Method and device for performing wi-fi communication

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a method and a device for performing a service period (SP)-based dynamic subchannel / subband operation during Wi-Fi communication. The method performed by an access point in a wireless local access network (WLAN) system comprises the steps of: initiating a service period (SP); transmitting, to at least one station, a trigger frame on a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of the access point; and receiving, from the at least one station, at least one response frame based on the trigger frame, wherein the at least one response frame is received on the operating bandwidth channel during the SP set by the at least one station.

Description

Method and device for performing Wi-Fi communication

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for Wi-Fi communication between electronic devices.

[0002] Recently, with the advancement of wireless technology, wired networks are being replaced by wireless networks, which are widely used by many people. In other words, since wireless technology can overcome the mobility limitations of wired networks, many technologies utilizing wireless networks are being actively researched.

[0003] A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), also known as Wi-Fi, allows users to access the Internet via mobile devices or laptops within a certain distance from an Access Point (AP). The WiFi Alliance defines WiFi as a wireless local area network (WLAN) product based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. WiFi communication primarily uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands. In particular, with the popularization of mobile devices, wireless LANs, which have potential as open wireless networks, are rapidly expanding, and WiFi is being used to provide high-speed data services to entire cities, including schools, airports, hotels, and offices.

[0004] The Internet is evolving from a human-centric network where humans create and consume information to an Internet of Things (IoT) network where information is exchanged and processed between distributed components such as objects. The Internet of Everything (IoE) technology, which combines IoT technology with big data processing technology through connections to cloud servers, is also emerging. To implement the IoT, technological elements such as sensing technology, wired and wireless communication and network infrastructure, service interface technology, and security technology are required. Recently, technologies such as sensor networks for connecting objects, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and machine-type communication (MTC) are being researched.

[0005] In an IoT environment, intelligent IT (Internet Technology) services can be provided that collect and analyze data generated from connected objects, creating new value in human life. IoT, through the convergence and integration of existing IT (information technology) technologies with various industries, can be applied to fields such as smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart or connected cars, smart grids, healthcare, smart appliances, and advanced medical services.

[0006] The present disclosure proposes a method and device for performing dynamic subchannel / subband operation based on a service period (SP) in Wi-Fi communication.

[0007] The present disclosure proposes a method and device for setting up a station to perform dynamic subchannel / subband operation based on a service period (SP) in Wi-Fi communication.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by an access point in a wireless local access network (WLAN) system includes the steps of: initiating a service period (SP); transmitting a trigger frame to at least one station on a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of the access point; and receiving at least one response frame based on the trigger frame from the at least one station, wherein the response frame is received on an operating bandwidth channel set by the at least one station during the service period.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a station in a wireless LAN system comprises the steps of: receiving a trigger frame from an access point during a service period (SP) initiated by the access point; transmitting, to the access point, at least one response frame based on the trigger frame; and transmitting the response frame on an operating bandwidth channel set by at least one station among a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of the access point during the service period.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a wireless LAN system, an access point includes a transceiver; and at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to initiate a service period (SP), transmit a trigger frame to at least one station on a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of the access point, and receive at least one response frame based on the trigger frame from the at least one station, wherein the response frame is received on an operating bandwidth channel set by the at least one station during the service period.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a station in a wireless LAN system includes a transceiver; and at least one processor; wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a trigger frame from an access point during a service period (SP) initiated by the access point, and transmit, to the access point, at least one response frame based on the trigger frame, wherein the response frame is transmitted on an operating bandwidth channel set by at least one station during the service period among a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of the access point.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device can improve the performance of data transmission by improving the bandwidth capability of an access point from being wasted due to a mismatch in operating bandwidth between stations having a bandwidth smaller than the bandwidth provided by the access point during Wi-Fi communication.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment applicable to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a drawing for explaining a short-range communication connection type of an electronic device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating the operation of an access point and a station for establishing a Wi-Fi connection applicable to the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a wireless communication system including an access point and a station applicable to the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a broadcast TWT (target wakeup time) operation that can be applied to the present disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are diagrams for explaining frames related to a target wakeup time (TWT) that can be applied to the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining dynamic subband / subchannel operation (DSO) applicable to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a bandwidth allocation operation in a service period (SP) of a trigger-based broadcast TWT applicable to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a DSO based on a service period (SP) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a service period (SP)-based DSO operation during a trigger-based broadcast (R-)TWT according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c are diagrams illustrating the structure of a frame for a service period (SP)-based DSO operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a BSRP (Buffer Status Report Poll) trigger operation according to a DSO operation based on a Broadcast (R-)TWT service period (SP) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a Basic trigger operation according to a DSO operation based on a Broadcast (R-)TWT service period (SP) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a service period (SP) based DSO operation combined with Non-primary Channel Access (NPCA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] In describing the embodiments, descriptions of technical details that are well known in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains and are not directly related to the present disclosure will be omitted. This is to more clearly convey the gist of the present disclosure without obscuring it by omitting unnecessary explanations.

[0033] For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted. Furthermore, the dimensions of each component do not entirely reflect its actual size. Identical or corresponding components in each drawing are assigned the same reference numbers.

[0034] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments of the present disclosure are provided only to make the present disclosure complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0035] At this time, it will be understood that each block of the processing flowchart drawings and combinations of the flowchart drawings can be performed by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be installed in a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment create a means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-available or computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement the functions in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-available or computer-readable memory can also produce a manufactured item that includes an instruction means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0036] Since the computer program instructions may be installed on a computer or other programmable data processing device, a series of operational steps may be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to create a computer-executable process, so that the instructions that cause the computer or other programmable data processing device to perform the steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s) may also be able to provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block(s).

[0037] Additionally, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that contains one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementation examples, the functions described in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, two blocks depicted in succession may actually be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on their respective functions.

[0038] Here, the term '~ unit' used in the present embodiment means software or hardware components such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the '~ unit' performs certain roles. However, the '~ unit' is not limited to software or hardware. The '~ unit' may be configured to be on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to play one or more processors. Accordingly, according to some embodiments, the '~ unit' includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and '~ units' may be combined into a smaller number of components and '~ units' or further separated into additional components and '~ units'. Additionally, the components and '~parts' may be implemented to activate one or more CPUs within the device or secure multimedia card. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the '~parts' may include one or more processors.

[0039] The term 'terminal' or 'device' used herein may refer to a mobile station (MS), user equipment (UE), user terminal (UT), wireless terminal, access terminal (AT), terminal, subscriber unit (SS), subscriber station (SS), wireless device, wireless communication device, wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile node, mobile, or other terms. Various embodiments of the terminal may include a cellular telephone, a smart phone having a wireless communication function, a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a wireless communication function, a wireless modem, a portable computer having a wireless communication function, a photographing device such as a digital camera having a wireless communication function, a gaming device having a wireless communication function, a music storage and playback home appliance having a wireless communication function, an internet home appliance capable of wireless internet access and browsing, as well as portable units or terminals integrating combinations of such functions. In addition, the terminal may include, but is not limited to, an M2M (Machine to Machine) terminal, an MTC (Machine Type Communication) terminal / device. In this specification, the terminal may also be referred to as an electronic device or simply a device.

[0040] The exemplary embodiments are described below for simplicity only with respect to Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are equally applicable to other wireless networks (e.g., cellular networks, pico-networks, femto-networks, satellite networks), as well as systems that utilize signals of one or more wired standards or protocols (e.g., Ethernet and / or HomePlug / PLC standards). As used herein, the terms "WLAN" and "Wi-Fi®" may include communications governed by the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, BLUETOOTH®, HiperLAN (a set of wireless standards primarily used in Europe and comparable to the IEEE 802.11 standards), and other technologies having a relatively short radio propagation range. Accordingly, the terms "WLAN" and "WiFi" may be used interchangeably herein. Additionally, while described below with respect to an infrastructure WLAN system including one or more Access Points (APs) and a plurality of wireless stations (STAs), the exemplary embodiments are equally applicable to other WLAN systems including, for example, multiple WLANs, peer-to-peer (or independent basic service set) systems, Wi-Fi Direct systems, and / or hotspots.

[0041] Additionally, while the present disclosure describes the exchange of data frames between wireless devices, the exemplary embodiments may be applied to the exchange of any data unit, packet, and / or frame between wireless devices. Thus, the term "frame" may include any frame, packet, or data unit, such as, for example, protocol data units (PDUs), media access control (MAC) protocol data units (MPDUs), and physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data units (PPDUs). The term "A-MPDU" may mean aggregated MPDUs.

[0042] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, circuits, and processes, to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. The term "connected," as used herein, means directly connected or connected via one or more intervening components or circuits. The term "connected access point" refers to an access point with which a given station is currently associated and / or connected (e.g., there is an established communications channel or link between the access point and the given station). Furthermore, in the following description and for purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that such specific details may not be necessary to practice the exemplary embodiments. In other instances, well-known circuits and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0043] The operating principles of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined based on the functions of the present disclosure and may vary depending on the intent or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, their definitions should be based on the overall content of this specification.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) applicable to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1 , in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with the electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0045] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0046] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0047] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0048] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0049] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0050] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0051] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0052] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0053] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0054] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0055] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0056] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0057] The camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0058] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0059] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0060] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi), or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0061] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0062] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0063] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0064] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0065] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0066] FIG. 2A is a drawing for explaining a short-range communication connection type of an electronic device applicable to the present disclosure.

[0067] According to various embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may be connected to an access point (AP) (200) based on a plurality of communication methods based on Wi-Fi. According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) and a communication module (190) (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1).

[0068] According to various embodiments, the communication module (190) may receive a communication signal from the outside or transmit a communication signal to the outside based on a Wi-Fi communication method (e.g., IEEE 802.11be). For example, the communication module (190) may operate based on IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, or 802.11bn among Wi-Fi communication methods, and in particular, IEEE 802.11be or 802.11bn has improved performance by supporting a wider bandwidth, higher data throughput, and shorter delay time compared to IEEE 802.11ax.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the communication module (190) may include a transceiver (191) for transmitting and receiving data with an external device and a communication processor (193) (e.g., a communication processor (not shown) or a short-range wireless communication module (e.g., a Wi-Fi chipset)). According to various embodiments, the communication module (190) may further include a memory.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the transceiver (191) may convert a baseband transmission signal into a wireless signal or convert a received wireless signal into a baseband reception signal.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the communication module (190) may further include, in addition to the transceiver (191) and the communication processor (193), components for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), for example, a modulator, a digital-analog converter (D / A converter), a frequency converter, an A / D converter, an amplifier, and / or a demodulator.

[0072] Although not shown, according to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may be electrically connected to a communication module of the access point (200) and may include at least one antenna module (e.g., antenna module (197) of FIG. 1) that supports a communication protocol and / or frequency band supported by the communication module of the access point (200).

[0073] According to various embodiments, the communication processor (193) may control the transceiver (191) to form a communication connection (e.g., the first network (198) of FIG. 1) with the access point (200). For example, the communication connection may include a Wi-Fi network. For example, the communication processor (193) may control the transceiver (191) to form a wireless connection with the access point (200) using a 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz band wireless local area network (WLAN) standard such as IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802.11be, or 802.11bn. Alternatively, the communication processor (193) may control the transceiver (191) to form a wireless connection with the access point (200) using the 60 GHz band WLAN standard of IEEE 802.11ad or 802.11ay.

[0074] According to various embodiments, a method of communicating between an electronic device (101) and an access point (200) using a wireless local area network (WLAN) standard may be referred to as a communication method based on an STA mode.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the processor (120) may include an application processor. The processor (120) may perform a specified operation of the electronic device (101) or control other hardware (e.g., a communication module (190)) to perform a specified operation.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the access point (200) may support an operation of transmitting data to an external network and / or an operation of receiving data from an external network by a plurality of electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101)) based on a connection between the plurality of electronic devices (e.g., electronic devices (101)) and an external network (e.g., the Internet, an external LAN, or a cellular network).

[0077] According to various embodiments, the access point (200) may be a wireless router. The access point (200) may be a dedicated wireless router or a general-purpose device supporting mobile hotspot functionality, and there are no limitations on its implementation. For example, the access point (200) may include the same components as the electronic device (101), such as a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) and / or a communication module (e.g., the communication module (190) of FIG. 1)).

[0078] According to various embodiments, the access point (200) may transmit and receive data with an external device, such as a server (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1) or an electronic device (101). For example, the access point (200) may transmit at least a portion of the data received from the server to the electronic device (101). According to various embodiments, the access point (200) and the electronic device (101) may transmit and receive UL (uplink) / DL (downlink) data during an operation period. For example, the access point (200) may transmit traffic to the electronic device (101) only during an operation period set based on schedule information received from the electronic device (101).

[0079] FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating the operation of an access point and a station for establishing a Wi-Fi connection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 2B, an access point (210) may be implemented as the access point (200) of FIG. 2A and may communicate with a station (220) based on Wi-Fi. The station (220) may be implemented as the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2A. The station (220) may be a terminal (or a terminal having a Wi-Fi interface) that supports Wi-Fi communication according to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0081] A station (220) may transmit (or broadcast) a probe request message to an access point (210) (S201). According to one embodiment, the probe request message may be a message for the station (220) to search for surrounding access points (210). According to one embodiment, the probe request message may include information regarding at least one communication capability supported by the station (220). According to one embodiment, the station (220) may receive a beacon message from the access point (210) and transmit a probe request message to the access point (210) based on information included in the beacon message. The access point (210) may transmit a probe response message (probe response) in response to the probe request message (S202).

[0082] Upon receiving the probe response message, the station (220) may transmit an authentication request message to the access point (210) (S203). The access point (210) may transmit an authentication response message to the station (220) in response to the authentication request message (S204), and the authentication procedure between the access point (210) and the station (220) may be completed. In one embodiment, the authentication procedures of S203 and S204 may be a procedure for selecting and authenticating a channel with the strongest reception strength among messages received during a channel search process. In one embodiment, through the authentication procedures of S203 and S204, the station (220) and the access point (210) may negotiate an encryption method of the authentication procedure.

[0083] Once the authentication procedure is completed, the station (220) may transmit an association request message to the access point (210) to establish a connection to the access point (210) (S205). According to one embodiment, the association request message may include information regarding at least one capability (e.g., according to the IEEE 802.11 standard) to be used for data communication between the station (220) and the access point (210). The access point (210) may generate an association ID (AID) for the station (220) and transmit an association response message to the station (220) (S206).

[0084] FIG. 3 illustrates a wireless communication system including an access point and a station applicable to the present disclosure.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, a wireless communication system (300) may include an access point (310), client electronic devices corresponding to stations (330, 332, 334, 336), and a wireless local area network (WLAN) (305).

[0086] A wireless communication system (300) may be formed by an access point (310) that provides a wireless communication channel or link to one or more stations (STAs) (330, 332, 334, 336).

[0087] An access point (310) is assigned a unique media access control (MAC) address. The WLAN (305), which is depicted as a circular shape in FIG. 3, is depicted as an infrastructure basic service set (BSS), which is a basic building block in an IEEE 802.11 system. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the WLAN (305) may be an independent basic service set (IBSS) network or a peer-to-peer (P2P) network (e.g., operating according to Wi-Fi Direct protocols). The circular shape of the WLAN (305) depicted in FIG. 3 may also be understood to represent a coverage area in which stations included in the corresponding BSS maintain communication. This area may be referred to as a basic service area (BSA). When stations (330, 332, 334, 336) move outside the BSA, they cannot communicate directly with access points or other stations within the BSA.

[0088] Stations (330, 332, 334, 336) are devices that operate according to the Medium Access Control (MAC) / PHY specifications of IEEE 802.11. As long as the function of a station is not individually distinguished from an access point, an STA may include an AP STA and a non-AP STA. However, when communication is performed between an STA and an AP, an STA may be understood as a non-AP STA.

[0089] The stations (330, 332, 334, 336) may be any suitable Wi-Fi enabled wireless device or electronic device, including, for example, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet device, a laptop computer, etc. The stations (330, 332, 334, 336) may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, an electronic device, or any other suitable terminology.

[0090] operating bandwidth capability

[0091] Meanwhile, the IEEE 802.11 system defines the operating bandwidth capability of access points and stations. The operating bandwidth represents twice the baseband bandwidth supported by the IEEE 802.11 system. In addition, the operating bandwidth can correspond to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) sampling rate, which can be 20, 40, 80, 160, or 320 MHz. The operating bandwidth is the maximum amount of bandwidth actually used for packet transmission and reception, and the access point and associated stations can use a bandwidth less than or equal to the minimum of these values. If a station transmits and receives packets using a bandwidth less than the operating bandwidth, unused subcarriers can be ignored, so there is no need to adjust the ADC sampling rate to change the baseband bandwidth.

[0092] Typically, non-AP stations may not support the full operating bandwidth supported by the access point. As the maximum supported bandwidth increases, stations may operate at a lower bandwidth than the access point. For example, while an access point can support up to 320 MHz in an IEEE 802.11be system, an STA may only support 80 MHz or 160 MHz.

[0093] In terms of the operation bandwidth used by the access point, the primary bandwidth channel may refer to a channel including a 20 MHz band through which management frames such as beacons are transmitted / received when the access point operates a BSS. In terms of the operation bandwidth, the primary bandwidth channel may refer to a channel within the bandwidth of a larger channel including a secondary bandwidth channel. In one embodiment, the primary channel may be a portion of a wider channel including the secondary channel. In one embodiment, the primary channel may use the upper half or lower half of the bandwidth of the wider channel, and the secondary channel may use the remaining half of the bandwidth of the wider channel. In one embodiment, the bandwidths of the primary bandwidth channel and the secondary bandwidth channel may not be the same. In one embodiment, the secondary channel may have a smaller bandwidth than the primary channel, or the primary channel may have a smaller bandwidth than the secondary channel. In one embodiment, multiple secondary channels may be provided on a wide channel with a single primary channel. In one embodiment, stations supporting only a smaller channel bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz) may use only the primary channel, while stations supporting wide channel functionality may use both the primary channel and the secondary channel. Accordingly, for stations using only the primary channel, the access point may switch its operating bandwidth to the secondary channel to receive data on the secondary channel.

[0094] The terms primary and secondary do not imply a specific priority, and in some embodiments, primary and secondary may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, multiple secondary channels (e.g., secondary channel 1, secondary channel 2, secondary channel 3) may be available, such that switching from a primary bandwidth channel to a secondary bandwidth channel may occur on one of the multiple secondary channels. For example, station 1 may move from the primary channel to secondary channel 1, and station 2 may move from the primary channel to secondary channel 2.

[0095] High-efficiency subchannel selective transmission (SST)

[0096] IEEE 802.11ax systems define high-efficiency (HE) subchannel selective transmission (SST) operations. The SST operations can be established through individual TWT negotiations between access points and stations. That is, HE SST non-AP stations and HE SST access points can establish SST operations by negotiating individual trigger-activated TWTs. For example, a TWT channel field consisting of 8 bits (each 20 MHz channel) of a TWT element can be used to indicate a secondary channel in a TWT request / response.

[0097] Additionally, the stations can perform frame exchange during the service period (SP). The HE SST access point can allocate individually addressed resource units (RUs) to HE SST non-AP stations within the subchannel indicated in the TWT channel field of the TWT response. At the start time of the TWT SP, the HE SST non-AP STA can use the subchannel indicated in the negotiated TWT channel field.

[0098] TWT (target wakeup time) operation

[0099] Below, the TWT operation used to configure the above-mentioned SST operation is described. The IEEE 802.11ax system defines the TWT operation. That is, using the TWT operation, the access point can manage activities in the BSS to minimize contention between stations and reduce the time required for stations using power management mode to remain in power saving mode. This can be done by allocating non-overlapping times and / or frequencies for multiple stations within the BSS to operate TWT.

[0100] A HE station can negotiate an individual TWT agreement with an access point. Alternatively, a HE station can establish membership in a broadcast TWT schedule, and the HE access point can transmit a set of TWT parameters to the HE stations with which it has established membership.

[0101] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a broadcast TWT (target wakeup time) operation that can be applied to the present disclosure.

[0102] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a broadcast TWT procedure defined in IEEE 802.11ax that can be applied to the present disclosure, and the contents described in section 27.8.3 of IEEE 802.11ax can be applied.

[0103] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are diagrams for explaining frames related to a target wakeup time (TWT) that can be applied to the present disclosure.

[0104] More specifically, FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are diagrams for explaining a TWT (target wakeup time) related frame including SST (subchannel selective transmission) related information applicable to the present disclosure.

[0105] FIG. 5a is a diagram showing an example of a TWT element format of a management and extension frame in an IEEE 802.11 system applicable to the present disclosure.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 5a, the TWT element format of a management and extension frame in an IEEE 802.11 system may include a TWT Parameter Information field (500). The TWT Parameter Information field (500) may include an Individual TWT parameter set field (shown in FIG. 5b) when the Broadcast field of the Negotiation type subfield included in the Control field (505) is '0'. The TWT Parameter Information field (500) may include at least one broadcast TWT parameter set field when the Broadcast field of the Negotiation type subfield included in the Control field (505) is '1'.

[0107] FIG. 5b is a diagram showing an example of an Individual TWT parameter set field format that can be included in the TWT Parameter Information field (500) illustrated in FIG. 5a, which can be applied to the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 5b, the Individual TWT parameter set field format may include a TWT channel field (510). The TWT channel field (510) may include a bitmap providing a channel that a station is negotiating as a temporary channel during a TWT SP. Each bit of the bitmap corresponds to one of the minimum width channels of the band in which the connected BSS of the TWT responding station is currently operating, and the least significant bit (LSB), i.e., the bit located at the far right of the bitmap, may correspond to the lowest numbered channel among the operating channels of the BSS.

[0109] For example, in a HE BSS, the minimum width channel may be 20 MHz, and setting the position of the bitmap transmitted by a TWT requesting station to 1 may request the use of that channel as a temporary default channel during a TWT SP. Setting the position of the bitmap transmitted by a TWT responding station to 1 may allow the use of that channel as a default channel during a TWT SP.

[0110] FIG. 5c is a diagram showing an example of a Broadcast TWT parameter set field format that can be included in the TWT Parameter Information field (500) illustrated in FIG. 5a, which can be applied to the present disclosure.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 5c, the Broadcast TWT parameter set field may include a Request Type field (520).

[0112] FIG. 5d is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of the Request Type field (520) illustrated in FIG. 5c, which can be applied to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 5d, the Request Type field (520) included in the Broadcast TWT parameter set field format may not include a field for setting a bandwidth or subchannel (e.g., the TWT channel field (510) illustrated in FIG. 5b).

[0113] Meanwhile, the IEEE 802.11be system defines a Restricted TWT (R-TWT) operation that instructs a non-AP EHT station, which is a TXOP holder, to terminate the TXOP before the start time of an active R-TWT SP. The R-TWT SP can be initiated by a trigger-enabled broadcast TWT operation. The access point can transmit R-TWT information to stations within the BSS by including the Restricted TWT parameter set field in the Broadcast TWT parameter set field described in FIG. 5c.

[0114] The size (e.g., bit size) and / or position (e.g., bit position) of each field included in the TWT (target wakeup time) related frame illustrated in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are merely examples for convenience of explanation, and the size and / or position of each of the fields may be implemented as various values ​​depending on design specifications.

[0115] dynamic subband / subchannel operation (DSO)

[0116] An access point enabled for network communications (e.g., network communications defined in the IEEE 802.11 system) may utilize dynamic subband / subchannel operation (DSO), also referred to herein as "bandwidth aggregation." Components of the access point (illustrated as access point (200) in FIG. 2A) may be provided as one or more integrated circuits (ICs) within an IC package. The IC package may be a single-chip package or a multi-chip module. The access point may support a maximum operating bandwidth of 320 MHz on a single link. Non-AP stations, such as client devices (illustrated as electronic device (101) in FIG. 2A), may support bandwidths lower than 320 MHz.

[0117] Accordingly, the access point can improve network traffic (e.g., uplink traffic and downlink traffic) from the access point to the stations by utilizing a channel switching protocol. That is, the stations can utilize channels by partitioning them between different portions of the 320 MHz spectrum. The channel switching protocol may include switching between a primary channel and a secondary channel. For example, the access point may enable the station to dynamically switch between channels based on actual and / or expected network traffic. It should be understood that the access point switching non-access points between channels under different operating conditions and / or using different protocols, frames, etc. is within the scope of the present disclosure. A station capable of switching from a primary channel to a secondary channel may be referred to as a bandwidth aggregation (BWA) station and / or a DSO station.

[0118] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining dynamic subband / subchannel operation (DSO) applicable to the present disclosure.

[0119] The access point (600), DSO station (611), and non-DSO station (613) illustrated in FIG. 6 can be interconnected and communicate with each other like the access point (200, 210), electronic device (101), and station (220) described in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The DSO station (611) and non-DSO station (613) illustrated in FIG. 6 can be stations included in the BSS of the access point (600) as described in FIG. 3.

[0120] The above DSO station (611) may refer to a station that supports the DSO function (and / or the BWA function), and the non-DSO station (613) may refer to a station that does not support the DSO function (and / or the BWA function).

[0121] FIG. 6 illustrates a case where, for example, an access point (600) provides a bandwidth of 320 MHz, and stations (611, 613) use a bandwidth of 160 MHz as an operating channel bandwidth.

[0122] More specifically, a station operating on a link with an access point whose station operating bandwidth is narrower than the access point bandwidth of the link may be configured to switch the operating channel bandwidth between the primary and secondary channels of the access point operating bandwidth. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the 320 MHz operating bandwidth of an access point (600) may be divided into a 160 MHz primary (P160) subchannel and a 160 MHz secondary (S160) subchannel. Although FIG. 6 illustrates the division into 160 MHz subchannels, the description of the present disclosure may also be applied to subchannels of other bandwidths. For example, a 160 MHz operating channel may be divided into 4 The subchannels can be divided into 40 MHz subchannels, the first of which is a primary channel, and the other subchannels can be referred to as secondary channels. In one embodiment, the width of the subchannels can be 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz, and the width of the operating channel can be 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz. In any of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the subchannels can include a wideband wireless access subchannel.

[0123] In one embodiment, an access point may generate a (BWA) TXOP that includes frame exchange between a non-DSO station operating on a secondary sub-channel of a particular bandwidth and / or some other station operating on a primary sub-channel of a particular bandwidth.

[0124] An access point can dynamically allocate various portions of subchannels within its operating bandwidth to non-AP stations based on at least one of the operating bandwidth capabilities, channel conditions, and QoS requirements within the TXOP. The access point can initiate transmission to a DSO STA after a sufficient delay to allow channel switching. At the end of the TXOP, the DSO STA can switch back to the default channel. This is described in more detail below.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 6, an access point (600) may transmit a "subband switch" control frame in the P160 subchannel and the S160 subchannel (620). The subband switch control frame may include a trigger frame. The subband switch control frame may be transmitted in a bandwidth of the entire 320 MHz. The subband switch control frame may include information instructing DSO stations within a BSS to allocate RUs for them in S160. The subband switch control frame may explicitly indicate which DSO stations within the BSS will switch to S160. The subband switch control frame may include sufficient padding to cover the subband (subchannel) switching latency indicated during association. The subband switching latency varies depending on the implementation of the non-AP station and may be negotiated during DSO capability signaling. The subband switch control frame may initiate a DSO TXOP.

[0126] A DSO station (611) can operate in P160 of at least one link and receive a subband switch control frame when a DSO TXOP starts (621). A non-DSO station (613) can operate in P160 of at least one link and receive a subband switch control frame when a DSO TXOP starts (623). After receiving a subband switch control frame that is the start of a DSO TXOP (step 620), the DSO station (611) can switch an operating channel bandwidth from a P160 subchannel to an S160 subchannel. For example, after receiving a subband switch control frame that is the start of a DSO TXOP (step 620), the DSO station (611) can switch an operating bandwidth from a P160 subchannel to an S160 subchannel based on resource allocation information included in the subband switch control frame.

[0127] Thereafter, the access point (600) can transmit a second control frame in the P160 subchannel and the S160 subchannel after SIFS after transmitting the subband switch control frame in step 620 (630). Accordingly, the DSO station (611) can receive the second control frame in the S160 subchannel when switching the operating band from the P160 subchannel to the S160 subchannel (631). The non-DSO station (613) can receive the second control frame in the P160 subchannel (633).

[0128] The second control frame may request the DSO station (611) and the non-DSO station (613) to transmit a response on a subchannel in which continuous communication will occur during the DSO TXOP. That is, the second control frame may be used by the access point (600) to confirm whether the stations within the BSS have performed DSO and switched subchannels. Accordingly, the DSO station (611) may transmit a response to the second control frame on the S160 subchannel (641). The non-DSO station (613) may transmit a response to the second control frame on the P160 subchannel (643). Accordingly, during the DSO TXOP, the DSO station (611) may remain on the S160 subchannel, and the non-DSO station (613) may remain on the P160 subchannel.

[0129] Thereafter, after the DSO station (611) and the non-DSO station (613) transmit the responses in steps 641 and 643, after SIFS, the access point (600), the DSO station (611) and / or the non-DSO station (613) may perform DL / UL OFDMA communication in a 320 MHz bandwidth during the DSO TXOP (650). The DSO station (611) may switch back to the P160 subchannel at the end of the DSO TXOP, i.e., after SIFS+delta after performing DL / UL OFDMA communication in a 320 MHz bandwidth (660).

[0130] For the TXOP-based DSO described in Fig. 6, the following may be considered or required.

[0131] - The access point must define the DSO mode and may require a time-consuming negotiation process to exchange its relative capabilities with all DSO stations. (HE SST using individual TWTs may also require a similar process.)

[0132] - The operating bandwidth switching delay of the DSO station must be considered within the TXOP (resulting in resource waste).

[0133] - The DSO ICF (initial control frame) may require a post-FCS (frame check sequence) and / or additional padding.

[0134] - Additional frame exchange overhead may be required for DSO ICF.

[0135] - Additional power consumption of the DSO station must be considered due to frequent switching of operating bandwidth.

[0136] - The aperiodic operating bandwidth changes of the DSO station may increase the complexity of channel estimation (i.e., modulation and coding scheme (MCS) selection), MIMO operation (i.e., sound reference rack) or interference management.

[0137] - Race conditions may occur if there is hidden interference outside the operating bandwidth of the DSO station.

[0138] - It may be difficult to meet UL target receive power and carrier frequency offset (CFO) requirements.

[0139] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a bandwidth allocation operation in a service period (SP) of a trigger-based broadcast TWT applicable to the present disclosure.

[0140] The access point (700), the first station (711), and the second station (713) illustrated in FIG. 7 can be interconnected and communicate with each other, like the access point (200, 210), the electronic device (101), and the station (220) described in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The first station (711) and the second station (713) illustrated in FIG. 7 can be stations included in the BSS of the access point (700), as described in FIG. 3.

[0141] FIG. 7 illustrates a case where, for example, an access point (700) provides a bandwidth of 320 MHz, and stations (711, 713) use a bandwidth of 160 MHz as an operating channel bandwidth.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 7, an access point (700) may initiate an R-TWT service period (SP) (720). In one embodiment, the access point (700) may instruct stations within a BSS to terminate a TXOP prior to the start time of an active R-TWT SP (720) by transmitting a Restricted TWT parameter set field included in the Broadcast TWT parameter set field (as shown in FIG. 5c).

[0143] For example, the access point (700) can broadcast a beacon to instruct stations within the BSS that all stations must terminate transmission before a specific time when the R-TWT SP is initiated. For example, the access point (700) can set the target wakeup time subfield of the Broadcast TWT parameter set field (as shown in FIG. 5c) to a timing synchronization function (TSF) time corresponding to the R-TWT SP initiation time of the R-TWT schedule. Accordingly, the R-TWT SP (720) can be initiated by a trigger-enabled broadcast TWT operation triggered by the access point, rather than by individual TWTs transmitted to some terminals.

[0144] When the above R-TWT SP (720) is initiated, the access point (700) can transmit an MU-RTS (request-to-send) trigger frame (non-TH duplicate) to stations within the BSS in a contention situation (725). The first station (711) and the second station (713) can transmit a non-HT duplicate CTS (clear-to-send) frame in the P160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth (731, 733).

[0145] Thereafter, the access point (700) can transmit a multi-user (MU) PPDU (740). The first station (711) and the second station (713) can transmit a BA frame in the P160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (741, 743). The access point (700) can transmit a Basic trigger frame (non-HT duplicate) to the stations within the BSS (750). The first station (711) and the second station (713) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame to the access point (700) in the P160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (751, 753). The access point (700) can transmit a Multi STA BA (block acknowledgment) frame for the PPDUs transmitted by the stations (760).

[0146] As illustrated in FIG. 7, it can be seen that the S160 subchannel is not used among the operating channel bandwidths of the access point. Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a method to improve the wasted bandwidth capability of an access point due to mismatches in operating bandwidths between stations that have bandwidths smaller than the bandwidth provided by the access point.

[0147] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a DSO based on a service period (SP) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] The access point (800), the first station (811), and the second station (813) illustrated in FIG. 8 can be interconnected and communicate with each other, like the access point (200, 210), the electronic device (101), and the station (220) described in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The first station (811) and the second station (813) illustrated in FIG. 8 may be stations included in the BSS of the access point (800), as described in FIG. 3. In addition, the first station (811) and the second station (813) illustrated in FIG. 8 may be DSO-supporting stations described in FIG. 6.

[0149] FIG. 8 illustrates a case where, for example, an access point (800) provides a bandwidth of 320 MHz and stations (811, 813) use a bandwidth of 160 MHz as an operating channel bandwidth; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the DSO described in FIG. 8 can be applied to all possible combinations of operating bandwidths.

[0150] In one embodiment, a station having an operating bandwidth of 160 MHz or 80 MHz may switch its operating bandwidth within S160, S80U, or S80L due to DSO operation. S80U and S80L may refer to a higher numbered 80 MHz (S80 upper (S80U)) and a lower numbered 80 MHz (lower secondary 80 MHz (S80L)) of the secondary 160 MHz. In one embodiment, a DSO-supporting station may switch its operating bandwidth based on a subband switch control frame transmitted by an access point, as described in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, to reduce signaling overhead, a station may voluntarily switch its operating bandwidth within a service period (SP) within the operating bandwidth of the access point. In one embodiment, each station may complete the switching of its operating bandwidth by the start of an SP. In one embodiment, there may be no change for an STA having an operating bandwidth of 320 MHz. The operation illustrated in Fig. 8 can also be applied to DSOs of stations capable of operating bandwidths of 20 MHz or 40 MHz, depending on the channelization rules.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 8, an access point (800) may initiate a service period (SP) (820). In one embodiment, the access point (800) may initiate an R-TWT SP by transmitting the Restricted TWT parameter set field included in the Broadcast TWT parameter set field (as shown in FIG. 5c).

[0152] When the SP (820) is initiated by the access point (800), the access point (800) may transmit a trigger frame to stations within the BSS (825) in a contention situation. In one embodiment, the trigger frame may include resource unit (RU) scheduling information. In one embodiment, the trigger frame may be used to check the awake state of connected stations. In one embodiment, the trigger frame may be used to check the subchannel on which the stations are located.

[0153] In one embodiment, a second station (813), which is one of the stations connected to the access point (800), may switch the operating bandwidth in the SP from the P160 subchannel to the S160 subchannel. The second station (813) may switch to the S160 subchannel voluntarily or may be forcibly pre-allocated by the access point (800). In one embodiment, each station may complete the switching of the operating bandwidth until the start point of the SP.

[0154] Thereafter, the first station (811) can transmit a response frame for the trigger frame to the access point (800) in the P160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth (831). When the second station (813) switches the operating channel bandwidth to the S160 subchannel, it can transmit a response frame for the trigger frame to the access point (800) in the S160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth (833).

[0155] Thereafter, the access point (800) can transmit an MU PPDU (840). In one embodiment, if the access point (800) identifies the location of the subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth of the first station (811) and the second station (813) through steps 831 and 833, the PPDU to be transmitted to the first station (811) can be transmitted through the P160 subchannel, and the PPDU to be transmitted to the second station (813) can be transmitted through the S160 subchannel. The first station (811) can receive the MU PPDU on the P160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, and transmit a BA frame for the MU PPDU (841). The second station (813) can receive the MU PPDU on the S160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, and transmit a BA frame for the MU PPDU (843).

[0156] An access point (800) can transmit a Basic trigger frame to stations within a BSS (850). A first station (811) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame to the access point (800) on a P160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (851). A second station (813) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame on a S160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (853). The access point can transmit a Multi STA BA (block acknowledgment) frame for the PPDUs transmitted by the stations (860). In one embodiment, after the SP (820) ends, the second station (813) can switch the operating channel bandwidth to the P160 subchannel or enter sleep mode.

[0157] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a service period (SP)-based DSO operation during a Broadcast TWT (target wakeup time) or Broadcast R (restricted)-TWT according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] The access point (900), the first station (911), and the second station (913) illustrated in FIG. 9 can be interconnected and communicate with each other, like the access point (200, 210), the electronic device (101), and the station (220) described in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The first station (911) and the second station (913) illustrated in FIG. 9 may be stations included in the BSS of the access point (900), as described in FIG. 3. The first station (911) and the second station (913) illustrated in FIG. 9 may be DSO-supporting stations described in FIG. 6.

[0159] FIG. 9 illustrates a case where, for example, an access point (900) provides a bandwidth of 320 MHz and stations (911, 913) use a bandwidth of 160 MHz as an operating channel bandwidth; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the DSO described in FIG. 9 can be applied to all possible combinations of operating bandwidths.

[0160] The access point (900) operates a DSO within the SP of a broadcast TWT or broadcast R-TWT, and the station can switch the operating bandwidth within the SP. The subchannel pool to which the station can switch is a set of subchannels to which the DSO station can switch, and the access point can share in advance. The subchannel pool may include one or more of the secondary channels (e.g., S160, S80, S40, or S20) announced by at least one of a beacon, a (re)association response, a probe response, or a TWT response. Depending on the operating bandwidth of the station, the operating bandwidth can be switched voluntarily or forcibly.

[0161] The above TWT response may include a TWT response in which the access point shares the reception interval of the first TBTT and R-TWT when the station transmits a TWT request to the access point, or a TWT response in which the access point informs of its broadcast TWT information without a TWT request transmitted by the station.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 9, the access point (900) can initiate the SP (920) by a Trigger-based Broadcast TWT or a Trigger-based Broadcast R-TWT. In one embodiment, the access point (900) can instruct the stations within the BSS to terminate the TXOP before the start time of the active R-TWT SP (920) by transmitting the Restricted TWT parameter set field including the Broadcast TWT parameter set field (as shown in FIG. 5c). For example, the access point (900) can broadcast a beacon to instruct the stations within the BSS that all stations must terminate transmission before a specific time when the R-TWT SP is initiated. For example, the access point (900) can set the target wakeup time subfield of the Broadcast TWT parameter set field (as shown in FIG. 5c) to a TSF (timing synchronization function) time corresponding to the R-TWT SP start time of the R-TWT schedule.

[0163] When the SP (920) is initiated by the access point (900), the access point (900) can transmit an MU-RTS (request-to-send) trigger frame (non-TH duplicate) to stations within the BSS in a contention situation (925). In one embodiment, the trigger frame can be used to check the awake state of the connected stations. In one embodiment, the trigger frame can be used to check the subchannels on which the stations are located. In one embodiment, when the access point (900) already knows the locations of the subchannels of the DSO stations, the MU-RTS trigger frame can be used to check whether the operating bandwidth switching of the DSO station has been successfully performed through an exchange of MU-RTS frames and CTS frames.

[0164] In one embodiment, a second station (913), which is one of the stations connected to the access point (900), may switch the operating bandwidth in the SP from the P160 subchannel to the S160 subchannel. In one embodiment, the second station (913) may switch to the S160 subchannel voluntarily or may be forcibly pre-allocated by the access point (900). In one embodiment, each station may complete the switching of the operating bandwidth until the start point of the SP.

[0165] Thereafter, the first station (911) can transmit a response frame for the trigger frame to the access point (900) in the P160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth (931). When the second station (913) switches the operating channel bandwidth to the S160 subchannel, it can transmit a response frame for the trigger frame to the access point (900) in the S160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth (933).

[0166] Thereafter, the access point (900) can transmit the MU PPDU (940). In one embodiment, if the access point (900) identifies the location of the subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth of the first station (911) and the second station (913) through steps 931 and 933, the PPDU to be transmitted to the first station (911) can be transmitted through the P160 subchannel, and the PPDU to be transmitted to the second station (913) can be transmitted through the S160 subchannel. The first station (911) can receive the MU PPDU on the P160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, and transmit a BA frame for the MU PPDU (941). The second station (913) can receive the MU PPDU on the S160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, and transmit a BA frame for the MU PPDU (943).

[0167] The access point (900) can transmit a Basic trigger frame (non-HT duplicate) to stations within the BSS (950). The first station (911) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame to the access point (900) on the P160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (951). The second station (913) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame on the S160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (953). The access point can transmit a Multi STA BA (block acknowledgment) frame for the PPDUs transmitted by the stations (960). In one embodiment, the second station (913) can switch the operating channel bandwidth to the P160 subchannel or enter sleep mode after the SP (920) ends.

[0168] FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c are diagrams illustrating the structure of a frame for a service period (SP)-based DSO operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0169] More specifically, FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are diagrams for explaining a method for the structure of a frame transmitting DSO-related information for a service period (SP)-based DSO operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a TWT element format of a management and extension frame in an IEEE 802.11 system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 10a, the TWT element format of a management and extension frame in an IEEE 802.11 system may include a TWT Parameter Information field (500). The TWT Parameter Information field (1000) may include an Individual TWT parameter set field when the Broadcast field of the Negotiation type subfield included in the Control field (1005) is '0'. The TWT Parameter Information field (1000) may include at least one broadcast TWT parameter set field when the Broadcast field of the Negotiation type subfield included in the Control field (1005) is '1'.

[0172] FIG. 10b is a diagram showing an example of a Broadcast TWT parameter set field format that may be included in the TWT Parameter Information field (1000) illustrated in FIG. 10a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 10b, the Broadcast TWT parameter set field format may include a field for DSO operation (e.g., a DSO Info field) (1010). In one embodiment, the DSO Info field (1010) may include at least one of DSO capability or subchannel information on which a station may stay during an SP. In one embodiment, the DSO field (1010) may be included in an existing broadcast management frame, such as a beacon, and may be broadcast periodically. In one embodiment, each station may move to a subchannel randomly selected from a group of candidates based on the subchannel information included in the DSO Info field (1010), taking into account the size of the operating bandwidth. In one embodiment, when the DSO Info field is included in a broadcast frame, such as a beacon, the subchannel information (i.e., information on the subchannel pool) may be applied to all connected stations within the BSS.

[0174] In one embodiment, the DSO Info field may be included in frames individually transmitted to stations (e.g., a Probe response, a (Re)Association response, or an (unsolicited) TWT response). In this case, the subchannel information (i.e., information about the subchannel pool) may be independently applied to a specific station. In one embodiment, the access point may provide each station with a different subchannel candidate group for scheduling. Alternatively, the access point may provide information about a single subchannel to which switching is to be performed during the SP. In one embodiment, when the access point provides the information about the subchannel pool, the access point may include information in the DSO Info field about whether the stations are required to switch voluntarily or mandatory. In one embodiment, a DSO-supporting station may complete the operating bandwidth switching before the SP is initiated.

[0175] FIG. 10c is a diagram showing an example of the DSO info field (1010) format shown in FIG. 10b according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 10c, the DSO info field (1010) may include at least one of the DSO capability subfield (1020) or the Subchannel Info subfield (1025). In one embodiment, the DSO capability subfield (1020) may include at least one of the following information:

[0177] - DSO ON / OFF notification for the corresponding SP

[0178] - The operating bandwidth size of the station allowed for DSO

[0179] - Subchannel switching conditions, such as designating stations that have a specific type of traffic queued or whose UL buffer size exceeds a specific (specified) level.

[0180] In one embodiment, the Subchannel Info subfield (1025) may include bitmap information indicating a subband to which the station can switch its operating bandwidth. Each bit of the bitmap corresponds to one of the minimum width channels of the band in which the connected BSS is currently operating (e.g., 20MHz), and the least significant bit (LSB), i.e., the bit located at the far right of the bitmap, may correspond to the lowest numbered channel among the operating channels of the BSS. Setting a bit included in the transmitted bitmap to '1' may allow the operation of using the corresponding channel as the default channel during the TWT SP. In one embodiment, the station may not be permitted to switch to an operating bandwidth that includes subchannels indicated as '0' in the bitmap information.

[0181] For example, in a HE BSS, the minimum width channel may be 20MHz, and assuming the primary 20MHz is set as the lowest numbered channel, and the access point operates in the 320MHz band, '1111111100001100 (2 octets)' may represent the possible set of subchannels that a station may switch to during a broadcast TWT. In this case, the rightmost bit and the second rightmost bit may both be '0', indicating that the P20 and S20 subchannels are not allowed, which may indicate that the primary 40MHz (P40) band, which includes the primary 20MHz and secondary 20MHz subchannels, is not used. In one embodiment, the fifth to eighth bits from the right in the bitmap information '1111111100001100 (2 octets)' may all be '0', indicating that the secondary 80 MHz (S80) band is not in use. For example, this may occur when the primary 20 MHz channel of the overlapping basic service set (OBSS) exists within the S80 subchannel. For example, based on the bitmap information '1111111100001100 (2 octets)', if the station has an operating bandwidth of 160 MHz, it may use the S160 subchannel, or use a bandwidth including a partial band of S40 and S160 (due to puncturing of the S80 subchannel).

[0182] The size (e.g., bit size) and / or position (e.g., bit position) of each field included in the structure of the frame for the DSO operation based on the service period (SP) illustrated in FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c are merely examples for convenience of explanation, and the size and / or position of each of the fields may be implemented as various values ​​depending on the design specifications.

[0183] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a BSRP (Buffer Status Report Poll) trigger operation according to a DSO operation based on a service period (SP) during a Broadcast (R-)TWT according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0184] The access point (1100), the first station (1111), and the second station (1113) illustrated in FIG. 11 can be interconnected and communicate with each other, like the access point (200, 210), the electronic device (101), and the station (220) described in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The first station (1111) and the second station (1113) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be stations included in the BSS of the access point (1100), as described in FIG. 3. The first station (1111) and the second station (1113) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be DSO-supporting stations described in FIG. 6.

[0185] FIG. 11 illustrates a case where, for example, an access point (1100) provides a bandwidth of 320 MHz and stations (1111, 1113) use a bandwidth of 160 MHz as an operating channel bandwidth; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the DSO described in FIG. 11 can be applied to all possible combinations of operating bandwidths.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 11, an access point (1100) can initiate SP (1120) by Trigger-based Broadcast R-TWT. When SP (1120) is initiated by the access point (1100), the access point (1100) can transmit a BSRP trigger frame to stations within the BSS (1125) in a contention situation. In one embodiment, the access point (1100) can transmit a BSRP trigger frame that allocates an RA-RU to check the buffer status of stations and the subchannel (e.g., P160, S160, S80, etc.) on which a DSO station is staying within the SP. If a station voluntarily determines a subchannel, the access point (1100) can check its location through the BSRP trigger frame, and if the access point (1100) forcibly allocates a subchannel, it can check whether the operating bandwidth switching has been successfully performed. In one embodiment, the station may transmit a BSR after performing UORA contention based on the transmittable RA-RU. In one embodiment, the access point may use the information received from the station for subsequent scheduling.

[0187] In one embodiment, a second station (1113), which is one of the stations connected to the access point (1100), may switch the operating bandwidth from the P160 subchannel to the S160 subchannel in the SP. In one embodiment, the second station (1113) may voluntarily switch to the S160 subchannel, or may be forcibly pre-allocated by the access point (1100). In one embodiment, the second station (1113) may participate in UORA contention to transmit a BSR in a subchannel overlapping with an RA-RU.

[0188] Thereafter, the first station (1111) can transmit a BSR frame to the access point (1100) by participating in UORA competition in the P160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth (1131). The second station (1113) can transmit a BSR frame to the access point (1100) by participating in UORA competition in the S160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, when the operating channel bandwidth is switched to the S160 subchannel (1133).

[0189] Thereafter, the access point (1100) can transmit the MU PPDU using at least one of the P160 subchannel and the S160 subchannel (1140). In one embodiment, if the access point (1100) identifies the positions of the subchannels that are the operating channel bandwidths of the first station (1111) and the second station (1113) through steps 1131 and 1133, the access point (1100) can transmit the PPDU to be transmitted to the first station (1111) through the P160 subchannel, and the PPDU to be transmitted to the second station (1113) through the S160 subchannel. The first station (1111) can receive the MU PPDU on the P160 subchannel that is the operating channel bandwidth, and transmit a BA frame for the MU PPDU (1141). The second station (1113) can receive the MU PPDU in the S160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, and transmit a BA frame for the MU PPDU (1143).

[0190] An access point (1100) can transmit a Basic trigger frame (non-HT duplicate) to stations within a BSS (1150). A first station (1111) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame to the access point (1100) on a P160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (1151). A second station (1113) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame on a S160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (1153). The access point can transmit a Multi STA BA (block acknowledgment) frame for the PPDUs transmitted by the stations (1160). In one embodiment, after the SP (1120) ends, the second station (1113) can switch the operating channel bandwidth to the P160 subchannel or enter sleep mode.

[0191] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a Basic trigger operation according to a DSO operation based on a service period (SP) during a Broadcast (R-)TWT according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0192] The access point (1200), the first station (1211), and the second station (1213) illustrated in FIG. 12 can be interconnected and communicate with each other, like the access point (200, 210), the electronic device (101), and the station (220) described in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The first station (1211) and the second station (1213) illustrated in FIG. 12 may be stations included in the BSS of the access point (1200), as described in FIG. 3. The first station (1211) and the second station (1213) illustrated in FIG. 12 may be DSO-supporting stations described in FIG. 6.

[0193] FIG. 12 illustrates a case where, for example, an access point (1200) provides a bandwidth of 320 MHz and stations (1211, 1213) use a bandwidth of 160 MHz as an operating channel bandwidth; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the DSO described in FIG. 12 can be applied to all possible combinations of operating bandwidths.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 12, an access point (1200) can initiate an SP (1220) by a Trigger-based Broadcast R-TWT. When the SP is initiated by the access point (1200) (1220), the access point (1200) can transmit a Basic trigger frame to stations within the BSS (1225) in a contention situation. In one embodiment, the access point (1200) can transmit a Basic trigger frame that allocates an RA-RU to identify a subchannel (e.g., P160, S160, S80, etc.) where a DSO STA is staying within the SP. In one embodiment, when a station voluntarily determines a subchannel due to the Basic trigger frame, its location can be identified, and when the access point (1200) forcibly allocates a subchannel, it can be confirmed whether the operating bandwidth switching has been successfully performed. In one embodiment, the STA can perform UORA contention based on a transmittable RA-RU. In one embodiment, the access point may use information received from the station for subsequent scheduling.

[0195] In one embodiment, a second station (1213), which is one of the stations connected to the access point (1200), may switch the operating bandwidth from the P160 subchannel to the S160 subchannel in the SP. In one embodiment, the switching of the second station (1213) to the S160 subchannel may be performed voluntarily, or may be forcibly pre-allocated by the access point (1200). In one embodiment, the second station (1213) may participate in UORA contention in a subchannel overlapping with the RA-RU.

[0196] Thereafter, the first station (1211) can transmit a QoS Null frame to the access point (1200) in the P160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth (1231). The second station (1213), when switching the operating channel bandwidth to the S160 subchannel, can transmit a PS-Poll frame to the access point (1200) in the S160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth (1233).

[0197] Thereafter, the access point (1200) can transmit the MU PPDU using at least one of the P160 subchannel and the S160 subchannel (1240). In one embodiment, if the access point (1200) identifies the location of the subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth of the first station (1211) and the second station (1213) through steps 1231 and 1233, the access point (1200) can transmit the PPDU to be transmitted to the first station (1211) through the P160 subchannel, and the PPDU to be transmitted to the second station (1213) through the S160 subchannel. The first station (1211) can receive the MU PPDU on the P160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, and transmit a BA frame for the MU PPDU (1241). The second station (1213) can receive the MU PPDU in the S160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, and transmit a BA frame for the MU PPDU (1243).

[0198] The access point (1200) can transmit a Basic trigger frame (non-HT duplicate) to stations within the BSS (1250). The first station (1211) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame to the access point (1200) on the P160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (1251). The second station (1213) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame on the S160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (1253). The access point can transmit a Multi STA BA (block acknowledgment) frame for the PPDUs transmitted by the stations (1260). In one embodiment, after the SP (1220) ends, the second station (1213) can switch the operating channel bandwidth to the P160 subchannel or enter sleep mode.

[0199] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a service period (SP)-based DSO operation combined with non-primary channel access (NPCA) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] The access point (1300), the first station (1311), and the second station (1313) illustrated in FIG. 13 can be interconnected and communicate with each other, like the access point (200, 210), the electronic device (101), and the station (220) described in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The first station (1311) and the second station (1313) illustrated in FIG. 13 may be stations included in the BSS of the access point (1300), as described in FIG. 3. The first station (1311) and the second station (1313) illustrated in FIG. 13 may be DSO-supporting stations described in FIG. 6.

[0201] FIG. 13 illustrates a case where, for example, an access point (1300) provides a bandwidth of 320 MHz and stations (1311, 1313) use a bandwidth of 160 MHz as an operating channel bandwidth; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the DSO described in FIG. 13 can be applied to all possible combinations of operating bandwidths.

[0202] In one embodiment, when the access point identifies an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) TXOP period, it can perform access based on EDCA backoff for a non-primary channel (i.e., a secondary channel) that does not overlap with the OBSS transmission. In one embodiment, the access point can participate in EDCA contention using one of the secondary 20MHz channels that does not overlap with the OBSS as an anchor channel and secure a TXOP for the OBSS TXOP period. That is, the access point can transmit data to the station during the OBSS TXOP period through a subchannel including the anchor channel that does not overlap with the OBSS. In one embodiment, the stations that have switched the operating bandwidth in the SP (1320) for DSO can receive scheduling from the access point without accessing the primary channel of the access point.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 13, an access point (1300) may initiate SP (1320) by Trigger-based Broadcast R-TWT. In this case, the P160 subchannel within the operating bandwidth may be in OBSS TXOP (1323). When SP (1320) is initiated by the access point (1300), the access point (1300) may transmit a BSRP (or Basic) trigger frame to stations within the BSS in a contention situation (1325). In this case, since the P160 subchannel is in OBSS TXOP, the access point (1300) may transmit the BSRP (or Basic) trigger frame on the S160 subchannel. In one embodiment, the access point (1300) can transmit a BSRP (or Basic) trigger frame that allocates an RA-RU to check the buffer status of the stations and the subchannel (e.g., P160, S160, S80, etc.) on which the DSO station is staying within the SP. If the station voluntarily determines the subchannel, the access point (1300) can check its location based on the BSRP (or Basic) trigger frame, and if the access point (1300) forcibly allocates the subchannel, it can check whether the operating bandwidth switching has been successfully performed. In one embodiment, the station can transmit a BSR (or QoS Null, PS-Poll, etc.) after performing UORA contention based on the transmittable RA-RU. In one embodiment, the access point can use the information received from the station for subsequent scheduling. In one embodiment, the access point can know the end time of the OBSS TXOP, and the packet exchange may have to be completed by the end of the OBSS TXOP.

[0204] In one embodiment, a second station (1313), which is one of the stations connected to the access point (1300), may switch the operating bandwidth from the P160 subchannel to the S160 subchannel in the SP. In one embodiment, the second station (1313) may voluntarily switch to the S160 subchannel, or may be forcibly pre-allocated by the access point (1300). In one embodiment, a first station (1311), whose operating bandwidth is the P160 subchannel in the SP, may not receive the BSRP (or Basic) trigger frame. Accordingly, the first station (1311) may not be permitted to transmit an uplink packet without a trigger frame transmitted by the access point. In one embodiment, when the second station (1313) switches the operating channel bandwidth to the S160 sub-channel, the second station (1313) can receive the BSRP (or basic) trigger frame in the S160 sub-channel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, and in response, transmit a BSR, QoS NULL, or PS-Poll frame to the access point (1300) (1333).

[0205] Thereafter, the access point (1300) may transmit an S160 subchannel SU (single-user) PPDU only when it receives a BSR, QoS NULL, or PS-Poll frame from the second station (1313) (1340). In one embodiment, when the access point (1300) identifies the location of the subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth of the second station (1313) through step 1333, it may transmit a PPDU to be transmitted to the second station (1313) through the S160 subchannel. The second station (1313) may receive the SU PPDU in the S160 subchannel, which is the operating channel bandwidth, and transmit a BA frame for the SU PPDU (1343).

[0206] The access point (1300) can transmit a Basic trigger frame (non-HT duplicate) to stations within the BSS (1350). In one embodiment, after the OBSS TXOP (1323) is completed, the access point can secure a TXOP in the entire band through the primary subchannel EDCA procedure. In this case, the stations can utilize the SP-based DSO operation using the method illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 12. The first station (1311) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame to the access point (1300) on the P160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (1351). The second station (1313) can transmit a HE TB PPDU frame on the S160 subchannel, which is an operating channel bandwidth (1353). The access point can transmit a Multi STA BA (block acknowledgment) frame for the PPDUs transmitted by the stations (1360). In one embodiment, the second station (1313) may switch the operating channel bandwidth to the P160 sub-channel or enter sleep mode after the SP (1320) is terminated.

[0207] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] In step 1400, the access point may initiate a service period (SP). In step 1410, the access point may transmit a trigger frame to at least one station on a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of the access point. In step 1420, the access point may receive at least one response frame based on the trigger frame from the at least one station. The response frame may be received on an operating bandwidth channel set by the at least one station during the service period.

[0209] In one embodiment, the access point may transmit data to the at least one station on at least one of the primary channel or the at least one secondary channel based on the at least one response frame. In one embodiment, the service period may be initiated by the access point transmitting a broadcast TWT (target wakeup time) related frame to the at least one station.

[0210] In one embodiment, the service period may be initiated by the access point transmitting a broadcast restricted-target wakeup time (R-TWT) related frame to the at least one station. In one embodiment, the access point may transmit a frame including dynamic subband / subchannel operation (DSO) related information to the at least one station before initiating the service period. In one embodiment, the DSO related information may be included in at least one of a broadcast target wakeup time (TWT) related frame, a Probe response frame, a (Re)Association response frame, or an (unsolicited) TWT response frame.

[0211] In one embodiment, when the DSO-related information is included in a Probe response frame, a (Re)Association response frame, or an (unsolicited) TWT response frame, the DSO-related information can be applied independently to a specific station.

[0212] In one embodiment, the access point may receive the response message from a first station included in the at least one station on the at least one secondary subchannel. In one embodiment, the DSO-related information may be used by the first station to switch the operating bandwidth channel from the primary subchannel to the at least one secondary subchannel during the service period. In one embodiment, the switching of the operating bandwidth channel by the first station may be performed by a switching instruction included in the DSO-related information or voluntarily by the first station. In one embodiment, the DSO-related information may include information instructing to switch the operating bandwidth channel or instructing the station to voluntarily switch the operating bandwidth channel.

[0213] In one embodiment, the DSO-related information may be characterized by including DSO capability information or sub-channel information on which a station can stay during an SP. In one embodiment, the DSO capability information may include at least one of a DSO ON / OFF notification for the corresponding SP, information on the operating bandwidth size of the station allowed for DSO, and information on sub-channel switching conditions that designate a station that has a specific type of traffic waiting in a queue or whose UL buffer size exceeds a specific (designated) level.

[0214] In one embodiment, the subchannel information may include bitmap information indicating a subchannel to which the station can switch the operating bandwidth. In one embodiment, the trigger frame may include a multi-user - request to send (MU-RTS) frame, and the response frame may include a clear to send (CTS) frame. In one embodiment, the trigger frame may include at least one of a BSRP trigger frame or a basic trigger frame. In one embodiment, when the SP is initiated, if there is a subchannel overlapping with a subchannel in which an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) TXOP (transmission opportunity) is set among the operating bandwidth channels of the access point, the access point may transmit the trigger frame during the OBSS TXOP on a subchannel other than the subchannel in which the OBSS TXOP is set among the operating bandwidth channels of the access point.

[0215] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0216] In step 1510, the station may receive a trigger frame from the access point during a service period (SP) initiated by the access point. In step 1520, the station may transmit to the access point at least one response frame based on the trigger frame. In one embodiment, the response frame may be transmitted on an operating bandwidth channel set by at least one station among a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of the access point during the service period.

[0217] In one embodiment, the station can receive data on at least one of the primary channel or the at least one secondary channel based on the at least one response frame.

[0218] In one embodiment, the service period may be initiated by the access point transmitting a broadcast target wakeup time (TWT) related frame to the at least one station. In one embodiment, the service period may be initiated by the access point transmitting a broadcast restricted-target wakeup time (R-TWT) related frame to the at least one station. In one embodiment, the station may receive a frame including dynamic subband / subchannel operation (DSO) related information from the access point before the service period is initiated. In one embodiment, the DSO related information may be included in at least one of a broadcast target wakeup time (TWT) related frame, a Probe response frame, a (Re)Association response frame, or an (unsolicited) TWT response frame. In one embodiment, when the DSO related information is included in a Probe response frame, a (Re)Association response frame, or an (unsolicited) TWT response frame, the DSO related information may be independently applied to a specific station.

[0219] In one embodiment, the station may switch the operating bandwidth channel during the service period from the primary subchannel to the at least one secondary subchannel based on the DSO-related information. In one embodiment, the response message may be transmitted on the at least one secondary subchannel.

[0220] In one embodiment, the station can switch the operating bandwidth channel during the service period from the primary sub-channel to the at least one secondary sub-channel. In one embodiment, the station can switch the operating bandwidth channel during the service period by a switching instruction included in the DSO-related information or voluntarily by the first station. In one embodiment, the DSO-related information can include information instructing to switch the operating bandwidth channel or instructing the station to voluntarily switch the operating bandwidth channel.

[0221] In one embodiment, the DSO-related information may include DSO capability information or sub-channel information on which a station may stay during an SP. In one embodiment, the DSO capability information may include at least one of a DSO ON / OFF notification for the corresponding SP, information on the operating bandwidth size of the station allowed for DSO, and information on sub-channel switching conditions that designate a station that has a specific type of traffic waiting in the queue or whose UL buffer size exceeds a specific (designated) level.

[0222] In one embodiment, the subchannel information may include bitmap information indicating a subchannel to which the station can switch the operating bandwidth. In one embodiment, the trigger frame may include a multi-user request to send (MU-RTS) frame, and the response frame may include a clear to send (CTS) frame. In one embodiment, the trigger frame may include at least one of a BSRP trigger frame or a Basic trigger frame.

[0223] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] In FIG. 16, the access point may include a processor (1601), a transceiver (1602), and a memory (1603). The processor (1601), the transceiver (1602), and the memory (1603) of the access point may operate according to the method(s) described in the above-described embodiments. However, the components of the access point are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the access point may include more or fewer components than the components described above. In addition, the processor (1601), the transceiver (1602), and the memory (1603) may be implemented in the form of at least one chip.

[0225] The transceiver (1602) is a general term for a receiver and a transmitter, and can transmit and receive signals with a station or other network entity through the transceiver (1602). At this time, the transmitted and received signal may include at least one of control information and data. To this end, the transceiver (1602) may include an RF transmitter that up-converts and amplifies the frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF receiver that low-noise amplifies and frequency-converts the received signal. This is only one embodiment of the transceiver (1602), and the components of the transceiver (1602) are not limited to the RF transmitter and RF receiver. In addition, the transceiver (1602) can receive a signal and output it to the processor (1601), and transmit the signal output from the processor (1601) to another network entity through the network.

[0226] The memory (1603) can store programs and data necessary for the operation of the access point according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments. In addition, the memory (1603) can store control information and / or data included in a signal acquired from the access point. The memory (1603) can be configured as a storage medium or a combination of storage media, such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD.

[0227] The processor (1601) may control a series of processes so that the access point can operate according to at least one of the embodiments described above. The processor (1601) may include at least one processor.

[0228] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0229] In FIG. 17, the station may include a processor (1701), a transceiver (1702), and a memory (1703). The processor (1701), the transceiver (1702), and the memory (1703) of the station may operate according to the method(s) described in the above-described embodiments. However, the components of the station are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the station may include more or fewer components than the components described above. In addition, the processor (1701), the transceiver (1702), and the memory (1703) may be implemented in the form of at least one chip.

[0230] The transceiver (1702) is a general term for a receiver and a transmitter, and can transmit and receive signals with a station or other network entity through the transceiver (1702). At this time, the transmitted and received signal may include at least one of control information and data. To this end, the transceiver (1702) may include an RF transmitter that up-converts and amplifies the frequency of a transmitted signal, and an RF receiver that low-noise amplifies and frequency-downconverts the received signal. This is only one embodiment of the transceiver (1702), and the components of the transceiver (1702) are not limited to the RF transmitter and RF receiver. In addition, the transceiver (1702) can receive a signal and output it to the processor (1701), and transmit the signal output from the processor (1701) to another network entity through the network.

[0231] The memory (1703) can store programs and data necessary for the operation of the station according to at least one of the aforementioned embodiments. In addition, the memory (03) can store control information and / or data included in a signal acquired from the station. The memory (1703) can be configured as a storage medium or a combination of storage media, such as a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD.

[0232] The processor (1701) may control a series of processes so that the station can operate according to at least one of the embodiments described above. The processor (1701) may include at least one processor.

[0233] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, components included in the present disclosure are expressed singularly or plurally, depending on the specific embodiment presented. However, the singular or plural expressions are selected to suit the presented situation for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. Components expressed in plural may be composed of singular elements, or components expressed in singular may be composed of plural elements.

[0234] While the detailed description of this disclosure has described specific embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the scope of the claims described below, but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. In a method performed by an access point in a wireless local access network (WLAN) system, A step of initiating a service period (SP); A step of transmitting a trigger frame to at least one station on a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of the access point; and comprising the step of receiving at least one response frame based on the trigger frame from at least one station; A method characterized in that said at least one response frame is received on an operating bandwidth channel during the service period set by said at least one station.

2. In paragraph 1, A method characterized in that it further comprises the step of transmitting data to the at least one station on at least one of the primary channel or the at least one secondary channel based on the at least one response frame.

3. In paragraph 1, the service period is: A method characterized in that the access point is initiated by transmitting a broadcast TWT (target wakeup time) or broadcast R-TWT (restricted-target wakeup time) related frame to the at least one station.

4. In the first paragraph, before starting the service period, further comprising a step of transmitting a frame including dynamic subband / subchannel operation (DSO) related information to at least one station; A method characterized in that the above DSO-related information is included in at least one of a broadcast TWT (target wakeup time)-related frame, a Probe response frame, a (Re)Association response frame, or an (unsolicited) TWT response frame.

5. In paragraph 4, Further comprising the step of receiving the response message on the at least one secondary sub-channel from a first station included in the at least one station; A method characterized in that the above DSO related information is used by the first station to switch the operating bandwidth channel during the service period from the primary sub-channel to the at least one secondary sub-channel.

6. In paragraph 5, The switching of the operating bandwidth channel by the first station is performed by a switching instruction included in the DSO-related information or spontaneously by the first station, and A method characterized in that the DSO-related information includes information instructing to switch the operating bandwidth channel or instructing the station to voluntarily switch the operating bandwidth channel.

7. In paragraph 4, the DSO-related information is: A method characterized by including DSO capability information, or sub-channel information on which a station can stay during an SP.

8. In paragraph 7, the DSO performance (capability) information is: A method characterized in that it includes at least one of DSO ON / OFF notification for the corresponding SP, information on the operating bandwidth size of the station allowed for DSO, and information on subchannel switching conditions designating a station that has a specific type of traffic waiting in the queue or whose UL buffer size exceeds a specific (specified) level.

9. In paragraph 7, the sub-channel information is: A method characterized in that the station includes bitmap information indicating subchannels to which the operating bandwidth can be switched.

10. In the first paragraph, the trigger frame, Contains MU-RTS (multi user - request to send) trigger frame, A method characterized in that the above response frame includes a CTS (clear to send) frame.

11. In the first paragraph, the trigger frame, A method characterized by comprising at least one of a BSRP trigger frame or a Basic trigger frame.

12. In paragraph 1, A method characterized by comprising: a step of transmitting the trigger frame during the OBSS TXOP on a subchannel excluding the subchannel on which the OBSS TXOP is set among the operating bandwidth channels of the access point, when there is a subchannel that overlaps with a subchannel on which the OBSS TXOP is set among the operating bandwidth channels of the access point at the time when the SP is initiated; 13. In a method performed by a station in a wireless local access network (WLAN) system, A step of receiving a trigger frame from an access point during a service period (SP) initiated by the access point; a step of transmitting at least one response frame based on the trigger frame to the access point; and A method characterized in that the response frame is transmitted on an operating bandwidth channel during the service period set by at least one station among a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of the access point.

14. In a wireless local access network (WLAN) system, at the access point, Transmitter and receiver; and At least one processor; comprising: Start the service period (SP), Transmitting a trigger frame to at least one station on a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in the operating bandwidth channel of the access point, and configured to receive at least one response frame based on the trigger frame from at least one station; An access point, characterized in that the response frame is received on an operating bandwidth channel during the service period set by the at least one station.

15. In a wireless local access network (WLAN) system, at a station, Transmitter and receiver; and At least one processor; comprising: Receive a trigger frame from an access point during a service period (SP) initiated by the access point, and configured to transmit at least one response frame based on the trigger frame to the above access point, A station characterized in that the response frame is transmitted on an operating bandwidth channel during the service period set by at least one station among a primary channel and at least one secondary channel included in an operating bandwidth channel of an access point.

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