Signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming

Abstract

This disclosure provides methods, components, devices and systems for signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. Some aspects more specifically relate to communication of neighborhood information in a seamless roaming operation. A serving AP may indicate the neighborhood information to the client device during initial association, during roaming, after association, or after roaming. The serving AP may indicate the neighborhood information via one or more information elements, such as neighborhood report information elements or multi-link information elements. The information elements may be in beacon frames or association frames. The serving AP may indicate the neighborhood information via a basic service set (BSS) transition management (BTM) request, such as a solicited or unsolicited BTM request, or in a compressed version of the RNR. The client may roam to a candidate AP in the neighborhood of the serving AP based on the neighborhood information and the link preparation.

Description

Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO1SIGNALING AND PROCEDURES FOR CLIENT-INITIATED SEAMLESS ROAMINGCROSS REFERENCE

[0001] The present Application for Patent claims priority to India Provisional Patent Application No. 202441066874 by PATIL et al., entitled “SIGNALING AND PROCEDURES FOR CLIENT-INITIATED SEAMLESS ROAMING,” filed September 4, 2024, which is assigned to the assignee hereof, and expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to wireless communication and, more specifically, to signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY

[0003] Wireless communication networks may include various types of wireless communication devices including network entities (such as wireless access points (AP) or base stations (BS)), client devices (such as wireless stations (STAs) or user equipment (UEs)), and other wireless nodes. These wireless communication devices may communicate with one another via a variety of technologies and wireless communication protocols, including wireless local area network (WLAN) or Wi-Fibased protocols or cellular (such as 4G, 5G, or 6G)-based protocols. The wireless communication networks may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (such as time, frequency, and spatial resources). To enable features or provide improved performance, the wireless communication devices may employ technologies such as orthogonal frequency divisional multiple access (OFDMA), multi-user Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU- MIMO), spatial multiplexing, and beamforming. For greater inter-operability, the wireless communication networks may support backwards compatibility (such as supporting legacy wireless communication devices) as well as forward compatibility (such as supporting communication with wireless communication devices compatible with next-generation wireless communication standards).Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO2SUMMARY

[0004] The systems, methods, and devices of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0005] A method for wireless communications by a first access point (AP) device that belongs to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multi-link device (MLD) is described. The method may include outputting one or more first messages that include neighborhood information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to the SMD MLD and enabling roaming of a client device to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0006] A first AP device that belongs to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multilink device (MLD) for wireless communications is described. The first AP device that belongs to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multi-link device (MLD) may include a processing system that includes processor circuitry and memory circuitry that stores code. The processing system may be configured to cause the first AP device that belongs to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multi-link device (MLD) to output one or more first messages that include neighborhood information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to the SMD MLD and enable roaming of a client device to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0007] Another first AP device that belongs to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multi-link device (MLD) for wireless communications is described. The first AP device that belongs to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multi-link device (MLD) may include means for outputting one or more first messages that include neighborhood information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to the SMD MLD and means for enabling roaming of a client deviceAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO3 to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0008] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications is described. The code may include instructions executable by one or more processors to output one or more first messages that include neighborhood information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to the SMD MLD and enable roaming of a client device to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0009] In some examples of the method, first access points (APs), and non- transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the one or more first messages include a response frame output during association of the client device with the SMD MLD or the roaming to the second AP device, and where the response frame includes an information element that includes the neighborhood information.

[0010] A method for wireless communications by a client device is described. The method may include obtaining one or more first messages that include neighborhood information associated with one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of a first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multi-link device (MLD) and roaming to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0011] A client device for wireless communications is described. The client device may include a processing system that includes processor circuitry and memory circuitry that stores code. The processing system may be configured to cause the client device to obtain one or more first messages that include neighborhood information associated with one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of a first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multi-link device (MLD) and roam to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO4

[0012] Another client device for wireless communications is described. The client device may include means for obtaining one or more first messages that include neighborhood information associated with one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of a first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are noncollocated with the first AP device and belong to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multi-link device (MLD) and means for roaming to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0013] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications is described. The code may include instructions executable by one or more processors to obtain one or more first messages that include neighborhood information associated with one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of a first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) multi-link device (MLD) and roam to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0014] In some examples of the method, client devices, and non-transitory computer-readable medium described herein, the one or more first messages include a response frame obtained during association of the client device with the SMD MLD or the roaming to the second AP device and the response frame includes an information element that includes the neighborhood information.

[0015] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 shows a pictorial diagram of an example wireless communication network.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an example of a wireless communications system that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO5

[0018] Figure 3 shows an example of a process flow that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0019] Figure 4 shows an example of a basic service set (BSS) transition management (BTM) query frame format that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0020] Figure 5 shows an example of a BTM request frame format that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0021] Figure 6 shows an example of a multi-link element format that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0022] Figure 7A shows an example of a radio measurement request frame format that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0023] Figure 7B shows an example of a measurement request element format that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0024] Figure 8 A shows an example of a radio measurement report frame format that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0025] Figure 8B shows an example of a measurement report element format that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0026] Figure 9 shows an example of a measurement report field format for a beacon report that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0027] Figure 10 shows an example of a multi-link device (MLD) parameters subfield format that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0028] Figure 11 shows an example of a process flow that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0029] Figure 12 shows an example of a basic service set (BSS) identifier (BSSID) that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO6

[0030] Figure 13 shows a block diagram of an example wireless communication device that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0031] Figure 14 shows a block diagram of an example wireless communication device that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0032] Figures 15 and 16 show flowcharts illustrating example processes performable by or at a first access point (AP) device that belongs to a seamless mobility domain (SMD) MLD that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming.

[0033] Figures 17 and 18 show flowcharts illustrating example processes performable by or at a client device that supports signaling and procedures for client- initiated seamless roaming.

[0034] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following description is directed to some particular examples for the purposes of describing innovative aspects of this disclosure. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a multitude of different ways. Some or all of the described examples may be implemented in any device, system or network that is capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to one or more of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards, the IEEE 802.15 standards, the Bluetooth® standards as defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), or the Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G, 5G (New Radio (NR)) or 6G standards promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), among others.

[0036] The described examples can be implemented in any suitable device, component, system or network that is capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to one or more of the following technologies or techniques: code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), spatial division multiple accessAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO7(SDMA), rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA), multi-user shared access (MUSA), single-user (SU) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and multi-user (MU)-MIMO (MU-MIMO). The described examples also can be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), a nonterrestrial network (NTN), or an internet of things (IOT) network.

[0037] In some wireless communication networks, a wireless communications device, such as a station (STA), may roam between access points (APs). In some implementations, a STA (or another non-AP device) may roam between the APs while maintaining one or more sessions. In such implementations, an AP multi-link device (MLD) (such as a logical entity) may be affiliated with one or more collocated APs within an AP device. The AP MLD may handle upper media access control (MAC) functionalities, including association and authentication for a client (such as the STA). When a client (such as the STA) roams from a serving AP device to a target AP device, the client may associate and authenticate with the target AP device. Additionally, the client may negotiate a new context, such as including block acknowledgment (BA), stream classification service (SCS), target wake time (TWT), and the like. In some implementations, the client may incur discontinuous service, such as in association with a new serial number (SN) or part number (PN), packet loss, or the like.

[0038] In some examples, AP devices may be affiliated with a seamless mobility domain (SMD) MLD. That is, multiple AP devices or multiple AP MLDs may be associated with or affiliated with a same SMD MLD. The SMD MLD may handle association and authentication and one or more other upper MAC functionalities for the client. In such examples, the client roaming from the serving AP device to the target AP device may avoid performance of association and / or authentication during roaming. Additionally, the client may have context for data transmission (such as a MAC address, SN and / or PN), BA, security keys including a pairwise transient key (PTK) and / or a pairwise master key (PMK), SCS, TWT, or the like). Using the context for the data transmission, the client may be efficiently transferred from the serving AP to the target AP over backhaul. Such transfer may support data delivery continuity during roaming. In other words, the client may seamlessly transition from the serving AP to the targetAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO8AP via the SMD MLD. Additionally, or alternatively, the client may use efficient multi-link operation (MLO) signaling for adding and / or removing links. In some implementations, the serving AP may provide neighborhood information to the client to support the seamless roaming. For example, the serving AP may provide a reduced neighborhood report (RNR).

[0039] Various aspects relate generally to seamless roaming. Some aspects more specifically relate to communication of neighborhood information in a seamless roaming operation. In some examples, the serving AP may indicate the neighborhood information to the client device during initial association, during roaming, after association, after roaming, or any combination thereof. For example, the serving AP may indicate the neighborhood information via one or more information elements, such as neighborhood report information elements, multi-link information elements, or the like. The information elements may be in beacon frames, association frames, or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, the serving AP may indicate the neighborhood information via a basic service set (BSS) transition management (BTM) request, such as a solicited or unsolicited BTM request. In some examples, the serving AP may indicate the neighborhood information in a compressed version of the RNR. The client may perform measurements of and indicate preferences associated with APs in the neighborhood of the serving AP based on the neighborhood information. The serving AP and the client may perform link preparation, and the client may roam to a candidate AP in the neighborhood of the serving AP based on the neighborhood information and the link preparation.

[0040] Particular aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by communicating the neighborhood information via one or more of the techniques described herein, the serving AP and the client device may reduce signaling overhead compared to the RNR. For example, the serving AP may reduce an amount of information included in a beacon frame by indicating the neighborhood information via alternative techniques and, accordingly, reduce bloating of the beacon frame. Additionally, the techniques described herein support maintenance of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters at the client while roaming between APs. For example, by communicating with the candidate APs prior to link preparation and roaming, the clientAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO9 may select an AP that satisfies the QoS parameters. Communication with the candidate APs prior to link preparation and roaming may additionally support reduced latency associated with link preparation, as the candidate APs may allocate resources for the client prior to the link preparation and / or roaming. Additionally, the indication of neighborhood information to the client may support power saving by reducing an amount of scanning performed by the client. That is, the client may perform a targeted scan of one or more reported APs in the neighborhood of the serving AP, which may be associated with power savings compared to a blind scan.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a pictorial diagram of an example wireless communication network 100. According to some aspects, the wireless communication network 100 can be an example of a wireless local area network (WLAN) such as a Wi-Fi network. For example, the wireless communication network 100 can be a network implementing at least one of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards, such as defined by the IEEE 802.11-2020 specification or amendments thereof (including, but not limited to, 802.1 lay, 802.1 lax (also referred to as Wi-Fi 6), 802.11 az, 802.11ba, 802.1 Ibc, 802.1 Ibd, 802.1 Ibe (also referred to as Wi-Fi 7), 802.1 Ibf, and 802.1 Ibn (also referred to as Wi-Fi 8)) or other WLAN or Wi-Fi standards, such as that associated with the Integrated Millimeter Wave (IMMW) study group. In some other examples, the wireless communication network 100 can be an example of a cellular radio access network (RAN), such as a 5G or 6G RAN that implements one or more cellular protocols such as those specified in one or more 3GPP standards. In some other examples, the wireless communication network 100 can include a WLAN that functions in an interoperable or converged manner with one or more cellular RANs to provide greater or enhanced network coverage to wireless communication devices within the wireless communication network 100 or to enable such devices to connect to a cellular network’s core, such as to access the network management capabilities and functionality offered by the cellular network core. In some other examples, the wireless communication network 100 can include a WLAN that functions in an interoperable or converged manner with one or more personal area networks, such as a network implementing Bluetooth or other wireless technologies, to provide greater or enhanced network coverage or to provide or enable other capabilities, functionality, applications or services.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO10

[0042] The wireless communication network 100 may include numerous wireless communication devices including a wireless access point (AP) 102 and any number of wireless stations (STAs) 104. While only one AP 102 is shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication network 100 can include multiple APs 102 (such as in an extended service set (ESS) deployment, enterprise network or AP mesh network), or may not include any AP at all (such as in an independent basic service set (IBSS) such as a peer- to-peer (P2P) network or other ad hoc network). The AP 102 can be or represent various different types of network entities including, but not limited to, a home networking AP, an enterprise-level AP, a single-frequency AP, a dual-band simultaneous (DBS) AP, a tri -band simultaneous (TBS) AP, a standalone AP, a non- standalone AP, a software-enabled AP (soft AP), and a multi-link AP (also referred to as an AP MLD), as well as cellular (such as 3GPP, 4G LTE, 5G or 6G) base stations or other cellular network nodes such as a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a gNB, a transmission reception point (TRP) or another type of device or equipment included in a radio access network (RAN), including Open-RAN (O-RAN) network entities, such as a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU) or a radio unit (RU).

[0043] Each of the STAs 104 also may be referred to as a mobile station (MS), a mobile device, a mobile handset, a wireless handset, an access terminal (AT), a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), or a subscriber unit, among other examples. The STAs 104 may represent various devices such as mobile phones, other handheld or wearable communication devices, netbooks, notebook computers, tablet computers, laptops, Chromebooks, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR) or extended reality (XR) wireless headsets or other peripheral devices, wireless earbuds, other wearable devices, display devices (such as TVs, computer monitors or video gaming consoles), video game controllers, navigation systems, music or other audio or stereo devices, remote control devices, printers, kitchen appliances (including smart refrigerators) or other household appliances, key fobs (such as for passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), Internet of Things (loT) devices, and vehicles, among other examples.

[0044] A single AP 102 and an associated set of STAs 104 may be referred to as an infrastructure BSS, which is managed by the respective AP 102. Figure 1 additionally shows an example coverage area 108 of the AP 102, which may represent a basicAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO11 service area (BSA) of the wireless communication network 100. The BSS may be identified by STAs 104 and other devices by a service set identifier (SSID), as well as a basic service set identifier (BSSID), which may be a medium access control (MAC) address of the AP 102. The AP 102 may periodically broadcast beacon frames (“beacons”) including the BSSID to enable any STAs 104 within wireless range of the AP 102 to “associate” or re-associate with the AP 102 to establish a respective communication link 106 (hereinafter also referred to as a “Wi-Fi link”), or to maintain a communication link 106, with the AP 102. For example, the beacons can include an identification or indication of a primary channel used by the respective AP 102 as well as a timing synchronization function (TSF) for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with the AP 102. The AP 102 may provide access to external networks to various STAs 104 in the wireless communication network 100 via respective communication links 106.

[0045] To establish a communication link 106 with an AP 102, each of the STAs 104 is configured to perform passive or active scanning operations (“scans”) on frequency channels in one or more frequency bands (such as the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz bands). To perform passive scanning, a STA 104 listens for beacons, which are transmitted by respective APs 102 at periodic time intervals referred to as target beacon transmission times (TBTTs). To perform active scanning, a STA 104 generates and sequentially transmits probe requests on each channel to be scanned and listens for probe responses from APs 102. Each STA 104 may identify, determine, ascertain, or select an AP 102 with which to associate in accordance with the scanning information obtained through the passive or active scans, and to perform authentication and association operations to establish a communication link 106 with the selected AP 102. The selected AP 102 assigns an association identifier (AID) to the STA 104 at the culmination of the association operations, which the AP 102 uses to track the STA 104.

[0046] As a result of the increasing ubiquity of wireless networks, a STA 104 may have the opportunity to select one of many BSSs within range of the STA 104 or to select among multiple APs 102 that together form an ESS including multiple connected BSSs. For example, the wireless communication network 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that may enable multiple APs 102 to be connected in such an ESS. As such, a STA 104 can be covered by more than one AP 102 and canAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO12 associate with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions.Additionally, after association with an AP 102, a STA 104 also may periodically scan its surroundings to find a more suitable AP 102 with which to associate. For example, a STA 104 that is moving relative to its associated AP 102 may perform a “roaming” scan to find another AP 102 having more desirable network characteristics such as a greater received signal strength indicator (RS SI) or a reduced traffic load.

[0047] In some examples, STAs 104 may form networks without APs 102 or other equipment other than the STAs 104 themselves. One example of such a network is an ad hoc network (or wireless ad hoc network). Ad hoc networks may alternatively be referred to as mesh networks or P2P networks. In some examples, ad hoc networks may be implemented within a larger network such as the wireless communication network 100. In such examples, while the STAs 104 may be capable of communicating with each other through the AP 102 using communication links 106, STAs 104 also can communicate directly with each other via direct wireless communication links 110. Additionally, two STAs 104 may communicate via a direct wireless communication link 110 regardless of whether both STAs 104 are associated with and served by the same AP 102. In such an ad hoc system, one or more of the STAs 104 may assume the role filled by the AP 102 in a BSS. Such a STA 104 may be referred to as a group owner (GO) and may coordinate transmissions within the ad hoc network. Examples of direct wireless communication links 110 include Wi-Fi Direct connections, connections established by using a Wi-Fi Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS) link, and other P2P group connections.

[0048] In some networks, the AP 102 or the STAs 104, or both, may support applications associated with high throughput or low-latency requirements, or may provide lossless audio to one or more other devices. For example, the AP 102 or the STAs 104 may support applications and use cases associated with ultra-low-latency (ULL), such as ULL gaming, or streaming lossless audio and video to one or more personal audio devices (such as peripheral devices) or AR / VR / MR / XR headset devices. In scenarios in which a user uses two or more peripheral devices, the AP 102 or the STAs 104 may support an extended personal audio network enabling communication with the two or more peripheral devices. Additionally, the AP 102 and STAs 104 mayAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO13 support additional ULL applications such as cloud-based applications (such as VR cloud gaming) that have ULL and high throughput requirements.

[0049] As indicated above, in some implementations, the AP 102 and the STAs 104 may function and communicate (via the respective communication links 106) according to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. These standards define the WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the physical (PHY) and MAC layers. The AP 102 and STAs 104 transmit and receive wireless communications (hereinafter also referred to as “Wi-Fi communications” or “wireless packets”) to and from one another in the form of PHY protocol data units (PPDUs).

[0050] Each PPDU is a composite structure that includes a PHY preamble and a payload that is in the form of a PHY service data unit (PSDU). The information provided in the preamble may be used by a receiving device to decode the subsequent data in the PSDU. In instances in which a PPDU is transmitted over a bonded or wideband channel, the preamble fields may be duplicated and transmitted in each of multiple component channels. The PHY preamble may include both a legacy portion (or “legacy preamble”) and a non-legacy portion (or “non-legacy preamble”). The legacy preamble may be used for packet detection, automatic gain control and channel estimation, among other uses. The legacy preamble also may generally be used to maintain compatibility with legacy devices. The format of, coding of, and information provided in the non-legacy portion of the preamble is associated with the particular IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol to be used to transmit the payload.

[0051] The APs 102 and STAs 104 in the wireless communication network 100 may transmit PPDUs over an unlicensed spectrum, which may be a portion of spectrum that includes frequency bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technology, such as the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, 45 GHz, and 60 GHz bands. Some examples of the APs 102 and STAs 104 described herein also may communicate in other frequency bands that may support licensed or unlicensed communications. For example, the APs 102 or STAs 104, or both, also may be capable of communicating over licensed operating bands, where multiple operators may have respective licenses to operate in the same or overlapping frequency ranges. Such licensed operating bands may map to or be associated with frequency range designations of FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz -Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO1452.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz).

[0052] Each of the frequency bands may include multiple sub-bands and frequency channels (also referred to as subchannels). The terms “channel” and “subchannel” may be used interchangeably herein, as each may refer to a portion of frequency spectrum within a frequency band (such as a 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz portion of frequency spectrum) via which communication between two or more wireless communication devices can occur. For example, PPDUs conforming to the IEEE 802.1 In, 802.1 lac, 802.1 lax, 802.11be and 802.11bn standard amendments may be transmitted over one or more of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands, each of which is divided into multiple 20 MHz channels. As such, these PPDUs are transmitted over a physical channel having a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz, but larger channels can be formed through channel bonding. For example, PPDUs may be transmitted over physical channels having bandwidths of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 240 MHz, 320 MHz, 480 MHz, or 640 MHz by bonding together multiple 20 MHz channels.

[0053] An AP 102 may determine or select an operating or operational bandwidth for the STAs 104 in its BSS and select a range of channels within a band to provide that operating bandwidth. For example, the AP 102 may select sixteen 20 MHz channels that collectively span an operating bandwidth of 320 MHz. Within the operating bandwidth, the AP 102 may typically select a single primary 20 MHz channel on which the AP 102 and the STAs 104 in its BSS monitor for contention-based access schemes. In some examples, the AP 102 or the STAs 104 may be capable of monitoring only a single primary 20 MHz channel for packet detection (such as for detecting preambles of PPDUs). Conventionally, any transmission by an AP 102 or a STA 104 within a BSS must involve transmission on the primary 20 MHz channel. As such, in conventional systems, the transmitting device must contend on and win a TXOP on the primary channel to transmit anything at all. However, some APs 102 and STAs 104 supporting ultra-high reliability (UHR) communications or communication according to the IEEE 802.1 Ibn standard amendment can be configured to operate, monitor, contend and communicate using multiple primary 20 MHz channels. Such monitoring of multiple primary 20 MHz channels may be sequential such that responsive to determining, ascertaining or detecting that a first primary 20 MHz channel is not available, a wirelessAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO15 communication device may switch to monitoring and contending using a second primary 20 MHz channel. Additionally, or alternatively, a wireless communication device may be configured to monitor multiple primary 20 MHz channels in parallel. In some examples, a first primary 20 MHz channel may be referred to as a main primary (M-Primary) channel and one or more additional, second primary channels may each be referred to as an opportunistic primary (O-Primary) channel. For example, if a wireless communication device measures, identifies, ascertains, detects, or otherwise determines that the M-Primary channel is busy or occupied (such as due to an overlapping BSS (OBSS) transmission), the wireless communication device may switch to monitoring and contending on an O-Primary channel. In some examples, the M-Primary channel may be used for beaconing and serving legacy client devices and an O-Primary channel may be specifically used by non-legacy (such as UHR- or IEEE 802.1 Ibn-compatible) devices for opportunistic access to spectrum that may be otherwise under-utilized.

[0054] In some wireless communications systems, wireless communication between an AP 102 and an associated STA 104 can be secured. For example, either an AP 102 or a STA 104 may establish a security key for securing wireless communication between itself and the other device and may encrypt the contents of the data and management frames using the security key. In some examples, the control frame and fields within the MAC header of the data or management frames, or both, also may be secured either via encryption or via an integrity check (such as by generating a message integrity check (MIC) for one or more relevant fields.

[0055] Some APs and STAs, such as, for example, the AP 102 and STAs 104 described with reference to Figure 1, are capable of multi -link operation (MLO). For example, the AP 102 and STAs 104 may support MLO as defined in one or both of the IEEE 802.1 Ibe and 802.1 Ibn standard amendments. An MLO-capable device may be referred to as a MLD. In some examples, MLO supports establishing multiple different communication links (such as a first link on the 2.4 GHz band, a second link on the 5 GHz band, and the third link on the 6 GHz band) between MLDs. Each communication link may support one or more sets of channels or logical entities. For example, an AP MLD may set, for each of the communication links, a respective operating bandwidth, one or more respective primary channels, and various BSS configuration parameters. An MLD may include a single upper MAC entity, and canAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO16 include, for example, three independent lower MAC entities and three associated independent PHY entities for respective links in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. This architecture may enable a single association process and security context. An AP MLD may include multiple APs 102 each configured to communicate on a respective communication link with a respective one of multiple STAs 104 of a non-AP MLD (also referred to as a “STA MLD”).

[0056] To support MLO techniques, an AP MLD and a STA MLD may exchange MLO capability information (such as supported aggregation types or supported frequency bands, among other information). In some examples, the exchange of information may occur via a beacon frame, a probe request frame, a probe response frame, an association request frame, an association response frame, another management frame, a dedicated action frame, or an operating mode indicator (OMI), among other examples. In some examples, an AP MLD may designate a specific channel of one link in one of the bands as an anchor channel on which it transmits beacons and other control or management frames periodically. In such examples, the AP MLD also may transmit shorter beacons (such as ones which may contain less information) on other links for discovery or other purposes.

[0057] MLDs may exchange packets on one or more of the communications links dynamically and, in some instances, concurrently. MLDs also may independently contend for access on each of the communication links, which achieves latency reduction by enabling the MLD to transmit its packets on the first communication link that becomes available. For example, “alternating multi-link” may refer to an MLO mode in which an MLD may listen on two or more different high-performance links and associated channels concurrently. In an alternating multi-link mode of operation, an MLD may alternate between use of two links to transmit portions of its traffic. Specifically, an MLD with buffered traffic may use the first link on which it wins contention and obtains a TXOP to transmit the traffic. While such an MLD may in some examples be capable of transmitting or receiving on only one communication link at any given time, having access opportunities via two different links enables the MLD to avoid congestion, reduce latency, and maintain throughput.

[0058] Multi-link aggregation (MLA) (which also may be referred to as carrier aggregation (CA)) is another MLO mode in which an MLD may simultaneouslyAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO17 transmit or receive traffic to or from another MLD via multiple communication links in parallel such that utilization of available resources may be increased to achieve higher throughput. That is, during at least some duration of time, transmissions or portions of transmissions may occur over two or more communication links in parallel at the same time. In some examples, the parallel communication links may support synchronized transmissions. In some other examples, or during some other durations of time, transmissions over the communication links may be parallel, but not be synchronized or concurrent. Additionally, in some examples or durations of time, two or more of the communication links may be used for communications between MLDs in the same direction (such as all uplink or all downlink), while in some other examples or durations of time, two or more of the communication links may be used for communications in different directions (such as one or more communication links may support uplink communications and one or more communication links may support downlink communications). In such examples, at least one of the MLDs may operate in a full duplex mode.

[0059] ML A may be packet-based or flow-based. For packet-based aggregation, frames of a single traffic flow (such as all traffic associated with a given traffic identifier (TID)) may be transmitted concurrently across multiple communication links. For flow-based aggregation, each traffic flow (such as all traffic associated with a given TID) may be transmitted using a single respective one of multiple communication links. As an example, a single STA MLD may access a web browser while streaming a video in parallel. Per the above example, the traffic associated with the web browser access may be communicated over a first communication link while the traffic associated with the video stream may be communicated over a second communication link in parallel (such that at least some of the data may be transmitted on the first channel concurrently with data transmitted on the second channel). In some other examples, MLA may be implemented with a hybrid of flow-based and packet-based aggregation. For example, an MLD may employ flow-based aggregation in situations in which multiple traffic flows are created and may employ packet-based aggregation in other situations. Switching among the MLA techniques or modes may additionally, or alternatively, be associated with other metrics (such as a time of day, traffic load within the network, orAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO18 battery power for a wireless communication device, among other factors or considerations).

[0060] Other MLO techniques may be associated with traffic steering and QoS characterization, which may achieve latency reduction and other QoS enhancements by mapping traffic flows having different latency or other requirements to different links. For example, traffic with low latency requirements may be mapped to communication links operating in the 6 GHz band and more latency -tolerant flows may be mapped to communication links operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands. Such an operation, referred to as TID-to-Link mapping (TTLM), may enable two MLDs to negotiate mapping of certain traffic flows in the DL direction or the UL direction or both directions to one or more set of communication links set up between them. In some examples, an AP MLD may advertise a global TTLM that applies to all associated non- AP MLDs. A communication link that has no TIDs mapped to it in either direction is referred to as a disabled link. An enabled link has at least one TID mapped to it in at least one direction.

[0061] In some examples, an MLD may include multiple radios and each communication link associated with the MLD may be associated with a respective radio of the MLD. Each radio may include one or more of its own transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) chains, include or be coupled with one or more of its own physical antennas or shared antennas, and include signal processing components, among other components. An MLD with multiple radios that may be used concurrently for MLO may be referred to as a multi-link multi-radio (MLMR) MLD. Some MLMR MLDs may further be capable of an enhanced MLMR (eMLMR) mode of operation, in which the MLD may be capable of dynamically switching radio resources (such as antennas or RF frontends) between multiple communication links (such as switching from using radio resources for one communication link to using the radio resources for another communication link) to enable higher transmission and reception using higher capacity on a given communication link. In this eMLMR mode of operation, MLDs may be able to move Tx / Rx radio resources from one communication link to another link, thereby increasing the spatial stream capability of the other communication link. For example, if a non-AP MLD includes four or more STAs, the STAs associated with the eMLMR links mayAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO19“pool” their antennas so that each of the STAs can utilize the antennas of other STAs when transmitting or receiving on one of the eMLMR links.

[0062] Other MLDs may have more limited capabilities and not include multiple radios. An MLD with only a single radio that is shared for multiple communication links may be referred to as a multi-link single radio (MLSR) MLD. Control frames may be exchanged between MLDs before initiating data or management frame exchanges between the MLDs in cases in which at least one of the MLDs is operating as an MLSR MLD. Because an MLD operating in the MLSR mode is limited to a single radio, it cannot use multiple communication links simultaneously and may instead listen to (such as monitor), transmit or receive on only a single communication link at any given time. An MLSR MLD may instead switch between different bands in a TDM manner. In contrast, some MLSR MLDs may further be capable of an enhanced MLSR (eMLSR) mode of operation, in which the MLD can concurrently listen on multiple links for specific types of packets, such as buffer status report poll (BSRP) frames or multi-user (MU) request-to-send (RTS) (MU-RTS) frames. Although an MLD operating in the eMLSR mode can still transmit or receive on only one of the links at any given time, it may be able to dynamically switch between bands, resulting in improvements in both latency and throughput. For example, when the STAs of a non-AP MLD may detect a BSRP frame on their respective communication links, the non-AP MLD may tune all of its antennas to the communication link on which the BSRP frame is detected. By contrast, a non-AP MLD operating in the MLSR mode can only listen to, and transmit or receive on, one communication link at any given time.

[0063] An MLD that is capable of simultaneous transmission and reception on multiple communication links may be referred to as a simultaneous transmission and reception (STR) device. In a STR-capable MLD, a radio associated with a communication link can independently transmit or receive frames on that communication link without interfering with, or without being interfered with by, the operation of another radio associated with another communication link of the MLD. For example, an MLD with a suitable filter may simultaneously transmit on a 2.4 GHz band and receive on a 5 GHz band, or vice versa, or simultaneously transmit on the 5 GHz band and receive on the 6 GHz band, or vice versa, and as such, be considered a STR device for the respective paired communication links. Such an STR-capable MLDAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO20 may generally be an AP MLD or a higher-end STA MLD having a higher performance filter. An MLD that is not capable of simultaneous transmission and reception on multiple communication links may be referred to as a non-STR (NSTR) device. A radio associated with a given communication link in an NSTR device may experience interference when there is a transmission on another communication link of the NSTR device. For example, an MLD with a standard filter may not be able to simultaneously transmit on a 5 GHz band and receive on a 6 GHz band, or vice versa, and as such, may be considered a NSTR device for those two communication links.

[0064] In some wireless communications systems, an MLD may include multiple non-collocated entities. For example, an AP MLD may include non-collocated AP devices and a STA MLD may include non-collocated STA devices. In examples in which an AP MLD includes multiple non-collocated AP devices, a single mobility domain entity may refer to a logical entity that controls the associated non-collocated APs. A non-AP STA (such as a non-MLD non-AP STA or a non-AP MLD that includes one or more associated non-AP STAs) may associate with the SMD entity via one of its constituent APs and may seamlessly roam (such as without requiring reassociation) between the APs associated with the SMD entity. The SMD entity also may maintain other context (such as security and Block ACK) for non-AP STAs associated with it.

[0065] Multiple non-collocated AP MLDs may be under an overarching entity, such as the SMD. In such examples, association (such as by the non-AP STA) may be with respect to the SMD, and the roaming between the AP MLDs may be seamless. Alternatively, association (such as by the non-AP STA) may be at an AP MLD-level. In examples in which a group of AP MLDs (such as two or more AP MLDs) support seamless roaming, a non-AP STA may maintain an association state between the AP MLDs in the group of AP MLDs. For example, the non-AP STA may maintain a first state (such as state 4) as the non-AP STA roams from a first AP MLD of the group of AP MLDs supporting the seamless roaming to a second AP MLD of the group of AP MLDs.

[0066] Association may be defined by a state variable. The state variable may be in an initial, unauthenticated state (state 1); an authenticated, unassociated state (state 2); an authenticated, associated, data port blocked state (state 3); or an authenticated,Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO21 associated, data port open state (state 4). Each MLD may maintain a state variable and track states of other MLDs (such as in a lock-step fashion). If a state changes, a distribution system (DS) may be notified, and a DS mapping may be updated (such as if necessary). A DS mapping prior to roaming may indicate that a non-AP MLD is mapped to a current AP MLD, and a D S mapping after roaming may indicate that the non-AP MLD is mapped to a target AP MLD. That is, the DS mapping may indicate a serving AP for a non-AP MLD, such as a client device or a STA.

[0067] Alternatively, in examples in which wireless communications devices support seamless roaming (such as UHR devices), a state machine may initiate at the authenticated, associated, data port open state (state 4) directly for a target AP MLD and the non-AP MLD. For example, prior states (such as states 1-3) may be considered already completed. The non-AP MLD may be initiated at the authenticated, associated, data port open state (state 4) based on an authentication with the SMD (such as rather than an authentication with a given AP MLD). When the state machine initiates at a target AP MLD, the DS may be notified such that the DS may update the DS mapping for the non-AP MLD.

[0068] The afore-mentioned and related MLO techniques may provide multiple benefits to a wireless communication network 100. For example, MLO may improve user perceived throughput (UPT) (such as by quickly flushing per-user transmit queues). Similarly, MLO may improve throughput by improving utilization of available channels and may increase spectral utilization (such as increasing the bandwidth-time product). Further, MLO may enable smooth transitions between multi-band radios (such as where each radio may be associated with a given RF band) or enable a framework to set up separation of control channels and data channels. Other benefits of MLO include reducing the “on” time of a modem, which may benefit a wireless communication device in terms of power consumption. Another benefit of MLO is the increased multiplexing opportunities in the case of a single BSS. For example, MLA may increase the number of users per multiplexed transmission served by the multi-link AP MLD.

[0069] Some processes, methods, operations, techniques or other aspects described herein may be implemented, at least in part, using an artificial intelligence (Al) program, such as a program that includes a machine learning (ML) or artificial neuralAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO22 network (ANN) model, hereinafter referred to generally as an AI / ML model. One or more AI / ML models may be implemented in wireless communication devices (such as APs 102 and STAs 104) to enhance various aspects associated with wireless communication. For example, an AI / ML model may be trained to identify patterns or relationships in data observed in a wireless communication network 100. An AI / ML model may support operational decisions implemented by one or more wireless communication devices relating to aspects described herein that are associated with wireless communications networks or services. For example, an AI / ML model may be utilized for supporting or improving aspects such as reducing signaling overhead (such as by CSI feedback compression, etc.), enhancing roaming or other mobility operations, multi-AP coordination, and generally facilitating network management or optimizing network connections or characteristics to, for example, increase throughput or capacity, reduce latency or otherwise enhance user experience.

[0070] Figure 2 shows an example of a wireless communications system 200 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The wireless communications system 200 may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100. For example, the wireless communications system 200 illustrates communication between an AP 102-a, an AP 102-b, an AP 102-c, and a STA 104, which may be examples of the AP 102 and the STA 104 as illustrated by and described with reference to Figure 1.

[0071] The AP 102-a may share neighborhood information with an associated STA, such as the STA 104. The neighborhood information may refer to information about or associated with one or more APs in a neighborhood 204 of the AP 102-a. In the example of Figure 2, the neighborhood information may include information about the AP 102-b and the AP 102-c. While the neighborhood 204 illustrated and described with reference to Figure 2 includes the AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c, it may be understood that more or less APs may be in the neighborhood 204.

[0072] The AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c in the neighborhood 204 may be affiliated with an SMD MLD 202. The SMD MLD 202 may be a logical entity that handles upper MAC functionalities. For example, the SMD MLD 202 may perform or facilitate association and / or authentication for a client device, such as for the STA 104.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO23The SMD MLD 202 may be referred to as a non-collocated MLD, a non-collocated AP MLD, an SMD, or the like.

[0073] The AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c may be non-collocated APs. In other words, the AP 102-b and the AP 102-c in the neighborhood 204 of the AP 102-a may be non-collocated with the AP 102-a. The AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c may be examples of AP MLDs. That is, each of the AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c may include respective links. In some implementations, the AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c may be understood as being AP devices including multiple APs corresponding to the respective links. That is, as used herein, an AP device may refer to an AP that may have multiple links, such as an AP MLD. Additionally, or alternatively, each of the AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c may be referred to, respectively, as a collocated set of APs (such as one or more APs). For example, the AP 102-a may be an AP MLD or an AP device including one or more affiliated APs. The AP 102-a including the one or more affiliated APs may be referred to as a collocated set of APs.

[0074] In some implementations, to support exchange of neighborhood information used for seamless roaming 206, the AP 102-a (such as a serving AP of the STA 104) may output an RNR. The RNR may be an example of or include an RNR element and may be output via a beacon or probe response frame of the AP 102-a. The RNR may include information of one or more APs. For example, the RNR element may include, for each reported AP, 16 bytes of information. In examples in which the RNR includes information for AP MLDs, a size of the RNR element may increase cause the length of the management frame (such as Beacon or Probe Response frame) that carries RNR element to increase. That is, the RNR element may include information for each link of multiple links of the AP MLD. As an example, to report information about 5 AP MLDs each having 2 links, the RNR element may include 160 bytes of information. In other words, traditional RNR-based discovery may not scale for neighborhood discovery.

[0075] The AP 102-a (such as a UHR AP) may not be prohibited from reporting non-collocated APs via the RNR element carried within the beacon frame. For example, a beacon may be short for a given configuration, a quantity of APs to report may be below a threshold, or both. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP 102-a may report one or more non-collocated APs in accordance with one or more rules (such asAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO24 rules configured at the AP 102-a). The AP 102-a may not report the non-collocated APs in accordance with one or more rules. Alternatively, the AP 102-a may report the noncollocated APs in accordance with one or more signaling procedures defined at the AP 102-a (such as predefined) which indicate an amount of information carried in a neighborhood report (such as an RNR, information element, or another reporting of the neighborhood information described herein). For example, the AP 102-a may provide a partial list of neighborhood APs via an RNR and / or the AP 102-a may provide the neighborhood information during association, addition of a link, or the like.

[0076] In some examples, the AP 102-a may report zero or more non-collocated APs in the neighborhood 204 that are operating on a channel based on a beacon size of the AP 102-a. The AP 102-a may utilize one or more fields (such as unused fields) in an element (such as fields in the RNR element) to indicate a level of information provided. Such information may be signaled via fields in other elements (such as multilink elements). For example, B2 and B3 in a TBTT header information field of the RNR element may indicate whether one or more APs associated with the SMD MLD 202 are operating on a reported channel. As an example, values of 00 may indicate that no AP belonging to the SMD MLD 202 are operating on the channel; 10 may indicate that there is at least one AP on the channel, but the AP 102-a is not reporting all the APs on the channel; 01 may be reserved; 11 may indicate that there is at least one AP on the channel, and the AP 102-a is reporting all of them. The AP 102-a may include the values in the TBTT header information field for one or more types of RNRs, including Type 0, Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3, the RNR having the reduced size, and the like. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP 102-a may include an operating class and channel with a length field set to 0 to provide an indication that there is at least one noncollocated AP operating on the channel and belonging to the SMD MLD 202 (such as 10), and that none of the APs are reported.

[0077] The RNR element may include an element identifier, a length, and neighbor AP information fields. The neighbor AP information fields may include, for each neighbor AP, a TBTT information header, an operating class, a channel number, and a TBTT information set. The TBTT information field may include multiple subfields, including a TBTT information field type, a filtered neighbor AP, reserved, TBTT information count, and TBTT information length. The TBTT information set field mayAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO25 include multiple fields, including a neighbor AP TBTT offset, a BSS identifier (BSSID), a short service set identifier (SSID), BSS parameters, a 20 MHz power spectral density (PSD), and MLD parameters. The BSS parameters field may include multiple subfields, including a recommended octet, a same SSID, multiple B SSIDs, a transmitted BSSID, member of an extended service set (ESS) with 2.4 / 5 GHz collocated AP, unsolicited probe responses active, collocated AP, and reserved. The MLD parameters field may include multiple subfields, including an AP MLD identifier, a link identifier, a BSS parameters change count, all updates included, a disabled link indication, and reserved.

[0078] A beacon frame including the RNR element may be associated with a large amount of overhead in accordance with the RNR element including information about multiple AP MLDs, among other information. Exchange of neighborhood information via signaling that supports reduced overhead compared to the beacon frame including the RNR element may be implemented by the wireless communications system 200 as described with reference to Figure 2 and elsewhere herein.

[0079] For example, the AP 102-a may provide the neighborhood information during association and / or roaming via an information element, such as a neighborhood report information element or a multi-link information element. In such examples, the AP 102-a may transmit the information element including the neighborhood information directly to the STA 104 (such as rather than broadcasting a frame or transmitting a beacon frame). Transmission of the information element may occur during initial association of the STA 104 with the AP 102-a and / or when roaming is initiated. That is, the AP 102-a may provide the information element including the neighborhood information to the STA 104 based on a phase of the STA 104 (such as the phases of seamless roaming described with reference to Figure 3) rather than periodically. The information elements including neighborhood information are described in greater detail elsewhere herein, including with reference to Table 1 and Table 2.

[0080] Additionally, or alternatively, the AP 102-a may provide the neighborhood information after association and / or roaming via a BTM request frame. For example, after the association and / or roaming, the STA 104 may output a BTM query, where the BTM query requests the neighborhood information. The AP 102-a may output a BTM request including the neighborhood information. The BTM request may be solicited orAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO26 unsolicited. That is, the AP 102-a may output the BTM request in response to the BTM query or without receiving the BTM query. In some examples, the AP 102-a may output the BTM request directly to the STA 104 or to multiple clients. For example, the AP 102-a may broadcast the BTM request periodically such that the STA 104 and one or more additional clients may obtain the neighborhood information. The BTM query and the BTM response are described in greater detail elsewhere herein, including with reference to Figure 4, Table 3, and Figure 5.

[0081] In some examples, the AP 102-a may include the neighborhood information in a multi-link information element. For example, the AP 102-a may output a beacon frame including the multi-link information element. The multi-link information element may include information about or associated with the SMD MLD 202, a list of neighboring APs (such as the AP 102-b and the AP 102-c), or both. The multi -link information element is described in greater detail elsewhere herein, including with reference to Figure 6 and Table 4.

[0082] Additionally, or alternatively, the AP 102-a may include the neighborhood information in a compressed form of the RNR. For example, the AP 102-a may output an RNR having a type (such as type >0) with reduced overhead compared to another RNR type. As an example, a compressed RNR may include 4 bytes per AP compared to 16 bytes per AP in the example of an uncompressed RNR.

[0083] The AP 102-a may output the neighborhood information via a combination of signaling techniques described herein. For example, the AP 102-a, the STA 104, or both may communicate any combination of the signaling used for exchange of neighborhood information and seamless roaming between APs as described herein.

[0084] Additionally, in some examples, the AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c may not belong to the SMD MLD 202 (such as a same SMD). That is, the techniques described herein may be applied in examples in which the AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c are in a same neighborhood, but may belong to different SMDs. In such examples, the “neighborhood information” may refer to information about one or more APs operating on a channel of the AP 102-a (such as the reporting AP). The “neighborhood information” may refer to link-level information (such as in addition to or alternatively from MLD-level information). In other words, the APAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO27102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c may operate in a same channel and via one or more respective links, where the neighborhood information is about the one or more respective links of APs in a same channel as an AP reporting the neighborhood information (such as the AP 102-a in the example of Figure 2). In some examples, the neighborhood information about the one or more respective links of APs in the same channel may be used for non-primary channel access (NPCA), among other examples.

[0085] As an example, the AP 102-a may provide information (such as the neighborhood information) about one or more APs, including the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c, in the neighborhood 204 that operate on a same operating channel as the AP 102-a. The one or more APs operating on the same operating channel may cause interference. The STA 104, or a non-AP associated with the AP 102-a, may perform one or more operations based on the information about the one or more APs in the same operating channel as the AP 102-a. For example, the STA 104 may perform NPCA based on detecting a transmission from a neighboring AP, such as the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c, identified by the information provided by the AP 102-a. That is, the STA 104 may refrain from switching to a NPCA primary channel based on receiving or detecting an OBSS frame not matching an address of the one or more APs identified by the AP 102-a in the information.Neighborhood Information Exchanged During Association and / or Roaming

[0086] In some examples, the AP 102-a may provide the neighborhood information during association and / or roaming. For example, the STA 104 (such as the client) may perform initial association with the SMD MLD 202. During the initial association, the AP 102-a, such as a serving AP, may provide the neighborhood information. That is, the AP 102-a may indicate one or more non-collocated APs in the neighborhood 204 that are affiliated with the SMD MLD 202 (such as the AP 102-b and the AP 102-c). In such examples, the AP 102-a may output the neighborhood information via an (re)association response frame. The association response frame may include a neighborhood report information element, an RNR information element, a variant of multi-link element, or another type of information element including the neighborhood information. For example, the association response frame may support inclusion of neighborhood information via an information element. Additionally, inclusion of the neighborhood information via the information element may be supported by anAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO28 association and / or reassociation request and / or response frame. An example of inclusion of the neighborhood report in the association response frame is described with reference to Table 1.Table 1

[0087] The association response frame may include the neighbor report elements in examples in which the STA 104 is associated with the SMD MLD 202. For example, the AP 102-a may include one or more neighbor report elements in accordance with a capability of the STA 104 to associate with the SMD MLD 202 and / or a capability of the STA 104 to perform seamless roaming. In other words, the AP 102-a may include the one or more neighbor report elements in accordance with a type of association by the STA 104 (such as whether the STA 104 associates with the SMD MLD 202). Additionally, or alternatively, the information element included in the association response frame may be an example of a multi-link element, such as an SMD multi-link information element. The multi-link element may be an example of the basic multi-link element described with reference to Table 1. In some examples, the information element included in the association response frame may include reduced neighborhood information compared to the RNR. For example, the information element may exclude one or more sub-elements, such as sub-elements including operating or capability information. Additionally, or alternatively, the association response frame may include an RNR information element. For example, the information element may be an example of a compressed (such as a type > 0) or an uncompressed (such as type = 0) RNR information element.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO29

[0088] The AP 102-a may include the multi -link element in the association response frame in examples in which the STA 104 (such as the client device) adds a link (such as performs roaming). Additionally, or alternatively, the AP 102-a may include the multilink element in a link reconfiguration response frame, such as in an action field of the link reconfiguration response frame. A format of the link reconfiguration response frame is described with reference to Table 2.Table 2

[0089] The link reconfiguration response frame format as shown with reference to Table 2 may include the SMD MLD multi-link element to support exchange of neighborhood information during roaming by the STA 104. In other words, the information element (such as any of the information elements described herein, including the RNR information element, the neighborhood report information element, the multi-link information element, or the like) may be included in a link reconfiguration response frame.

[0090] Additionally, or alternatively, AP 102 a may include the multi-link element in a (re)association response frame in examples in which the STA 104 (such as the client device) adds a link (such as performs roaming). For example, initial associationAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO30 may be performed by the AP 102-a and the STA 104 via an association request and / or an association response frame, while roaming may be performed via the link reconfiguration request and / or response frames. Alternatively, the roaming may be performed via an association or reassociation request and / or response frame. The association or reassociation request and / or response frames may indicate that the frames are associated with the roaming (such as rather than initial association). For example, the association or reassociation request and / or response frames may indicate that the frames are associated with a roaming procedure and / or that continuity of a context and / or sessions is maintained.Neighborhood Information Exchanged via RNR Type > 0

[0091] In some examples, the AP 102-a may output the neighborhood information via an RNR having a type (such as type > 0) that is compressed compared to a Type 0 RNR. The RNR may exclude one or more fields that are included in the Type 0 RNR. For example, the RNR may exclude a short SSID, BSS parameters, beacon parameters change count (BPCC), attachment unit interface (AUI), or the like. The RNR may include an operating class (1 octet), a channel (1 octet), an AP MLD identifier (1 octet), an affiliated AP MAC address (6 octets), and an affiliated AP TBTT offset (1 offset). In some examples, the AP may compress the affiliated AP MAC address. That is, the AP may include, in the RNR, a compressed version of the MAC address. The compressed version may reduce the size of the MAC address in the information element to 1 octet (such as compressed to 8 LSBs). The affiliated AP MAC address may identify the AP on the link, while the AP MLD ID may provide reference to an affiliated AP MLD from a point of view of the reporting AP (such as the AP 102-a). Additionally, the TBTT offset may be used for passive scanning.

[0092] In some examples, an operating class, a channel, or both may be common across multiple reported APs. In such examples, the AP 102-a may include the operating class and / or the channel for a first reported AP but not for subsequent reported APs. For example, the AP 102-a may report information about the AP 102-b, including the operating class, channel, AP MLD identifier, affiliated (link) AP MAC address, and AP TBTT offset via 5 octets if compressed or 10 octets if uncompressed. Additionally, the AP 102-a may report information about the AP 102-c having the same operating class and channel as the AP 102-b. The AP 102-a may include, for the AP 102-c, theAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO31AP MLD identifier, AP MAC address, and AP TBTT offset via 3 octets if compressed or 8 octets if uncompressed.

[0093] The RNR having the type that is reduced or compressed in size compared to the Type 0 RNR may be an example of a Type 1 RNR (of size 9) or an example of a Type 2 or 3 RNR. The RNR having the reduced size may reduce a length extension to a beacon frame of the AP 102-a (such as from 16 bytes to 3 bytes per reported AP). As an example, the beacon frame may have an overhead of 36 or 96 bytes (for compressed or uncompressed indication of the MAC addresses) in examples in which the AP 102-a reports 5 AP MLDs each having 2 links and spread across 3 operating classes and / or channels (compared to 160 bytes for Type 0 RNR). This RNR may be included in an association response frame, a link reconfiguration response frame, or the like.Link Preparation Timing

[0094] In some examples, the AP 102-a may perform link preparation to prepare one or more candidate APs to receive the STA 104. In such examples, a candidate AP may prepare local resources to receive the STA 104, which may introduce latencies. For example, the candidate AP may prepare the local resources after the AP 102-a receives a link preparation request. Additionally, or alternatively, the STA 104 may prepare local resources to roam to the candidate AP. For example, the STA 104 may prepare local resources to roam to the candidate AP after receiving a link preparation response, which may introduce delays.

[0095] To reduce latencies and delays associated with link preparation prior to roaming of the STA 104 to the candidate AP, the wireless communications system 200 may support proactive preparation of resources by the STA 104. For example, the STA 104 may proactively prepare (such as allocate resources) for one or more candidate APs included in the link preparation request. After receiving the link preparation response, the STA 104 may prune a list of the one or more candidate APs to one AP. That is, the STA 104 may allocate resources preemptively for candidate APs and, after receiving information about the candidate APs, prune the allocated resources for a portion of the candidate APs (such as leaving allocated resources for at least one candidate AP).

[0096] For each of the candidate APs, the link preparation response may include an indication of whether the candidate AP is capable of accepting the client and, if so,Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO32 whether the candidate AP is capable of meeting one or more QoS parameters. That is, the link preparation response may indicate which APs the STA 104 is enabled to roam to and whether the available APs are capable of maintaining QoS parameters of one or more ongoing communications flows of the STA 104. Based on the link preparation response, the STA 104 may prune the allocated resources. For example, the STA 104 may prune resources allocated for candidate APs that are unavailable to receive the STA 104. Additionally, or alternatively, the STA 104 may prune resources allocated for candidate APs that are available to receive the STA 104 but incapable of maintaining the one or more QoS parameters (such as roaming without QoS guarantees). The STA 104 may maintain resources allocated for candidate APs that are available to receive the STA 104 and capable of maintaining the one or more QoS parameters (such as roaming with QoS guarantees).

[0097] The AP 102-a may obtain the indications of whether the candidate APs are capable of receiving the STA 104 and / or meeting the one or more QoS parameters based on one or more backhaul messages. That is, the AP 102-a may exchange one or more backhaul messages with the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c. The one or more backhaul messages may include a link preparation message including static context of the STA 104. The AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c may respond to the link preparation message indicating whether they are available to receive the STA 104 and whether the are capable of meeting the one or more QoS parameters. The one or more backhaul messages may comprise a single handshake.

[0098] Additionally, or alternatively, the AP 102-a may perform a check with each candidate AP to determine whether the candidate APs are available to receive the STA 104. That is, the AP 102-a may output a request message to the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c requesting the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c to indicate whether they are available to receive the STA 104. The AP 102-a may output the request message prior to link preparation. The AP 102-a may provide early feedback to the STA 104. For example, the AP 102-a may output one or more messages indicating whether the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c are available to receive the STA 104. Based on the early feedback, the STA 104 may prepare to roam to a candidate AP that indicated availability to receive the STA 104. The feedback may include an indication of whether the candidate AP is capable of accepting the client and, if so, whether the candidate APAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO33 is capable of meeting one or more QoS parameters (such as with or without QoS guarantees). The AP 102-a may advertise a preparation time (such as T_prep), where the preparation time is a maximum duration of preparation times amongst the requested candidate APs that indicated availability to accept the STA 104. After the preparation time has elapsed, the candidate APs that indicated availability to accept the STA 104 may hold or reserve one or more resources for a holding time (such as T hold). That is, the candidate APs may drop the one or more resources if the STA 104 fails to roam to the candidate AP within the holding time.Neighboring AP Reporting Selection

[0099] In some examples, the AP 102-a may report a subset of neighboring APs. For example, the neighborhood 204 may include a set of neighboring APs (such as AP MLDs, including the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c), and the AP 102-a may report a subset of the set of neighboring APs (such as not all of the neighboring APs). The AP 102-a may report the subset of neighboring APs to reduce frame bloating (such as for a beacon frame). Additionally, or alternatively, the AP 102-a may report the subset based on the STA 104 performing a targeted scan of the neighboring APs (such as regardless of whether the AP 102-a reports all of the APs in the neighborhood 204).

[0100] The AP 102-a may, in some examples, report one neighboring AP. In such examples, the STA 104 may obtain information about the remaining neighboring APs by sending a multi -link probe request to the serving AP (such as the AP 102-a) or the reported AP. The reported AP may have a highest level of reachability relative to the other APs in the neighborhood. For example, the AP 102-a may report a 2.4 GHz AP of all AP MLDs because of a maximum range or, if the reported AP MLD does not have a 2.4 GHz AP, then the AP 102-a may report an AP with a next best range.Seamless Roaming Phases

[0101] Figure 3 shows an example of a process flow 300 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The process flow 300 may implement, or be implemented by, one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, or both. For example, the process flow 300 illustrates communication between a STA 104, an AP 102-a, an APAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO34102-b, an AP 102-c, and an SMD MLD 202, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-2.

[0102] In the following description of the process flow 300, the operations may be performed (such as reported or provided) in a different order than the order shown, or the operations performed by the example devices may be performed in different orders or at different times. For example, specific operations also may be left out of the process flow 300, or other operations may be added to the process flow 300. Further, although some operations or signaling may be shown to occur at different times for discussion purposes, these operations may actually occur at the same time.

[0103] The process flow 300 may include operations of one or more phases involved in seamless transition of a client device, such as the STA 104, from a serving AP device to a target AP device. That is, the process flow 300 may illustrate and / or describe phases involved in seamless transition of the STA 104 from the AP 102-a to the AP 102-b, where the AP 102-b is one of one or more candidate AP devices (such as including the AP 102-b, the AP 102-c, and one or more additional AP devices). The phases may include a discovery phase, a link preparation phase, and a roaming phase.

[0104] During the discovery phase, the STA 104 may discover a neighborhood of the AP 102-a. The discovery phase may involve the STA 104 and the AP 102-a exchanging data at 302 and neighborhood information at 304, the STA 104 scanning over-the-air (OTA) with the one or more candidate AP devices at 306, and the STA 104 and the AP 102-a exchanging neighborhood information at 308. The exchange of neighborhood information at 304, 308, or both may involve an RNR and / or a BTM query, request, or response. The discovery phase may involve initial association by the STA 104 with the AP 102-a (such as the serving AP). In some implementations, the initial association may be in accordance with the STA 104 entering a coverage area of the AP 102-a.

[0105] The link preparation phase may involve the AP 102-a and the STA 104 preparing one or more candidate AP devices to receive the client (such as to enable smooth and quick transition). For example, the link preparation phase may involve the STA 104 transmitting a link preparation request to the AP 102-a at 310, the AP 102-a performing a static context transfer with the one or more candidate AP devices at 312,Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO35 and the AP transmitting a link preparation response to the STA 104 at 314. During the link preparation phase, the roaming phase, or both, one or more of the one or more candidate AP devices may commit resources. For example, at 316, the AP 102-b may commit resources, such as QoS, SCS, TWT, or the like for the STA 104.

[0106] The roaming phase may involve the STA 104 roaming to the target AP device. That is, the STA 104 may roam to the AP 102-b, where the AP 102-b is prepared to receive the STA 104 in accordance with the link preparation phase. The roaming phase may involve the STA 104 transmitting a release assistance indication (RAI) to the AP 102-a at 318, the AP 102-a and the AP 102-b performing a dynamic context transfer at 320, the AP 102-a transmitting data to the STA 104 at 322, and the AP 102-a transmitting a release assistance response (RAR) to the STA 104 at 324.

[0107] After the roaming phase is complete (such as after the STA 104 roams to the AP 102-b), the STA 104 may communicate with the AP 102-b. For example, at 326, the STA 104 and the AP 102-b may exchange data.Neighborhood Information Exchanged via BTM

[0108] Figure 4 shows an example of a BTM query frame format 400 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The BTM query frame format 400 may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. For example, a BTM query frame may be transmitted by an AP to a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0109] The BTM query frame may support indication of neighborhood information via BTM. In some examples, the client device (such as the STA 104 as described with reference to Figures 1-3) may solicit the BTM. For example, after association and / or roaming, the client device may solicit neighborhood information by transmitting a BTM query frame to a serving AP (such as the AP 102-a as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3). The BTM query frame may indicate solicitation of information about neighboring APs that belong to a same SMD as the serving AP. That is, the BTM query frame may solicit information about APs in a neighborhood of the serving AP that areAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO36 associated with or belong to a same SMD MLD, such as the SMD MLD 202 as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0110] The BTM query frame may include one or more fields. For example, the BTM query frame format 400 may include a category 402, a wireless network management (WNM) action 404, a dialog token 406, a BSS transition query reason 408, and, in some examples, BSS transition candidate list entries 410. The BTM query frame may indicate that the frame is soliciting the neighborhood information via the BSS transition query reason 408. The BSS transition query reason 408 may include a value corresponding to a reason why the client device is requesting a BSS transition. Examples of values and corresponding BSS transition query reasons are included in Table 3.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO37Table 3

[0111] The BSS transition query reasons may include, as shown in the example of Table 3, discovery of AP MLDs in the same SMD. For example, the client device may include a value of 21 in the BSS transition query reason 408 field in the BTM query frame to indicate that the frame is soliciting the neighborhood information.

[0112] Figure 5 shows an example of a BTM request frame format 500 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The BTM request frame format 500 may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. For example, a BTM request frame may be transmitted by an AP to a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0113] The BTM request frame may provide neighborhood information. The BTM request frame may include one or more fields. For example, the BTM request frame format 500 may include a category 502, a WNM action 504, a dialog token 506, a request mode 508, a disassociation timer 510, a validity interval 512, a BSS terminationAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO38 duration 514, a session information uniform resource locator (URL) 516, and BSS transition candidate list entries 518. The request mode 508 may include one or more subfields. For example, the request mode 508 may include a preferred candidate list included 520, abridged 522, disassociation imminent 524, BSS termination included 526, ESS disassociation imminent 528, link removal imminent 530, and reserved 532 subfields.

[0114] In some examples, the AP may output the BTM request frame in response to a BTM query frame, such as the BTM query frame as described with reference to Figure 4. That is, the BTM request frame may, in some examples, be solicited. In examples in which the BTM request frame is solicited by the BTM query frame, the BTM request frame may provide information about a neighborhood of the serving AP via a neighbor report element included in the BSS transition candidate list entries 518. The BSS transition candidate list entries 518 may include a neighbor report element corresponding to each AP device (such as AP MLDs or APs non-collocated with the serving AP) in a neighborhood of the serving AP and belonging to a same SMD MLD as the serving AP.

[0115] Alternatively, the AP may output the BTM request frame without receiving a BTM query frame. That is, the BTM request frame may be unsolicited. In examples in which the BTM request frame is unsolicited, the AP may output the BTM request frame periodically. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP may transmit the BTM request frame to a broadcast address. In other words, the AP may periodically broadcast the BTM request frame. The broadcast BTM request frame may be obtained by multiple non-APs (such as client devices or STAs). In such examples, one or more subfields in the request mode 508 field may be set in accordance with broadcasting the BTM request frame. For example, the AP may set B2, B3, B4, and B5 to 0 in examples in which the AP broadcasts the BTM request frame (such as to avoid confusion for non-APs not having a capability for seamless roaming). The request mode 508 field may include a subfield (such as B6) to indicate that the BTM request frame includes an SMD AP list. That is, a subfield within the request mode 508 of the BTM request frame format 500 may indicate whether the BTM request frame includes neighborhood information.Neighborhood Information Exchanged via a Multi-Link Information ElementAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO39

[0116] Figure 6 shows an example of a multi-link element format 600 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The multi-link element format 600 may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. For example, a multi -link element may be transmitted by an AP to a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0117] The multi-link element may be an example of a variant of a multi-link element that is associated with the SMD MLD. For example, the multi-link element format 600 may be an example of a multi-link element format for an SMD MLD information. The multi-link element format 600 may include an element ID 602, a length 604, an element ID extension 606, a multi-link control 608, common information 610, and link information 612. The multi-link control 608 may include one or more subfields. For example, the multi-link control 608 may include a type 614, reserved 616, and a presence bitmap 618. The type 614 may indicate that the multi-link element is the SMD MLD information element or otherwise indicative of information of the SMD MLD. A value in the type 614 subfield may correspond to a respective type in accordance with a table. Table 4 includes examples of type subfield values and corresponding types.Table 4

[0118] One or more reserved type subfield values may correspond to or be indicative of the multi-link element being an SMD MLD information element. Additionally, or alternatively, the table may define a type subfield value (such as a nonreserved type subfield value) corresponding to the SMD MLD information element.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO40

[0119] The presence bitmap 618 may include or indicate information that is included in the common information 610. For example, in the example of the multi-link element including the neighborhood information, the presence bitmap 618 may indicate that the common information includes a MAC address of the SMD MLD and, in some examples, the neighborhood information. For example, the multi-link element may include (such as in the common information 610) an MLD MAC address, a multi -link ID, and per-link information. Additionally, or alternatively, the multi-link element may include capabilities and operational parameters of each link.

[0120] A beacon of the AP may include the multi-link element. For example, the AP may include the multi-link element in the beacon to identify the SMD MAC address, such as a MAC address of an SMD MLD. In some examples, the multi-link element may include a list of AP MLD identifiers, least significant bits (LSBs) of affiliated AP MAC addresses (such as 8 LSBs), and TBTT offsets of each affiliated AP. One or more presence indicators (such as in the presence bitmap 618) for the common information 610 field may indicate inclusion of these fields in the multi-link element in examples in which the multi-link element is included in the beacon (or another) frame.

[0121] Additionally, or alternatively, to including the neighborhood information in the multi-link element, the AP may include the neighborhood information in a different information element. For example, the AP may include the neighborhood information in an information element including an operating class (1 octet), a channel (1 octet), an AP MLD identifier (1 octet), affiliated AP MAC address (6 octets), and TBTT offsets of the affiliated AP (1 octet). In some examples, the AP may compress the affiliated AP MAC addresses. That is, the AP may include, in the information element, a compressed version of the MAC address. The compressed version may reduce the size of the MAC address in the information element to 1 octet (such as compressed to 8 LSBs).Indication of RSSI

[0122] Figure 7A shows an example of a radio measurement request frame format 700-a that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The radio measurement request frame format 700-a may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. ForAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO41 example, a radio measurement request frame may be transmitted by an AP to a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0123] A client device may roam from a first AP device to a second AP device within a same SMD while maintaining one or more QoS parameters. That is, the client device may roam from the first AP device (such as the AP 102-a as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3) to the second AP device (such as the AP 102-b as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3), where the first AP device and the second AP device belong to the SMD (such as the SMD MLD 202 as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3), without interrupting one or more ongoing communications flows. To support ongoing communications flows of the client device during roaming, the client device, the first AP device (such as the serving AP), or both may perform link preparation. Link preparation may involve preparing one or more neighboring AP devices (such as AP MLDs) to receive the client device and determining whether the one or more neighboring AP devices are capable of satisfying the one or more QoS parameters.

[0124] QoS may be based on one or more factors between the client device and the serving AP, including downlink RSSI, client device capabilities, a quantity of links with the target AP, channel conditions and / or BSS loads on the links, and one or more transmit parameters. The client device may measure and communicate the downlink RSSI to the serving AP to support the link preparation. For example, the serving AP may perform the link preparation based on determining the one or more factors and based on receiving an indication of the downlink RSSI measured by the client device. The client device may provide the downlink RSSI to the serving AP during or before the link preparation.

[0125] In some examples, the serving AP may solicit radio measurements (such as including RSSI). For example, the serving AP may request radio measurements from the client device. The serving AP may solicit the radio measurements via a radio measurement request. The radio measurement request may have one or more fields defined by the radio measurement request frame format 700-a. For example, the radio measurement request frame format 700-a may include a category 702, a radio measurement action 704, a dialog token 706, a quantity of repetitions 708, andAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO42 measurement request elements 710. The one or more fields in the radio measurement request may indicate that the measurement is for computations related to roaming procedures. For example, the measurement request elements 710 may include an indication that the measurement is associated with seamless roaming.

[0126] In addition to or alternatively from the radio measurements (such as RS SI), the client device may provide timing information. That is, the client device may indicate a time at which the radio measurements were performed. In other words, the client device may report, with indicated radio measurements, how recently the measurements were performed. In examples in which the client device is solicited to provide the radio measurements, the timing information may be included (such as by default or automatically). In some examples, the serving AP may provide QoS guarantees based on the timing information, whether the client provides the radio measurements, or both. For example, the serving AP may determine the QoS parameters during link preparation according to the radio measurements provided by the client.

[0127] In examples in which the client fails to provide the radio measurements, the serving AP may fail to determine the QoS parameters. For example, the client may fail to provide the radio measurements in examples in which a BTM query does not include candidate entries (such as neighbor report elements). Additionally, or alternatively, in examples in which the client fails to provide radio measurements performed within a threshold duration of the reporting (such as stale measurements), the serving AP may determine the QoS parameters inaccurately. In some examples, the serving AP, the client, or both may be configured with a set of one or more rules associated with the threshold duration. That is, the set of one or more rules may indicate whether the serving AP provides a QoS guarantee (such as prepares a link which satisfies the QoS parameters) for a given duration from performance of the radio measurements.

[0128] Figure 7B shows an example of a measurement request element format 700-b that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The measurement request element format 700-b may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. ForAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO43 example, a measurement request element may be transmitted by an AP to a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0129] The measurement request element may be an example of a measurement request element included in the measurement request elements 710 field of the radio measurement request frame format 700-a. The measurement request element format 700-b may include an element ID 712, a length 714, a measurement token 716, a measurement request mode 718, a measurement type 720, and a measurement request 722. The measurement type 720 may include a value corresponding to a type of measurement, such as in accordance with a table. An example of values and corresponding measurement types is described with reference to Table 5.Table 5

[0130] The serving AP may include a measurement type value of 5 corresponding to the beacon. A beacon measurement report, which may be described with reference to Figures 8A and 8B, may include one or more downlink RSSI measurements. That is, the serving AP may solicit the beacon measurement report to obtain the downlink RS Sis and perform link preparation.

[0131] Figure 8A shows an example of a radio measurement report frame format 800-a that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The radio measurement report frame format 800-a may implement or be implemented toAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO44 realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. For example, a radio measurement report frame may be transmitted by an AP to a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0132] A client device (such as the STA 104 as described with reference to Figures 1-3) may output a radio measurement report frame. In some examples, the client device may output the radio measurement report frame in response to receiving a radio measurement report request, such as the radio measurement report request frame as described with reference to Figure 7A. That is, the radio measurement report frame may be solicited. Alternatively, the radio measurement report frame may be unsolicited. For example, the radio measurement report frame may be sent by the client device for link preparation.

[0133] In some examples, the client device may include the radio measurement report information in a BTM query frame, such as the BTM query frame described with reference to Figure 4. The BTM query frame may include a sub-element in a neighbor report information element, such as a sub-element for a received channel power indicator (RCPI) and / or a received signal to noise indicator (RSNI). Additionally, or alternatively, the BTM query frame may include a sub-element within a multi-link information element, such as a sub-element for the RCPI and / or the RSNI. In some examples, the multi-link information element itself may be a sub-element in the neighbor report information element.

[0134] The radio measurement report frame may include a category 802, a radio measurement action 804, a dialog token 806, a quantity of repetitions 808, and measurement report elements 810. A structure of the measurement report elements 810 may be described with reference to Figure 8B.

[0135] Figure 8B shows an example of a measurement report element format 800-b that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The measurement report element format 800-b may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. ForAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO45 example, a measurement report element may be transmitted by an AP to a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0136] The measurement report element may include an element ID 812, a length 814, a measurement token 816, a measurement report mode 818, a measurement type 820, and a measurement report 822. The measurement type 820 may, in examples in which the radio measurement report frame including the measurement report element is solicited, correspond to the measurement type 720 included in the measurement request element of the radio measurement request frame. For example, the measurement report element may include a beacon report in accordance with the measurement type 720 indicating beacon.

[0137] Figure 9 shows an example of a radio measurement report field format 900 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The radio measurement report field format 900 may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. For example, a measurement report field may be transmitted by an AP to a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0138] The measurement report field may be an example of a measurement report field in a beacon report. The client device may output the beacon report in response to receiving the radio measurement report request frame including a beacon measurement type (such as in a measurement type 720 field in a measurement request element). The measurement report field format 900 may include an operating class 902, a channel number 904, an actual measurement start time 906, a measurement duration 908, reported frame information 910, a received channel power indicator (RCPI) 912, a received signal to noise indicator (RSNI) 914, a BSSID 916, an antenna ID 918, a parent timing synchronization function (TSF) 920, and optional sub-elements 922. The RSNI 914 may be an example of a downlink RS SI. Additionally, or alternatively, the RSNI 914 may be associated with a beacon received by the client device from a neighboring AP (such as neighboring the serving AP) for which the measurements were performed. The client device may report the RSNI 914 such that the serving AP may perform link preparation.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO46

[0139] In some examples, the beacon report may be included in a measurement report of a measurement report element, such as the measurement report element as described with reference to Figure 8B.Reporting Reduced Information for Selected APs

[0140] Figure 10 shows an example of a MLD parameters subfield format 1000 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The MLD parameters subfield format 1000 may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. For example, a MLD parameters subfield may be transmitted by an AP to a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0141] The MLD parameters subfield may include an AP MLD ID 1002, a link ID 1004, BSS parameters change count 1006, all updates included 1008, disabled link indication 1010, and reserved 1012.

[0142] In examples in which the serving AP provides information for a subset of a set of neighboring APs, the serving AP may report a reduced amount of information for APs not included in the subset. For example, the serving AP may report, for APs in the neighborhood of the serving AP not included in the subset of APs that are reported (such as in full), a quantity of links supported by the AP (such as a value in a max number of simultaneous links field in the basic multi-link element of the affiliated AP of the reported AP MLDs).

[0143] The serving AP may report the quantity of links via one or more reserved bits (such as in the reserved 1012 bits) in the MLD parameters subfield. The reserved 1012 bits may support 4 combinations. Values of 0 to 2 may indicate a quantity of affiliated APs minus 1. Thus, if the AP MLD with which the reported AP is affiliated supports 3 APs, the value reported is 2. A value of 3 may indicate 4 or more affiliated APs.

[0144] Alternatively, the serving AP may report the quantity of links via the all updates included 1008 subfield. The serving AP may report the quantity of links via the all updates included 1008 subfield in examples in which the reported AP is nonAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO47 collocated (such as B6 of the BSS parameter is set to 0). In such examples, 3 reserved bits may support up to 8 combinations. Values 0 to 5 may indicate a quantity of affiliated APs minus 1. Thus, if the AP MLD with which the reported AP is affiliated supports 4 APs, the value reported is 3. Value 6 may indicate 7 or more affiliated APs, and value 7 may indicate information is unknown.

[0145] In some examples, the serving AP may include additional information in a subfield SMD parameters in a TBTT information field. The subfield may be included if B6 of the BSS parameters subfield is set to 0. The subfield may include information including a maximum quantity of simultaneous links and one or more other capabilities, including enhanced multi-link (EML) capabilities (such as EML single-radio (EMLSR) and / or EML multi-radio (EMLMR)), support for other modes (such as restricted target wake time (rTWT), coordinated-time division multiple access (c-TDMA), coordinated- beamforming (c-BF), coordinated-spatial reuse (c-SR), coordinated-rTWT (c-rTWT), NPCA, dynamic subchannel operation (DSO), dynamic spatial multiplexing power save (DSMPS), dynamic power save (DPS), and / or coexistence (Coex)), or the like. Since the information provided may be per-link, the reporting AP may indicate whether at least one AP of the reported AP MLD supports the feature.

[0146] Figure 11 shows an example of a process flow 1100 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The process flow 1100 may implement, or be implemented by, one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, the BTM query frame format 400, the BTM request frame format 500, the multi-link element format 600, the radio measurement request frame format 700-a, the measurement request element format 700-b, the radio measurement report frame format 800-a, the measurement report element format 800-b, the measurement report field format 900, the MLD parameters subfield format 1000, or any combination thereof. For example, the process flow 1100 illustrates communication between a STA 104, an AP 102-a, an AP 102-b, an AP 102-c, and an SMD MLD 202, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0147] In the following description of the process flow 1100, the operations may be performed (such as reported or provided) in a different order than the order shown, or the operations performed by the example devices may be performed in different ordersAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO48 or at different times. For example, specific operations also may be left out of the process flow 1100, or other operations may be added to the process flow 1100. Further, although some operations or signaling may be shown to occur at different times for discussion purposes, these operations may actually occur at the same time.

[0148] The AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and / or the AP 102-c may be examples of AP MLDs. For example, the AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and / or the AP 102-c may be AP devices having one or more affiliated APs. The operations and signaling described herein may occur at or via an affiliated AP of the AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and / or the AP 102-c. The AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c may be non-collocated. Additionally, or alternatively, the AP 102-a, the AP 102-b, and the AP 102-c may belong to the SMD MLD 202.

[0149] At 1102, the AP 102-a may output a radio measurement request. For example, the AP 102-a may output a radio measurement request that requests one or more radio measurements by the STA 104. The radio measurement request may be an example of the radio measurement request as described with reference to Figure 7A.

[0150] The STA 104 may output a radio measurement report. In some examples, the STA 104 may output the radio measurement report in response to the radio measurement request. That is, the radio measurement report may be solicited. Alternatively, the STA 104 may output the radio measurement report without receiving a request, such as unsolicited. The radio measurement report may be an example of the radio measurement report as described with reference to Figure 8A. The radio measurement report may include one or more downlink RS Sis corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices. In some examples, the radio measurement report may be included in a BTM query frame. For example, at 1104, the STA 104 may output a BTM query frame. The BTM query frame may include a sub-element indicative of one or more radio measurements by the STA 104.

[0151] Additionally, or alternatively, the AP 102-a may obtain the BTM query frame soliciting neighborhood information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the AP 102-a. The BTM query frame may be an example of the BTM query frame as described with reference to Figure 4. In some examples, a field within the BTM query frame indicates that the BTM query frame is a request forAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO49 discovery of the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the AP 102-a that belong to the SMD MLD 202. For example, the BTM query frame may include a BSS transition query reason, such as the BSS transition query reason 408 as described with reference to Figure 4 and Table 3.

[0152] At 1106, the AP 102-a may communicate neighborhood information. For example, the AP 102-a may output or transmit one or more first messages that include neighborhood information about one or more second AP devices, such as the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c, in a neighborhood of the AP 102-a.

[0153] At 1108, the AP 102-a may output a response frame. That is, the one or more first messages may include a response frame output during association of the STA 104 with the SMD MLD 202 or the roaming to the AP 102-b. The response frame may include an information element that includes the neighborhood information. The response frame may be an example of an association response frame or a link reconfiguration response frame, such as the association response frames and the link reconfiguration response frames described with reference to Table 1 and Table 2.

[0154] At 1110, the AP 102-a may output a BTM request frame. For example, the one or more first messages may include a BTM request frame including one or more neighbor report elements corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the AP 102-a. The BTM request frame may be an example of the BTM request frame as described with reference to Figure 5. In some examples, a field within the BTM request frame may indicate that the BTM request frame includes information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the AP 102-a that belong to the SMD MLD 202. The field within the BTM request frame may be an example of the subfield B6 within the request mode 508 field as described with reference to Figure 5.

[0155] In some examples, the AP 102-a may output the BTM request frame in response to the BTM query frame at 1104. That is, the BTM request frame may be solicited. In other words, the AP 102-a may output the BTM request frame at 1110 in accordance with the BTM query frame. Alternatively, the AP 102-a may output the BTM request frame without receiving a BTM query frame. That is, the BTM requestAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO50 frame may be unsolicited. In such examples, the AP 102-a may output the BTM request frame periodically and / or output with a receiver address set to a broadcast address.

[0156] At 1112, the AP 102-a may output information element(s). For example, the one or more first messages may include an information element including one or more MAC addresses and one or more multi-link identifiers corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the AP 102-a. That is, the one or more first messages may include a multi-link element, such as the multi-link element as described with reference to Figure 6. In some examples, the one or more MAC addresses may be expressed in a compressed format.

[0157] At 1114, the AP 102-a may output an RNR. For example, the one or more first messages may include an RNR including an operating class field, a channel field, an AP device identifier field, one or more MAC addresses, a TBTT offset, or any combination thereof. The RNR may be an example of an RNR having a smaller size compared to a Type 0 RNR. In some examples, the one or more MAC addresses may be expressed in a compressed format.

[0158] At 1116, the AP 102-a and AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c may exchange an indication of a capability to accept the client device. For example, the AP 102-a and the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c may communicate one or more second messages indicative of whether the one or more second AP devices are capable of accepting the STA 104. For example, the AP 102-a may obtain indications, from the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c, of whether the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c are capable of receiving the STA 104 and / or whether the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c are capable of maintaining one or more QoS parameters.

[0159] In some examples, the AP 102-a may advertise a first duration comprising a maximum preparation time among one or more preparation times of AP devices that are capable of accepting the STA 104. For example, the AP 102-a may advertise the first duration after communicating the capabilities to receive the STA 104 with the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c. The AP devices that are capable of accepting the STA 104 may reserve one or more resources for the STA 104 for a second duration beginning after the first duration.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO51

[0160] At 1118, the AP 102-a may output an indication of a capability to accept the client device. For example, the AP 102-a may output a link preparation response message that indicates the AP 102-b, where the link preparation response message indicates whether the AP 102-b of the one or more second AP devices is capable of accepting the STA 104 in accordance with QoS parameters.

[0161] At 1120, the AP 102-a may enable roaming. For example, the AP 102-a may enable roaming of the STA 104 to the AP 102-b of the one or more second AP devices, such as the AP 102-b and / or the AP 102-c, in accordance with the neighborhood information. In some examples, the AP 102-a may enable the roaming based on receiving the radio measurement report from the STA. Additionally, or alternatively, the STA 104 may be enabled to roam to the AP 102-b of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the link preparation response message at 1118.

[0162] At 1122, the STA 104 may roam. For example, the STA 104 may roam to the AP 102-b in accordance with the neighborhood information. The STA 104 may roam without re-associating and / or reauthenticating (such as seamlessly).

[0163] Figure 12 shows an example of a BSSID 1200 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The BSSID 1200 may implement or be implemented to realize one or more aspects of the wireless communication network 100, the wireless communications system 200, the process flow 300, or any combination thereof. For example, BSSID may be transmitted by an AP or a STA, which may be examples of corresponding devices described with reference to Figures 1-3.

[0164] In some wireless communications systems, an SMD ID field (1 octet) may be included (such as optionally) in a neighborhood reporting frame or element (such as a neighbor report, RNR, multi-link information element, or the like) in examples in which the reported non-collocated AP MLD belongs to the same SMD as an AP corresponding to a non-transmitted BSSID in a multiple BSSID set to which the transmitting (reporting) AP belongs to. The SMD ID, in such examples, may match the BSSID index of the non-transmitted BSSID. In some examples, the SMD ID field may be included and set to 0 in examples in which the reported non-collocated AP MLDAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO52 belongs to the same SMD as the reporting AP. Based on the presence of the SMD ID field, the RNR size of the RNR having the reduced size may be 4 bytes per reported AP.

[0165] Figure 13 shows a block diagram of an example wireless communication device 1300 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1300 is configured to perform the processes 1500 and 1600 described with reference to Figures 15 and 16, respectively. The wireless communication device 1300 may include one or more chips, SoCs, chipsets, packages, components or devices that individually or collectively constitute or include a processing system. The processing system may interface with other components of the wireless communication device 1300, and may generally process information (such as inputs or signals) received from such other components and output information (such as outputs or signals) to such other components. In some aspects, an example chip may include a processing system, a first interface to output or transmit information and a second interface to receive or obtain information. For example, the first interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip and a transmission component, such that the wireless communication device 1300 may transmit the information output from the chip. In such an example, the second interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip and a reception component, such that the wireless communication device 1300 may receive information that is then passed to the processing system. In some such examples, the first interface also may obtain information, such as from the transmission component, and the second interface also may output information, such as to the reception component.

[0166] The processing system of the wireless communication device 1300 includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or multiple processors, microprocessors, processing units (such as central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural processing units (NPUs) (also referred to as neural network processors or deep learning processors (DLPs)), or digital signal processors (DSPs)), processing blocks, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “processors” or collectively as “the processor” or “theAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO53 processor circuitry”). One or more of the processors may be individually or collectively configurable or configured to perform various functions or operations described herein. The processing system may further include memory circuitry in the form of one or more memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry, each of which may include tangible storage media such as randomaccess memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “memories” or collectively as “the memory” or “the memory circuitry”). One or more of the memories may be coupled with one or more of the processors and may individually or collectively store processor-executable code that, when executed by one or more of the processors, may configure one or more of the processors to perform various functions or operations described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, one or more of the processors may be preconfigured to perform various functions or operations described herein without requiring configuration by software. The processing system may further include or be coupled with one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (such as IEEE compliant) modem or a cellular (such as 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G or 6G compliant) modem). In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the modems. The processing system may further include or be coupled with multiple radios (collectively “the radio”), multiple RF chains or multiple transceivers, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more of multiple antennas. In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the radios, RF chains or transceivers.

[0167] In some examples, the wireless communication device 1300 can be configurable or configured for use in an AP, such as the AP 102 described with reference to Figure 1. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 1300 can be an AP that includes such a processing system and other components including multiple antennas. The wireless communication device 1300 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications in the form of, for example, wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device 1300 can be configurable or configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. In some other examples, the wirelessAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO54 communication device 1300 can be configurable or configured to transmit and receive signals and communications conforming to one or more 3 GPP specifications including those for 5G NR or 6G. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1300 also includes or can be coupled with one or more application processors which may be further coupled with one or more other memories. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1300 further includes at least one external network interface coupled with the processing system that enables communication with a core network or backhaul network that enables the wireless communication device 1300 to gain access to external networks including the Internet.

[0168] The wireless communication device 1300 includes a neighborhood information manager 1325, a roaming manager 1330, a response frame manager 1335, a radio measurement report manager 1340, a BTM query frame manager 1345, a link preparation response manager 1350, a candidate AP check manager 1355, a feedback manager 1360, a preparation time manager 1365, and a radio measurement request manager 1370. Portions of one or more of the neighborhood information manager 1325, the roaming manager 1330, the response frame manager 1335, the radio measurement report manager 1340, the BTM query frame manager 1345, the link preparation response manager 1350, the candidate AP check manager 1355, the feedback manager 1360, the preparation time manager 1365, and the radio measurement request manager 1370 may be implemented at least in part in hardware or firmware. For example, one or more of the neighborhood information manager 1325, the roaming manager 1330, the response frame manager 1335, the radio measurement report manager 1340, the BTM query frame manager 1345, the link preparation response manager 1350, the candidate AP check manager 1355, the feedback manager 1360, the preparation time manager 1365, and the radio measurement request manager 1370 may be implemented at least in part by at least a processor or a modem. In some examples, portions of one or more of the neighborhood information manager 1325, the roaming manager 1330, the response frame manager 1335, the radio measurement report manager 1340, the BTM query frame manager 1345, the link preparation response manager 1350, the candidate AP check manager 1355, the feedback manager 1360, the preparation time manager 1365, and the radio measurement request manager 1370 mayAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO55 be implemented at least in part by a processor and software in the form of processorexecutable code stored in memory.

[0169] The wireless communication device 1300 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The neighborhood information manager 1325 is configurable or configured to output one or more first messages that include neighborhood information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to the SMD MLD. The roaming manager 1330 is configurable or configured to enable roaming of a client device to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0170] In some examples, the one or more first messages include a response frame output during association of the client device with the SMD MLD or the roaming to the second AP device, and where the response frame includes an information element that includes the neighborhood information.

[0171] In some examples, the response frame includes an association response frame or a link reconfiguration response frame.

[0172] In some examples, the one or more first messages include a BTM request frame, the BTM request frame including one or more neighbor report elements corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device.

[0173] In some examples, a field within the BTM request frame indicates that the BTM request frame includes information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device that belong to the SMD MLD.

[0174] In some examples, the BTM query frame manager 1345 is configurable or configured to obtain a BTM query frame soliciting the neighborhood information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, where the BTM request frame is output in accordance with the BTM query frame.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO56

[0175] In some examples, a field within the BTM query frame indicates that the BTM query frame is a request for discovery of the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device that belong to the SMD MLD.

[0176] In some examples, the BTM request frame is unsolicited by the client device. In some examples, the BTM request frame is output periodically.

[0177] In some examples, the BTM request frame that is unsolicited by the client device is output with a receiver address set to a broadcast address.

[0178] In some examples, the one or more first messages include an information element including one or more MAC addresses and one or more multi-link identifiers corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device.

[0179] In some examples, the one or more MAC addresses are expressed in a compressed format.

[0180] In some examples, the one or more first messages include a reduced neighborhood report including an operating class field, a channel field, an AP device identifier field, one or more MAC addresses, a TBTT offset, or any combination thereof.

[0181] In some examples, the one or more MAC addresses are expressed in a compressed format.

[0182] In some examples, the radio measurement report manager 1340 is configurable or configured to obtain a radio measurement report.

[0183] In some examples, the radio measurement request manager 1370 is configurable or configured to output a radio measurement request that requests one or more radio measurements by the client device, where the radio measurement report is obtained in accordance with the radio measurement request.

[0184] In some examples, the radio measurement report includes one or more downlink RSSIs corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO57

[0185] In some examples, the client device is enabled to roam to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the radio measurement report.

[0186] In some examples, the BTM query frame manager 1345 is configurable or configured to obtain a BTM query frame including a sub-element indicative of one or more radio measurements by the client device, where the client device is enabled to roam to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the one or more radio measurements.

[0187] In some examples, the one or more radio measurements include one or more downlink RSSIs corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices.

[0188] In some examples, the link preparation response manager 1350 is configurable or configured to output a link preparation response message that indicates the second AP device, where the link preparation response message indicates whether the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices is capable of accepting the client device in accordance with one or more QoS parameters.

[0189] In some examples, the client device is enabled to roam to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the link preparation response message.

[0190] In some examples, the candidate AP check manager 1355 is configurable or configured to communicate one or more second messages with the one or more second AP devices, the one or more second messages indicative of whether the one or more second AP devices are capable of accepting the client device. In some examples, the feedback manager 1360 is configurable or configured to output one or more third messages to the client device based on the one or more second messages, where the one or more third messages indicate whether the one or more second AP devices are capable of accepting the client device in accordance with one or more QoS parameters.

[0191] In some examples, the preparation time manager 1365 is configurable or configured to advertise a first duration, the first duration including a maximum preparation time among one or more preparation times of AP devices that are capable of accepting the client device, where the AP devices that are capable of accepting theAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO58 client device reserve one or more resources for the client device for a second duration beginning after the first duration.

[0192] In some examples, the first AP device has one or more affiliated APs. In some examples, the one or more first messages are output via the one or more affiliated APs.

[0193] In some examples, the one or more second AP devices each have one or more affiliated APs.

[0194] In some examples, the one or more first messages that include the neighborhood information further include an SMD identifier corresponding to a nontransmitted BSS identifier of a non-transmitted BSS, wherein the first AP device belongs to a BSS identifier set comprising the non-transmitted BSS identifier.

[0195] In some examples, the one or more first messages that include the neighborhood information further include an SMD identifier field set to 0 based at least in part on the one or more second AP devices belonging to the SMD MLD.

[0196] Figure 14 shows a block diagram of an example wireless communication device 1400 that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1400 is configured to perform the processes 1700 and 1800 described with reference to Figures 17 and 18, respectively. The wireless communication device 1400 may include one or more chips, SoCs, chipsets, packages, components or devices that individually or collectively constitute or include a processing system. The processing system may interface with other components of the wireless communication device 1400, and may generally process information (such as inputs or signals) received from such other components and output information (such as outputs or signals) to such other components. In some aspects, an example chip may include a processing system, a first interface to output or transmit information and a second interface to receive or obtain information. For example, the first interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip and a transmission component, such that the wireless communication device 1400 may transmit the information output from the chip. In such an example, the second interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip and a reception component, such that the wireless communication device 1400 may receiveAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO59 information that is then passed to the processing system. In some such examples, the first interface also may obtain information, such as from the transmission component, and the second interface also may output information, such as to the reception component.

[0197] The processing system of the wireless communication device 1400 includes processor (or “processing”) circuitry in the form of one or multiple processors, microprocessors, processing units (such as central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), neural processing units (NPUs) (also referred to as neural network processors or deep learning processors (DLPs)), or digital signal processors (DSPs)), processing blocks, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “processors” or collectively as “the processor” or “the processor circuitry”). One or more of the processors may be individually or collectively configurable or configured to perform various functions or operations described herein. The processing system may further include memory circuitry in the form of one or more memory devices, memory blocks, memory elements or other discrete gate or transistor logic or circuitry, each of which may include tangible storage media such as randomaccess memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof (all of which may be generally referred to herein individually as “memories” or collectively as “the memory” or “the memory circuitry”). One or more of the memories may be coupled with one or more of the processors and may individually or collectively store processor-executable code that, when executed by one or more of the processors, may configure one or more of the processors to perform various functions or operations described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, one or more of the processors may be preconfigured to perform various functions or operations described herein without requiring configuration by software. The processing system may further include or be coupled with one or more modems (such as a Wi-Fi (such as IEEE compliant) modem or a cellular (such as 3GPP 4G LTE, 5G or 6G compliant) modem). In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the modems. The processing system may further include or be coupled with multiple radios (collectively “the radio”), multiple RF chains orAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO60 multiple transceivers, each of which may in turn be coupled with one or more of multiple antennas. In some implementations, one or more processors of the processing system include or implement one or more of the radios, RF chains or transceivers.

[0198] In some examples, the wireless communication device 1400 can be configurable or configured for use in a STA, such as the STA 104 described with reference to Figure 1. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 1400 can be a STA that includes such a processing system and other components including multiple antennas. The wireless communication device 1400 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communications in the form of, for example, wireless packets. For example, the wireless communication device 1400 can be configurable or configured to transmit and receive packets in the form of physical layer PPDUs and MPDUs conforming to one or more of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. In some other examples, the wireless communication device 1400 can be configurable or configured to transmit and receive signals and communications conforming to one or more 3 GPP specifications including those for 5G NR or 6G. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1400 also includes or can be coupled with one or more application processors which may be further coupled with one or more other memories. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1400 further includes a user interface (UI) (such as a touchscreen or keypad) and a display, which may be integrated with the UI to form a touchscreen display that is coupled with the processing system. In some examples, the wireless communication device 1400 may further include one or more sensors such as, for example, one or more inertial sensors, accelerometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, or altitude sensors, that are coupled with the processing system.

[0199] The wireless communication device 1400 includes a neighborhood information component 1425, a roaming component 1430, a BTM request frame component 1435, a radio measurement report component 1440, a BTM query frame component 1445, a link preparation response component 1450, a feedback component 1455, and a radio measurement request component 1460. Portions of one or more of the neighborhood information component 1425, the roaming component 1430, the BTM request frame component 1435, the radio measurement report component 1440, the BTM query frame component 1445, the link preparation response component 1450, theAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO61 feedback component 1455, and the radio measurement request component 1460 may be implemented at least in part in hardware or firmware. For example, one or more of the neighborhood information component 1425, the roaming component 1430, the BTM request frame component 1435, the radio measurement report component 1440, the BTM query frame component 1445, the link preparation response component 1450, the feedback component 1455, and the radio measurement request component 1460 may be implemented at least in part by at least a processor or a modem. In some examples, portions of one or more of the neighborhood information component 1425, the roaming component 1430, the BTM request frame component 1435, the radio measurement report component 1440, the BTM query frame component 1445, the link preparation response component 1450, the feedback component 1455, and the radio measurement request component 1460 may be implemented at least in part by a processor and software in the form of processor-executable code stored in memory.

[0200] The wireless communication device 1400 may support wireless communications in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. The neighborhood information component 1425 is configurable or configured to obtain one or more first messages that include neighborhood information associated with one or more second access point (AP) devices in a neighborhood of a first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to a SMD MLD. The roaming component 1430 is configurable or configured to roam to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0201] In some examples, the one or more first messages include a response frame obtained during association of the client device with the SMD MLD or the roaming to the second AP device. In some examples, the response frame includes an information element that includes the neighborhood information.

[0202] In some examples, the response frame includes an association response frame or a link reconfiguration response frame.

[0203] In some examples, the one or more first messages include a BTM request frame, the BTM request frame including one or more neighbor report elementsAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO62 corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device.

[0204] In some examples, a field within the BTM request frame indicates that the BTM request frame includes information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device that belong to the SMD MLD.

[0205] In some examples, the BTM query frame component 1445 is configurable or configured to output a BTM query frame soliciting the neighborhood information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, where the BTM request frame is obtained in accordance with the BTM query frame.

[0206] In some examples, a field within the BTM query frame indicates that the BTM query frame is a request for discovery of the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device that belong to the SMD MLD.

[0207] In some examples, the BTM request frame is unsolicited by the client device. In some examples, the BTM request frame is obtained periodically.

[0208] In some examples, the BTM request frame that is unsolicited by the client device has a receiver address set to a broadcast address.

[0209] In some examples, the one or more first messages include an information element including one or more MAC addresses and one or more multi-link identifiers corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device.

[0210] In some examples, the one or more MAC addresses are expressed in a compressed format.

[0211] In some examples, the one or more first messages include a reduced neighborhood report including an operating class field, a channel field, an AP device identifier field, one or more MAC addresses, a TBTT offset, or any combination thereof.

[0212] In some examples, the one or more MAC addresses are expressed in a compressed format.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO63

[0213] In some examples, the radio measurement report component 1440 is configurable or configured to output a radio measurement report.

[0214] In some examples, the radio measurement request component 1460 is configurable or configured to obtain a radio measurement request that requests one or more radio measurements by the client device, where the radio measurement report is output in accordance with the radio measurement request.

[0215] In some examples, the radio measurement report includes one or more downlink RSSIs corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices.

[0216] In some examples, the client device roams to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the radio measurement report.

[0217] In some examples, the BTM query frame component 1445 is configurable or configured to output a BTM query frame including a sub-element indicative of one or more radio measurements by the client device, where the client device roams to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the one or more radio measurements.

[0218] In some examples, the one or more radio measurements include one or more downlink RSSIs corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices.

[0219] In some examples, the link preparation response component 1450 is configurable or configured to obtain a link preparation response message that indicates the second AP device, where the link preparation response message indicates whether the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices is capable of accepting the client device in accordance with one or more QoS parameters.

[0220] In some examples, the client device roams to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the link preparation response message.

[0221] In some examples, the feedback component 1455 is configurable or configured to obtain one or more second messages that indicate whether the one or more second AP devices are capable of accepting the client device in accordance with one or more QoS parameters.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO64

[0222] In some examples, the first AP device has one or more affiliated APs. In some examples, the one or more first messages are obtained via the one or more affiliated APs.

[0223] In some examples, the one or more second AP devices each have one or more affiliated APs.

[0224] In some examples, the one or more first messages that include the neighborhood information further include an SMD identifier corresponding to a nontransmitted BSS identifier of a non-transmitted BSS, wherein the first AP device belongs to a BSS identifier set comprising the non-transmitted BSS identifier.

[0225] In some examples, the one or more first messages that include the neighborhood information further include an SMD identifier field set to 0 based at least in part on the one or more second AP devices belonging to the SMD MLD.

[0226] Figure 15 shows a flowchart illustrating an example process 1500 performable by or at a first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The operations of the process 1500 may be implemented by a first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD or its components as described herein. For example, the process 1500 may be performed by a wireless communication device, such as the wireless communication device 1300 described with reference to Figure 13, operating as or within a wireless AP. In some examples, the process 1500 may be performed by a wireless AP, such as one of the APs 102 described with reference to Figure 1.

[0227] In some examples, in 1505, the first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD may output one or more first messages that include neighborhood information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to the SMD MLD. The operations of 1505 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1505 may be performed by a neighborhood information manager 1325 as described with reference to Figure 13.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO65

[0228] In some examples, in 1510, the first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD may enable roaming of a client device to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information. The operations of 1510 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1510 may be performed by a roaming manager 1330 as described with reference to Figure 13.

[0229] Figure 16 shows a flowchart illustrating an example process 1600 performable by or at a first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD that supports signaling and procedures for client-initiated seamless roaming. The operations of the process 1600 may be implemented by a first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD or its components as described herein. For example, the process 1600 may be performed by a wireless communication device, such as the wireless communication device 1300 described with reference to Figure 13, operating as or within a wireless AP. In some examples, the process 1600 may be performed by a wireless AP, such as one of the APs 102 described with reference to Figure 1.

[0230] In some examples, in 1605, the first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD may output one or more first messages that include neighborhood information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to the SMD MLD, and where the one or more first messages include a response frame output during association of the client device with the SMD MLD or the roaming to the second AP device, and where the response frame includes an information element that includes the neighborhood information. The operations of 1605 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1605 may be performed by a neighborhood information manager 1325 as described with reference to Figure 13.

[0231] In some examples, in 1610, the first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD may enable roaming of a client device to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information. The operations of 1610 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1610 may be performed by a roaming manager 1330 as described with reference to Figure 13.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO66

[0232] Figure 17 shows a flowchart illustrating an example process 1700 performable by or at a client device that supports signaling and procedures for client- initiated seamless roaming. The operations of the process 1700 may be implemented by a client device or its components as described herein. For example, the process 1700 may be performed by a wireless communication device, such as the wireless communication device 1400 described with reference to Figure 14, operating as or within a wireless STA. In some examples, the process 1700 may be performed by a wireless STA, such as one of the STAs 104 described with reference to Figure 1.

[0233] In some examples, in 1705, the client device may obtain one or more first messages that include neighborhood information associated with one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of a first AP device, where the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to a SMD MLD. The operations of 1705 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1705 may be performed by a neighborhood information component 1425 as described with reference to Figure 14.

[0234] In some examples, in 1710, the client device may roam to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information. The operations of 1710 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1710 may be performed by a roaming component 1430 as described with reference to Figure 14.

[0235] Figure 18 shows a flowchart illustrating an example process 1800 performable by or at a client device that supports signaling and procedures for client- initiated seamless roaming. The operations of the process 1800 may be implemented by a client device or its components as described herein. For example, the process 1800 may be performed by a wireless communication device, such as the wireless communication device 1400 described with reference to Figure 14, operating as or within a wireless STA. In some examples, the process 1800 may be performed by a wireless STA, such as one of the STAs 104 described with reference to Figure 1.

[0236] In some examples, in 1805, the client device may obtain one or more first messages that include neighborhood information associated with one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of a first AP device, where the one or more second APAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO67 devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to a SMD MLD, and where the one or more first messages include a BTM request frame, the BTM request frame including one or more neighbor report elements corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device. The operations of 1805 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1805 may be performed by a neighborhood information component 1425 as described with reference to Figure 14.

[0237] In some examples, in 1810, the client device may roam to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information. The operations of 1810 may be performed in accordance with examples as disclosed herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of 1810 may be performed by a roaming component 1430 as described with reference to Figure 14.

[0238] The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

[0239] Aspect 1 : A method for wireless communications by a first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD, comprising: outputting one or more first messages that comprise neighborhood information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device, wherein the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to the SMD MLD; and enabling roaming of a client device to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0240] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, wherein the one or more first messages comprise a response frame output during association of the client device with the SMD MLD or the roaming to the second AP device, and wherein the response frame includes an information element that comprises the neighborhood information.

[0241] Aspect 3 : The method of aspect 2, wherein the response frame comprises an association response frame or a link reconfiguration response frame.

[0242] Aspect 4: The method of any of aspects 1 through 3, wherein the one or more first messages comprise a BTM request frame, the BTM request frame including one or more neighbor report elements corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO68

[0243] Aspect 5: The method of aspect 4, wherein a field within the BTM request frame indicates that the BTM request frame includes information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device that belong to the SMD MLD.

[0244] Aspect 6: The method of any of aspects 4 through 5, further comprising: obtaining a BTM query frame soliciting the neighborhood information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, wherein the BTM request frame is output in accordance with the BTM query frame.

[0245] Aspect 7: The method of aspect 6, wherein a field within the BTM query frame indicates that the BTM query frame is a request for discovery of the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device that belong to the SMD MLD.

[0246] Aspect 8: The method of any of aspects 4 through 7, wherein the BTM request frame is unsolicited by the client device, and the BTM request frame is output periodically.

[0247] Aspect 9: The method of aspect 8, wherein the BTM request frame that is unsolicited by the client device is output with a receiver address set to a broadcast address.

[0248] Aspect 10: The method of any of aspects 1 through 9, wherein the one or more first messages comprise an information element including one or more MAC addresses and one or more multi-link identifiers corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device.

[0249] Aspect 11 : The method of aspect 10, wherein the one or more MAC addresses are expressed in a compressed format.

[0250] Aspect 12: The method of any of aspects 1 through 11, wherein the one or more first messages comprise a reduced neighborhood report including an operating class field, a channel field, an AP device identifier field, one or more MAC addresses, a TBTT offset, or any combination thereof.

[0251] Aspect 13: The method of aspect 12, wherein the one or more MAC addresses are expressed in a compressed format.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO69

[0252] Aspect 14: The method of any of aspects 1 through 13, further comprising: obtaining a radio measurement report.

[0253] Aspect 15: The method of aspect 14, further comprising: outputting a radio measurement request that requests one or more radio measurements by the client device, wherein the radio measurement report is obtained in accordance with the radio measurement request.

[0254] Aspect 16: The method of any of aspects 14 through 15, wherein the radio measurement report comprises one or more downlink received signal strength indicators (RS Sis) corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices

[0255] Aspect 17: The method of any of aspects 14 through 16, wherein the client device is enabled to roam to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the radio measurement report.

[0256] Aspect 18: The method of any of aspects 1 through 17, further comprising: obtaining a BTM query frame comprising a sub-element indicative of one or more radio measurements by the client device, wherein the client device is enabled to roam to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the one or more radio measurements.

[0257] Aspect 19: The method of aspect 18, wherein the one or more radio measurements comprise one or more downlink received signal strength indicators (RS Sis) corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices.

[0258] Aspect 20: The method of any of aspects 1 through 19, further comprising: outputting a link preparation response message that indicates the second AP device, wherein the link preparation response message indicates whether the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices is capable of accepting the client device in accordance with one or more QoS parameters.

[0259] Aspect 21 : The method of aspect 20, wherein the client device is enabled to roam to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the link preparation response message.

[0260] Aspect 22: The method of any of aspects 1 through 21, further comprising: communicating one or more second messages with the one or more second AP devices,Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO70 the one or more second messages indicative of whether the one or more second AP devices are capable of accepting the client device; and outputting one or more third messages to the client device based at least in part on the one or more second messages, wherein the one or more third messages indicate whether the one or more second AP devices are capable of accepting the client device in accordance with one or more QoS parameters.

[0261] Aspect 23: The method of any of aspects 1 through 22, further comprising: advertising a first duration, the first duration comprising a maximum preparation time among one or more preparation times of AP devices that are capable of accepting the client device, wherein the AP devices that are capable of accepting the client device reserve one or more resources for the client device for a second duration beginning after the first duration.

[0262] Aspect 24: The method of any of aspects 1 through 23, wherein the first AP device has one or more affiliated APs, and the one or more first messages are output via the one or more affiliated APs.

[0263] Aspect 25: The method of any of aspects 1 through 24, wherein the one or more second AP devices each have one or more affiliated APs.

[0264] Aspect 26: The method of any of aspects 1 through 25, wherein the one or more first messages that comprise the neighborhood information further comprise an SMD identifier corresponding to a non-transmitted BSS identifier of a non-transmitted BSS, the first AP device belongs to a BSS identifier set comprising the non-transmitted BSS identifier.

[0265] Aspect 27 : The method of any of aspects 1 through 26, wherein the one or more first messages that comprise the neighborhood information further comprise an SMD identifier field set to 0 based at least in part on the one or more second AP devices belonging to the SMD MLD.

[0266] Aspect 28: A method for wireless communications by a client device, comprising: obtaining one or more first messages that comprise neighborhood information associated with one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of a first AP device, wherein the one or more second AP devices are non-collocated with the firstAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO71AP device and belong to a SMD MLD; and roaming to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the neighborhood information.

[0267] Aspect 29: The method of aspect 28, wherein the one or more first messages comprise a response frame obtained during association of the client device with the SMD MLD or the roaming to the second AP device, and the response frame includes an information element that comprises the neighborhood information.

[0268] Aspect 30: The method of aspect 29, wherein the response frame comprises an association response frame or a link reconfiguration response frame.

[0269] Aspect 31 : The method of any of aspects 28 through 30, wherein the one or more first messages comprise a BTM request frame, the BTM request frame including one or more neighbor report elements corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device.

[0270] Aspect 32: The method of aspect 31, wherein a field within the BTM request frame indicates that the BTM request frame includes information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device that belong to the SMD MLD.

[0271] Aspect 33 : The method of any of aspects 31 through 32, further comprising: outputting a BTM query frame soliciting the neighborhood information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, wherein the BTM request frame is obtained in accordance with the BTM query frame.

[0272] Aspect 34: The method of aspect 33, wherein a field within the BTM query frame indicates that the BTM query frame is a request for discovery of the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device that belong to the SMD MLD.

[0273] Aspect 35: The method of any of aspects 31 through 34, wherein the BTM request frame is unsolicited by the client device, and the BTM request frame is obtained periodically.

[0274] Aspect 36: The method of aspect 35, wherein the BTM request frame that is unsolicited by the client device has a receiver address set to a broadcast address.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO72

[0275] Aspect 37: The method of any of aspects 28 through 36, wherein the one or more first messages comprise an information element including one or more MAC addresses and one or more multi-link identifiers corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device.

[0276] Aspect 38: The method of aspect 37, wherein the one or more MAC addresses are expressed in a compressed format.

[0277] Aspect 39: The method of any of aspects 28 through 38, wherein the one or more first messages comprise a reduced neighborhood report including an operating class field, a channel field, an AP device identifier field, one or more MAC addresses, a TBTT offset, or any combination thereof.

[0278] Aspect 40: The method of aspect 39, wherein the one or more MAC addresses are expressed in a compressed format.

[0279] Aspect 41 : The method of any of aspects 28 through 40, further comprising: outputting a radio measurement report.

[0280] Aspect 42: The method of aspect 41, further comprising: obtaining a radio measurement request that requests one or more radio measurements by the client device, wherein the radio measurement report is output in accordance with the radio measurement request.

[0281] Aspect 43: The method of any of aspects 41 through 42, wherein the radio measurement report comprises one or more downlink received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices.

[0282] Aspect 44: The method of any of aspects 41 through 43, wherein the client device roams to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the radio measurement report.

[0283] Aspect 45: The method of any of aspects 28 through 44, further comprising: outputting a BTM query frame comprising a sub-element indicative of one or more radio measurements by the client device, wherein the client device roams to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the one or more radio measurements.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO73

[0284] Aspect 46: The method of aspect 45, wherein the one or more radio measurements comprise one or more downlink received signal strength indicators (RS Sis) corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices.

[0285] Aspect 47: The method of any of aspects 28 through 46, further comprising: obtaining a link preparation response message that indicates the second AP device, wherein the link preparation response message indicates whether the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices is capable of accepting the client device in accordance with one or more QoS parameters.

[0286] Aspect 48: The method of aspect 47, wherein the client device roams to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the link preparation response message.

[0287] Aspect 49: The method of any of aspects 28 through 48, further comprising: obtaining one or more second messages that indicate whether the one or more second AP devices are capable of accepting the client device in accordance with one or more QoS parameters.

[0288] Aspect 50: The method of any of aspects 28 through 49, wherein the first AP device has one or more affiliated APs, and the one or more first messages are obtained via the one or more affiliated APs.

[0289] Aspect 51 : The method of any of aspects 28 through 50, wherein the one or more second AP devices each have one or more affiliated APs.

[0290] Aspect 52: A first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD for wireless communications, comprising one or more memories storing processor-executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 27.

[0291] Aspect 53 : A first AP device that belongs to a SMD MLD for wireless communications, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 1 through 27.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO74

[0292] Aspect 54: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to perform a method of any of aspects 1 through 27.

[0293] Aspect 55: A client device for wireless communications, comprising one or more memories storing processor-executable code, and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the client device to perform a method of any of aspects 28 through 51.

[0294] Aspect 56: A client device for wireless communications, comprising at least one means for performing a method of any of aspects 28 through 51.

[0295] Aspect 57: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communications, the code comprising instructions executable by one or more processors to perform a method of any of aspects 28 through 51.

[0296] As used herein, the term “determine” or “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and, therefore, “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, estimating, investigating, looking up (such as via looking up in a table, a database, or another data structure), inferring, ascertaining, or measuring, among other possibilities. Also, “determining” can include receiving (such as receiving information), accessing (such as accessing data stored in memory) or transmitting (such as transmitting information), among other possibilities. Additionally, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, obtaining, choosing, establishing and other such similar actions.

[0297] As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c. As used herein, “or” is intended to be interpreted in the inclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly indicated. For example, “a or b” may include a only, b only, or a combination of a and b. Furthermore, as used herein, a phrase referring to “a” or “an” element refers to one or more of such elements acting individually or collectively to perform the recited function(s). Additionally, a “set” refers to one or more items, and a “subset” refers to less than a whole set, but non-empty.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO75

[0298] As used herein, “based on” is intended to be interpreted in the inclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly indicated. For example, “based on” may be used interchangeably with “based at least in part on,” “associated with,” “in association with,” or “in accordance with” unless otherwise explicitly indicated. Specifically, unless a phrase refers to “based on only ‘a,’” or the equivalent in context, whatever it is that is “based on ‘a,’” or “based at least in part on ‘a,’” may be based on “a” alone or based on a combination of “a” and one or more other factors, conditions, or information.

[0299] The various illustrative components, logic, logical blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithm processes described in connection with the examples disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or combinations of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and the structural equivalents thereof. The interchangeability of hardware, firmware and software has been described generally, in terms of functionality, and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0300] Various modifications to the examples described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.

[0301] Additionally, various features that are described in this specification in the context of separate examples also can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple examples separately or in any suitable subcombination. As such, although features may be described above as acting in particular combinations, and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO76

[0302] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flowchart or flow diagram. However, other operations that are not depicted can be incorporated in the example processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. In some circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the examples described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all examples, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)

Claims

Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO77CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A first access point (AP) device that belongs to a seamless mobility domain (SMD), comprising: a processing system that includes processor circuitry and memory circuitry that stores code, the processing system configured to cause the first AP device that belongs to a SMD to: output one or more first messages that comprise information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device or collocated with the first AP device, wherein the one or more second AP devices are either collocated or non-collocated with the first AP device; and enable roaming of a client device to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the information.

2. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein the one or more first messages comprise one or more of: a response frame output during association of the client device with the SMD or the roaming to the second AP device, wherein the response frame includes an information element that comprises the neighborhood information, a basic service set (BSS) transition management (BTM) request frame, the BTM request frame including one or more neighbor report elements corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, or a probe response frame, the probe response frame including a reduced neighbor report (RNR) information element that comprises information for one or more second AP devices.

3. The first AP device of claim 2, wherein the response frame comprises an association response frame or a link reconfiguration response frame.

4. The first AP device of claim 2, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first AP device to obtain one or more of:Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO78 a BTM query frame soliciting the neighborhood information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, wherein the BTM request frame is output in accordance with the BTM query frame; or a probe request frame soliciting the neighborhood information about the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, wherein the probe response frame is output in accordance with the probe request frame.

5. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein the one or more first messages comprise an information element including one or more media access control (MAC) addresses, one or more multi-link identifiers corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, and a SMD ID field that identifies if the one or more second AP devices belong to a same SMD as the first AP device.

6. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein the one or more first messages comprise a reduced neighborhood report including an operating class field, a channel field, an AP device identifier field, one or more media access control (MAC) addresses, a target beacon transmission time (TBTT) offset, a SMD ID field that identifies if the one or more second AP devices belong to a same SMD as the first AP, or any combination thereof.

7. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first AP device to: output a radio measurement request that requests one or more radio measurements by the client device; and obtain a radio measurement report in accordance with the radio measurement request, the radio measurement report comprising one or more downlink received signal strength indicators (RS Sis) corresponding to each of the one or more second AP devices.

8. The first AP device of claim 7, wherein the one or more first messages include an indication of a subset of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the radio measurement report.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO799. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first AP device to: output a link preparation response message that indicates the second AP device, wherein the link preparation response message indicates whether the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices is capable of accepting the client device.

10. The first AP device of claim 9, wherein the client device is enabled to roam to the second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the link preparation response message.

11. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first AP device to: advertise a first duration, the first duration comprising a maximum preparation time among one or more preparation times of AP devices that are capable of accepting the client device, wherein the AP devices that are capable of accepting the client device reserve one or more resources for the client device for a second duration beginning after the first duration.

12. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein: the first AP device has one or more affiliated APs, and the one or more first messages are output via the one or more affiliated APs.

13. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein: the one or more second AP devices each have one or more affiliated APs.

14. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein the one or more first messages that comprise the neighborhood information further comprise per-AP information indicating whether each of the one or more second AP devices belong to a same SMD as the first AP.

15. The first AP device of claim 14, wherein the per-AP information is included in a same SMD field of the one or more first messages.

16. The first AP device of claim 1, wherein an SMD identifier of an AP device of the one or more second AP devices that corresponds to a non-transmittedAttorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO80 basic service set (BSS) identifier in a multiple BSS identifier set corresponds to a BSS identifier index of the non-transmitted BSS identifier.

17. A client device, comprising: a processing system that includes processor circuitry and memory circuitry that stores code, the processing system configured to cause the client device to: obtain one or more first messages that comprise information associated with one or more second access point (AP) devices in a neighborhood of a first AP device or collocated with the first AP device, wherein the one or more second AP devices are either collocated or non-collocated with the first AP device and belong to a seamless mobility domain (SMD); and roam to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the information.

18. The client device of claim 17, wherein the one or more first messages comprise one or more of: a response frame obtained during association of the client device with the SMD or the roaming to the second AP device, the response frame including an information element that comprises the neighborhood information, a basic service set (BSS) transition management (BTM) request frame, the BTM request frame including one or more neighbor report elements corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, or a probe response frame, the probe response frame including a reduced neighbor report (RNR) information element that comprises information for one or more second AP devices.

19. A method for wireless communications by a first access point (AP) device that belongs to a seamless mobility domain (SMD), comprising: outputting one or more first messages that comprise information about one or more second AP devices in a neighborhood of the first AP device or collocated with the first AP device, wherein the one or more second AP devices are either collocated or non-collocated with the first AP device; and enabling roaming of a client device to a second AP device of the one or more second AP devices in accordance with the information.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)Qualcomm Docket No. 2407285WO8120. The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more first messages comprise one or more of: a response frame output during association of the client device with the SMD or the roaming to the second AP device, wherein the response frame includes an information element that comprises the neighborhood information, a basic service set (BSS) transition management (BTM) request frame, the BTM request frame including one or more neighbor report elements corresponding to the one or more second AP devices in the neighborhood of the first AP device, or a probe response frame, the probe response frame including a reduced neighbor report (RNR) information element that comprises information for one or more second AP devices.Attorney Docket No. PW803IN.WO (83043.2909)

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