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

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the design of a response frame for dynamic power saving in a wireless LAN system. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a first STA configured to operate in a wireless LAN system comprises the steps of: activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; receiving an initiating frame from a second STA in a listening state of the DPS mode; switching from the listening state to a frame exchange state on the basis of the reception of the initiating frame; after switching to the frame exchange state, transmitting a response frame for the initiating frame to the second STA; and receiving data from the second STA in the frame exchange state, wherein the response frame includes a control subfield including a control identifier (ID) and control information related to the control ID, and the value of the control ID is determined to be a specific value on the basis that the initiating frame is related to a DPS operation.

Description

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

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

[0002] Next-generation Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11be and / or later) aims to support ultra-high reliability when transmitting signals to STAs. To this end, various technologies are being considered to support high throughput, low latency, and extended range. For example, in WLAN systems, both APs and non-AP STAs may operate on batteries, necessitating efficient power-saving techniques.

[0003] The present disclosure provides a method and device for designing a response frame for dynamic power saving in a wireless LAN system.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a first STA configured to operate in a wireless LAN system comprises the steps of: activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; receiving an initiating frame from a second STA in a listening state of the DPS mode; switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on receiving the initiating frame; transmitting a response frame to the initiating frame to the second STA after switching to the frame exchange state; and receiving data from the second STA in the frame exchange state, wherein the response frame includes a control subfield including a control identifier (ID) and control information related to the control ID, and a value of the control ID is determined to be a specific value based on the initiating frame being related to a DPS operation.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a second STA configured to operate in a wireless LAN system comprises the steps of: transmitting a frame for activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode of the first STA to the first STA; transmitting an initiating frame to the first STA in a listening state of the DPS mode, wherein a state of the first STA is switched from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on the initiating frame; receiving a response frame for the initiating frame from the first STA; and transmitting data to the first STA in the frame exchange state of the first STA, wherein the response frame includes a control subfield including a control identifier (ID) and control information related to the control ID, and a value of the control ID is determined to be a specific value based on the initiating frame being related to a DPS operation.

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

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

[0008] For example, an ICR / response frame can be designed for an ICF / initiation frame related to a DPS operation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a method performed by a first STA for transmitting a response frame for dynamic power saving according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a method performed by a second STA for receiving a response frame for dynamic power saving according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a first example of an ICR transmission procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a second example of an ICR transmission procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a third example of an ICR transmission procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] In this disclosure, “A or B” can mean “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.” In other words, “A or B” in this disclosure can be interpreted as “A and / or B.” For example, “A, B or C” in this disclosure can mean “only A,” “only B,” “only C,” or “any combination of A, B, and C.”

[0026] As used herein, a slash ( / ) or a comma can mean "and / or." For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B." Accordingly, "A / B" can mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C."

[0027] In the present disclosure, “at least one of A and B” may mean “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.” Additionally, in the present disclosure, the expressions “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of A and / or B” may be interpreted identically to “at least one of A and B.”

[0028] In addition, parentheses used in the present disclosure may mean “for example.” Specifically, when “control information (UHR-Signal field)” is indicated, the “UHR-Signal field” may be suggested as an example of “control information.” In other words, the “control information” of the present disclosure is not limited to the “UHR-Signal field,” and the “UHR-Signal field” may be suggested as an example of “control information.” In addition, even when indicated as “control information (UHR-Signal field),” the “UHR-Signal field” may be suggested as an example of “control information.”

[0029] Additionally, as used herein, “a / an” can mean “at least one” or “one or more.” Additionally, terms ending in “(s)” can mean “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0030] Additionally, the expressions “based on” or “on the basis of” or “according to” used in this disclosure mean “based at least in part on” and do not mean “based solely on.”

[0031] Technical features individually described in one drawing in this disclosure may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0032] The following examples of the present disclosure can be applied to various wireless communication systems. For example, the following examples of the present disclosure can be applied to a wireless local area network (WLAN) system. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to the IEEE 802.11a / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn standards. Furthermore, the examples of the present disclosure can be applied to the Ultra High Reliability (UHR) standard or a next-generation wireless LAN standard that enhances IEEE 802.11bn. Furthermore, the examples of the present disclosure can be applied to a mobile communication system. For example, the examples of the present disclosure can be applied to a mobile communication system based on the Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard and its evolution based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard.

[0033] In order to explain the technical features of the present disclosure, technical features to which the present disclosure can be applied are described below.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a transmitting device and / or a receiving device of the present disclosure.

[0035] An example of FIG. 1 can perform various technical features described below. FIG. 1 relates to at least one STA (station). For example, the STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure may also be referred to by various names such as a mobile terminal, a wireless device, a Wireless Transmit / Receive Unit (WTRU), a User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Station (MS), a Mobile Subscriber Unit, or simply a user. The STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure may also be referred to by various names such as a network, a base station, a Node-B, an access point (AP), a repeater, a router, a relay, etc. The STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure may also be referred to by various names such as a receiving apparatus, a transmitting apparatus, a receiving STA, a transmitting STA, a receiving device, a transmitting device, etc.

[0036] For example, STA (110, 120) may perform the role of an AP (access point) or a non-AP role. That is, STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure may perform the functions of an AP and / or a non-AP. In the present disclosure, an AP may also be indicated as an AP STA.

[0037] The STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure can support various communication standards other than the IEEE 802.11 standard. For example, it can support communication standards according to the 3GPP standard (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR standard). In addition, the STA of the present disclosure can be implemented in various devices such as a mobile phone, a vehicle, a personal computer, etc. In addition, the STA of the present disclosure can support communication for various communication services such as voice calls, video calls, data communications, and autonomous driving (Self-Driving, Autonomous-Driving).

[0038] In the present disclosure, STA (110, 120) may include a medium access control (MAC) and a physical layer interface for a wireless medium that follow the provisions of the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0039] Based on the sub-drawing (a) of Fig. 1, STA (110, 120) is described as follows.

[0040] The first STA (110) may include a processor (111), a memory (112), and a transceiver (113). The illustrated processor, memory, and transceiver may each be implemented as separate chips, or at least two blocks / functions may be implemented through a single chip.

[0041] The transceiver (113) of the first STA performs signal transmission and reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit and receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be, etc.).

[0042] For example, the first STA (110) can perform the intended operation of the AP. For example, the processor (111) of the AP can receive a signal through the transceiver (113), process the received signal, generate a transmission signal, and perform control for signal transmission. The memory (112) of the AP can store a signal received through the transceiver (113) (i.e., a reception signal) and store a signal to be transmitted through the transceiver (i.e., a transmission signal).

[0043] For example, the second STA (120) can perform the intended operation of a non-AP STA. For example, the transceiver (123) of the non-AP performs signal transmission and reception operations. Specifically, it can transmit and receive IEEE 802.11 packets (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be, etc.).

[0044] For example, the processor (121) of the Non-AP STA can receive a signal through the transceiver (123), process the received signal, generate a transmission signal, and perform control for signal transmission. The memory (122) of the Non-AP STA can store a signal received through the transceiver (123) (i.e., a reception signal) and store a signal to be transmitted through the transceiver (i.e., a transmission signal).

[0045] For example, in the specification below, the operation of a device indicated as AP may be performed in the first STA (110) or the second STA (120). For example, if the first STA (110) is an AP, the operation of the device indicated as AP may be controlled by the processor (111) of the first STA (110), and a related signal may be transmitted or received through a transceiver (113) controlled by the processor (111) of the first STA (110). In addition, control information related to the operation of the AP or a transmission / reception signal of the AP may be stored in the memory (112) of the first STA (110). In addition, when the second STA (110) is an AP, the operation of the device indicated as an AP is controlled by the processor (121) of the second STA (120), and a related signal can be transmitted or received through a transceiver (123) controlled by the processor (121) of the second STA (120). In addition, control information related to the operation of the AP or the transmission / reception signal of the AP can be stored in the memory (122) of the second STA (110).

[0046] For example, in the specification below, the operation of a device indicated as a non-AP (or User-STA) may be performed in the STA (110) or the second STA (120). For example, if the second STA (120) is a non-AP, the operation of the device indicated as a non-AP may be controlled by the processor (121) of the second STA (120), and a related signal may be transmitted or received through a transceiver (123) controlled by the processor (121) of the second STA (120). In addition, control information related to the operation of the non-AP or the transmission / reception signal of the AP may be stored in the memory (122) of the second STA (120). For example, if the first STA (110) is a non-AP, the operation of a device indicated as a non-AP is controlled by the processor (111) of the first STA (110), and a related signal may be transmitted or received through a transceiver (113) controlled by the processor (111) of the first STA (120). In addition, control information related to the operation of the non-AP or the transmission / reception signal of the AP may be stored in the memory (112) of the first STA (110).

[0047] In the following specification, devices called (transmitting / receiving) STA, first STA, second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, first AP, second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmitting / receiving) Terminal, (transmitting / receiving) device, (transmitting / receiving) apparatus, network, etc. may refer to the STA (110, 120) of FIG. 1. For example, devices indicated as (transmitting / receiving) STA, first STA, second STA, STA1, STA2, AP, first AP, second AP, AP1, AP2, (transmitting / receiving) Terminal, (transmitting / receiving) device, (transmitting / receiving) apparatus, network, etc. without specific drawing symbols may also refer to the STA (110, 120) of FIG. 1. For example, in the example below, the operation of various STAs transmitting and receiving signals (e.g., PPPDU) may be performed by the transceiver (113, 123) of FIG. 1. In addition, in the example below, the operation of various STAs generating transmission and reception signals or performing data processing or calculations in advance for transmission and reception signals may be performed by the processor (111, 121) of FIG. 1.For example, an example of an operation that generates a transmission / reception signal or performs data processing or operation in advance for a transmission / reception signal may include 1) an operation of determining / obtaining / configuring / computing / decoding / encoding bit information of a subfield (SIG, STF, LTF, Data) field included in a PPDU, 2) an operation of determining / configuring / obtaining time resources or frequency resources (e.g., subcarrier resources) used for a subfield (SIG, STF, LTF, Data) field included in a PPDU, 3) an operation of determining / configuring / obtaining a specific sequence (e.g., a pilot sequence, an STF / LTF sequence, an extra sequence applied to SIG) used for a subfield (SIG, STF, LTF, Data) field included in a PPDU, 4) a power control operation and / or a power saving operation applied to an STA, 5) an operation related to determining / obtaining / configuring / computing / decoding / encoding an ACK signal, etc. Additionally, in the examples below, various information (e.g., information related to fields / subfields / control fields / parameters / power, etc.) used by various STAs for determining / acquiring / configuring / computing / decoding / encoding transmission / reception signals can be stored in the memory (112, 122) of FIG. 1.

[0048] The device / STA of the sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1 described above can be modified as in the sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the STA (110, 120) of the present disclosure will be described based on the sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1.

[0049] For example, the transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1 may perform the same function as the transceiver illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1 described above. For example, the processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1 may include a processor (111, 121) and a memory (112, 122). The processor (111, 121) and the memory (112, 122) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1 may perform the same function as the processor (111, 121) and the memory (112, 122) illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1 described above.

[0050] The mobile terminal, wireless device, Wireless Transmit / Receive Unit (WTRU), User Equipment (UE), Mobile Station (MS), Mobile Subscriber Unit, user, user STA, network, Base Station, Node-B, Access Point (AP), repeater, router, relay, receiving device, transmitting device, receiving STA, transmitting STA, receiving Device, transmitting Device, receiving Apparatus, and / or transmitting Apparatus described below may refer to the STA (110, 120) illustrated in the sub-drawings (a) / (b) of FIG. 1, or may refer to the processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in the sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1. That is, the technical feature of the present disclosure may be performed in the STA (110, 120) illustrated in the sub-drawings (a) / (b) of FIG. 1, or may be performed only in the processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in the sub-drawings (b) of FIG. 1. For example, the technical feature that the transmitting STA transmits a control signal may be understood as a technical feature that the control signal generated in the processor (111, 121) illustrated in the sub-drawings (a) / (b) of FIG. 1 is transmitted through the transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in the sub-drawings (a) / (b) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the technical feature that the transmitting STA transmits a control signal may be understood as a technical feature that the control signal to be transmitted to the transceiver (113, 123) is generated in the processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in the sub-drawings (b) of FIG. 1.

[0051] For example, the technical feature of a receiving STA receiving a control signal can be understood as a technical feature of a control signal being received by a transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the technical feature of a receiving STA receiving a control signal can be understood as a technical feature of a control signal received by a transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1 being acquired by a processor (111, 121) illustrated in sub-drawing (a) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the technical feature of a receiving STA receiving a control signal can be understood as a technical feature of a control signal received by a transceiver (113, 123) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1 being acquired by a processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in sub-drawing (b) of FIG.

[0052] Referring to the sub-drawing (b) of FIG. 1, software code (115, 125) may be included in the memory (112, 122). The software code (115, 125) may include instructions that control the operation of the processor (111, 121). The software code (115, 125) may be included in various programming languages.

[0053] The processor (111, 121) or processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in FIG. 1 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), another chipset, a logic circuit, and / or a data processing device. The processor may be an application processor (AP). For example, the processor (111, 121) or processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in FIG. 1 may include at least one of a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a modem (modulator and demodulator). For example, the processor (111, 121) or processing chip (114, 124) illustrated in FIG. 1 may be a SNAPDRAGON® series processor manufactured by Qualcomm®, an EXYNOS® series processor manufactured by Samsung®, an A series processor manufactured by Apple®, a HELIO® series processor manufactured by MediaTek®, an ATOM® series processor manufactured by INTEL®, or an enhanced processor thereof.

[0054] In the present disclosure, uplink may mean a link for communication from a non-AP STA to an AP STA, and uplink PPDU / packet / signal, etc. may be transmitted through the uplink. In addition, in the present disclosure, downlink may mean a link for communication from an AP STA to a non-AP STA, and downlink PPDU / packet / signal, etc. may be transmitted through the downlink.

[0055] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0056] The upper part of Figure 2 shows the structure of the infrastructure BSS (basic service set) of IEEE (institute of electrical and electronic engineers) 802.11.

[0057] Referring to the top of FIG. 2, the wireless LAN system may include one or more infrastructure BSSs (200, 205) (hereinafter, BSS). The BSSs (200, 205) are a collection of APs and STAs, such as an access point (AP) 225 and a station (STA1, 200-1), that have successfully synchronized and can communicate with each other, and are not a concept that designates a specific area. The BSS (205) may also include one or more STAs (205-1, 205-2) that can be associated with one AP (230).

[0058] The BSS may include at least one STA, an AP (225, 230) providing a distribution service, and a distribution system (DS, 210) connecting multiple APs.

[0059] A distributed system (210) can connect multiple BSSs (200, 205) to implement an extended service set (ESS, 240). An ESS (240) can be used as a term to indicate a network formed by connecting one or more APs through the distributed system (210). APs included in a single ESS (240) can have the same SSID (service set identification).

[0060] The portal (portal, 220) can act as a bridge to connect a wireless LAN network (IEEE 802.11) to another network (e.g., 802.X).

[0061] In a BSS such as the upper part of Fig. 2, a network between APs (225, 230) and a network between APs (225, 230) and STAs (200-1, 205-1, 205-2) can be implemented. However, it may also be possible to establish a network and perform communication between STAs without an AP (225, 230). A network that establishes a network and performs communication between STAs without an AP (225, 230) is defined as an ad-hoc network or an independent basic service set (IBSS).

[0062] The bottom of Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing IBSS.

[0063] Referring to the bottom of Fig. 2, the IBSS is a BSS that operates in ad-hoc mode. Since the IBSS does not include an AP, there is no centralized management entity. That is, in the IBSS, the STAs (250-1, 250-2, 250-3, 255-4, 255-5) are managed in a distributed manner. In the IBSS, all STAs (250-1, 250-2, 250-3, 255-4, 255-5) can be mobile STAs, and access to the distributed system is not permitted, forming a self-contained network.

[0064] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a general link setup process.

[0065] In step S310, the STA may perform a network discovery operation. This network discovery operation may include scanning by the STA. That is, for the STA to access the network, it must find a network it can join. Before joining a wireless network, the STA must identify compatible networks. The process of identifying networks in a specific area is called scanning. Scanning methods include active scanning and passive scanning.

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates a network discovery operation that includes an active scanning process as an example. In active scanning, an STA performing scanning transmits a probe request frame to discover which APs exist in the vicinity while moving between channels and waits for a response. A responder transmits a probe response frame to the STA that transmitted the probe request frame in response to the probe request frame. Here, the responder may be the STA that last transmitted a beacon frame in the BSS of the channel being scanned. In a BSS, the AP transmits the beacon frame, so the AP becomes the responder. In an IBSS, the STAs within the IBSS take turns transmitting beacon frames, so the responder is not constant. For example, an STA that transmits a probe request frame on channel 1 and receives a probe response frame on channel 1 can store BSS-related information included in the received probe response frame and move to the next channel (e.g., channel 2) to perform scanning (i.e., transmitting and receiving probe requests / responses on channel 2) in the same manner.

[0067] Although not shown in the example of FIG. 3, the scanning operation can also be performed in a passive scanning manner. An STA performing scanning based on passive scanning can wait for a beacon frame while moving between channels. A beacon frame is one of the management frames in IEEE 802.11. It announces the presence of a wireless network and is periodically transmitted so that the scanning STA can find the wireless network and participate in the wireless network. In the BSS, the AP periodically transmits the beacon frame, and in the IBSS, the STAs within the IBSS take turns transmitting the beacon frame. When the scanning STA receives a beacon frame, it stores the information about the BSS included in the beacon frame and moves to another channel, recording the beacon frame information on each channel. An STA that receives a beacon frame can store the BSS-related information included in the received beacon frame, move to the next channel, and perform scanning on the next channel in the same manner.

[0068] An STA that discovers a network can perform an authentication process through step S320. This authentication process may be referred to as the first authentication process to clearly distinguish it from the security setup operation of step S340 described below. The authentication process of S320 may include a process in which the STA transmits an authentication request frame to the AP, and the AP responds by transmitting an authentication response frame to the STA. The authentication frame used for the authentication request / response corresponds to a management frame.

[0069] The authentication frame may include information such as an authentication algorithm number, an authentication transaction sequence number, a status code, a challenge text, a Robust Security Network (RSN), and a Finite Cyclic Group.

[0070] An STA can transmit an authentication request frame to an AP. The AP can determine whether to grant authentication to the STA based on the information contained in the received authentication request frame. The AP can provide the result of the authentication process to the STA via an authentication response frame.

[0071] A successfully authenticated STA may perform an association process based on step S330. The association process includes a process in which the STA transmits an association request frame to the AP, and the AP transmits an association response frame to the STA in response. For example, the association request frame may include information related to various capabilities, such as a beacon listen interval, a service set identifier (SSID), supported rates, supported channels, RSN, mobility domain, supported operating classes, a Traffic Indication Map Broadcast request, and interworking service capabilities. For example, the association response frame may contain information related to various capabilities, status codes, Association ID (AID), supported rates, Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) parameter sets, Received Channel Power Indicator (RCPI), Received Signal to Noise Indicator (RSNI), mobility domains, timeout interval (association comeback time), overlapping BSS scan parameters, TIM broadcast response, QoS maps, etc.

[0072] In step S340, the STA may perform a security setup process. The security setup process of step S340 may include, for example, a process of setting up a private key through a four-way handshaking using an Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) frame.

[0073] Figure 4 illustrates an example of multi-link (ML).

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 4, multiple multi-link devices (MLDs) can communicate over a remote link. The MLDs can be categorized into AP MLDs including multiple AP STAs and non-AP MLDs including multiple non-AP STAs. That is, the AP MLD can include affiliated APs (i.e., AP STAs), and the non-AP MLD can include affiliated STAs (i.e., non-AP STAs, or user-STAs).

[0075] A multilink may include a first link and a second link, and different channels / subchannels / frequency resources may be allocated to the first and second links. The first and second multilinks may be identified through a link ID of 4 bits (or other n bits). The first and second links may be configured in the same 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz band. Alternatively, the first link and the second link may be configured in different bands.

[0076] The AP MLD of FIG. 4 includes three affiliated APs. In the example of FIG. 4, AP1 may operate in the 2.4 GHz band, AP2 may operate in the 5 GHz band, and AP3 may operate in the 6 GHz band. In the example of FIG. 4, the first link in which AP1 and non-AP1 operate may be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 2.4 GHz band. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 4, the second link in which AP2 and non-AP2 operate may be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 5 GHz band. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 4, the third link in which AP3 and non-AP3 operate may be defined as a channel / subchannel / frequency resource within the 6 GHz band.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 4, AP1 may initiate a multi-link setup procedure (ML setup procedure) by transmitting an Association Request frame to non-AP STA1. In the example of FIG. 4, non-AP STA1 may transmit an Association Response frame in response to the Association Request frame. Each AP (e.g., AP1 / 2 / 3) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be identical to the AP illustrated in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2, and each non-AP (e.g., non-AP1 / 2 / 3) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be identical to the STA (i.e., user-STA or non-AP STA) illustrated in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2.

[0078] The specific features of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific features of FIG. 4. That is, the number of links can be defined in various ways, and multiple links can be defined in various ways within at least one band.

[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates a modified example of a transmitting device and / or a receiving device of the present disclosure.

[0080] The devices (e.g., AP STA, non-AP STA) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be modified as illustrated in FIG. 5. The transceiver (530) of FIG. 5 may be identical to the transceivers (113, 123) of FIG. 1. The transceiver (530) of FIG. 5 may include a receiver and a transmitter.

[0081] The processor (510) of FIG. 5 may be identical to the processor (111, 121) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the processor (510) of FIG. 5 may be identical to the processing chip (114, 124) of FIG. 1.

[0082] The memory (150) of FIG. 5 may be the same as the memory (112, 122) of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the memory (150) of FIG. 5 may be a separate external memory different from the memory (112, 122) of FIG. 1.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5, a power management module (511) manages power to a processor (510) and / or a transceiver (530). A battery (512) supplies power to the power management module (511). A display (513) outputs results processed by the processor (510). A keypad (514) receives input to be used by the processor (510). The keypad (514) may be displayed on the display (513). A SIM card (515) may be an integrated circuit used to securely store an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and an associated key used to identify and authenticate a subscriber in a mobile phone device, such as a mobile phone or computer.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 5, the speaker (540) can output sound-related results processed by the processor (510). The microphone (541) can receive sound-related input to be used by the processor (510).

[0085] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a PPDU (physical protocol data unit or physical layer (PHY) protocol data unit) transmitted / received by an STA of the present disclosure.

[0086] The STA (e.g., AP STA, non-AP STA, AP MLD, non-AP MLD) of the present disclosure can transmit and / or receive the PPDU of FIG. 6. The PPDU described in the present disclosure may have, for example, the structure of FIG. 6. In addition, the PPDU described in the present disclosure may be called by various names such as a transmission PPDU, a reception PPDU, a first type PPDU, or an Nth type PPDU, etc. The PPDU described in the present disclosure can be used in a WLAN system defined according to IEEE 802.11bn and / or a next-generation WLAN system that improves upon IEEE 802.11bn.

[0087] The PPDU of FIG. 6 may be related to various PPDU types used in a UHR system. For example, the example of FIG. 6 may be used for at least one of a single-user (SU) mode / type / transmission, a multi-user (MU) mode / type / transmission, and a null data packet (NDP) mode / type / transmission related to channel sounding. For example, if the example of FIG. 6 is related to NDP, the Data field illustrated may be omitted. If the PPDU of FIG. 6 is used for a trigger-based (TB) mode, the UHR-SIG of FIG. 6 may be omitted. In other words, an STA that has received a trigger frame for UL-MU (Uplink-MU) communication may transmit a PPDU with the UHR-SIG omitted in the example of FIG. 6.

[0088] In FIG. 6, L-STF or UHR-LTF may be called a preamble or physical preamble, and may be generated / transmitted / received / acquired / decoded in the physical layer (included in the transmitting / receiving STA).

[0089] Each block illustrated in Fig. 6 may be called a field / subfield / signal, etc. The names of these fields / subfields / signals may be, as illustrated in Fig. 6, L-STF (legacy short training field), L-LTF (legacy long training field), L-SIG (legacy signal), RL-SIG (repeated L-SIG), U-SIG (Universal Signal), UHR-SIG (UHR-signal), etc.

[0090] The subcarrier spacing of the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields in FIG. 6 may be set to 312.5 kHz, and the subcarrier spacing of the UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, and Data fields may be set to 78.125 kHz. That is, the tone index (or subcarrier index) of the L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, and UHR-SIG fields may be expressed in units of 312.5 kHz, and the tone index (or subcarrier index) of the UHR-STF, UHR-LTF, and Data fields may be expressed in units of 78.125 kHz.

[0091] In the PPDU of Fig. 6, L-LTF and L-STF may be identical to conventional fields (e.g., non-HT LTF and non-HT STF defined in conventional WLAN standards).

[0092] The L-SIG field of FIG. 6 may include, for example, 24 bits of bit information. For example, the 24 bits of information may include a 4 bit Rate field, a 1 bit Reserved bit, a 12 bit Length field, a 1 bit Parity bit, and a 6 bit Tail bit. For example, the 12 bit Length field may include information about the length or time duration of the PPDU. For example, the value of the 12 bit Length field may be determined based on the type of the PPDU. For example, if the PPDU is a non-HT (non-High Throughput), HT (High Throughput), VHT (Very High Throughput) PPDU, or an EHT (extremely high throughput) PPDU or UHR PPDU, the value of the Length field may be determined as a multiple of 3. For example, if the PPDU is a HE PPDU, the value of the Length field may be determined as "a multiple of 3 + 1" or "a multiple of 3 + 2". In other words, for non-HT, HT, VHT PPDU, EHT PPDU, UHR PPDU, the value of the Length field can be determined as a multiple of 3, and for HE (High-Efficiency) PPDU, the value of the Length field can be determined as "a multiple of 3 + 1" or "a multiple of 3 + 2". In other words, the Length field in an UHR PPDU is set to a value satisfying the condition that the remainder is zero when LENGTH is divided by 3.

[0093] For example, (non-AP and AP) STAs can apply BCC encoding based on a code rate of 1 / 2 to the 24 bits of information in the L-SIG field. Then, the transmitting STA can obtain 48 BCC coded bits. BPSK modulation can be applied to the 48 coded bits to generate 48 BPSK symbols. The transmitting STA can map the 48 BPSK symbols to positions excluding the pilot subcarriers {subcarrier index -21, -7, +7, +21} and the DC subcarrier {subcarrier index 0}. As a result, the 48 BPSK symbols can be mapped to subcarrier indices -26 to -22, -20 to -8, -6 to -1, +1 to +6, +8 to +20, and +22 to +26. The transmitting STA can additionally map the signal {-1, -1, -1, 1} to the subcarrier indices {-28, -27, +27, +28}. The above signal can be used for channel estimation for the frequency domain corresponding to {-28, -27, +27, +28}.

[0094] For example, (non-AP and AP) STA can generate RL-SIG, which is generated in the same manner as L-SIG. BPSK modulation can be applied to RL-SIG. Receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can determine whether the received PPDU is a HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, or UHR PPDU based on the presence of RL-SIG. In other words, if RL-SIG is present, receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can determine whether the received PPDU is one of HE PPDU, EHT PPDU, or UHR PPDU. In other words, if RL-SIG is not present, receiving (non-AP and AP) STA can determine whether the received PPDU is one of non-HT PPDU, HT PPDU, or VHT PPDU. In other words, the RL-SIG field is a repeat of the L-SIG field and is used to differentiate an UHR PPDU from a non-HT PPDU, HT PPDU, and VHT PPDU.

[0095] After the RL-SIG in Fig. 6, a U-SIG (Universal SIG) may be inserted. The U-SIG may be called by various names such as the first SIG field, the first SIG, the first type SIG, the control signal, the control signal field, the first (type) control signal, the common control field, and the common control signal.

[0096] A U-SIG can contain N bits of information and can include information for identifying the type of EHT PPDU. For example, a U-SIG can be formed based on two symbols (e.g., two consecutive OFDM symbols). Each symbol (e.g., an OFDM symbol) for a U-SIG can have a duration of 4 microseconds. Each symbol of a U-SIG can be used to transmit 26 bits of information. For example, each symbol of a U-SIG can be transmitted and received based on 52 data tones and 4 pilot tones.

[0097] For example, A bit information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) can be transmitted through U-SIG, and the first symbol of U-SIG can transmit the first X bits of information (e.g., 26 uncoded bits) out of the total A bit information, and the second symbol of U-SIG can transmit the remaining Y bits of information (e.g., 26 uncoded bits) out of the total A bit information. For example, the transmitting STA can obtain 26 uncoded bits included in each U-SIG symbol. The transmitting STA can perform convolutional encoding (i.e., BCC encoding) based on a rate of R=1 / 2 to generate 52 coded bits, and perform interleaving on the 52 coded bits. The transmitting STA can perform BPSK modulation on the interleaved 52 coded bits to generate 52 BPSK symbols allocated to each U-SIG symbol. A single U-SIG symbol can be transmitted based on 56 tones (subcarriers) from subcarrier index -28 to subcarrier index +28, excluding DC index 0. The 52 BPSK symbols generated by the transmitting STA can be transmitted based on the remaining tones (subcarriers) excluding the pilot tones -21, -7, +7, and +21.

[0098] For example, A bit information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) transmitted by U-SIG may include a CRC field (e.g., a 4-bit long field) and a tail field (e.g., a 6-bit long field). The CRC field and the tail field may be transmitted through the second symbol of the U-SIG. The CRC field may be generated based on 26 bits allocated to the first symbol of the U-SIG and the remaining 16 bits excluding the CRC / tail field within the second symbol, and may be generated based on a conventional CRC calculation algorithm. In addition, the tail field may be used to terminate the trellis of the convolutional decoder and may be set to, for example, "000000".

[0099] The A bit information (e.g., 52 uncoded bits) transmitted by the U-SIG (or U-SIG field) can be divided into version-independent bits and version-dependent bits. For example, the size of the version-independent bits can be fixed or variable. For example, the version-independent bits can be assigned only to the first symbol of the U-SIG, or the version-independent bits can be assigned to both the first symbol and the second symbol of the U-SIG. For example, the version-independent bits and the version-dependent bits can be called by various names, such as the first control bit and the second control bit.

[0100] For example, the version-independent bits of the U-SIG may include a 3-bit PHY version identifier. For example, the 3-bit PHY version identifier may include information related to the PHY version of the transmitted and received PPDU. For example, a first value (e.g., a value of 000) of the 3-bit PHY version identifier may indicate that the transmitted and received PPDU is an EHT PPDU. In addition, a second value (e.g., a value of 001) of the 3-bit PHY version identifier may indicate that the transmitted and received PPDU is an UHR PPDU.

[0101] In other words, when the (AP / non-AP) STA transmits an EHT PPDU, it can set the 3-bit PHY version identifier to the first value. In other words, the receiving (AP / non-AP) STA can determine that the received PPDU is an EHT PPDU based on the PHY version identifier having the first value, and can determine that the received PPDU is an UHR PPDU based on the PHY version identifier having the second value.

[0102] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG may include a 1-bit UL / DL flag field. The first value of the 1-bit UL / DL flag field relates to UL communication, and the second value of the UL / DL flag field relates to DL communication.

[0103] For example, the version-independent bits of U-SIG may include information about the length of a transmission opportunity (TXOP) and information about the BSS color ID.

[0104] For example, if a UHR PPDU is classified into various types (e.g., a type related to SU transmission (performed based on UL or DL), a type related to DL transmission, a type related to NDP transmission, a type related to DL non-MU-MIMO, a type related to DL MU-MIMO, a type related to Multi-AP operation, a type related to CO-BF (Coordinated beamforming), SR (Spatial Reuse), a type related to C-OFDMA (Coordinated OFDMA), a type related to CO-TDMA (Coordinated TDMA)), information about the type of the EHT PPDU (e.g., 2-bit or 3-bit information) can be included in the version-dependent bits of the U-SIG.

[0105] For example, a U-SIG may include information about 1) a bandwidth field including information about a bandwidth, 2) a field including information about a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) technique applied to the UHR-SIG, 3) an indication field including information about whether a dual subcarrier modulation (DCM) technique is applied to the UHR-SIG, 4) a field including information about the number of symbols used for the UHR-SIG, 5) a field including information about whether the UHR-SIG is generated over the entire band, 6) a field including information about the type of UHR-LTF / STF, and 7) a field indicating the length of the UHR-LTF and the CP length.

[0106] Preamble puncturing may be applied to the PPDU of FIG. 6. Preamble puncturing refers to applying puncturing to a portion of the entire bandwidth of the PPDU (e.g., the secondary 20 MHz band). For example, when an 80 MHz PPDU is transmitted, the STA may apply puncturing to the secondary 20 MHz band within the 80 MHz band, and transmit the PPDU only through the primary 20 MHz band and the secondary 40 MHz band.

[0107] For example, the pattern of preamble puncturing can be preset. For example, when the first puncturing pattern is applied, puncturing can be applied only to the secondary 20 MHz band within the 80 MHz band. For example, when the second puncturing pattern is applied, puncturing can be applied only to one of the two secondary 20 MHz bands included in the secondary 40 MHz band within the 80 MHz band. For example, when the third puncturing pattern is applied, puncturing can be applied only to the secondary 20 MHz band included in the primary 80 MHz band within the 160 MHz band (or 80+80 MHz band). For example, when the fourth puncturing pattern is applied, a primary 40 MHz band included in the primary 80 MHz band within the 160 MHz band (or 80+80 MHz band) may be present, and puncturing may be applied to at least one 20 MHz channel that does not belong to the primary 40 MHz band.

[0108] Information regarding preamble puncturing applied to the PPDU may be included in the U-SIG and / or UHR-SIG. For example, the first field of the U-SIG may include information regarding the contiguous bandwidth of the PPDU, and the second field of the U-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing applied to the PPDU.

[0109] For example, U-SIG and UHR-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing based on the following method. If the bandwidth of the PPDU exceeds 80 MHz, the U-SIG may be individually configured in units of 80 MHz. For example, if the bandwidth of the PPDU is 160 MHz, the PPDU may include a first U-SIG for the first 80 MHz band and a second U-SIG for the second 80 MHz band. In this case, the first field of the first U-SIG may include information regarding the 160 MHz bandwidth, and the second field of the first U-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing applied to the first 80 MHz band (i.e., information regarding the preamble puncturing pattern). Additionally, the first field of the second U-SIG may include information about a 160 MHz bandwidth, and the second field of the second U-SIG may include information about preamble puncturing applied to the second 80 MHz band (i.e., information about a preamble puncturing pattern). Meanwhile, the UHR-SIG consecutive to the first U-SIG may include information about preamble puncturing applied to the second 80 MHz band (i.e., information about a preamble puncturing pattern), and the UHR-SIG consecutive to the second U-SIG may include information about preamble puncturing applied to the first 80 MHz band (i.e., information about a preamble puncturing pattern).

[0110] Additionally or alternatively, U-SIG and UHR-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing based on the following methods. U-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing for all bands (i.e., information regarding preamble puncturing patterns). That is, UHR-SIG may not include information regarding preamble puncturing, and only U-SIG may include information regarding preamble puncturing (i.e., information regarding preamble puncturing patterns).

[0111] U-SIGs can be configured in 20 MHz units. For example, if an 80 MHz PPDU is configured, U-SIGs can be duplicated. That is, four identical U-SIGs can be included within an 80 MHz PPDU. PPDUs exceeding the 80 MHz bandwidth can contain different U-SIGs.

[0112] The UHR-SIG of FIG. 6 may include control information for a receiving STA. The UHR-SIG may be transmitted via at least one symbol, and each symbol may have a length of 4 us. Information regarding the number of symbols used for the UHR-SIG may be included in the U-SIG.

[0113] UHR-SIG provides additional signals to the U-SIG field to enable STAs to interpret / decode UHR PPDUs. The UHR-SIG field may contain U-SIG overflow bits that are common to all users. The UHR-SIG field also contains resource allocation information, allowing STAs to look up resources used in fields containing data fields / UHR-STF / UHR-LTF (i.e., UHR modulated fields of an UHR PPDU).

[0114] The frequency resources of the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and data fields illustrated in FIG. 6 can be determined based on RUs (resource units) defined by multiple subcarriers / tones. That is, the UHR-LTF, UHR-STF, and data fields of the present disclosure can be transmitted / received through RUs (resource units) defined by multiple subcarriers / tones.

[0115] Figure 7 illustrates an operation according to UL-MU. As illustrated, a transmitting STA (e.g., AP) can acquire a TXOP (725) by performing channel access through contending (i.e., backoff operation) and transmit a trigger frame (730). That is, the transmitting STA (e.g., AP) can transmit a PPDU including a trigger frame (730). When a PPDU including a trigger frame is received, a TB (trigger-based) PPDU is transmitted after a delay of SIFS.

[0116] TB PPDUs (741, 742) are transmitted at the same time and can be transmitted from multiple STAs (e.g., User STAs) whose AIDs are indicated in the Trigger frame (730). The ACK frame (750) for the TB PPDU can be implemented in various forms. For example, the ACK frame (750) for the TB PPDU can be implemented in the form of a BA (block ACK).

[0117] In FIG. 7, transmission(s) of a Trigger Frame (730), a TB PPDU (741, 742) and / or an ACK frame (750) may be performed within a TXOP (725).

[0118] Below, the structure and types / subtypes of MAC frames are described.

[0119] Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a header of a MAC frame. As illustrated, the MAC frame may include a frame control field / information of 2 octets in length, a duration field / information of 2 octets in length, a Receiver Address (RA) field / information of 6 octets in length, and a Transmitter Address (TA) field / information of 6 octets in length. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the four fields may be consecutive to each other. The MAC header of Fig. 8 may be modified in various ways, and a new field may be inserted between the four illustrated fields, or at least one of the illustrated fields may be omitted.

[0120] The MAC header illustrated in Fig. 8 may be positioned at the very front of the MAC frame. That is, the MAC frame may include a MAC header as illustrated in Fig. 8 and MAC body fields / information subsequent to the MAC header. The MAC frame including the MAC header of Fig. 8 is inserted / included in the data field of the PPDU (e.g., UHR PPDU) illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0121] The MAC frames included in the data field of the PPDU of the present disclosure can be classified into various types. For example, the MAC frames of the present disclosure can be classified into a control frame, a management frame, and a data frame.

[0122] For example, the management frame includes Association Request, Association Response, Reassociation Request, Reassociation Response, Probe Request, Probe Response, Beacon, Disassociation, Authentication, and Deauthentication frames / signals defined in conventional WLAN. For the management frame, the values ​​of the type fields (B3 and B2) in FIG. 8 are set to 00. In addition, the values ​​of the subtype fields (B7, B6, B5, B4) in FIG. 8 are as follows: Association Request (0000), Association Response (0001), Reassociation Request (0010), Reassociation Response (0011), Probe Request (0100), Probe Response (0101), Beacon (1000), Disassociation (1010), Authentication (1011), Deauthentication (1100).

[0123] For example, the control frame includes Trigger Beamforming Report Poll, NDP Announcement (NDPA), Control Frame Extension, Control Wrapper, Block Ack Request (BlockAckReq), Block Ack (BlockAck), PS-Poll, RTS, CTS, Ack, and CF-End frames / signals defined in conventional WLAN. For the control frame, the values ​​of the type fields (B3 and B2) in FIG. 8 are set to 01. Also, the values ​​of the subtype fields (B7, B6, B5, B4) of FIG. 8 are as follows: Trigger (0010), Beamforming Report Poll (0100), NDP Announcement (0101), Control Frame Extension (0110), Control Wrapper (0111), BlockAckReq (1000), BlockAck (1001), PS-Poll (1010), RTS (1011), CTS (1100), Ack (1101), CF-End (1110).

[0124] For example, the data frame includes (QoS) Data, (QoS) Null, etc. defined in conventional WLAN. For the management frame, the value of the type field (B3 and B2) of Fig. 8 is set to 10.

[0125] The MAC header of a MAC frame (e.g., a control frame, a management frame, a data frame) may include a HT Control field, and the HT Control field may include an aggregated-control (A-Control) subfield. For example, the HT Control field may be composed of 32 bits B0 to B31, and the A-Control subfield may be composed of B2 to B31 of the HT Control field with B0 and B1 set to 1 (i.e., an HE variant HT Control field). That is, the A-Control subfield may be 30 bits of information.

[0126] The 30-bit A-Control subfield can have a structure as shown in Table 1 below:

[0127] Control ListPadding

[0128] The bit size (or number of bits) of the Control List subfield can be variable. The bit size of the Padding can be 0 or more. A Control List can contain one or more Control subfields. Each Control subfield can have a structure as shown in Table 2 below:

[0129] Control IDControl Information

[0130] The bit size of the Control ID subfield can be 4 (e.g., B0 to B3). The bit size of the Control Information can be variable. The values ​​of the Control ID subfield can be defined as shown in below:

[0131] Control ID valueMeaningLength of the Control Information subfield (bits)0Triggered response scheduling (TRS)261Operating mode (OM)122HE link adaptation (HLA)263Buffer status report (BSR)264UL power headroom (UPH)85Bandwidth query report (BQR)106Command and status (CAS)87-14Reserved-15Ones need expansion surely (ONES)26

[0132] The MAC frame / signal used in the present disclosure can be identified through the type field / information and subtype field / information described above. For example, the “trigger frame” of the present disclosure can mean a MAC frame in which the type bits B3 and B2 bits in the frame control field of the MAC header are set to 01, and the subtype bits B7, B6, B5, and B4 bits in the frame control field are also set to 0010. Various MAC frames described in the present disclosure are inserted / included in the data field of various PPDUs (e.g., HE / VHT / HE / EHT / UHR PPDU). Hereinafter, the power saving mode will be described.

[0133] A non-AP STA can be in one of two power management modes:

[0134] - Active mode: STAs receive and transmit frames whenever they are awake. Non-HE STAs remain awake. HE STAs remain awake unless they are unavailable. Unavailable STAs cannot receive PPDUs.

[0135] - Power saving (PS) mode: The STA enters the awake state to receive or transmit frames. Otherwise, the STA remains in the doze state.

[0136] An STA in PS mode can be in one of two power states:

[0137] - awake state: STA is fully powered.

[0138] - Doze state: STA cannot transmit or receive non-WUR PPDUs and consumes very low power.

[0139] An STA that changes its power management mode while connected to an AP must notify the AP of this fact using the Power Management subfield within the Frame Control field of the transmitted frame. The STA must maintain its current power management mode until it notifies the AP of the power management mode change through a frame exchange sequence that includes the AP's acknowledgment. The power management mode does not change during a single frame exchange sequence. That is, the Power Management subfield is the same for all MPDUs in an A-MPDU.

[0140] I. Non-AP STA Power Management Mode

[0141] A non-AP STA shall be in active mode upon (re)association. However, if (re)association is performed using an on-channel tunneling procedure, the non-AP STA shall be considered to be in power-saving mode and in power-saving mode upon (re)association to a BSS identified by the BSSID, band ID, and channel number fields contained in the multi-band element transmitted in the on-channel tunnel request frame carrying the (re)association request frame.

[0142] An STA that transmits a frame to an AP that is not connected and expects a response must remain awake until it receives that response or the procedure times out.

[0143] To change the power management mode, an STA must notify the AP by completing a successful frame exchange initiated by the STA. This frame exchange sequence includes a management frame, extension frame, or data frame from the STA and an Ack or BlockAck frame from the AP. The Power Management subfield in the Frame Control field of the frame transmitted by the STA in this exchange indicates the power management mode that the STA should adopt upon successfully completing the frame exchange sequence, unless the Power Management subfield is reserved. A non-AP STA must not use a frame exchange sequence that does not receive an Ack or BlockAck frame from the AP, or use a BlockAckReq frame to change the power management mode. The Power Management subfield is ignored in the AP-initiated frame exchange sequence.

[0144] A non-S1G STA that transitions from doze to awake to transmit must perform CCA until a frame capable of setting a NAV is detected or the period specified by the NAVSyncDelay of the MLME-JOIN.request primitive has elapsed. An S1G STA that transitions from doze to awake to transmit must perform CCA until a frame capable of setting a RID or NAV is detected or the period specified by the NAVSyncDelay of the MLME-JOIN.request primitive has elapsed.

[0145] To change the power management mode, an STA coordinated by the MM-SME must notify the AP through a successful frame exchange sequence initiated by the STA. In this exchange, the power management subfield in the frame control field of the frame transmitted by the STA indicates the power management mode that the STA should adopt upon successful completion of the frame exchange sequence, as announced in the MMS element coordinated by the MM-SME and transmitted by the STA. To change the power management mode of a coordinated STA, a frame can be transmitted using an MMSL within the MMSL cluster established with the AP.

[0146] A non-AP S1G STA requests the PS mode type (TIM mode or non-TIM mode) through a (re)association request frame transmitted to the S1G AP.

[0147] A non-AP S1G STA requests operation in non-TIM mode by setting the Non-TIM Support field in the S1G Capabilities element of the (re)connection request frame to 1.

[0148] A non-AP S1G STA requests operation in TIM mode by setting the Non-TIM Support field in the S1G Capabilities element of the (re)connection request frame to 0.

[0149] A non-AP S1G STA checks the PS mode type (TIM mode or non-TIM mode) in the (re)association response frame received from the S1G AP.

[0150] When the S1G AP sets the non-TIM support field in the S1G operation element of the (re)association response frame to 1, the non-AP S1G STA sets dot11NonTIMModeActivated to true and operates in non-TIM mode after association, and is called a non-TIM STA.

[0151] When the S1G AP sets the non-TIM support field in the S1G operation element of the (re)association response frame to 0, the non-AP S1G STA sets dot11NonTIMModeActivated to false and operates in TIM mode after association, and is called a TIM STA.

[0152] Non-AP S1G STAs must operate in the negotiated PS mode during the connection, unless a PS mode transition is negotiated or a temporary PS mode transition occurs. STAs must update the ListenInterval parameter value used in the primitive call with the AID Response Interval field in the AID Response element of the (re)connection response frame.

[0153] An S1G STA in TIM mode receives a selected beacon frame (based on the ListenInterval parameter of the MLME-ASSOCIATE.request or MLME-REASSOCIATE.request primitive) and transmits a PS-Poll frame to the AP if the TIM element of the most recent beacon frame indicates that a BU individually addressed to that STA is buffered.

[0154] An S1G STA in non-TIM mode shall transmit at least one individually addressed PS-Poll or Trigger frame to its associated AP per reception interval and may not receive selected S1G Beacon frames (based on the ListenInterval parameter of the MLME-ASSOCIATE.request or MLME-REASSOCIATE.request primitive) unless it follows the TWT or NDP paging procedure. An S1G STA in non-TIM mode may transmit (NDP) PS-Poll frames to an S1G AP regardless of whether the S1G AP has instructed it to buffer individually addressed BUs.

[0155] II. AP Power Management

[0156] APs with dot11APPMActivated set to false or absent must operate in active mode. APs with dot11APPMActivated set to true can operate in the following power management modes:

[0157] - Active mode; and

[0158] - Power saving mode.

[0159] An AP in active mode must be awake and able to receive frames at any time.

[0160] In power saving mode, an AP with dot11APPMActivated set to true can be in one of two power states:

[0161] - awake state; and

[0162] - doze state.

[0163] An AP with dot11APPMActivated set to true can indicate that it is operating in power-saving mode in two ways:

[0164] - Set the AP PM bit to 1 in the frame control field of the S1G beacon frame, or

[0165] - Include one or more RPS elements in the S1G beacon frame indicating AP PM RAW (i.e., RAW assignment type is Simplex RAW and RAW type option is 0).

[0166] The AP shall operate in the active mode during the beacon interval or short beacon interval when the AP PM subfield of the S1G beacon frame transmitted in the TBTT or TSBTT is 0. Similarly, the AP shall operate in the active mode during one or more RAWs defined by the RPS element whose RAW assignment type is Normal RAW, Sounding RAW, Triggering Frame RAW, or Simplex RAW with RAW Type Option 1 or 2.

[0167] An AP transmitting an S1G beacon frame with the AP PM subfield set to 1 may be in doze at any time until the next TBTT or TSBTT, but must be in awake for one of the following time intervals:

[0168] - any RAW or PRAW interval set (except RAW defined by any RPS element whose RAW allocation type is Simplex RAW and whose RAW type option is 0); and

[0169] - All TWT SPs negotiated in accordance with TWT.

[0170] An AP must not remain in a doze state for a period exceeding the dot11MaxAwayDuration value. The AP must set dot11MaxAwayDuration to the lowest value obtained from the Max Away Duration field contained in the most recently received MAD element from the associated STA.

[0171] Regardless of power management mode and power state, APs must generate beacons to maintain network synchronization.

[0172] An STA that is the intended recipient of a frame transmitted by an AP with the PM Mode subfield set to 0 must consider the AP to be in active mode.

[0173] An AP that has previously transmitted a frame to one or a group of STAs with the PM bit set to 0 must transmit a frame with the PM bit set to the same set of STAs before changing its operating mode to power-save mode.

[0174] An STA that is the intended recipient of a frame in which the PM mode subfield is 1 must consider the AP to be in power-saving mode.

[0175] Meanwhile, APs generally remain active at all times to provide high throughput and fast service to connected STAs, and can exchange frames using the highest possible bandwidth and a large number of spatial streams.

[0176] In the present disclosure, "frame exchange (FE)" may include frame transmission and / or reception operations between STAs. The STAs may be APs or non-AP STAs. Here, the frames may include various types of frames (e.g., data frames, control frames, management frames).

[0177] Because APs can be powered continuously, the need for power reduction may be relatively small for APs. However, the actual power consumption of APs is substantial, which can increase network maintenance costs. Furthermore, battery-operated APs (e.g., mobile APs) require battery life considerations. Consequently, power consumption of APs needs to be reduced. Furthermore, considering the introduction of multi-link operation in IEEE 802.11be and multi-AP cooperative networks in IEEE 802.11bn, the number of links and / or STAs operated by each multi-link device (MLD) may increase, further increasing AP power consumption. Therefore, a new method / device for reducing AP power needs to be designed, and a unified framework applicable to all STAs may also be considered.

[0178] For example, power saving scheme(s) for reducing power of AP / STA may include enhanced multi-link single radio (EMLSR) operation. EMLSR operation allows a non-AP STA belonging to a non-AP MLD with multiple receive chains to participate in frame exchange on the link on which an initial control frame included in a non-HT (duplicated) PPDU transmitted by an AP belonging to an AP MLD was received when the non-AP STA is in a listening state on one or more EMLSR links.

[0179] Figure 9 shows an example of EMLSR operation.

[0180] EMLSR was introduced in IEEE 802.11be to enable efficient multi-link operation of a single radio non-AP MLD. A non-AP MLD operating in EMLSR mode can perform a listening operation on an awake EMLSR link(s). The listening operation at this time may include reception of an initial control frame (ICF) for frame exchange(s) initiated from the AP MLD and / or CCA. That is, a non-AP MLD can perform a listening operation on one or more links using multiple receive chains of a single radio and exchange frames with an AP on a link where an ICF is received.

[0181] During this listening operation, the STA can reduce its power consumption by receiving (RXing) PPDUs with restricted settings (e.g., non-HT (duplicate) PPDU, 20 MHz-only, 1 spatial stream) and / or performing CCA for the restricted bandwidth. That is, the operating characteristics such as the listening operation of EMLSR can be utilized in one of the power saving modes (e.g., awake, doze state). Specifically, the characteristics of the EMLSR operation as shown in FIG. 9 can be applied to individual links to reduce the power consumed by each link during the listening state. An AP / STA operating in power saving (PS) mode on one or more links can have low capability / configuration in the listening state, and can switch to a capability / configuration that can utilize a wide bandwidth and a large number of spatial streams for fast frame exchange. These PSs are also similar to dynamic spatial multiplexing (SM) PSs and can be classified as dynamic PSs because they do not achieve power savings based on scheduled time.

[0182] In the present disclosure, a dynamic PS may mean a PS in which the PS mode / state is changed based on detection of a specific event and / or transmission / reception of a specific frame.

[0183] For example, when an STA operating as a dynamic PS (e.g., an AP / non-AP STA) detects an ICF transmission event (e.g., detects that there is data to transmit / receive) in the listening state and / or receives an ICF, the STA may transition to a frame exchange state and perform frame exchange in the frame exchange state. For example, when the STA receives an ICF in the listening state, the STA may transition from the listening state to a frame exchange state to perform CCA / backoff for a wide bandwidth and transmit an initial control response (ICR) based on normal capabilities / settings. When the frame exchange is completed (e.g., when an ACK frame is transmitted / received), the STA may transition back to the listening state.

[0184] In the present disclosure, a listening state may refer to a state in which an STA (e.g., an AP / non-AP STA) operates with limited capabilities / configurations, receives ICFs based on the limited capabilities / configurations, and / or performs CCA / backoff (i.e., listening operations) for a limited bandwidth. The listening state may also be referred to as a low capability mode (LCM).

[0185] In the present disclosure, a frame exchange state may refer to a state in which an STA (e.g., an AP / non-AP STA) operates with normal capabilities / configurations and performs frame exchange based on the normal capabilities / configurations. For example, the frame exchange state may include an awake state. The frame exchange state may be referred to as a high capability mode (HCM).

[0186] Meanwhile, an STA performing a DPS operation must, upon receiving an ICF or initiating frame from a peer STA, switch to an appropriate capability / setting and then transmit a response frame for the received frame. For example, an ICF / initiating frame that a peer STA can transmit in DPS may include at least one of a BSRP TF, an MU-RTS TF, a BAR, or an RTS frame. In addition, a response frame for each ICF / initiating frame needs to be defined / designed. The present disclosure proposes a design of a response frame transmitted by an STA performing a DPS operation when an ICF / initiating frame is received.

[0187] Accordingly, the present disclosure describes a response frame and / or information that may be included in the response frame when an STA performing a DPS operation receives an ICF / initiation frame. For example, the response frame may be referred to as an initial control response frame (ICR). For example, the response frame / ICR may include a Null / data frame that includes a control field.

[0188] In the present disclosure, an STA that performs a DPS operation and / or has the DPS mode enabled may be referred to as a DPS-STA. Additionally, an STA that supports a DPS operation of a peer STA and / or allows / supports a peer STA to enter the DPS mode may be referred to as a DPS-supporting STA.

[0189] In this disclosure, the terms “field” and “subfield” may be used interchangeably.

[0190] The specific designations (names) proposed in this disclosure may be changed and are not limited thereto.

[0191] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a method performed by a first STA for transmitting a response frame for dynamic power saving according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 10, in step S1001, the first STA can activate the DPS mode.

[0193] In step S1003, the first STA can receive an initiation frame from the second STA in a listening state in the DPS mode.

[0194] In step S1005, the first STA may switch from a listening state to a frame exchange state based on receiving an initiation frame.

[0195] In step S1007, the first STA may, after transitioning to a frame exchange state, transmit a response frame to the initiation frame to the second STA. The response frame may include a control subfield containing a control ID and control information related to the control ID. The value of the control ID may be determined to a specific value based on whether the initiation frame is related to a DPS operation.

[0196] In step S1009, the first STA can receive data from the second STA in a frame exchange state.

[0197] According to various embodiments, the initiation frame may be a buffer status report poll (BSRP) trigger frame.

[0198] According to various embodiments, the response frame may be a quality of service (QoS) null frame or a QoS data frame.

[0199] According to various embodiments, the header of the response frame may include a control field. The control field may include an aggregated control (A-Control) subfield. The A-Control subfield may include a control subfield.

[0200] According to various embodiments, the specific value may include a value related to a buffer status report (BSR). The control subfield may be a BSR control subfield.

[0201] According to various embodiments, the specific value may include a value associated with a DPSR (DPS report). The value associated with the DPSR may be one of the reserved values ​​for the control ID. The control subfield may be a DPSR control subfield.

[0202] According to various embodiments, the initiation frame may include instructions for DPS operation. The control information may include DPS information.

[0203] According to various embodiments, the control information may include at least one of information about an operating bandwidth, information about a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information about whether an ICF is required, or information about a DPS transition delay.

[0204] According to various embodiments, the response frame may include a buffer status report (BSR) control subfield and a DPS report (DPSR) control subfield based on whether the initiation frame is related to a DPS operation.

[0205] According to various embodiments, the DPSR control subfield may be placed subsequent to the BSR control subfield within the control list subfield of the response frame.

[0206] According to various embodiments, the control information of the BSR control subfield may include a first part of the DPS information. The control information of the DPSR control subfield may include a second part of the DPS information.

[0207] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a method performed by a second STA for receiving a response frame for dynamic power saving according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 11, in step S1101, the second STA can transmit a frame to the first STA for activating the DPS mode of the first STA.

[0209] In step S1103, the second STA may transmit an initiation frame to the first STA in a listening state in the DPS mode. The state of the first STA may be switched from the listening state to a frame exchange state based on the initiation frame.

[0210] In step S1105, the second STA may receive a response frame to the initiation frame from the first STA. The response frame may include a control subfield containing a control ID and control information related to the control ID. The value of the control ID may be determined to a specific value based on whether the initiation frame is related to a DPS operation.

[0211] In step S1107, the second STA can transmit data to the first STA in a frame exchange state of the first STA.

[0212] According to various embodiments, the header of the response frame may include a control field. The control field may include an aggregated control (A-Control) subfield. The A-Control subfield may include a control subfield.

[0213] According to various embodiments, the specific value may include a value related to a buffer status report (BSR). The control subfield may be a BSR control subfield.

[0214] According to various embodiments, the specific value may include a value associated with a DPSR (DPS report). The value associated with the DPSR may be one of the reserved values ​​for the control ID. The control subfield may be a DPSR control subfield.

[0215] According to various embodiments, the initiation frame may include instructions for DPS operation. The control information may include DPS information.

[0216] Below, a specific embodiment of the design of a response frame for dynamic power saving is described.

[0217] The present disclosure proposes a design of a response frame transmitted when an STA in a power saving state (e.g., dynamic / scheduled / (unscheduled power saving)) receives an ICF (e.g., BSRP TF).

[0218] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of DPS operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 12, a DPS-STA with DPS mode enabled can perform listening operations based on low capabilities (e.g., non-HT (duplicate) PPDU, 20 MHz, 1 spatial stream) in a listening state (or low capability state / mode). For example, a DPS-STA can receive an ICF / initiation frame from a DPS-capable STA based on low capabilities in a listening state.

[0220] The ICF / Initiation frame transmitted by the transmitting STA may include an intermediate FCS to provide the time required for a DPS-STA in a listening state (or low capability state / mode) to transition to a frame exchange state (or high capability state / mode).

[0221] The ICF / Initiation frame may include operating parameters and / or capability information for DPS operation. Accordingly, the DPS-STA may transmit an ICR based on the information that may be included in the received ICF / Initiation frame, and the ICR may (or may not) include operating parameters and / or capability information for DPS operation.

[0222] In response to receiving an ICF / Initiation frame, the DPS-STA may transition from a listening state to a frame exchange state (or, high capability state / mode) and transmit an ICR to the DPS-capable STA in the frame exchange state. The DPS-capable STA receiving the ICR may identify that the DPS-STA has transitioned to the frame exchange state and transmit a data frame to the DPS-STA based on its high capability (e.g., bandwidth of 20 MHz or more, one or more spatial streams). The DPS-STA may receive a data frame from the DPS-capable STA based on its high capability in the frame exchange state and transmit a BA frame to the DPS-capable STA in response to the data frame.

[0223] After transmitting a BA frame (or in response to transmitting a BA frame), the DPS-STA may transition from a frame exchange state to a listening state. In the listening state, the DPS-STA may perform listening operations based on its low capability.

[0224] The ICF transmitted by a DPS-enabled STA may be a DPS TB ICF that solicits the transmission of a TB PPDU (i.e., an ICF that solicits a TB response for DPS purposes). For example, the DPS TB ICF may include a BSRP trigger frame.

[0225] Additionally or alternatively, the ICF transmitted by a DPS-capable STA may be a DPS NTB ICF that induces transmission of a non-TB PPDU (i.e., an ICF that induces a non-TB response for DPS purposes). For example, the DPS NTB ICF may include a BSRP (GI = 3) trigger frame (i.e., B20-B21 values ​​in the Common Information field are set to 3).

[0226] A DPS-enabled STA may receive a DPS TB ICF and / or a DPS NTB ICF and forward a QoS data / Null frame as a response frame thereto as proposed in the present disclosure.

[0227] Additionally or alternatively, a DPS-STA may respond to an ICF addressed to it from a peer STA using the frame(s) described below, even if the ICF does not contain DPS operation-related information. Additionally or alternatively, a DPS-STA may respond using the frame(s) derived from the received ICF, even if the ICR / ICF does not contain DPS operation-related information.

[0228] The frame type and / or format of the ICR for the DPS operation proposed in the present disclosure can be defined / designed as described below.

[0229] According to various embodiments, a Null / Data frame including a control field may be utilized as an ICR. For example, the control field may be a HE modified HT control field including an A-Control subfield. The HE modified HT control field and / or the A-Control subfield may include one or more control subfields, and each control subfield may include a control information subfield corresponding to a control ID subfield. The value of the control ID subfield (or the value of the control ID) is as exemplified in .

[0230] 1. BSR control subfield

[0231] In some implementations, an STA receiving a BSRP trigger frame may transmit a QoS Null / Data frame containing a BSR control subfield as a response frame / ICR. If the DPS-STA does not need to include information related to the DPS operation in the ICR, the DPS-STA may forward a Null / Data frame containing the BSR control subfield, similar to the BSRP TF & BSR control subfield exchange. That is, the DPS-STA may convey a response to an ICF and / or state transition in the DPS operation, and buffer status information through the frame.

[0232] Additionally or alternatively, based on the indication of the DPS operation that may be included in the ICF, the DPS-STA may modify / replace the contents and / or fields included in the BSR Control subfield. For example, if the ICF (or initiation frame) transmitted from the peer STA includes a bit / field indicating that it has been transmitted for a DPS operation, the control information subfield within the BSR Control subfield of the Null / Data frame may be replaced as shown in below:

[0233] Operating BW (LC mode bandwidth) MCS (LC mode MCS) NSS (LC mode Nss) ICF requirement DPS transition delay Number of reserved bits: 344186

[0234] For example, information (e.g., DPS information) based on one or a combination of the following may be included in the control field of the ICR (e.g., BSR control subfield, control information subfield within the BSR control subfield) for additional power saving and / or efficient DPS operation of the DPS-STA: A. Operating BW (or LC mode bandwidth): Information on the (maximum) bandwidth preferred / desired by the DPS-STA for the next higher capability state, and / or information on the (maximum) bandwidth to which it restricts for the lower capability state.

[0235] For example, the operating BW (or LC mode bandwidth) may indicate / include operating BW information at which the DPS-STA prefers / desires to operate in the next higher capability state, and / or maximum PPDU bandwidth information of an ICF (or initiation frame) transmitted by the DPS-enabled STA in the next higher capability state.

[0236] Specifically, the operating BW information that the DPS-STA prefers / desires to operate in the next higher capability state may be less than or equal to the operating BW of the current DPS-STA and / or the PPDU BW of the ICR.

[0237] Additionally or alternatively, the operating BW information that the DPS-STA prefers / desires to operate in the next higher capability state may be greater than or equal to the operating BW of the current DPS-STA and / or the PPDU BW of the ICR.

[0238] For example, the operating BW (or LC mode bandwidth) may indicate / include operating BW information at which the DPS-STA intends to operate in the subsequent low capability state (or listening state).

[0239] Specifically, the operating BW information that the DPS-STA prefers / desires to operate in a low capability state may be less than or equal to the operating BW for the current low capability state of the DPS-STA.

[0240] Additionally or alternatively, the operating BW information that the DPS-STA prefers / desires to operate in a low capability state may be greater than or equal to the operating BW for the current low capability state of the DPS-STA.

[0241] In some implementations, a new field, such as a channel width field within the control field of the EHT operation information field, may be defined to indicate the operating BW (or LC mode bandwidth) for DPS operation.

[0242] For example, examples of values ​​for the operating BW (or LC mode bandwidth) for DPS operation may be as follows:

[0243] - 0: 20 MHz bandwidth indication

[0244] - 1: 40 MHz bandwidth indication

[0245] - Set to 2: Indicates 80 MHz bandwidth

[0246] - 3: 160 MHz bandwidth indication

[0247] - 4: 320 MHz bandwidth indication

[0248] - The remaining values ​​5 through 7 can be reserved.

[0249] For example, the operating BW (or LC mode bandwidth) may be indicated / included in the BW field information within the SIG-A field.

[0250] B. MCS (or LC mode MCS): The DPS-STA's preferred / desired (maximum) MCS information for the next higher capability state and / or the maximum MCS information it restricts for the lower capability state.

[0251] For example, the MCS (or LC mode MCS) may indicate / include the minimum or maximum available MCS value that the DPS-STA prefers / desirs for frame exchange in the next higher capability state.

[0252] For example, the MCS (or LC mode MCS) may indicate / include the minimum or maximum MCS value for frames that the DPS-STA can receive in a subsequent low capability state.

[0253] For example, a new field, such as the information in the Supported HE-MCS And NSS Set field within the HE Capabilities element, can be defined to indicate the MCS (or LC mode MCS) for DPS operation.

[0254] For example, similar to the UL EHT-MCS field (4 bits) in the User Information field of the Basic trigger frame, a new field may be defined to indicate the MCS for high or low capability states (e.g., ).

[0255] C. NSS (or LC mode Nss): The (maximum) NSS information preferred / desired by the DPS-STA for the next higher capability state and / or the maximum NSS value to limit for lower capability states.

[0256] Additionally or alternatively, the NSS (or LC mode Nss) may indicate / include the Tx / Rx NSS values ​​or the number of Tx / RX antennas in a high capability state or a low capability state of the transmitting STA.

[0257] For example, NSS (or LC mode Nss) may indicate / include the minimum or maximum number of available spatial streams that a DPS-STA prefers / desires for frame exchange in the next higher capability state.

[0258] For example, NSS (or LC mode Nss) may indicate / include the number of spatial streams available to the DPS-STA in a subsequent low capacity state.

[0259] For example, Rx HE-MCS Map in the Supported HE-MCS And NSS Set field in the HE Capabilities element A new field, such as Max HE-MCS FornSS field information within the 80 MHz field, can be defined to indicate NSS (or LC mode Nss) for DPS operation.

[0260] For example, Tx HE-MCS Map in the Supported HE-MCS And NSS Set field in the HE Capabilities element A new field, such as Max HE-MCS FornSS field information within the 80 MHz field, can be defined to indicate NSS (or LC mode Nss) for DPS operation.

[0261] D. ICF required: Indicates whether the DPS-activated STA requires ICF transmission.

[0262] For example, ICF Required = 1 may indicate that a corresponding STA in a low capability state needs to be guided by ICF within a TXOP in order to perform frame exchange in a high capability state within a TXOP.

[0263] For example, ICF Required = 0 may indicate that the corresponding STA in a low capability state does not need to be guided by ICF within the TXOP to perform frame exchange within the TXOP.

[0264] For example, a power-sensitive STA and / or an STA requiring additional power savings may indicate that it does not wish to transition to a higher capability state by setting the ICF request to 0, and perform subsequent frame exchanges based on operating parameters corresponding to a lower capability state (e.g., LC mode bandwidth / MCS / Nss).

[0265] E. DPS Transition Timeout (or Delay): Indicates the minimum time required for a DPS-enabled STA to transition from a high-power state to a low-power state.

[0266] For example, when an STA that has transitioned from a low-capability state to a high-capability state by receiving an ICF and / or initiation frame does not receive any additional PPDUs / frames during a timeout period, the STA may enter the low-capability state.

[0267] For example, a power-sensitive STA and / or an STA requiring additional power savings may transmit an ICR in response with a DPS transition timeout value set to a value less than the previously indicated DPS transition timeout value, and then transition to a lower capacity state more quickly than before if no additional frames are received.

[0268] For example, an STA with a reduced power consumption burden than before can transmit an ICR in response with a DPS transition timeout value set to a longer value than the previously indicated DPS transition timeout value, and then wait a longer time before transitioning to a lower capacity state even if no additional frames are received.

[0269] Specifically, the encoding of the DPS transition timeout field may be as follows:

[0270] - Transition timeout field value 0: Transition timeout = 0 TUs

[0271] - Transition Timeout Field Value 1: Transition Timeout = 128

[0272] - Transition Timeout Field Value 2: Transition Timeout = 256

[0273] - Transition Timeout Field Value 3: Transition Timeout = 512

[0274] - Transition Timeout field value 4: Transition Timeout = 1 TUs

[0275] - Transition Timeout field value 5: Transition Timeout = 2 TUs

[0276] - Transition Timeout field value 6: Transition Timeout = 4 TUs

[0277] - Transition Timeout field value 7: Transition Timeout = 8 TUs

[0278] - Transition Timeout field value 8: Transition Timeout = 16 TUs

[0279] - Transition Timeout field value 9: Transition Timeout = 32 TUs

[0280] - Transition Timeout field value 10: Transition Timeout = 64 TUs

[0281] 2. DPSR Control Subfield (New Definition)

[0282] In some implementations, a response frame to an ICF / initiation frame transmitted for a DPS operation may include a new control subfield. For this purpose, the ICF may include new bits and / or fields indicating the DPS operation. Alternatively, the ICF may utilize existing bits and / or fields to indicate the DPS operation, or may induce the transmission of a response frame including the new control subfield.

[0283] In the present disclosure, a new control subfield for DPS operation may be referred to as a dynamic power saving report (DPSR) control subfield. The DPSR control subfield may be newly defined by utilizing a reserved value (e.g., a value from 7 to 14) among the values ​​of the control ID subfield in Table 3.

[0284] For example, the definition of a DPSR control subfield based on the reserved value of the control ID subfield may be as shown in below:

[0285] Control ID valueMeaningLength of the Control Information subfield (bits)0Triggered response scheduling (TRS)261Operating mode (OM)122HE link adaptation (HLA)263Buffer status report (BSR)26… … … 10Dynamic power saving report (DPSR)15, 26 or variable… … … 15Ones need expansion surely (ONES)26

[0286] The format of the newly defined DPSR control subfield as shown in may be as shown in , and the DPSR control subfield may include one or more of the information elements exemplified in . The length of the control information subfield of the DPSR control subfield may vary depending on the information included in the control information subfield. Accordingly, a DPS-STA that has received an ICF for DPS may transmit a Null / Data frame (i.e., ICR) in which the control field includes the newly defined DPSR control subfield.

[0287] Additionally or alternatively, when a BSRP TF is transmitted as an ICF for DPS, a DPS-STA receiving it may transmit a Null / Data frame (i.e., ICR) whose control field includes both a BSR control subfield and a newly defined DPSR control subfield. In this case, the DPSR control subfield may be included in a list of control subfields (i.e., a control list subfield) following the BSR control subfield. When both the BSR control subfield and the DPSR control subfield are included in the control field of the Null / Data frame (i.e., ICR), each BSR control subfield and DPSR control subfield may include only some of the information elements illustrated in . Additionally or alternatively, when both the BSR control subfield and the DPSR control subfield are included in the control field of the Null / Data frame (i.e., ICR), some of the contents within the BSR control subfield may be omitted / excluded. This requires defining new rules / exceptions.

[0288] Additionally or alternatively, if a BSRP TF is transmitted as an ICF for DPS and the DPS-STA does not need to include information related to DPS operation in the ICR, it may forward a Null / Data frame containing the BSR control subfield as before.

[0289] FIG. 13 illustrates a first example of an ICR transmission procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the description of FIG. 12 applies equally to FIG. 13.

[0290] Referring to FIG. 13, a DPS-STA may transmit an ICR including a BSR control subfield in response to an ICF / Initiate frame. For example, the ICR may be a QoS Null / Data frame, wherein i) the MAC header of the QoS Null / Data frame includes a HE variant HT control field, ii) the HE variant HT control field includes an A-Control subfield, iii) the A-Control subfield may include a BSR control subfield with a control ID value of 3, and iv) wherein the BSR control subfield may include one or more of the information elements exemplified in .

[0291] FIG. 14 illustrates a second example of an ICR transmission procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the description of FIG. 12 applies equally to FIG. 14.

[0292] Referring to FIG. 14, a DPS-STA may transmit an ICR including a DPSR control subfield in response to an ICF / Initiate frame. For example, the ICR may be a QoS Null / Data frame, wherein i) the MAC header of the QoS Null / Data frame includes a HE variant HT control field, ii) the HE variant HT control field includes an A-Control subfield, iii) the A-Control subfield may include a DPSR control subfield whose control ID value is one of the reserved values ​​(e.g., 10), and iv) wherein the DPSR control subfield may include one or more of the information elements exemplified in .

[0293] FIG. 15 illustrates a third example of an ICR transmission procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the description of FIG. 12 applies equally to FIG. 15.

[0294] Referring to FIG. 15, a DPS-STA may transmit an ICR including a BSR control subfield and a DPSR control subfield in response to an ICF / Initiate frame. For example, the ICR may be a QoS Null / Data frame, wherein i) the MAC header of the QoS Null / Data frame includes a HE variant HT control field, ii) the HE variant HT control field includes an A-Control subfield, iii) the A-Control subfield may include a BSR control subfield whose control ID value is 3 and a DPSR control subfield whose control ID value is one of the reserved values ​​(e.g., 10), and iv) wherein the BSR control subfield and the DPSR control subfield may include one or more of the information elements exemplified in .

[0295] The present disclosure proposes a design of a response frame transmitted when an STA in a power saving state (e.g., dynamic / scheduled / (unscheduled power saving)) receives an ICF (e.g., BSRP TF). For example, a Null / Data frame including a control field can be transmitted as an ICR for an ICF for DPS proposed in the present disclosure. A DPS-STA can transmit a (QoS) Null / Data frame including a BSR control subfield including the same information / content as before, a BSR control subfield including information / content for DPS operation, and / or a control subfield that can be newly defined for DPS operation (e.g., a DPSR control subfield) as an ICR.

[0296] The technical features of the present disclosure described above can be applied to various devices and methods. For example, the technical features of the present disclosure described above can be performed / supported by the devices of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 5. For example, the technical features of the present disclosure described above can be applied only to a portion of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 5. For example, the technical features of the present disclosure described above can be implemented based on the processing chip (114, 124) of FIG. 1, or based on the processor (111, 121) and memory (112, 122) of FIG. 1, or based on the processor (510) and memory (520) of FIG. 5.

[0297] For example, the processor (121) and / or the processing chip (124) of FIG. 1 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (122) to perform operations performed by the first STA in the present disclosure. The operations include: activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; receiving an initiating frame from a second STA in a listening state of the DPS mode; switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on receiving the initiating frame; transmitting a response frame to the initiating frame to the second STA after switching to the frame exchange state; and receiving data from the second STA in the frame exchange state, wherein the response frame includes a control subfield including a control identifier (ID) and control information related to the control ID, and a value of the control ID is determined to be a specific value based on that the initiating frame is related to a DPS operation.

[0298] For example, the processor (111), the processing chip (114) of FIG. 1, and / or the processor (510) of FIG. 5 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (112, 520) to perform operations performed by the second STA in the present disclosure. The operations include: transmitting a frame to the first STA for activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode of the first STA; transmitting an initiating frame to the first STA in a listening state of the DPS mode, wherein a state of the first STA is switched from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on the initiating frame; and receiving a response frame to the initiating frame from the first STA. And an operation of transmitting data to the first STA in a frame exchange state of the first STA, wherein the response frame includes a control subfield including a control ID (identifier) ​​and control information related to the control ID, and the value of the control ID is determined to be a specific value based on the initiation frame being related to a DPS operation.

[0299] The technical features of the present disclosure can be implemented based on a computer-readable medium (CRM). For example, the CRM proposed by the present disclosure is at least one computer-readable recording medium containing instructions that are executed by at least one processor.

[0300] For example, the CRM may be the memory (122) of FIG. 1 and / or a separate external memory / storage medium / disk. The CRM may store commands that perform operations performed by the first STA in the present disclosure based on being executed by a processor (e.g., the processor (121) and / or the processing chip (124) of FIG. 1). The operations include: activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; receiving an initiating frame from a second STA in a listening state of the DPS mode; switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on receiving the initiating frame; and transmitting a response frame to the initiating frame to the second STA after switching to the frame exchange state. And an operation of receiving data from the second STA in the frame exchange state, wherein the response frame includes a control subfield including a control ID (identifier) ​​and control information related to the control ID, and the value of the control ID is determined to a specific value based on the initiation frame being related to a DPS operation.

[0301] For example, the CRM may be the memory (112) of FIG. 1, the memory (520) of FIG. 5, and / or a separate external memory / storage medium / disk. The CRM may store commands that perform operations performed by the second STA in the present disclosure based on being executed by a processor (e.g., the processor (111), the processing chip (114) of FIG. 1, and / or the processor (510) of FIG. 5). The operations include: transmitting a frame for activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode of the first STA to the first STA; transmitting an initiating frame to the first STA in a listening state of the DPS mode, wherein a state of the first STA is switched from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on the initiating frame; receiving a response frame to the initiating frame from the first STA; And an operation of transmitting data to the first STA in a frame exchange state of the first STA, wherein the response frame includes a control subfield including a control ID (identifier) ​​and control information related to the control ID, and the value of the control ID is determined to be a specific value based on the initiation frame being related to a DPS operation.

[0302] The technical features of the present disclosure described above are applicable to various applications and business models. For example, the technical features described above can be applied to wireless communication in devices that support artificial intelligence (AI).

[0303] Artificial intelligence (AI) is the study of artificial intelligence or the methodologies for creating it, while machine learning (ML) defines various problems in the field of AI and studies the methodologies for solving them. Machine learning is also defined as an algorithm that improves performance on a task through consistent experience.

[0304] An artificial neural network (ANN) is a model used in machine learning. It can refer to a model with problem-solving capabilities, consisting of artificial neurons (nodes) formed by the connection of synapses to form a network. An ANN can be defined by the connection patterns between neurons in different layers, the learning process that updates model parameters, and the activation function that generates output values.

[0305] An artificial neural network may include an input layer, an output layer, and optionally one or more hidden layers. Each layer contains one or more neurons, and the artificial neural network may include synapses connecting neurons. In an artificial neural network, each neuron can output a function value of an activation function based on input signals, weights, and biases received through the synapses.

[0306] Model parameters are parameters determined through learning, including synaptic connection weights and neuron biases. Hyperparameters are parameters that must be set before learning in machine learning algorithms, including the learning rate, number of iterations, mini-batch size, and initialization function.

[0307] The goal of artificial neural network training can be seen as determining model parameters that minimize a loss function. The loss function can be used as an indicator for determining optimal model parameters during the artificial neural network training process.

[0308] Machine learning can be classified into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning depending on the learning method.

[0309] Supervised learning refers to a method for training an artificial neural network when given labels for the training data. The labels can refer to the correct answer (or output value) that the artificial neural network must infer when the training data is input to the artificial neural network. Unsupervised learning can refer to a method for training an artificial neural network when the training data is not given labels. Reinforcement learning can refer to a learning method in which an agent defined within a given environment is trained to select actions or action sequences that maximize the cumulative reward in each state.

[0310] Machine learning implemented with a deep neural network (DNN) containing multiple hidden layers among artificial neural networks is also called deep learning, and deep learning is a subset of machine learning. Hereinafter, the term "machine learning" is used to encompass deep learning.

[0311] Additionally, the above-described technical features can be applied to wireless communication of robots.

[0312] A robot can be defined as a machine that automatically performs or operates a given task based on its own capabilities. Specifically, a robot capable of perceiving its environment, making independent judgments, and performing actions can be called an intelligent robot.

[0313] Robots can be categorized into industrial, medical, household, and military applications based on their intended use or field. Robots are equipped with actuators or motors, enabling them to perform various physical actions, such as moving robot joints. Furthermore, mobile robots incorporate wheels, brakes, and propellers into their actuators, enabling them to move on the ground or fly in the air.

[0314] Additionally, the above-described technical features can be applied to devices that support extended reality.

[0315] Extended reality is a general term for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). VR technology presents real-world objects and backgrounds as CG images only, AR technology presents virtual CG images over images of real objects, and MR technology is a computer graphics technology that blends and combines virtual objects with the real world.

[0316] MR technology is similar to AR in that it presents both real and virtual objects simultaneously. However, while AR uses virtual objects to complement real objects, MR uses virtual and real objects on an equal footing.

[0317] XR technology can be applied to HMD (Head-Mount Display), HUD (Head-Up Display), mobile phones, tablet PCs, laptops, desktops, TVs, digital signage, etc., and devices to which XR technology is applied can be called XR devices.

[0318] The present disclosure may have various advantageous effects.

[0319] For example, an ICR / response frame can be designed for an ICF / initiation frame related to a DPS operation.

[0320] The beneficial effects that can be achieved through specific embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the beneficial effects listed above. For example, various technical effects may be understood and / or derived from the present disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specific effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, and may include various effects that can be understood or derived from the technical features of the present disclosure.

[0321] The claims set forth in this disclosure may be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features of the method claims of this disclosure may be combined and implemented as a device, and the technical features of the device claims of this disclosure may be combined and implemented as a method. Furthermore, the technical features of the method claims of this disclosure and the technical features of the device claims of this disclosure may be combined and implemented as a device, and the technical features of the method claims of this disclosure and the technical features of the device claims of this disclosure may be combined and implemented as a method.

Claims

A step in which the first STA (station) activates a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; A step in which the first STA receives an initiating frame from the second STA in a listening state of the DPS mode; A step of switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on the first STA receiving the initiation frame; After switching to the frame exchange state, the first STA transmits a response frame to the initiation frame to the second STA; and A step in which the first STA receives data from the second STA in the frame exchange state, The above response frame includes a control subfield containing a control ID (identifier) ​​and control information related to the control ID, A method in which the value of the above control ID is determined to be a specific value based on whether the above initiation frame is related to a DPS operation. A method according to claim 1, wherein the initiation frame is a BSRP (buffer status report poll) trigger frame. A method according to claim 1, wherein the response frame is a QoS (quality of service) null frame or a QoS data frame. In claim 1, the header of the response frame includes a control field, The above control field includes an aggregated control (A-Control) subfield, A method in which the above A-Control subfield includes the above control subfield. In claim 1, the specific value includes a value related to a BSR (buffer status report), The above control subfield is a BSR control subfield. In claim 1, the specific value includes a value related to DPSR (DPS report), The value associated with the above DPSR is one of the reserved values ​​for the above control ID, The above control subfield is a DPSR control subfield. In claim 1, the initiation frame includes an instruction for a DPS operation, A method wherein the above control information includes DPS information. A method according to claim 6, wherein the control information includes at least one of information on an operating bandwidth, information on a modulation and coding scheme (MCS), information on whether an ICF is required, or information on a DPS transition delay. A method according to claim 1, wherein the response frame includes a BSR (buffer status report) control subfield and a DPSR (DPS report) control subfield based on whether the initiation frame is related to a DPS operation. A method according to claim 9, wherein the DPSR control subfield is positioned subsequent to the BSR control subfield within the control list subfield of the response frame. In claim 9, the control information of the BSR control subfield includes a first part of the DPS information, A method in which the control information of the DPSR control subfield includes a second part of the DPS information. At the first STA (station), Transmitter and receiver; memory; and At least one processor functionally coupled with the transceiver and the memory, The memory stores instructions for performing operations based on being executed by the at least one processor, the operations being: Action to enable dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; An operation of receiving an initiating frame from a second STA in a listening state of the above DPS mode; An operation of switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on receiving the above initiation frame; After switching to the above frame exchange state, an operation of transmitting a response frame to the initiation frame to the second STA; and Including an operation of receiving data from the second STA in the above frame exchange state, The above response frame includes a control subfield containing a control ID (identifier) ​​and control information related to the control ID, The value of the above control ID is determined to be a specific value based on whether the initiation frame is related to a DPS operation. In the device, at least one processor; and At least one memory functionally coupled with at least one processor, The at least one memory stores instructions that perform operations based on being executed by the at least one processor, the operations being: Action to enable dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; An operation of receiving an initiating frame from a second STA in a listening state of the above DPS mode; An operation of switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on receiving the above initiation frame; After switching to the above frame exchange state, an operation of transmitting a response frame to the initiation frame to the second STA; and Including an operation of receiving data from the second STA in the above frame exchange state, The above response frame includes a control subfield containing a control ID (identifier) ​​and control information related to the control ID, A device in which the value of the above control ID is determined to be a specific value based on whether the above initiation frame is related to a DPS operation. A non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM) storing program code that implements instructions that perform operations based on being executed by at least one processor, wherein the operations are: Action to enable dynamic power saving (DPS) mode; An operation of receiving an initiating frame from a second STA in a listening state of the above DPS mode; An operation of switching from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on receiving the above initiation frame; After switching to the above frame exchange state, an operation of transmitting a response frame to the initiation frame to the second STA; and Including an operation of receiving data from the second STA in the above frame exchange state, The above response frame includes a control subfield containing a control ID (identifier) ​​and control information related to the control ID, The value of the above control ID is a CRM determined to a specific value based on whether the above initiation frame is related to a DPS operation. A step in which a second STA (station) transmits a frame to the first STA for activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode of the first STA; A step in which the second STA transmits an initiating frame to the first STA in a listening state of the DPS mode, The state of the first STA is switched from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on the initiation frame; A step in which the second STA receives a response frame to the initiation frame from the first STA; and A step in which the second STA transmits data to the first STA in a frame exchange state of the first STA, The above response frame includes a control subfield containing a control ID (identifier) ​​and control information related to the control ID, A method in which the value of the above control ID is determined to be a specific value based on whether the above initiation frame is related to a DPS operation. In claim 15, the header of the response frame includes a control field, The above control field includes an aggregated control (A-Control) subfield, A method in which the above A-Control subfield includes the above control subfield. In claim 15, the specific value includes a value related to a BSR (buffer status report), The above control subfield is a BSR control subfield. In claim 15, the specific value includes a value related to DPSR (DPS report), The value associated with the above DPSR is one of the reserved values ​​for the above control ID, The above control subfield is a DPSR control subfield. In claim 15, the initiation frame includes an instruction for a DPS operation, A method wherein the above control information includes DPS information. At the second STA (station), Transmitter and receiver; memory; and At least one processor functionally coupled with the transceiver and the memory, The memory stores instructions for performing operations based on being executed by the at least one processor, the operations being: An operation of transmitting a frame to a first STA for activating a dynamic power saving (DPS) mode of the first STA; An operation of transmitting an initiating frame to the first STA in a listening state of the above DPS mode, The state of the first STA is switched from the listening state to the frame exchange state based on the initiation frame; An operation of receiving a response frame to the initiation frame from the first STA; and Including an operation of transmitting data to the first STA in a frame exchange state of the first STA, The above response frame includes a control subfield containing a control ID (identifier) ​​and control information related to the control ID, The value of the above control ID is determined to be a specific value based on whether the initiation frame is related to a DPS operation.

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