request to send (RTS) trigger frame, and the ICR may include a clear to send (CTS) frame. Alternatively, the ICF may include a buffer status report poll (BSRP) trigger frame, and the ICR may include a buffer status report (BSR) frame or a Multi-STA BlockAck frame.

[0207] According to various embodiments, at least one of the common information field, the user information field, or the special user information field of the ICF may include DPS capability information (or, DPS operating parameters (e.g., operating parameters for listening state, operating parameters for frame exchange state)). The DPS capability information may include at least one of operating bandwidth information, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) information, number of spatial streams (NSS) information, switching timeout information, or intermediate frame check sequence (FCS) presence information.

[0208] According to various embodiments, at least one bit in the reserved field or the EHT reserved field within the extreme high throughput (EHT) variant common information field of the ICF may be used to indicate at least one of operating bandwidth information or information on the presence or absence of an intermediate FCS. The user information field of the ICF (or the EHT variant user information field) may include a DPS MCS field indicating MCS information.

[0209] According to various embodiments, at least one bit in the reserved field within the user information field of the ICF (or the EHT modified user information field) may be used to indicate information about the presence or absence of an intermediate FCS.

[0210] According to various embodiments, the user information field of the ICF may be identified as a DPS user information field based on the value of the AID (association identifier) ​​12 subfield being set to a specific value. The DPS user information field may include DPS capability information.

[0211] According to various embodiments, at least one of the common information field or the first user information field of the ICF may include information indicating that a second user information field, in which the value of the AID (association identifier) ​​12 subfield is identical to that of the first user information field, exists in the ICF. For example, at least one bit in the reserved field of the common information field or the first user information field may be used as information indicating that the second user information field exists in the ICF. The second user information field may include DPS capability information.

[0212] According to various embodiments, the ICF may be a multi-TID (traffic identifier) ​​BAR (block acknowledgment request) frame, and the ICR may be a BA (block acknowledgment) frame.

[0213] According to various embodiments, a multi-TID BAR frame may include DPS capability information. A field including the DPS capability information may be located after the BAR information field in the multi-TID BAR frame. The BAR control field of the multi-TID BAR frame may include information indicating the presence or absence of DPS capability information.

[0214] According to various embodiments, the BAR information field of a multi-TID BAR frame may include DPS capability information and information indicating whether the DPS capability information exists. The subfield including the information indicating whether the DPS capability information exists may be included in the Per TID Info subfield of the BAR information field. The subfield including the DPS capability information may be located after the subfield including the information indicating whether the DPS capability information exists in the BAR information field.

[0215] According to various embodiments, the BAR information field of a multi-TID BAR frame may include a BA starting sequence control subfield. Based on whether the fragment number subfield of the BA starting sequence control subfield is set to a specific value, the starting sequence number subfield of the BA starting sequence control subfield may be replaced with a subfield including DPS capability information.

[0216] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a method performed by a second STA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 11, in step S1101, a second STA may transmit an ICF including information for providing a transition time between a listening state and a frame exchange state in the DPS mode to a first STA in a listening state in the DPS mode, based on operating parameters for the listening state in the DPS mode. Upon receiving the ICF, the first STA may transition from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the transition time.

[0218] In step S1103, the second STA can receive an ICR for the ICF from the first STA in a frame exchange state.

[0219] In step S1105, the second STA can transmit data to the first STA based on the operating parameters for the frame exchange status.

[0220] Below, a detailed implementation of the design of the control frame for DPS is described.

[0221] In this disclosure, ICF and / or initiation frames for performing frame exchange with an AP / non-AP STA performing DPS operation are defined.

[0222] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of DPS operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 12, an STA with DPS mode enabled and / or an STA performing DPS operations (e.g., a DPS-enabled STA) may perform listening operations based on low capabilities (e.g., non-HT (duplicate) PPDU, 20 MHz, 1 spatial stream) in a listening state (or low capability state / mode). For example, a DPS-enabled STA may receive an ICF from a DPS-supporting STA based on low capabilities in the listening state.

[0224] In response to receiving an ICF, a DPS-enabled STA may transition from a listening state to a frame exchange state (or, high capability state / mode) and transmit an ICR to a DPS-enabled STA in the frame exchange state. A DPS-enabled STA that receives an ICR may identify that the DPS-enabled STA has transitioned to the frame exchange state and transmit a data frame to the DPS-enabled STA based on its high capability (e.g., bandwidth of 20 MHz or more, one or more spatial streams). In the frame exchange state, the DPS-enabled STA may receive a data frame from the DPS-enabled STA based on its high capability and transmit a BA frame to the DPS-enabled STA in response to the data frame.

[0225] After transmitting a BA frame (or in response to transmitting a BA frame), a DPS-enabled STA may transition from a frame exchange state to a listening state. In the listening state, a DPS-enabled STA may perform listening operations based on its low capability.

[0226] In some implementations, an intermediate FCS may be included in the ICF or initiation frame transmitted by the transmitting STA to provide the time required for a receiving STA in a listening state (or low capability state / mode) to transition to a frame exchange state (or high capability state / mode). That is, the transmitting STA may insert an FCS field located at the end of the frame redundantly in the middle of the frame, and the receiving STA may start checking FCS early based on this intermediate FCS when decoding the frame, thereby securing additional time for transitioning states.

[0227] In DPS operation, the structure / format of ICF and / or initiation frame can be defined / designed as follows.

[0228] I. ICF (initial control frame) & ICR (initial control frame response)

[0229] In various embodiments, the ICF may be utilized to transition the state of an AP / non-AP STA performing a DPS operation from a listening state to a frame exchange state. Additionally, an ICR may be transmitted as a response frame to the ICF.

[0230] 1. RTS frame / CTS frame

[0231] In some implementations, an STA may transmit an RTS frame as an ICF to an AP / non-AP STA performing DPS operation. That is, a DPS-capable STA may transmit an RTS frame to a DPS-enabled STA based on restricted configurations (e.g., non-HT (duplicate) PPDU, 20 MHz, 1 SS). A DPS-enabled STA that receives an RTS frame associated with restricted configurations may transition from a listening state to a frame exchange state (i.e., from a state associated with restricted configurations to a state associated with higher capabilities). An STA that transitions to a frame exchange state may transmit a CTS frame as a response frame (i.e., ICR) to the RTS frame.

[0232] Additionally or alternatively, if a DPS-enabled STA requires additional time to transition from a listening state to a frame exchange state, the DPS-enabled STA may first transmit a CTS frame based on the capabilities / configurations associated with the listening state. After the transition to the frame exchange state is completed, the DPS-enabled STA may additionally transmit a CTS frame based on the capabilities / configurations associated with the frame exchange state.

[0233] Additionally or alternatively, a DPS-enabled STA may transmit an RTS frame to initiate frame exchange with a DPS-enabled STA, and then transmit an additional RTS frame after SIFS. Upon receiving the first RTS frame, the DPS-enabled STA may transition from a listening state to a frame exchange state and transmit a CTS frame as an ICR after receiving the second RTS frame. Designing the RTS frame as an ICF has the advantage that non-AP STAs can transmit it.

[0234] 2. MU-RTS trigger frame / CTS frame

[0235] An STA can transmit an MU-RTS trigger frame as an ICF to an AP / non-AP STA performing a DPS operation. To this end, a non-AP STA needs to be designed to be able to transmit an MU-RTS trigger frame. In this case, a DPS-supporting STA can transmit an MU-RTS trigger frame to a DPS-enabled STA based on limited settings (e.g., non-HT (duplicate) PPDU, 20 MHz, 1 SS). In this case, padding may be added within the MU-RTS trigger frame to allow the DPS-enabled STA time to transition to a state. Specifically, an intermediate FCS may be included in the ICF transmitted by the transmitting STA to provide time for a receiving STA staying in a listening state or a low-capability state to transition to a frame exchange state or a high-capability state. That is, the transmitting STA can insert the FCS field located at the end of the frame into the middle of the frame, and the receiving STA can start checking the FCS early based on this middle FCS when decoding the frame, thereby securing additional time for switching states. A DPS-active STA that receives an MU-RTS trigger frame as an ICF can switch from a listening state to a frame exchange state. An AP / non-AP STA that switches to a frame exchange state can transmit a CTS frame as a response frame (i.e., ICR) to the MU-RTS trigger frame.

[0236] Additionally, the common information field, user information field, and / or special user information field of the MU-RTS trigger frame may include DPS operation parameters and / or DPS capability information for DPS operation. For example, at least one of the following information elements may be included in the MU-RTS trigger frame (e.g., the reserved bit / field of the MU-RTS trigger frame) for DPS operation:

[0237] A. Operating Bandwidth: Preferred / recommended (maximum) bandwidth information for the frame exchange state (or, high capability state / mode), and / or restricted maximum bandwidth information for the listening state (or, low capability state / mode).

[0238] For example, the operating bandwidth field may include maximum PPDU bandwidth information of an ICF / initiation frame for initiating frame exchange between an AP / non-AP STA and a DPS-enabled STA in a frame exchange state (or, high capability state / mode).

[0239] For example, the operating bandwidth field may include maximum / limited PPDU bandwidth information of an initiation frame to initiate frame exchange between an AP / non-AP STA and a non-DPS supporting STA in a listening state (or low capability state / mode).

[0240] For example, the operating bandwidth field may include maximum bandwidth information for frame exchange between an AP / non-AP STA and a DPS supporting STA in a frame exchange state (or, high capability state / mode). Specifically, a field that functions like a channel width field in the control field of the EHT operating information field is defined to indicate a channel width, which is BSS BW information of the AP / non-AP STA. If the value of the field is set to 0, a 20 MHz bandwidth may be indicated. If the value of the field is set to 1, a 40 MHz bandwidth may be indicated. If the value of the field is set to 2, an 80 MHz bandwidth may be indicated. If the value of the field is set to 3, a 160 MHz bandwidth may be indicated. If the value of the field is set to 4, a 320 MHz bandwidth may be indicated. The remaining values ​​5 to 7 may be reserved (reserved).

[0241] For example, the UL BW field (2 bits) in the common information field can be used as bandwidth information for frame exchange between STAs.

[0242] For example, the operating bandwidth field may include information about the maximum / limited bandwidth (e.g., 20, 40 MHz) for frame exchange between an AP / non-AP STA and a non-DPS-supporting STA in listening state (or low capability state / mode).

[0243] For example, the operating bandwidth field may include information about the maximum PPDU bandwidth (e.g., 20, 40 MHz) at which the AP / non-AP STA performs listening operations in the listening state (or low capability state / mode).

[0244] For example, the operating bandwidth field may include BW field information within the SIG-A field.

[0245] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an MU-RTS TF variant format for indicating an operating bandwidth according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0246] Referring to FIG. 13, among the EHT reserved bits (7 bits) in the EHT variant common information field, 3 bits can be used to indicate operating bandwidth information for DPS operation (e.g., 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320 MHz). Additionally or alternatively, the reserved field can be used to indicate operating bandwidth information for DPS operation (e.g., 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320 MHz).

[0247] B. MCS (additionally or alternatively, DPS-MCS): Preferred / recommended (maximum) MCS information for frame exchange state (or, high capability state / mode), and / or restricted (maximum) MCS information for listening state (or, low capability state / mode).

[0248] For example, the MCS field may include the minimum required or maximum available MCS value for frame exchange between an AP / non-AP STA and a DPS-capable STA in a frame exchange state (or, high capability state / mode).

[0249] For example, the MCS field may indicate / contain maximum MCS information that is limited for frame exchange between an AP / non-AP STA and a non-DPS supporting STA in listening state (or low capability state / mode).

[0250] For example, the MCS field may contain information within the supported HE-MCS and NSS set fields within the HE capability element.

[0251] For example, similar to the UL EHT-MCS field (4 bits) in the user information field of the basic trigger frame, a DPS-MCS field can be defined to indicate MCS for high / low capability state as shown in FIG. 14.

[0252] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of an MU-RTS TF variant format for indicating DPS-MCS according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 14, the EHT variant user information field of the MU-RTS TF may include a DPS-MCS field. The DPS-MCS field may indicate an MCS for a high / low capability state.

[0254] C. NSS: Preferred / recommended (maximum) NSS information for frame exchange state (or, high capability state / mode), and / or restricted (maximum) NSS information for listening state (or, low capability state / mode).

[0255] In some implementations, the NSS field may indicate the Tx / Rx NSS values ​​and / or the number of Tx / Rx antennas in the frame exchange state (or, high capability state / mode) and / or listening state (or, low capability state / mode) of the transmitting STA.

[0256] For example, the NSS field may indicate the minimum required or maximum available number of spatial streams for frame exchange between an AP / non-AP STA and a DPS-capable STA in a frame exchange state (or high capability state / mode).

[0257] For example, the NSS field may indicate the number of available spatial streams that are limited for frame exchange between AP / non-AP STAs and non-DPS-supporting STAs in listening state (or low capability state / mode).

[0258] For example, the NSS field may indicate the maximum number of spatial streams for which an STA can perform listening operations in a listening state (or low capability state / mode).

[0259] For example, the Rx HE-MCS Map within the supported HE-MCS and NSS set fields within the HE capability element. It may contain information about the Max HE-MCS For NSS field within the 80 MHz field.

[0260] For example, Tx HE-MCS Map within the Supported HE-MCS and NSS Set field within the HE Capability element. It may contain information about the Max HE-MCS For NSS field within the 80 MHz field.

[0261] D. Transition Timeout (or DPS Transition Timeout): Indicates the timeout value for transitioning to the listening state (or low capability state / mode) when an STA that has transitioned to the frame exchange state (or high capability state / mode) does not receive additional PPDUs / frames from the other STA.

[0262] For example, when an STA operating in a frame exchange state (or high capability state / mode) does not receive additional PPDUs / frames from the opposing STA during the timeout period, it may transition to a listening state (or low capability state / mode).

[0263] For example, when an STA that has received an ICF / initiation frame and transitioned from a listening state (or low capability state / mode) to a frame exchange state (or high capability state / mode) does not receive an additional PPDU / frame during the timeout period, it may enter the listening state (or low capability state / mode).

[0264] Specifically, the encoding of the transition timeout field may be as follows:

[0265] - Transition timeout field value 0: Transition timeout = 0 TUs;

[0266] - Transition Timeout field value 1: Transition Timeout = 128 us;

[0267] - Transition Timeout field value 2: Transition Timeout = 256 us;

[0268] - Transition Timeout field value 3: Transition Timeout = 512 us;

[0269] - Transition Timeout field value 4: Transition Timeout = 1 TU;

[0270] - Transition Timeout field value 5: Transition Timeout = 2 TUs;

[0271] - Transition Timeout field value 6: Transition Timeout = 4 TUs;

[0272] - Transition Timeout field value 7: Transition Timeout = 8 TUs;

[0273] - Transition Timeout field value 8: Transition Timeout = 16 TUs;

[0274] - Transition Timeout field value 9: Transition Timeout = 32 TUs

[0275] - Transition Timeout field value 10: Transition Timeout = 64 TUs.

[0276] E. Intermediate FCS presence (or, Pre-FCS Present, FCS2 Present): Indicates whether the intermediate FCS field is present.

[0277] For example, one bit of the EHT reserved bits (7 bits) within the EHT variant common information field can be used to indicate the presence of an intermediate FCS field.

[0278] For example, a reserved bit within the common information field may be used to indicate the presence of an intermediate FCS field.

[0279] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a common information field format of an MU-RTS trigger frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0280] Referring to FIG. 15, the common information field (or EHT variant common information field) of the MU-RTS trigger frame may include an EHT reserved bit (7 bits), and one bit of the EHT reserved bit (7 bits) may be used to indicate the presence of an intermediate FCS field. Alternatively, the common information field (or EHT variant common information field) of the MU-RTS trigger frame may include a reserved bit / field, and one bit of the reserved bit / field may be used to indicate the presence of an intermediate FCS field. For example, one bit of the reserved bits in the EHT variant user information field may be used to indicate the presence of an intermediate FCS field.

[0281] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a user information field format of an MU-RTS trigger frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 16, the user information field (or EHT modified user information field) of the MU-RTS trigger frame may include a reserved bit / field, and one bit of the reserved bit / field may be used to indicate the presence or absence of an intermediate FCS field.

[0283] Additionally or alternatively, a new indication value for the AID12 field in the user information field may be defined to include DPS operation parameters and / or DPS capability information for DPS operation (e.g., AID = 2008 (or 2007) of the special user information field). Basically, in IEEE 802.11be, the special user information field may be identified / defined based on the AID12 field value of 2007. Similar to the definition of the special user information field, a separate user information field for DPS operation (e.g., DPS user information field) may be defined. To indicate the DPS user information field, the value of the AID12 field may be set to 2008 (or 2006) or reserved (e.g., one of 2008 to 2044 or one of 2047 to 4094). The DPS user information field, identified by the new AID12 value, may be positioned following the common information field, following the user information field, or following the special user information field. Additionally or alternatively, the DPS user information field may be positioned before (or immediately before) or after (or immediately after) the user information field for the corresponding user.

[0284] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a DPS user information field format according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0285] Referring to FIG. 17, the value of the AID12 subfield of the user information field may be set to 2008 (or 2006) or reserved (e.g., one value from 2008 to 2044 or one value from 2047 to 4094), indicating that the user information field is a DPS user information field. In addition to the AID12 subfield, the DPS user information field may further include at least one of an operating bandwidth subfield, an MCS subfield, an NSS subfield, a transition timeout subfield, an intermediate FCS presence subfield, or a reserved bit / field.

[0286] Additionally or alternatively, the value of the AID12 subfield of the user information field may be set to 2008 to indicate that the corresponding user information field is a Feedback User Info field. In addition to the AID12 subfield, the Feedback User Info field may further include at least one of a Feedback Type subfield (4 bits), an Operating Bandwidth subfield, an MCS subfield, an NSS subfield, a Transition Timeout subfield, an Intermediate FCS Presence subfield, or a Reserved bit / field. In this case, the Feedback Type subfield may be set to a specific value (e.g., 1 = DPS) to indicate that the corresponding Feedback User Info field is a field containing DPS user information.

[0287] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a DPS operation utilizing MU-RTS TF as an ICF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0288] Referring to FIG. 18, a DPS-enabled STA can transmit an MU-RTS TF including DPS operating parameters, DPS capability information, and / or intermediate FCS as an ICF to a DPS-enabled STA. A DPS-enabled STA that remains in a listening state (or low capability state / mode) can receive the MU-RTS TF, and in response to receiving the MU-RTS TF, can transition to a frame exchange state (or high capability state / mode), and can transmit a CTS frame as an ICR to the DPS-enabled STA in the frame exchange state.

[0289] 3. BSRP trigger frame / BSR frame

[0290] In some implementations, an STA may transmit a BSRP (Buffer Status Report Poll) trigger frame as an ICF to an AP / non-AP STA performing a DPS operation. To this end, a non-AP STA needs to be designed to be able to transmit a BSRP trigger frame. For example, a DPS-supporting STA may transmit a BSRP trigger frame to a DPS-enabled STA based on limited settings (e.g., non-HT (duplicate) PPDU, 20 MHz, 1 SS). In this case, padding may be added within the BSRP trigger frame to allow the DPS-enabled STA time to transition to a state. Specifically, an intermediate FCS may be included in the ICF transmitted by the transmitting STA to provide time for a receiving STA staying in a listening state or a low-capability state to transition to a frame exchange state or a high-capability state. That is, a transmitting STA can insert an FCS field located at the end of a frame into the middle of a frame, and a receiving STA can secure additional time for state transition because it can start FCS checking early based on this middle FCS when decoding the frame. A DPS-active STA that receives a BSRP trigger frame as an ICF can transition from a listening state to a frame exchange state. An STA that transitions to a frame exchange state can transmit a BSR (Buffer Status Report) frame (e.g., a QoS Null frame) and / or a multi-STA BlockAck (block acknowledgment, BA) frame as a response frame (i.e., ICR) to the BSRP trigger frame.

[0291] Additionally, the common information field, user information field, and / or special user information field of the BSRP trigger frame, BSR frame, and / or multi-STA BlockAck frame may include DPS operation parameters and / or DPS capability information for DPS operation. For example, at least one of the above-described information elements A to E may be included in the reserved bit / field of the BSRP trigger frame and / or BSR frame and / or multi-STA BlockAck frame for DPS operation.

[0292] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a BSRP TF format for indicating DPS capability / operation parameters according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0293] Referring to FIG. 19, among the EHT reserved bits (7 bits) within the EHT variant common information field, 3 bits can be used to indicate operating BW information (e.g., 20 / 40 / 80 / 160 / 320 MHz). Additionally or alternatively, the reserved field can be used to indicate operating bandwidth information for DPS operation. Additionally or alternatively, information about the operating BW can be included in the user information field and / or the special user information field.

[0294] Additionally, the UL EHT-MCS field (4 bits) in the user information field of the BSRP TF may be (re)used / utilized to define a DPS-MCS field to indicate MCS for high / low capability state.

[0295] Additionally, a reserved bit / field (or an EHT reserved bit / field) within the common information field of the BSRP TF may be used to include an Intermediate FCS Presence field to indicate the presence of an Intermediate FCS field. Additionally or alternatively, a reserved bit / field within the user information field of the BSRP TF may be used to include an Intermediate FCS Presence field to indicate the presence of an Intermediate FCS field.

[0296] Additionally or alternatively, a new indication value for the AID12 field in the user information field may be defined to include DPS operation parameters and / or DPS capability information for DPS operation (e.g., AID = 2008 (or 2007) of the special user information field). Basically, in IEEE 802.11be, the special user information field may be identified / defined based on the AID12 field value of 2007. Similar to the definition of the special user information field, a separate user information field for DPS operation (e.g., DPS user information field) may be defined. To indicate the DPS user information field, the value of the AID12 field may be set to 2008 (or 2006) or reserved (e.g., one of 2008 to 2044 or one of 2047 to 4094). The DPS user information field, identified by the new AID12 value, may be positioned following the common information field, the user information field, or the special user information field. Additionally or alternatively, the DPS user information field may be positioned before (or immediately before) or after (or immediately after) the user information field for the corresponding user. An example of the DPS user information field format is illustrated in FIG. 17.

[0297] Additionally or alternatively, the value of the AID12 subfield of the user information field may be set to 2008 to indicate that the corresponding user information field is a feedback user information field. In addition to the AID12 subfield, the feedback user information field may further include at least one of a feedback type subfield (4 bits), an operating bandwidth subfield, an MCS subfield, an NSS subfield, a transition timeout subfield, an intermediate FCS presence subfield, or a reserved bit / field. In this case, the feedback type subfield may be set to a specific value (e.g., 1 = DPS) to indicate that the corresponding feedback user information field is a field including DPS user information.

[0298] Additionally or alternatively, there may be an additional user information field containing the AID12 field value for the same STA to include DPS operation parameters / capability information for DPS operation. In other words, there may be more than one user information field having the same AID12 field value. The additional user information field may only contain DPS operation parameters / capability information, or may also include fields within the existing user information field.

[0299] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a BSRP TF including one or more user information fields to include DPS operating parameters / capability information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0300] Referring to FIG. 20, the common information field and / or user information field #1 may include an indication bit / field indicating that an additional user information field (e.g., user information field #2) may exist. User information field #2 may include DPS operation parameters / capability information for DPS operation.

[0301] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a DPS operation utilizing BSRP TF as an ICF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0302] Referring to FIG. 21, a DPS-enabled STA can transmit a BSRP TF including DPS operating parameters, DPS capability information, and / or intermediate FCS as an ICF to a DPS-enabled STA. A DPS-enabled STA that remains in a listening state (or low capability state / mode) can receive the BSRP TF, and in response to receiving the BSRP TF, can transition to a frame exchange state (or high capability state / mode), and in the frame exchange state, can transmit a BSR frame (e.g., QoS data frame, QoS Null frame) or a Multi-STA BlockAck frame as an ICR to the DPS-enabled STA.

[0303] 4. BAR frame / BA frame

[0304] In some implementations, an STA may transmit a BlockAckReq (block acknowledgment request, BAR) frame as an ICF to an AP / non-AP STA performing a DPS operation. For example, a DPS-enabled STA may transmit a BAR frame based on restricted settings (e.g., non-HT (duplicate) PPDU, 20 MHz, 1 SS) to a DPS-enabled STA. In this case, padding may be added within the BAR frame to allow the DPS-enabled STA time to transition states. Specifically, an intermediate FCS may be included in the ICF transmitted by the transmitting STA to provide time for a receiving STA staying in a listening state or a low-capability state to transition to a frame exchange state or a high-capability state. That is, a transmitting STA may insert an FCS field located at the end of a frame redundantly into the middle of the frame, and a receiving STA may start checking the FCS early based on this intermediate FCS when decoding the frame, thereby securing additional time for transitioning states. A DPS-enabled STA that receives a BSRP trigger frame as an ICF can transition from a listening state to a frame exchange state. An STA that transitions to a frame exchange state can transmit a BlockAck (block acknowledgment, BA) frame as a response frame (i.e., ICR) to a BAR frame.

[0305] Additionally or alternatively, if a DPS-enabled STA requires additional time to transition from a listening state to a frame exchange state, the DPS-enabled STA may first transmit a BA frame based on the capabilities / configurations associated with the listening state. After the transition to the frame exchange state is completed, the DPS-enabled STA may additionally transmit a BA frame based on the capabilities / configurations associated with the frame exchange state.

[0306] Additionally or alternatively, a DPS-enabled STA may transmit a BAR frame to initiate frame exchange with a DPS-enabled STA, and then transmit additional BAR frames after SIFS. Upon receiving the first BAR frame, the DPS-enabled STA may transition from a listening state to a frame exchange state and transmit a BA frame as an ICR after receiving the second BAR frame.

[0307] An STA may use a reserved bit in the BAR control field of a BAR frame to indicate that the BAR frame is transmitted as an ICF for DPS mode and / or DPS operation, or to indicate the presence of a DPS capability field containing operating parameters and / or capability information for DPS operation. The DPS capability field may include at least one of the above-described information elements A to E.

[0308] Alternatively, new BAR types for DPS operations can be defined using reserved values ​​in the BAR type field.

[0309] For example, since a multi-TID BAR is a frame that can be transmitted to a single STA, a DPS capability field containing operating parameters and / or capability information for DPS operation based on at least one of the options presented below may be included in the multi-TID BAR frame.

[0310] Option 1) Utilize the reserved bits in the BAR control field of a multi-TID BAR frame.

[0311] In some implementations, an STA may use a reserved bit in the BAR control field of a multi-TID BAR frame to indicate the presence of a DPS capability field containing operating parameters and / or capability information for DPS operation. The indicated DPS capability field may be positioned following the BAR information field, if present.

[0312] Additionally, when the DPS capability field is included in a multi-TID BAR frame, the value of the TID_INFO field within the BAR control field may indicate the number of TIDs included in the existing BAR information field or one more than that number.

[0313] FIG. 22 illustrates a first example of a multi-TID BAR frame format including DPS capability information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0314] Referring to FIG. 22, the reserved bits of the BAR control field may be used to indicate the presence or absence of the DPS capability field. For example, the first reserved bit of the reserved bits of the BAR control field may be used, or the reserved bit following the BAR type field may be used to indicate the presence or absence of the DPS capability field. If the presence or absence of the DPS capability field is indicated based on the DPS capability presence or absence field, the DPS capability field may be placed following the BAR information field in a multi-TID BAR frame. The type or length (or bits) of information included in the DPS capability field illustrated in FIG. 22 may be changed and are not limited thereto. A DPS-enabled STA may transmit an ICR and / or perform frame exchange with a target STA based on the DPS capability field information of the DPS capability field.

[0315] Option 2) Use a specific value in the Per TID Info field of a multi-TID BAR frame.

[0316] In some implementations, the STA may utilize one of the reserved bits of the TID-specific information field within the BAR information field of a multi-TID BAR frame to indicate the presence of a DPS capability field containing operating parameters / capability information for DPS operation.

[0317] Alternatively, a specific TID value (e.g., 14, 15) in the TID-specific information field may be used to indicate the presence of the DPS capability field. If a specific TID value in the TID-specific information field is utilized, the Block Ack Starting Sequence Control field may be replaced with the DPS capability field. In this case, the size of the field may be the size of the DPS capability field itself (e.g., 1, 2, or 4 octets), or may be the same size as the existing BAR information field (e.g., 4 octets).

[0318] When the above-described reserved bits and / or specific TID values ​​are utilized to indicate the presence of a DPS capability field, DPS capability information may be included based on the bits within the remaining BAR information field, excluding one or more bits indicating the presence of a DPS capability field.

[0319] Additionally, when the DPS capability field is included in a multi-TID BAR frame, the value of the TID_INFO field within the BAR control field may indicate the number of TIDs included in the existing BAR information field or one more than that number.

[0320] Additionally or alternatively, the method / design of option 2) may be used in conjunction with the method / design of option 1).

[0321] FIG. 23 illustrates a second example of a multi-TID BAR frame format including DPS capability information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0322] Referring to FIG. 23, when a multi-TID BAR frame is used as an ICF, the first bit of the TID-specific information field (or a specific TID value) may be utilized to indicate the presence or absence of a DPS capability field. When the presence or absence of a DPS capability field is indicated through the DPS capability presence or absence field, the DPS capability field may be placed following the TID value field within the BAR information field. Alternatively, the DPS capability field may be placed following the DPS capability presence or absence field within the BAR information field.

[0323] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 23, existing BAR information fields (e.g., BAR information fields for TID 0) may also be included. A DPS-enabled AP may forward ICRs and / or exchange frames with a target STA based on the DPS capability information included in the DPS capability field.

[0324] Option 3) Utilizing a specific value in the Fragment Number field within the BA Start Sequence Control field of a multi-TID BAR frame.

[0325] In some implementations, the STA may utilize an unused value (e.g., 1, 2) in the Fragment Number field of the BA Start Sequence Control field in the BAR Information field of a multi-TID BAR frame to indicate the presence of a DPS Capability field containing operating parameters / capability information for DPS operation. If a specific value in the Fragment Number field is used, the DPS Capability field may be included instead of the Start Sequence Number field. In this case, the size of the field may be the size of the DPS Capability field itself (e.g., 1, 2, or 4 octets) or may be the same as the size of the existing BA Start Sequence Control field (e.g., 2 octets).

[0326] Additionally or alternatively, the method / design of option 3) may be used in conjunction with the method / design of option 2) and / or the method / design of option 1).

[0327] FIG. 24 illustrates a third example of a multi-TID BAR frame format including DPS capability information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0328] Referring to FIG. 24, the STA can indicate the presence of the DPS capability field by setting the fragment number field to 1. When the presence of the DPS capability field is indicated through the fragment number field (set to 1), the DPS capability field can be placed following the fragment number field within the BAR information field. In this case, the size of the field can be the size of the DPS capability field itself (e.g., 1, 2, or 4 octets) or the same as the size of the existing BA start sequence control field (e.g., 2 octets).

[0329] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a BAR information field of the zone (e.g., a BAR information field for TID 0) may also be included. A DPS-enabled AP may forward ICRs and / or exchange frames with a target STA based on the DPS capability information included in the DPS capability field.

[0330] Alternatively, the BAR information field may not be included when the DPS capability field is included. In such cases, the inclusion of the BAR information field may be separately indicated using the reserved bit of the BAR control field, as in Option 1). Additionally or alternatively, no separate indication may be provided even if the BAR information field is not included.

[0331] Additionally, the DPS capability field exemplified in options 1) to 3) may include at least one of the above-described information elements A to E in the BAR frame for DPS operation.

[0332] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a DPS operation utilizing a BAR frame as an ICF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0333] Referring to FIG. 25, a DPS-enabled STA can transmit a BAR frame including DPS operating parameters, DPS capability information, and / or intermediate FCS as an ICF to a DPS-enabled STA. A DPS-enabled STA that remains in a listening state (or low capability state / mode) can receive a BAR frame, and in response to receiving the BAR frame, can transition to a frame exchange state (or high capability state / mode), and in the frame exchange state, can transmit a BA frame (or QoS data / QoS Null frame) as an ICR to the DPS-enabled STA.

[0334] II. Initiation Frame & Response Frame

[0335] In various embodiments, an initiation frame may be transmitted by an AP / non-AP STA performing DPS operation and a non-DPS-supporting STA to perform frame exchange in a listening state (or low capability state / mode). Additionally, a response frame may be transmitted to the initiation frame.

[0336] 1. RTS frame / CTS frame

[0337] To an AP / non-AP STA performing DPS operation, a non-DPS-supporting STA can transmit an RTS frame as an initiation frame. That is, a non-DPS-supporting STA can transmit an RTS frame to a DPS-enabled STA based on limited settings (e.g., non-HT (duplicate) PPDU, 20 MHz, 1 SS). A DPS-enabled STA that receives an RTS frame can perform frame exchange after transmitting a CTS frame, which is a response frame to the RTS frame, in a listening state (or, low capability state / mode).

[0338] The present disclosure provides a design of an ICF that a DPS-supporting STA can transmit or an initiation frame that a non-DPS-supporting STA can transmit in order to perform frame exchange with an AP / non-AP STA performing a DPS operation. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a transmitting STA can initiate frame exchange with a receiving STA performing a DPS operation by transmitting an ICF or an initiation frame to the receiving STA.

[0339] The technical features of the present disclosure described above can be applied to various devices and methods. For example, the technical features of the present disclosure described above can be performed / supported by the devices of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 5. For example, the technical features of the present disclosure described above can be applied only to a portion of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 5. For example, the technical features of the present disclosure described above can be implemented based on the processing chip (114, 124) of FIG. 1, or based on the processor (111, 121) and memory (112, 122) of FIG. 1, or based on the processor (510) and memory (520) of FIG. 5.

[0340] For example, the processor (121) and / or the processing chip (124) of FIG. 1 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (122) to perform operations performed by the first STA in the present disclosure. The operations include: activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; receiving, from a second STA, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and a frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operating parameter for the listening state in a listening state of the DPS mode; switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the transition time based on receiving the ICF; transmitting, after switching to the frame exchange state, an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF to the second STA; and receiving, in the frame exchange state, data from the second STA based on an operating parameter for the frame exchange state.

[0341] For example, the processor (111), the processing chip (114) of FIG. 1, and / or the processor (510) of FIG. 5 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (112, 520) to perform operations performed by the second STA in the present disclosure. The operations include: transmitting, to a first STA in a listening state of a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and a frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operating parameter for the listening state, wherein the first STA is configured to transition from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the transition time based on receiving the ICF; receiving, from the first STA in the frame exchange state, an initial control response frame (ICR) to the ICF; And based on the operation parameters for the frame exchange state, it includes an operation of transmitting data to the first STA.

[0342] The technical features of the present disclosure can be implemented based on a computer-readable medium (CRM). For example, the CRM proposed by the present disclosure is at least one computer-readable recording medium containing instructions that are executed by at least one processor.

[0343] For example, the CRM may be the memory (122) of FIG. 1 and / or a separate external memory / storage medium / disk. The CRM may store commands that perform operations performed by the first STA in the present disclosure based on being executed by a processor (e.g., the processor (121) and / or the processing chip (124) of FIG. 1). The operations include: activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; receiving, from a second STA, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operating parameter for the listening state in the listening state; switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the transition time based on receiving the ICF; and transmitting, after switching to the frame exchange state, an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF to the second STA. And, based on the operation parameters for the frame exchange state in the frame exchange state, an operation of receiving data from the second STA is included.

[0344] For example, the CRM may be the memory (112) of FIG. 1, the memory (520) of FIG. 5, and / or a separate external memory / storage medium / disk. The CRM may store instructions for performing operations performed by the second STA in the present disclosure based on being executed by a processor (e.g., the processor (111), the processing chip (114) of FIG. 1, and / or the processor (510) of FIG. 5). The operations include: transmitting, to a first STA in a listening state of a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and a frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operating parameter for the listening state, wherein the first STA is configured to transition from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the transition time based on receiving the ICF; An operation of receiving an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF from the first STA in the frame exchange state; and an operation of transmitting data to the first STA based on an operation parameter for the frame exchange state.

[0345] The technical features of the present disclosure described above are applicable to various applications and business models. For example, the technical features described above can be applied to wireless communication in devices that support artificial intelligence (AI).

[0346] Artificial intelligence (AI) is the study of artificial intelligence or the methodologies for creating it, while machine learning (ML) defines various problems in the field of AI and studies the methodologies for solving them. Machine learning is also defined as an algorithm that improves performance on a task through consistent experience.

[0347] An artificial neural network (ANN) is a model used in machine learning. It can refer to a model with problem-solving capabilities, consisting of artificial neurons (nodes) formed by the connection of synapses to form a network. An ANN can be defined by the connection patterns between neurons in different layers, the learning process that updates model parameters, and the activation function that generates output values.

[0348] An artificial neural network may include an input layer, an output layer, and optionally one or more hidden layers. Each layer contains one or more neurons, and the artificial neural network may include synapses connecting neurons. In an artificial neural network, each neuron can output a function value of an activation function based on input signals, weights, and biases received through the synapses.

[0349] Model parameters are parameters determined through learning, including synaptic connection weights and neuron biases. Hyperparameters are parameters that must be set before learning in machine learning algorithms, including the learning rate, number of iterations, mini-batch size, and initialization function.

[0350] The goal of artificial neural network training can be seen as determining model parameters that minimize a loss function. The loss function can be used as an indicator for determining optimal model parameters during the artificial neural network training process.

[0351] Machine learning can be classified into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning depending on the learning method.

[0352] Supervised learning refers to a method for training an artificial neural network when given labels for the training data. The labels can refer to the correct answer (or output value) that the artificial neural network must infer when the training data is input to the artificial neural network. Unsupervised learning can refer to a method for training an artificial neural network when the training data is not given labels. Reinforcement learning can refer to a learning method in which an agent defined within a given environment is trained to select actions or action sequences that maximize the cumulative reward in each state.

[0353] Machine learning implemented with a deep neural network (DNN) containing multiple hidden layers among artificial neural networks is also called deep learning, and deep learning is a subset of machine learning. Hereinafter, the term "machine learning" is used to encompass deep learning.

[0354] Additionally, the above-described technical features can be applied to wireless communication of robots.

[0355] A robot can be defined as a machine that automatically performs or operates a given task based on its own capabilities. Specifically, a robot capable of perceiving its environment, making independent judgments, and performing actions can be called an intelligent robot.

[0356] Robots can be categorized into industrial, medical, household, and military applications based on their intended use or field. Robots are equipped with actuators or motors, enabling them to perform various physical actions, such as moving robot joints. Furthermore, mobile robots incorporate wheels, brakes, and propellers into their actuators, enabling them to move on the ground or fly in the air.

[0357] Additionally, the above-described technical features can be applied to devices that support extended reality.

[0358] Extended reality is a general term for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). VR technology presents real-world objects and backgrounds as CG images only, AR technology presents virtual CG images over images of real objects, and MR technology is a computer graphics technology that blends and combines virtual objects with the real world.

[0359] MR technology is similar to AR in that it presents both real and virtual objects simultaneously. However, while AR uses virtual objects to complement real objects, MR uses virtual and real objects on an equal footing.

[0360] XR technology can be applied to HMD (Head-Mount Display), HUD (Head-Up Display), mobile phones, tablet PCs, laptops, desktops, TVs, digital signage, etc., and devices to which XR technology is applied can be called XR devices.

[0361] The present disclosure may have various advantageous effects.

[0362] For example, if a control frame for DPS operation is appropriately designed, the DPS operation can be performed effectively / efficiently.

[0363] The beneficial effects that can be achieved through specific embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the beneficial effects listed above. For example, various technical effects may be understood and / or derived from the present disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specific effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but may include various effects that can be understood or derived from the technical features of the present disclosure.

[0364] The claims set forth in this disclosure may be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features of the method claims of this disclosure may be combined and implemented as a device, and the technical features of the device claims of this disclosure may be combined and implemented as a method. Furthermore, the technical features of the method claims of this disclosure and the technical features of the device claims of this disclosure may be combined and implemented as a device, and the technical features of the method claims of this disclosure and the technical features of the device claims of this disclosure may be combined and implemented as a method.

Claims

1. A step in which the first STA (station) activates a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; A step in which the first STA receives an initial control frame (ICF) from the second STA, the ICF including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operation parameter for the listening state in the listening state of the DPS mode; A step of switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the switching time based on the first STA receiving the ICF; After switching to the frame exchange state, the first STA transmits an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF to the second STA; and A method comprising a step of the first STA receiving data from the second STA based on an operating parameter for the frame exchange state in the frame exchange state.

2. In claim 1, the ICF includes an intermediate FCS field positioned before the FCS field in addition to the FCS (frame check sequence) field positioned at the end of the ICF, The above intermediate FCS field contains information for providing a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode, The above method is: The step of the above first STA decoding the ICF; A step of performing an FCS check based on the intermediate FCS field while the first STA decodes the ICF; and A method further comprising a step of the first STA initiating a transition from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on the FCS check.

3. In claim 1, the ICF includes a first RTS (request to send) frame, The above ICR method includes a first CTS (clear to send) frame.

4. A method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of transmitting a second CTS frame for the first RTS frame to the second STA based on an operating parameter for the listening state before the first STA transmits the first CTS frame after receiving the first RTS frame.

5. In claim 3, the first STA further includes a step of receiving the first RTS frame and receiving a second RTS frame from the second STA after a short inter-frame space (SIFS), A method wherein the step of transmitting the ICR for the ICF to the second STA includes the step of transmitting the first CTS frame to the second STA after the first STA receives the second RTS frame.

6. In claim 1, the ICF includes a MU (multi-user)-RTS (request to send) trigger frame, and the ICR includes a CTS (clear to send) frame, or A method wherein the ICF includes a BSRP (buffer status report poll) trigger frame, and the ICR includes a BSR (buffer status report) frame.

7. In claim 6, at least one of the common information field, user information field, or special user information field of the ICF includes DPS capability information, A method in which the above DPS capability information includes at least one of operating bandwidth information, MCS (modulation and coding scheme) information, NSS (number of spatial streams) information, switching timeout information, or intermediate FCS (frame check sequence) presence information.

8. In claim 7, at least one bit in the reserved field or the EHT reserved field in the EHT (extreme high throughput) modified common information field of the ICF is used to indicate at least one of the operating bandwidth information or the intermediate FCS presence information, A method in which the user information field of the above ICF includes a DPS MCS field indicating the above MCS information.

9. A method according to claim 7, wherein at least one bit is used in a reserved field within the user information field of the ICF to indicate information on the presence or absence of the intermediate FCS.

10. In claim 7, based on the value of the AID (association identifier) ​​12 subfield in the user information field of the ICF being set to a specific value, the user information field is identified as a DPS user information field, A method wherein the above DPS user information field includes the above DPS capability information.

11. In claim 7, at least one of the common information field or the first user information field of the ICF includes information indicating that a second user information field, in which the value of the AID (association identifier) ​​12 subfield is the same as the first user information field, exists in the ICF. A method wherein the second user information field includes the DPS capability information.

12. In claim 1, the ICF is a multiple TID (traffic identifier) ​​BAR (block acknowledgment request) frame, The above ICR is a BA (block acknowledgment) frame.

13. In claim 12, the multi-TID BAR frame includes DPS capability information, The field containing the above DPS capability information is located after the BAR information field in the multi-TID BAR frame, A method in which the BAR control field of the above multi-TID BAR frame includes information on the presence or absence of the DPS capability information.

14. In claim 12, the BAR information field of the multi-TID BAR frame includes DPS capability information and information on the presence or absence of the DPS capability information, The subfield containing information on the presence or absence of the above DPS capability information is included in the Per TID Info subfield of the above BAR information field, A method in which a subfield including the above DPS capability information is located after a subfield including information on the presence or absence of the DPS capability information in the above BAR information field.

15. In claim 12, the BAR information field of the multi-TID BAR frame includes a BA start sequence control subfield, A method in which the starting sequence number subfield of the BA starting sequence control subfield is replaced with a subfield containing DPS capability information based on the fragment number subfield of the BA starting sequence control subfield being set to a specific value.

16. At the first STA (station), Transmitter and receiver; memory; and At least one processor functionally coupled with the transceiver and the memory, The memory stores instructions for performing operations based on being executed by the at least one processor, the operations being: Action to enable dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; An operation of receiving, from a second STA, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operation parameter for the listening state in the listening state of the DPS mode; An operation of switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the switching time based on receiving the ICF; After switching to the above frame exchange state, an operation of transmitting an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF to the second STA; and A first STA including an operation of receiving data from the second STA based on an operation parameter for the frame exchange state in the frame exchange state.

17. In the device, at least one processor; and At least one memory functionally coupled with at least one processor, The at least one memory stores instructions that perform operations based on being executed by the at least one processor, the operations being: Action to enable dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; An operation of receiving, from a second STA, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operation parameter for the listening state in the listening state of the DPS mode; An operation of switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the switching time based on receiving the ICF; After switching to the above frame exchange state, an operation of transmitting an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF to the second STA; and A device including an operation of receiving data from the second STA based on an operation parameter for the frame exchange state in the frame exchange state.

18. A non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM) storing program code that implements instructions that perform operations based on being executed by at least one processor, wherein the operations are: Action to enable dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; An operation of receiving, from a second STA, an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode based on an operation parameter for the listening state in the listening state of the DPS mode; An operation of switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the switching time based on receiving the ICF; After switching to the above frame exchange state, an operation of transmitting an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF to the second STA; and A CRM including an operation of receiving data from the second STA based on an operation parameter for the frame exchange state in the frame exchange state.

19. A step of transmitting an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode, based on an operation parameter for the listening state, to a first STA in a listening state of a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode, The first STA is configured to switch from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the switching time based on receiving the ICF; A step in which the second STA receives an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF from the first STA in the frame exchange state; and A method comprising a step of transmitting data to the first STA based on an operation parameter for the frame exchange state by the second STA.

20. In the second STA (station), Transmitter and receiver; memory; and At least one processor functionally coupled with the transceiver and the memory, The memory stores instructions for performing operations based on being executed by the at least one processor, the operations being: An operation of transmitting an initial control frame (ICF) including information for providing a transition time between the listening state and the frame exchange state of the DPS mode, based on an operating parameter for the listening state, to a first STA in a listening state of a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode, The first STA is configured to switch from the listening state to the frame exchange state during the switching time based on receiving the ICF; An operation of receiving an initial control response frame (ICR) for the ICF from the first STA in the frame exchange state; and A second STA including an operation for transmitting data to the first STA based on the operation parameters for the frame exchange state.

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