Method and apparatus for managing channel access by access point in wireless local area network

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for managing channel access in a wireless local area network (WLAN) based on an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule. The method includes detecting an OBSS R-TWT schedule of a neighboring AP, and in response, switching transmissions of the AP and its associated non-primary channel access (NPCA) enabled stations (STAs) from a primary channel to a non-primary channel (NPC) for at least a portion of a service period (SP). The switching may be triggered either at the start of the SP based on schedule information or after detecting OBSS transmission activity within a defined threshold. The AP may broadcast an enable / disable message with a trigger type to associated STAs, which may individually respond with acceptance or denial. Only STAs accepting the configuration participate in NPCA, improving coexistence and reducing interference.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING CHANNEL ACCESS BY ACCESS POINT IN WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless communication systems. Specifically, the present disclosure pertains to a method and an apparatus for managing channel access in a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0002] Recent advancements in wireless local area networks (WLANs), particularly in the context of IEEE 802.11 Task Group TGbn for Wi-Fi 8, have introduced discussions around Non-Primary Channel (NPC) access, Secondary Channel (SC) access, and Dynamic Sub-band Operation (DSO). These techniques are aimed at improving channel access efficiency and overall transmission reliability by dynamically switching to alternate channels or sub-bands during periods of congestion or interference.

[0003] One key strategy under consideration is the switching of transmissions from the primary channel (PC) to an alternate channel within or outside the operational bandwidth of a Basic Service Set (BSS), particularly when a neighboring Overlapping BSS (OBSS) transmission is detected. In existing approaches, such switching is typically based on Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) duration or Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) duration, which may result in frequent and fragmented switching behavior, especially in densely deployed WLAN environments.

[0004] Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT), introduced in IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) and extended in Wi-Fi 7, enables stations (STAs) with latency-sensitive traffic to access the channel with higher priority during predefined Service Periods (SPs). This is achieved by scheduling contention-free periods during which OBSS transmissions are suppressed, allowing prioritized R-TWT transmissions to occur with minimal interference. STAs not part of the R-TWT schedule must defer transmission during these periods, either immediately or after a brief contention window.

[0005] The R-TWT SPs can be partially or fully occupied by OBSS transmissions. In scenarios where OBSS R-TWT transmissions span the entire SP duration, switching to a non-primary channel (NPC) for the full SP duration becomes more effective than short-duration switching based on TXOP or PPDU. However, current mechanisms do not support a method for full-SP duration switching based on OBSS R-TWT schedules.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a method and an apparatus that enables access points (APs) and their associated STAs to switch transmissions from a primary channel to a NPC for the entire duration of an SP based on the OBSS R-TWT schedule. Such a mechanism would improve channel utilization and transmission reliability in dense WLAN deployments by reducing frequent channel switching and aligning access behavior with predictable R-TWT transmission schedules.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for effectively providing a service in a wireless communication system.

[0008] In an embodiment, a method for managing channel access by an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is disclosed. The method comprises detecting an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule of a neighboring AP. In response to detecting the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP, the method comprises switching transmissions of the AP and associated non-primary channel access (NPCA) enabled stations (STAs) for at least a portion of a service period (SP) from a primary channel (PC) to a non-primary channel (NPC).

[0009] In an embodiment, an access point (AP) for managing channel access in a wireless local area network (WLAN) is disclosed. The AP comprises at least one transceiver; at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; and at least one memory. The least one memory is communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the AP to detect an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule of a neighboring AP. In response to detection of the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP, the at least one processor is configured to switch transmissions of the AP and associated non-primary channel access (NPCA) enabled STAs for at least a portion of a service period (SP) from a primary channel (PC) to a non-primary channel (NPC).

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for effectively providing a service in a wireless communication system.

[0011] The embodiments of the disclosure itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an environment for managing channel access in a wireless local area network (WLAN), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2A illustrates a signaling diagram of a broadcast message carrying Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule information, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2B illustrates an exemplary deployment scenario involving Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates exemplary exchange of OBSS R-TWT schedule information between access points, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a signaling diagram for Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) triggered by an OBSS Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a signaling diagram for Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) trigger by detection of OBSS transmission activity during the R-TWT service period (SP), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a signaling diagram for enabling or disabling OBSS R-TWT schedule-based Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for managing channel access in a wireless local area network (WLAN), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing channel access by an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[0022] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0023] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

[0024] The terms "comprise", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a device or system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device or system or apparatus.

[0025] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and apparatus for managing channel access in a wireless local area network (WLAN). In the present disclosure, the AP detects an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule of a neighboring AP and, in response, switches transmissions―along with those of associated non-primary channel access (NPCA) enabled stations (STAs)―from a primary channel to a non-primary channel (NPC) for at least a portion of a service period (SP). The method enables APs and STAs in a BSS to switch to the non-primary channel for transmission based on OBSS R-TWT schedules, which are obtained either through broadcast R-TWT messages or coordination messages in a multi-AP deployment. Further, two trigger mechanisms are defined in the present disclosure: (i) switching at the beginning of the OBSS R-TWT SP, or (ii) monitoring for OBSS transmissions for a defined threshold period at the start of the SP and switching if such transmissions are detected. The method includes an enable / disable option communicated via message exchange, and can be selectively applied with coordinating OBSSs. Thus, the method and apparatus of the present disclosure allow a BSS to switch to NPC for the entire SP duration, offering an alternative to TXOP- or PPDU-based switching.

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates an environment 100 for managing channel access in a wireless local area network (WLAN), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The environment 100 may include access point (AP) 101 and access point B (AP) 103, each operating within its respective basic service set (BSS) and serving one or more associated stations (STAs). AP 101 may be associated with a set of stations including STAa1, STAa2, through STAan, and AP-B 103 may be associated with STAb1, STAb2, through STAbn.

[0028] AP101 may represent a neighboring AP operating an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) with respect to AP 103. AP 101 may be configured to broadcast Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule information to associated STAs via broadcast messages such as Target Wake Time (TWT) elements in management frames. In some embodiments, AP 101 may also be configured to share R-TWT schedule information with AP 103 via multi-AP coordination messages in deployments supporting such coordination. The STAs associated with AP 101 may initiate transmissions during scheduled R-TWT service periods (SPs), which may serve as triggers for other APs to adapt their channel access behavior. The details of OBSS schedule broadcasting and STA operation have been described further in the embodiments below.

[0029] The AP 103 may be configured to manage non-primary channel access (NPCA) based on detection of the OBSS R-TWT schedule. AP-B 103 may receive the R-TWT schedule of AP 101 via either broadcast messages or multi-AP coordination exchanges. Based on the received schedule, AP 103 may determine whether to switch transmissions―along with its NPCA-enabled STAs―from a primary channel (PC) to a non-primary channel (NPC) for at least a portion of a service period. AP 103 may also be configured to broadcast a message to associated STAs indicating enablement of R-TWT schedule-based NPCA along with the applicable trigger type. STAs may respond with acceptance or denial of the configuration, and only the accepting STAs may participate in the NPCA operation. The switching to and from the NPC based on OBSS R-TWT detection and STA response has been described in further detail in the embodiments below.

[0030] Figure 2A illustrates a signaling diagram of a broadcast message carrying restricted target wake time (R-TWT) schedule information, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 2A, AP 1 may transmit a broadcast TWT message containing R-TWT schedule information.

[0031] The R-TWT schedule information may be included in the "Restricted TWT Parameter Set" field(s) present within the TWT element of the management frames transmitted by AP 1. The broadcast message may be received by multiple entities including station 11 (STA11), AP 2 , and station 12 (STA12), all of which are within the transmission range of AP 1. The R-TWT schedule information may allow the receiving AP (e.g., AP 2) to take further actions such as switching to a NPC or informing its associated stations of the received schedule. A selective portion of the R-TWT schedule information relevant to channel switching may be shared by the receiving AP with its associated STAs. The processing of such messages and associated switching to a NPC are described in further detail in the embodiments below.

[0032] Figure 2B illustrates an exemplary deployment scenario 200B involving overlapping basic service sets (OBSS), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The deployment of fig. 2B may include two APs, AP 1 and AP 2, operating in overlapping coverage regions. AP 1 may serve station 11 (STA11) and station 12 (STA12), while AP 2 may serve station 21 (STA21) and station 22 (STA22).

[0033] Due to the overlapping coverage areas, transmissions from AP 1 and its associated stations may interfere with the transmissions of AP 2 and associated stations, and vice versa. In such scenarios, AP 2 may obtain the OBSS R-TWT schedule information from AP 1―either via broadcast or coordination mechanisms―and use the OBSS R-TWT schedule information to manage its own channel access. This may include triggering non-primary channel access (NPCA) for AP2 and selected stations during a service period associated with the OBSS R-TWT schedule. The use of overlapping coverage detection and schedule-based switching to mitigate interference is described in further detail in the embodiments below.

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary of exchange OBSS R-TWT schedule information between access points, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 3, AP 1 and AP 2 may operate in overlapping basic service sets (OBSSs) and may be configured to coordinate with each other using multi-AP communication protocols. The coordination between AP 1 and AP 2 may be used to exchange R-TWT schedule information that is relevant for managing non-primary channel access (NPCA).

[0035] In some embodiments, AP 1 may transmit to AP 2, via multi-AP communication, R-TWT schedule information associated with its own OBSS transmissions. This information may be shared using the same R-TWT broadcast message format used in non-coordinated cases, or through coordinated R-TWT service periods scheduled specifically between APs for such exchanges. Upon receiving this information, AP 2 may optionally enable NPC switching for itself and its associated stations (e.g., STA12, STA22) during corresponding service periods. AP 2 may also pass on selected portions of the received R-TWT schedule information to its STAs to facilitate NPC behavior. The processing of MAP messages and selective distribution of R-TWT schedule details to STAs is described further in the embodiments below.

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates a signaling diagram 400 for Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) trigger by an OBSS Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] As shown in fig. 4, At step S1, Access Point 1 (AP 1) may transmit a broadcast target wake time (TWT) message that includes the OBSS R-TWT schedule. The R-TWT schedule information may be encoded in fields such as the TIME SYNCHRONIZATION FUNCTION (TSF) and may indicate the start time of a service period (SP) designated for R-TWT transmissions.

[0038] At step S2, access point 2 (AP 2), which receives the broadcast TWT message from AP 1, may extract the R-TWT scheduling information and identify the start time of the corresponding service period. Thereafter, in step S3, based on this schedule information, AP 2 may proactively initiate a switch from the primary channel (P20) to a non-primary channel (S20) at the start of the SP, without waiting to detect any actual transmission from AP 1 or its stations. This switch may be coordinated with its associated NPCA-enabled STAs.

[0039] Further, at step S4, AP 2 and associated STAs may begin operating on the NPC for the duration of the SP, thereby avoiding any contention or interference on the primary channel during the OBSS's scheduled access time. Lastly, in step S5, STA11, associated with AP 1, may perform R-TWT data transmissions―including downlink or uplink traffic―on the primary channel during the scheduled SP. This enables concurrent transmissions in both BSSs on separate channels with minimal interference.

[0040] Figure 5 illustrates a signaling diagram 500 for Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) triggered by detection of OBSS transmission activity during the R-TWT service period in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] As shown in fig. 5, at step S1, AP 1 may transmit a broadcast target wake time (TWT) message that contains the R-TWT schedule information for one or more of its associated STAs, such as STA11. The R-TWT schedule may identify the start of an upcoming R-TWT service period. Thereafter, at step S2, AP 2 may receive the broadcast message and extract the R-TWT schedule. AP 2 may recognize the start time of the SP but may not immediately initiate a channel switch.

[0042] Further, at step S3, instead of switching at the start of the SP, AP 2 may monitor the primary channel for a limited duration―such as a quiet period or nominal minimum wake-up time―for any transmission from the OBSS. The transmission may be from AP 1 or from one of its R-TWT-enabled stations. Next, at step S4, if AP 2 detects a transmission from AP 1 or an associated STA (e.g., STA11) within the defined threshold time, it may then initiate a switch to the non-primary channel (S20) for the remainder of the SP.

[0043] Lastly, at step S5, if no such transmission is detected during the threshold window, AP 2 may continue operating on the primary channel (P20) for the SP and may refrain from switching. This behavior may help avoid unnecessary switching when the OBSS R-TWT SP is not actively used for transmission.

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates a signaling diagram 600 for enabling or disabling OBSS R-TWT schedule-based non-primary channel access (NPCA), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] As shown in fig. 6, at step S1, access point 1 (AP 1) may transmit a broadcast message to its associated stations, including STA11 and STA12. This broadcast message may include an indication of whether R-TWT based NPCA is enabled or disabled, as well as the type of trigger to be used―either switching at the beginning of the OBSS R-TWT service period (Type 1) or switching upon detection of OBSS transmission within a defined threshold duration (Type 2).

[0046] Thereafter, at step S2, each STA that receives the broadcast message may evaluate the proposed NPCA configuration and respond accordingly. STA11, for example, may respond with a message indicating acceptance of the R-TWT based NPCA along with the specified trigger type. Then, at step S3, STA12 may respond with a message indicating denial of the R-TWT based NPCA configuration. The STAs may opt out of participating in non-primary channel access during the OBSS R-TWT service period.

[0047] Thereafter, at step S4, following receipt of the responses, AP 1 and only those STAs that accepted the configuration―such as STA11―may proceed to operate on the non-primary channel (NPC) during the corresponding R-TWT SP, while other STAs―such as STA12―may remain on the primary channel.

[0048] Table 1 shows the structure and interpretation of the Information Element (IE) used to enable or disable OBSS R-TWT schedule-based NPCA, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] R-TWT based NPCAType of triggerExpected Value: Enable / DisableType1 - Switch at beginning of OBSS R-TWT SPType 2 - Switch if transmission heard before threshold timeR-TWT based NPCA (Bit 0)Type of trigger (Bit 1)0 - Disable1 - Enable0 - Type 11 - Type 2

[0050] As shown in table 1, the IE may include a field labeled "R-TWT based NPCA" which indicates whether the mechanism is enabled or disabled, with expected values being either "Enable" or "Disable." A second field may specify the "Type of trigger" to be used, where Type 1 refers to switching at the beginning of the OBSS R-TWT SP, and Type 2 refers to switching upon detection of transmission within a predefined threshold time.

[0051] In one embodiment, the IE may be encoded using two bits: Bit 0 may represent whether R-TWT based NPCA is enabled (value 1) or disabled (value 0), and Bit 1 may represent the trigger type, with value 0 corresponding to Type 1 (schedule-based switching) and value 1 corresponding to Type 2 (transmission-based switching). This compact format may be used by the AP in broadcast messages and interpreted by STAs to determine their response.

[0052] Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of apparatus 700 for managing channel access in a wireless local area network (WLAN), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the apparatus 700 may be similar to the APs of Figures 1, 2A and 2B, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus 700 may comprise a memory 703, at least one processor 701, a transceiver 705, and a database 707 and a communication interface 709 communicatively coupled with each other.

[0054] It may be noted that, in some embodiments, the apparatus 700 may include more or fewer components than those depicted herein. The various components of the apparatus 700 may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware or any combinations thereof. Further, the various components of the apparatus 700 may be operably coupled with each other. More specifically, various components of the apparatus 700 may be capable of communicating with each other using communication channel media (such as buses, interconnects, etc.).

[0055] In one embodiment, the at least one processor 701 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the at least one processor 701 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like.

[0056] The processor 701 may include one or a plurality of processors. At this time, one or a plurality of processors may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor , or the like, a graphics-only processing unit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), and / or an AI-dedicated processor such as a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0057] In one embodiment, the memory 703 is capable of storing machine executable instructions, referred to herein as instructions. In an embodiment, the at least one processor 701 is embodied as an executor of software instructions. As such, the at least one processor 701 is capable of executing the instructions stored in the memory 703 to perform one or more operations described herein.

[0058] The memory 703 can be any type of storage accessible to the at least one processor 701 to perform respective functionalities. For example, the memory 703 may include one or more volatile or non-volatile memories, or a combination thereof. For example, the memory 703 may be embodied as semiconductor memories, such as flash memory, mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), random access memory (RAM), etc. and the like.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 701 may be configured to detect an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule of a neighboring AP. In order to detect the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP, the at least one processor 701 may be configured to monitor one or more broadcast messages transmitted by the neighboring AP or receive the OBSS R-TWT schedule information via multi-AP (MAP) coordination messages from the neighboring AP.

[0060] In response to detection the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP, the at least one processor 701 may be configured to switch transmissions of the AP and its associated non-primary channel access (NPCA) enabled stations (STAs) for at least a portion of a service period (SP) from a primary channel (PC) to a non-primary channel (NPC). In order to switch the transmissions of the AP from the PC to the NPC, the at least one processor 701 may be configured to switch the transmissions to the NPC at a start time associated with the service period (SP) based on the OBSS R-TWT schedule. The at least one processor 701 may be further configured to monitor the PCfor a transmission associated with the neighboring AP after the start of the SP switch the transmissions to the NPC upon detecting the transmission within a predetermined threshold duration from the start of the SP.

[0061] Furthermore, the at least one processor 701 may be further configured to broadcast a message indicating non-primary channel access (NPCA) to at least one STA. The message may also specify a type of trigger for switching to the non-primary channel. The at least one processor 701 may also be configured to receive one or more responses from associated STAs from the at least one STA. The one or more responses may indicate acceptance or denial of the R-TWT schedule-based NPCA configuration by respective STA. Moreover, to switch the transmissions of the AP from the primary channel to the NPC the at least one processor 701 may be configured to switch the transmission to the NPC during at least a portion of the SP for at least one STA accepted the R-TWT schedule-based NPCA configuration.

[0062] Lastly, the at least one processor 701 may also be configured to redirect the transmission of the AP from the non-primary channel to the primary channel, upon completion of the SP. Thus, the apparatus 700 of the present disclosure allows a BSS to switch to NPC for the entire SP duration, offering an alternative to TXOP- or PPDU-based switching.

[0063] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart 800 for a method for managing channel access by an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] At step 802, the method 800 discloses detecting an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT) schedule of a neighboring AP. In order to detect the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP, the method 800 discloses monitoring one or more broadcast messages transmitted by the neighboring AP or receive the OBSS R-TWT schedule information via multi-AP (MAP) coordination messages from the neighboring AP.

[0065] In response to detecting the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP, the method 800 discloses switching transmissions of the AP and its associated non-primary channel access (NPCA) enabled stations (STAs) for at least a portion of a service period (SP) from a primary channel (PC) to a non-primary channel (NPC) at step 804. In order to switch the transmissions of the AP from the PC to the NPC, the method 800 discloses switching the transmissions to the NPC at a start time associated with the service period (SP) based on the OBSS R-TWT schedule. The method 800 also discloses monitoring the PC for a transmission associated with the neighboring AP after the start of the SP switch the transmissions to the NPC upon detecting the transmission within a predetermined threshold duration from the start of the SP.

[0066] Furthermore, the method 800 discloses broadcasting a message indicating non-primary channel access (NPCA) to at least one STA. The message may also specify a type of trigger for switching to the non-primary channel. The method 800 also discloses receiving one or more responses from associated STAs from the at least one STA. The one or more responses may indicate acceptance or denial of the R-TWT schedule-based NPCA configuration by respective STA. Moreover, to switch the transmissions of the AP from the PC to the NPC the method 800 discloses switching the transmission to the NPC during at least a portion of the SP for at least one STA accepted the R-TWT schedule-based NPCA configuration.

[0067] Lastly, the method 800 discloses redirecting the transmission of the AP from the non-primary channel to the primary channel, upon completion of the SP. Thus, the method 800 of the present disclosure allows a BSS to switch to NPC for the entire SP duration, offering an alternative to TXOP- or PPDU-based switching.

[0068] The sequence of operations of the method 800 need not be necessarily executed in the same order as they are presented. Further, one or more operations may be grouped together and performed in the form of a single step, or one operation may have several sub-steps that may be performed in parallel or in sequential manner. Meanwhile, the above-described method 800 performed by the apparatus 700 may be performed using an artificial intelligence model.

[0069] The disclosed method 800 with reference to Fig. 8, or one or more operations of the apparatus 700 explained with reference to fig. 7 may be implemented using software including computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media, such as one or more optical media discs, volatile memory components (e.g., DRAM or SRAM), or non-volatile memory or storage components (e.g., hard drives or solid-state non-volatile memory components, such as Flash memory components) and executed on a computer (e.g., any suitable computer, such as a laptop computer, net book, Web book, tablet computing device, smart phone, or other mobile computing device). Such software may be executed, for example, on a single local computer.

[0070] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term "computer-readable medium" may be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, Compact Disc (CD) ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.

[0071] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" may be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" may be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" may be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). For example, as an aid to understanding, the detail description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce recitations. However, the use of such phrases may not be construed to imply that the introduction of a recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular part of description containing such introduced recitation to disclosure containing only one such recitation, even when the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" may typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more") are included in the recitations; the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce such recitations. In addition, even if a specific part of the introduced description recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation may typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations).

[0072] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following detailed description.

Claims

1.A method for managing channel access by an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method comprising:detecting an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule of a neighboring AP; andin response to detecting the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP, switching transmissions of the AP and associated non-primary channel access (NPCA) enabled stations (STAs) for at least a portion of a service period (SP) from a primary channel (PC) to a non-primary channel (NPC).2.The method of claim 1, wherein switching the transmissions of the AP from the PC to the NPC comprises:switching the transmissions to the NPC at a start time associated with the service period (SP) based on the OBSS R-TWT schedule.3.The method of claim 1, wherein switching the transmissions of the AP from the PC to the NPC further comprises:monitoring the PC for a transmission associated with the neighboring AP after the start of the SP; andswitching the transmissions to the NPC upon detecting the transmission within a predetermined threshold duration from the start of the SP.4.The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP comprises:monitoring one or more broadcast messages transmitted by the neighboring AP; orreceiving the OBSS R-TWT schedule information via multi-AP (MAP) coordination messages from the neighboring AP.5.The method of claim 1, further comprising:broadcasting, to at least one STA, a message indicating non-primary channel access (NPCA) and specifying a type of trigger for switching to the NPC; andreceiving, from the at least one STA, one or more responses from associated STAs, wherein one or more responses indicates acceptance or denial of the R-TWT schedule-based NPCA configuration by respective STA,wherein switching the transmissions of the AP from the PC to the NPC comprises:switching the transmission to the NPC during at least a portion of the SP for at least one STA accepted the R-TWT schedule-based NPCA configuration.6.The method of claim 1, further comprising:redirecting the transmission of the AP from the NPC to the PC, upon completion of the SP.7.An access point (AP) for managing channel access in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the AP comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the AP to:detect an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedule of a neighboring AP, andin response to detection of the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP, switch transmissions of the AP and associated non-primary channel access (NPCA) enabled stations (STAs) for at least a portion of a service period (SP) from a primary channel (PC) to a non-primary channel (NPC).8.The AP of claim 7, wherein to switch the transmissions of the AP from the PC to the NPC, the instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination cause the AP to:switch the transmissions to the NPC at a start time associated with the service period (SP) based on the OBSS R-TWT schedule.9.The AP of claim 7, wherein to switch the transmissions of the AP from the PC to the NPC, the instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination cause the AP to:monitor the PC for a transmission associated with the neighboring AP after the start of the SP; andswitch the transmissions to the NPC upon detecting the transmission within a predetermined threshold duration from the start of the SP.10.The AP of claim 7, wherein to detect the OBSS R-TWT schedule of the neighboring AP, the instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination cause the AP to:monitor one or more broadcast messages transmitted by the neighboring AP; orreceive the OBSS R-TWT schedule information via multi-AP (MAP) coordination messages from the neighboring AP.11.The AP of claim 7, wherein the instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination further cause the AP to:broadcast, to at least one STA, a message indicating non-primary channel access (NPCA) and specifying a type of trigger for switching to the NPC; andreceive, from the at least one STA, one or more responses from associated STAs, wherein one or more responses indicates acceptance or denial of the R-TWT schedule-based NPCA configuration by respective STA,wherein to switch the transmissions of the AP from the PC to the NPC the at least one processor is configured to:switch the transmission to the NPC during at least a portion of the SP for at least one STA accepted the R-TWT schedule-based NPCA configuration.12.The AP of claim 7, the instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination further cause the AP to:redirect the transmission of the AP from the NPC to the PC, upon completion of the SP.

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