Dynamic switching to primary channel from a non-primary channel in a wiress LAN communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to method and apparatus for performing dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system. The method comprising, monitoring overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel, while operating in a non-primary channel; determining availability of the primary channel based on the monitoring; and transmitting, to one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP, an information element (IE) indicating a switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

Description

DYNAMIC SWITCHING TO PRIMARY CHANNEL FROM A NON-PRIMARY CHANNEL IN A WIRESS LAN COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system, in particular, but not exclusively to a method and apparatus for performing dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a WLAN communication system.

[0002] Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), particularly those based on IEEE 802.11 standards, have evolved significantly to meet increasing demands for high throughput, low latency, and reliable connectivity in a Wi-Fi network. As part of the ongoing development of IEEE 802.11 TGbn, which lays the foundation for Wi-Fi 8, several advanced channel access mechanisms are being explored to enhance spectrum efficiency and transmission reliability. Among these mechanisms are Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA), Secondary Channel Access (SCA), and Dynamic Sub-band Operation (DSO).

[0003] Traditional WLAN operations rely heavily on the primary channel for communication between the Access Point (AP) and associated Stations (STAs). However, in dense deployment scenarios or Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS)(or, Inter Basic Service Sets(inter-BSS)), contention on the primary channel can lead to degraded performance. The disclosure described with respect to OBSS is equally applicable when the term inter-BSS is used. To address this, NPCA enables a Basic Service Sets (BSS) to temporarily switch to a non-primary channel for transmission, thereby alleviating congestion and improving channel access opportunities.

[0004] NPCA can be initiated based on the Target Wake Time (TWT) or Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedules of neighbouring OBSS transmissions. Specifically, the BSS may switch to a predefined non-primary channel at the beginning of a Service Period (SP), either proactively or in response to detecting OBSS R-TWT transmissions received from an AP. The switching to non-primary channel may be located within or outside the AP's operational bandwidth.

[0005] While current implementations of broadcast TWT and R-TWT provide information regarding the start of SP and nominal wake times, they lack explicit indicators for the end of SP. Consequently, BSSs operating on a non-primary channel during SP face uncertainty regarding when to revert to the primary channel. Existing mechanisms such as CF-End and TWT teardown provide limited scope for signalling the end of SP, especially in scenarios involving dynamic channel switching.

[0006] This lack of end-of-SP signalling introduces challenges in coordinating channel access and maintaining synchronization across BSS components. Therefore, there is a need for a method that enables BSS devices operating on a non-primary channel to determine when to return to the primary channel, ensuring seamless operation and improved reliability of WLAN transmissions.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0008] In an embodiment the present disclosure provides method and apparatus for performing dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a WLAN communication system.

[0009] In an embodiment, the method for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a Wi-Fi network. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by an access point (AP) for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during non-primary channel access (NPCA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system is provided. The method includes monitoring overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel, while operating in a non-primary channel; determining availability of the primary channel based on the monitoring; and transmitting, to one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP, an information element (IE) indicating a switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a communication device for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during non-primary channel access (NPCA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system is provided. The communication device includes a transceiver; one or more processors; and at least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the one or more processors individually or in any combination to cause the communication device to: monitor overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel, while operating in a non-primary channel; determine availability of the primary channel based on the monitoring; and transmit, to one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP, an information element (IE) indicating a switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by an access point (AP) for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during non-primary channel access (NPCA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system, the method comprising: receiving a message frame indicating a duration information in service period (SP) overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT)transmissions in a primary channel, while operating in a non-primary channel; determining availability of the primary channel based on the duration information included in the message frame; and transmitting, to one or more STAs associated with the AP, an information element (IE) indicating a switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a communication device for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during non-primary channel access (NPCA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system is provided. The communication device includes a transceiver; one or more processors; and at least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the one or more processors individually or in any combination to cause the communication device to: receive a message frame indicating a duration information in service period (SP) overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel, while operating in a non-primary channel; determine availability of the primary channel based on the duration information included in the message frame; and transmit, to one or more STAs associated with the AP, an information element (IE) indicating a switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

[0013] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0014] The embodiments of the disclosure itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment of a Wi-Fi network for performing dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary channel allocation that supports operating channel of a BSS, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of hardware configuration of both APs and STAs, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method 400 for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during NPCA in a Wi-Fi network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart illustrating another method 500 for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during NPCA in a Wi-Fi network, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a sequence diagram 600 showing a procedure for dynamic switching from a non-primary channel to a primary channel during NPCA in a Wi-Fi network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a sequence diagram 700 showing a procedure for dynamic switching from a non-primary channel to a primary channel during NPCA in a Wi-Fi network, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a sequence diagram 800 showing a procedure for dynamic switching from a non-primary channel to a primary channel during NPCA in a Wi-Fi network, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a sequence diagram 900 showing a procedure for dynamic switching from a non-primary channel to a primary channel during NPCA in a Wi-Fi network, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer-readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

[0025] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0026] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

[0027] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a device or system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises ... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device or system or apparatus.

[0028] The term "device", "communication device", "wireless device" and or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a single meaning and may be interchanged used in the disclosure.

[0029] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0030] In an embodiment the present disclosure provides method and apparatus for performing dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a Wi-Fi network.

[0031] In an embodiment, the method for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a Wi-Fi network. The method comprising, monitoring, by an AP from a plurality of APs in a Wi-Fi network operating in a non-primary channel, Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel and determining, by the AP, availability of the primary channel based on the monitoring. Further the method comprises transmitting, by the AP, an Information Element (IE) to one or more Stations (STAs) connected with the AP indicating to switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

[0032] In another embodiment, the method for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a Wi-Fi network. The method comprising, receiving, by an AP from a plurality of APs in a WIFI system operating in a non-primary channel, a message frame indicating a duration information in a SP OBSS R-TWT transmissions in a primary channel and determining, by the AP, availability of the primary channel based on the duration information present in the message frame. Further the method comprises transmitting, by the AP, an IE to one or more STAs connected with the AP indicating to switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

[0033] As used herein, the term "wireless local area network (WLAN)" may be interchangeably referred to as a "Wi-Fi network," and the two terms are used synonymously throughout the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment of a Wi-Fi network 100 for performing for performing dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA), in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] In an embodiment, the exemplary environment 100 may comprise two 802.11 Wi-Fi network, a system 101 and a system 102. The Wi-Fi network is compatible with an IEEE 802.11 protocol. For example, the Wi-Fi network 100 environment may be compatible with IEEE 802.11 such as IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11be, and IEEE 802.11bn. IEEE 802.11ac is referred to as a very high throughput (VHT). IEEE 802.11ax is referred to as high efficiency (HE). IEEE 802.11be is referred to as extreme high throughput (EHT). IEEE 802.11bn is referred to as ultra-high reliability (UHR). The Wi-Fi network may be used in various applications, such as in large industries, homes, offices and or enterprise applications. Although the systems included in Wi-Fi network 100 as shown in FIG.1 with certain components and described with certain functionality herein, other embodiments of the Wi-Fi network and related systems may include fewer or more components to implement the same, less, or more functionality. For example, in some embodiments, the Wi-Fi network may include 'n' number of systems and non-limiting to the systems 101 and the system 102 as shown in figure, whereas 'n' may be any number. Further, the 'n' number of systems may include multiple APs with multiple STAs, one AP with one STA, or one AP with multiple STAs. Furthermore, the APs communicate through single communication link, and in some embodiments, the APs may be affiliated with an AP in Multiple Access Point (MAP). For example, the system 101 and the system 102 as shown in figure as included with one AP1 and AP2 respectively, other exemplary embodiment, may include multiple APs. In these embodiments, each of the APs in the respective systems may operate in same or different frequency band or bandwidth. For example, one AP may operate in a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band and another AP may operate in a 5 GHz or 6 GHz frequency band and may also incorporates support for millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies. In some embodiments, two APs may operate in different channel within a frequency band. For example, AP1 may operate in channel 1 of 2.4 GHz and AP2 may operate in channel 6 of 2.4 GHz.

[0036] In an embodiment, the system 101 may comprise of wireless devices such as one Access Point (AP), AP1, Stations (STA) STA11 and STA12. The system 102 may comprise of wireless devices such as AP2, STA21 and STA22. The number of STAs such as STA11, STA 12 and STA21, STA22 associated with the respective AP1 and AP2 maybe different from one another. The AP1and AP2 may communicate with at least one Wi Fi networks, such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet Protocol (IP) network, or other data network. In an aspect, the AP1 provides wireless access in the Wi Fi network 100 for a plurality of stations STAs such as STA11, STA12 within or outside the coverage area such as system 101 of the AP1. In another exemplary embodiment, the AP2 provides wireless access to the Wi Fi network for a plurality of stations STAs such as STA21, STA22 within or outside the coverage area such as the system 102 of the AP1.The AP1 and AP2 may communicate with each other and with the STAs using Wi-Fi network 100 or other WLAN communication techniques.

[0037] In an embodiment, the terms "station" and "STA" are used interchangeably in this disclosure to refer to remote wireless equipment that wirelessly accesses an AP or contends for a wireless channel in a WLAN. The STAs may be implemented as, or known as a subscriber station, a subscriber unit, a mobile station (MS), a remote station, a remote terminal, a user terminal (UT), a user agent, a user device, a user equipment (UE), a user station (STA), or some other terminology. In some implementations, STAs may be or may comprise a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device having wireless connection capability, or some other suitable processing device connected to a wireless modem. Accordingly, one or more aspects taught herein may be incorporated into a phone (e.g., a cellular phone or a smartphone), a computer (e.g., a laptop), a tablet, a portable communication device, a portable computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite radio), a global positioning system (GPS) device, Internet of Things (IoT) device or any other suitable device that is configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium. In some aspects, STAs may be a wireless node. Such a wireless node may provide, for example, connectivity for or to a network (e.g., a wide area network such as the Internet or a cellular network) via a wired or wireless communication link.

[0038] The term 'STAs' may be used interchangeably throughout the disclosure to refer to devices such as STA11, STA12, STA21, and STA22.

[0039] Further, in an embodiment, the term "AP" or "access point" is used in this disclosure to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. In an embodiment, the APs may comprise, be implemented as, or known as a Node B, Base Station Controller (BSC), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Base Station (BS), Transceiver Function (TF), Radio Router, Radio Transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Radio Base Station (RBS), or some other terminology. It can be a standalone product or it may be integrated in a device, for instance in a broadband remote access server (BRAS). In an embodiment, one or more of the APs may include circuitry and / or programming for management of MU-MIMO and OFDMA channel sounding in WLANs. In an embodiment, all the APs such as AP1 and AP2 may be communicably connected in a Multi AP configuration and may include affiliated multiple APs not shown here. Each affiliated multiple APs may include a PHY interface to wireless medium by which the APs such as AP1 and AP2 are connected to the APs associated STAs in the system 102 and system 103 respectively. The affiliated multiple APs may include a single Medium Access Control (MAC) Service Access Point (SAP) through which the affiliated APs may communicate with a higher layer such as network layer. Each affiliated AP may have a MAC address (lower MAC address) different from any other affiliated APs. The affiliated APs may have a MAC address (upper MAC address) and the affiliated APs share the single MAC SAP to the network layer in the Wi-Fi network. Thus, the affiliated APs share a single IP address, and network layer may recognize the affiliated APs by assigning the single IP address.

[0040] The term 'APs' may be used interchangeably throughout the disclosure to refer to devices such as AP1, AP2 and the affiliated multiple APs in MAP configuration.

[0041] In an embodiment, the APs manages the set of STAs that together organize their accesses to the wireless medium known as 'operating channel' for communication purposes. Further the STAs and their associated APs are referred to as Basic Service Set (BSS), throughout the disclosure. The BSS is defined by an association process of IEEE 802.11 and is a network topology which includes an AP and one or more STAs associated with the AP. For example, AP1 and its associated STA11 and STA 12 may be considered as the BSS, utilizing an operating channel. A physical station acting as an access point may be employed to manage two or more BSS (and thus corresponding WLANs) each BSS is thus uniquely identified by a specific basic service set identification (BSSID) and managed by a separate virtual AP implemented in the physical AP (Not shown here).

[0042] The number of STAs as shown in figure is merely provided for illustrative purposes and there can be more or less number of STAs in a single BSS. The APs, STAs and associated components and functions described herein may be implemented with hardware circuitry such as one or more of analog circuitry, mix signal circuitry, memory circuitry, logic circuitry, and processing circuitry that executes code stored in a memory that when executed by the processing circuitry performs the disclosed functions and or including software, firmware or combination thereof.

[0043] Now describing the operational channel of each BSS, as shown as the system 101 and the system102 and associated APs and STAs communicating in a specific network topology.

[0044] The term "BSS" may be used interchangeably used to refer the system 101 and the system 102 throughout this disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary channel allocation that supports operating channel of a BSS, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] In an aspect, the elementary channel may be 200-1 to 200-8 BSS operating channel may be a bandwidth of the BSS divided into a multiple subchannels. The multiple subchannels may include a primary channel and one or more Non-Primary Channels also known as secondary channels. This operational aspect of BSS is covered in the NPCA development by the IEEE 802.11 to improve bandwidth utilization by optimizing the use of non-primary channels.

[0047] In an aspect, an elementary channel 200-1 to 200-8 is 20MHz wide. The IEEE 802.11 family introduces support of a restricted number of predefined subsets of 20MHz channels to form predefined operating channel configurations that are available for the BSSs. The predefined subsets in 802.11 are not shown here in Figure and may correspond to 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, and 160 MHz channel bandwidths, each grouping 2nelementary 20MHz channels. The 20 MHz component channels 200-1 to 200-8 may be concatenated to form wider operating channels as per the employment and application requirements of each of the components and or devices in the BSS. For example, a 160 MHz operating channel may be made of two separate 80 MHz channels. Yet in another example, leaving the primary channel intact, the non-primary channel may be divided into 80MHz and 60 MHz spanning a bandwidth of 140MHz. The number of 20MHz channels per band varies between the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz bands and millimeter wave (mmWave) band and may be more depending upon the W-Fi network implementation.

[0048] In an aspect, Access Point 1 (AP1) within a Basic Service Set (BSS) or system 102 selects one of the elementary 20 MHz channels, such as channel 200-1, from the available operating channels to serve as the 'primary channel. This primary channel may be common to all associated Stations (STAs), such as STA11 and STA12, within system 102. The primary channel 200-1 is used for signaling purposes, including channel access procedures, and ensures backward compatibility. Devices like STA11 and AP1 may be granted transmission opportunities (TXOPs) via the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) mechanism operating on the primary channel 200-1. Another system, system 103, which is similar to the system 102 and also based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, may include wireless devices such as AP2 and one or more STAs like STA21 and STA22. System 103 may operate on the same set of operating channels as of the BSS or the system102.

[0049] The above examples are intended to be illustrative and should not be considered limiting with respect to the bandwidth range, or the number of channels and subchannels, used to explain certain aspects of the disclosure. The non-primary channel of the BSS operating channel may be used when the primary channel is busy.

[0050] In an embodiment, all devices within the Basic Service Set (BSS), including Access Points (APs) and Stations (STAs), may be NPCA-compatible and configured to perform the functions associated with Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) operation.

[0051] In an embodiment, the STAs may be within the range of both the APs (AP1 and AP2) or within the single AP. AP1 may be within or outside the range of AP2. And if both the APs use same operating channel or bandwidth, then the APs may be considered as "overlapping", for example, both the APs may have no connection to each other but they interfere with each other. It is said APs and their associated STAs are in the relationship of an Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS). In an embodiment, the primary channel may be idle or busy depending on whether interference is detected from an OBSS in the primary channel or the other device's such as between APs and associated STAs frame exchanges in the BSS.

[0052] Now, addressing the general aspect of the present invention, the objective is to assist a person skilled in the art in integrating prior knowledge to effectively implement the present invention.

[0053] In a general aspect, when any of the APs determines that the primary channel is busy, instead of staying on the primary channel to wait for the idle primary channel, the device switches to the NPCA operation or in other words switch to non-primary channel and uses the idle secondary or non-primary channels to provide service to STAs until the primary channel becomes idle again. The operating channels may be the operational bandwidth of the BSS. In one or more examples, the AP announces in a management frame such as a beacon frame or probe response frame a primary channel and one or more non primary channels. In one or more examples, the AP only announces in a management frame such as a beacon frame or probe response frame one non-primary channel. In one or more examples, the AP also announces in a management frame such as a beacon frame or probe response frame the condition that a device switches to a non-primary channel. The condition may be based on the OBSS activity such as an OBSS TXOP duration of OBSS PPDU length. If the OBSS TXOP duration or OBSS PPDU length is longer than a threshold, a device switches to a non-primary channel. In one or more examples, all APs of a multiple BSSID set (or all APs of a co-hosted AP set) announces the same non-primary channels on their BSS operating channel. In one or more examples, the AP may only announce one non-primary channel besides the primary channel. In one or more examples, an AP without multiple BSSID support (or all the APs of a multiple BSSID set, or all APs of a co-hosted AP set) can only announce one same non primary channel besides the primary channel. In some examples, an AP without multiple BSSID support (or all the APs of a multiple BSSID set, or all APs of a co-hosted AP set) announce the same condition that a STA switches to non-primary channel after detecting the primary channel is busy. In some embodiments, such condition is the length threshold of the OBSS TXOP or OBSS PPDU. In the BSS operating channels as shown in FIG.2, non-primary channels 200-2 to 200-8 may each be non-primary channels in one or more examples. In some embodiments, the backoff in the primary channel and the backoff in the non-primary channel use the parameters from the same Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) Parameter set. In some embodiments, the AP may announce various EDCA parameters for the non-primary channels to facilitate determining by the STA whether to use the non-primary channel for frame transmission when the primary channel is busy. The NPCA operation enables a BSS to temporarily switch to a non-primary channel for transmission, thereby alleviating congestion and improving channel access opportunities. The NPCA operation is a recognized technique and is described here in brief as it is known to a person skilled in the field. Further the present disclosure is focused on the aspect when the system 102 and 103 are operating during the NPCA operation or one or more APs is configured to perform the operations of NPCA.

[0054] This aspect further, serves to contextualize the NPCA operation within the framework of known technologies, thereby illustrating the disclosed method. For example, Target wake time (TWT) operation is a feature of power management in WLAN networks. The TWT operation has been introduced in IEEE 802.11ah standard and later modified in IEEE 802.11ax standard. The TWT operation enables an AP to manage activity in the BSS to minimize contention between STAs and reduce the required wake times for STAs during the TWT operation. It may be achieved by allocating STAs to operate at non-overlapping times or frequencies and perform the frame exchange sequences in pre-scheduled service periods (SP). In TWT operation, a STA can wake up at pre-scheduled times that have been negotiated with an AP or another STA in the BSS. The STA does not need to be aware of TWT parameter values of other STAs within the BSS or of STAs in other BSSs. The STA does not need to be aware that a TWT service period (SP) is used to exchange frames with other STAs. Frames transmitted during a TWT SP can employ any PPDU (physical layer protocol data unit) format supported by the pair of STAs that have established the corresponding TWT agreement, including, but not limited to, HE MU (high efficiency multi-user) PPDU, HE TB (high efficiency trigger based) PPDU.IEEE 802.11 standard describes two types of TWT operations: individual TWT operation and broadcast TWT operation. In the individual TWT operation, an individual TWT agreement can be established between two STAs or between a STA and an AP. The negotiation for the individual TWT operation may occur between two STAs or between a STA and an AP on an individual basis. An AP may have TWT agreements with multiple STAs. Any changes in the TWT agreement between the AP and one STA do not affect the TWT agreement between the AP and other STAs. Further, Restricted TWT (R-TWT) operation is another important feature for the next generation WLAN. The R-TWT operation provides better support for latency sensitive applications. For instance, traffic in real time applications has stringent requirements in terms of latency and its jitter along with certain reliability constraint. Such traffic may be referred to as latency sensitive traffic in this disclosure. The R-TWT operation may offer a protected service period (SP) for R-TWT member STAs by sending Quiet elements to non-member STAs in the BSS in the R-TWT schedule. In some implementations, a quiet interval of the Quiet element overlaps with the initial portion of the R-TWT SP. Therefore, it may provide greater channel access opportunities to R-TWT member STAs than non-member STAs, thereby improving the flow of latency sensitive traffic. Interference from one BSS may often lead to performance issues for STAs and APs in neighboring BSSs. This interference may result in overall throughput degradation in the network. The Overlapping BSS (OBSS) interference may also increase the overall latency since it takes more time to access the channel due to the interference occupying the channel. If a STA in a BSS has latency-sensitive traffic, this delay in channel access may significantly impede the performance of the STA's latency-sensitive applications.

[0055] In a general aspect, NPCA can be initiated based on the Target Wake Time (TWT) or Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedules of neighbouring OBSS transmissions. Specifically, the BSS may switch to a predefined non-primary channel at the beginning of a Service Period (SP), either proactively or in response to detecting OBSS R-TWT transmissions. This non-primary channel may be located within or outside the AP's operational bandwidth as discussed in the paragraphs above. In some embodiments, the APs may serve as be TWT or R-TWT scheduling APs in their respective BSSs. The APs participating in the TWT-based MAP coordination may directly exchange frames among the APs to negotiate the coordination. TWT sharing AP may refer to an AP that has or intends to have an TWT schedule or an TWT agreement in its BSS and initiates a TWT coordination procedure with APs in the OBSS for better protection of the TWT SP. The APs participating in the R-TWT-based MAP coordination may directly exchange frames among the APs to negotiate the coordination. R-TWT sharing AP may refer to an AP that has or intends to have an R-TWT schedule or an R-TWT agreement in its BSS and initiates a R-TWT coordination procedure with APs in the OBSS for better protection of the R-TWT SP.

[0056] In a general aspect, NPCA can be initiated based on the Target Wake Time (TWT) or Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) schedules of neighbouring OBSS transmissions. Specifically, the BSS may switch to a predefined non-primary channel at the beginning of a Service Period (SP), either proactively or in response to detecting OBSS R-TWT transmissions received from a transmitting AP. The switching to non-primary channel, where the non-primary channel may be located within or outside the transmitting AP's operational bandwidth.

[0057] Building upon the above illustration and the general aspects of the present disclosure, the invention is further elaborated in the subsequent figures.

[0058] The detailed description of the present method is illustrated through the method steps depicted in FIG. 4, as outlined in the foregoing paragraphs. These steps collectively define the operational sequence of the disclosed invention and serve to clarify its functional aspects.Before moving to the functional aspect of the present disclosure, devices employing hardware configuration to implement the method steps is disclosed in the foregoing paragraphs in FIG.3 description below.

[0059] FIG.3 illustrates an example of hardware configuration of both APs and STAs, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0060] In an embodiment, the communication device 300 may be a wireless device or device or may be an embodiment of the APs such as AP1, AP2 or multiple affiliated APs and or the STAs such as STA11, STA12, STA21, STA22 or multiple STAs associated with the APs. In an embodiment, the communication device 300 may be implemented to execute the method steps for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during NPCA in a Wi-Fi network.

[0061] In an embodiment, the communication device 300 may include processor 301 and a memory 302. The processor 301 and the memory are communicably configured to execute the method steps 400. Further the communication device 300 may also include antennas, RF transmitter and RF receiver circuitry or transceiver circuitry(or transceiver), microphone, speaker, input and output interface circuitry, touchscreen, display and or the like analog and digital circuitry employed or implemented to process the operations in the Wi-Fi network and the description of these is omitted here for the sake of brevity, as these components and related configuration is known to the person skill in the art. Furthermore, the hardware configuration of communication device 300 may be implemented with the components configured in the Wi-Fi network based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards.

[0062] In an embodiment, the processor 301 is embodied as an executor of software instructions stored. As such, the processor 301 is capable of executing the instructions stored in the memory 302 to perform one or more operations described herein. The processor 301 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the processor 301 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. The processor 301 may also be known as controller is also capable of executing other processes and programs resident in the memory 302, such as operations for management of procedures in WLANs. The processor 301 can move data into or out of the memory 302 as required by an executing process. Further the processor 301 may be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs) or processors with distributed implementation of the processor 301, in different applications with same implemented method steps of the present disclosure.

[0063] Further in an embodiment, the memory 302 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations, information or instructions performed by the processor 301. The memory 302 may store software codes which implements instructions that, when executed by the processor 301, perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, methods and / or operational flowcharts, sequence diagrams disclosed in the present disclosure. In an aspect, the memory 302 may be a RAM, a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a ROM, a flash memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a memory card, a storage medium and / or other storage device and / or a combination thereof.

[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method 400 for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during NPCA in a Wi-Fi network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] The method 400 may comprise one or more steps. Further, the order in which the method 500 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. Furthermore, the components or devices are discussed in detail, taking reference from FIG. 3, therefore omitted here for the sake of brevity. Further the processor 301 and the memory 302 are configured to execute the method 400 steps discussed below.

[0066] In one embodiment, the method 400 steps described below may be executed when both the system 101 and the system 102 are operating under Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) conditions.

[0067] Now getting in details of method 400 steps explaining the functional aspect of the present disclosure, the communication device 300 is configured to perform the following steps:

[0068] At step 401, method includes to monitor Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel by an AP from a plurality of APs in a Wi-Fi network operating in a non-primary channel.

[0069] In an embodiment, the method 400 steps described below may be executed when both the system 101 and the system 102 are operating under Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) conditions.

[0070] The method step 401 further comprising an AP operating on a non-primary channel continuously monitors Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS) Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) transmissions occurring on the primary channel. These transmissions are typically broadcasted by one or more APs operating on the primary channel and indicate scheduled service periods (SPs) for respective or associated STAs. Based on the detection of OBSS R-TWT transmissions, the AP evaluates and decides whether switching to the primary channel is necessary. This decision may depend on factors such as service period timing, traffic load, or synchronization requirements and or the like as discussed in further method steps. In an embodiment, the AP monitoring may have its operational bandwidth overlapping with that of one or more APs operating on the primary channel. In another embodiment, the AP monitoring may have its operational bandwidth non overlapping with that of one or more APs operating on the primary channel.

[0071] Further at step 401, The method 400 enhances channel utilization and coordination among multiple Access Points (MAPs) operating in overlapping frequency bands. In a Wi-Fi network comprising a plurality of APs, some APs may operate on non-primary channels to reduce congestion and improve spectrum efficiency. However, to maintain synchronization and optimize communication, APs operating on a non-primary channel to monitor activity on the primary channel and dynamically switch to primary channel as soon as the availability of primary channel is determined.

[0072] In an aspect, in the Wi-Fi network 100, deployed in a large office building with multiple APs, such as the system 101 and system 102 as described in FIG.1 description. for example, AP1 operates on a non-primary channel to serve a specific zone or the system 101 with minimal interference. Meanwhile, AP2 operates on the primary channel and periodically broadcast OBSS R-TWT schedules to coordinate service periods for its associated STAs, such as STA21 and STA22 and for AP1. AP1 monitors the primary channel and detects an OBSS R-TWT transmission indicating an upcoming service period that overlaps with its own STAs such as STA11, STA12. Recognizing the need for synchronization and improved performance, AP1 may dynamically switch to the primary channel as disclosed in the further disclosure. Furthermore, the AP1 and AP2 may or may not have overlapping operational bandwidths.

[0073] Further, at method step 402, based on the monitoring as depicted in step 401, the availability of the primary channel is determined by the AP.

[0074] The method step 402 further includes determining, by the Access Point (AP), the availability of the primary channel based on the monitoring of OBSS R-TWT transmissions. In one aspect, the AP may determine that the primary channel is available when no OBSS R-TWT transmissions are detected over a predefined observation window. This idle state indicates that the primary channel is not currently engaged in scheduled transmissions and may be safely accessed without causing interference. In another aspect, the AP may receive a specific frame or signal indicating the end of an OBSS R-TWT transmission. This frame may be broadcasted by one or more APs operating in the primary channel and serves as a trigger for other APs to initiate channel switching or access procedures. These mechanisms ensure that the AP operating on a non-primary channel can make an informed and non-disruptive transition to the primary channel, thereby maintaining non interruption in overlapping BSS environments.

[0075] In an example embodiment, in a high-density enterprise Wi-Fi network 100, AP1 is operating on a non-primary channel (e.g., Channel 200-4) to serve a specific floor in a building. AP2　operates on the primary channel (e.g., Channel 200-1) and periodically broadcast OBSS R-TWT schedules to coordinate service periods for their associated clients.AP1 monitors primary channel 200-1 for OBSS R-TWT transmissions. AP1 detects that no such transmissions have occurred for a predefined duration (e.g., 100ms), indicating a potential idle state. AP1 interprets the absence of OBSS R-TWT transmissions as an indication that the primary channel 200-1 is currently idle. Alternatively, AP1 may also receive a control frame from AP2, operating in MAP configuration, indicating the end of the current R-TWT session. Upon confirming availability, AP1 may dynamically switches to primary channel 200-1 and begins transmitting in alignment with the primary channel's schedule, discussed further in method step 403.

[0076] Further, at method step 403, based on the determining the availability of the primary channel as depicted in step 402, the AP transmit an Information Element (IE) to one or more Stations (STAs) connected with the AP indicating to switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

[0077] In an embodiment, the method step 403 includes constructing the IE that may include an indication to switch to the primary channel or a switchback time　to allow all associated Stations (STAs) to synchronize the switch. The IE maybe transmitted using various frame types, for example, via management broadcast frame　(e.g., Beacon or Probe Response), unicast message　(e.g., Action frame to individual STAs), Control frame　(e.g., RTS / CTS with embedded IE), Active frame　(e.g., specially crafted frame for immediate action)

[0078] For example, the IE construction may include two fields which is shown in Table 1 below.

[0079] Switch to Primary ChannelSwitch back durationExpected Value: Yes / NoExpected value: Max (switch back delay of All STA and AP moving back)

[0080] The Table 1 represents one field indicating a switch to primary channel when a switch to the primary channel is expected. For example, The expected value is a binary indicator '1' or '0' respectively for　Yes　or　No, denoting the presence or absence of a switch-back operation. Further in the another field, defines the duration required for all participating stations (STAs) and access points (APs) to complete the switch-back to the primary channel. The expected value is a maximum delay parameter, representing the　maximum switch-back delay　among all entities involved in the transition. For example, the switch Back duration in micro seconds can be coded to 8bits or the like.In an embodiment, upon receiving the IE by the associated STAs connected to the AP, each STA parses the IE to extract the switchback time and target channel. STA prepares to switch to the primary channel at the indicated time. STAs may maintains synchronization with the AP to avoid service disruption. After transmitting and reception of the IE, at the designated switchback time, both the AP and the STAs switch to the primary channel. Hence communication resumes seamlessly on the primary channel.

[0081] In an aspect, an AP1 and the connected STAs (STA11, STA12) are operating on a non-primary channel (e.g., Channel 200-3) due to a DFS event. After 100ms, the AP detects that the primary channel (e.g., Channel 200-1) is now clear and constructs an IE with the target primary channel 200-1 and switchback time of 500ms. Then the AP either broadcasts the IE in a Beacon frame or transmit the unicast action frames to each STA comprising the IE fields. After reception of IE, each STA schedules a channel switch to primary channel 200-1 after 500ms. At the 500ms mark time, all devices switch to primary channel 200-1.

[0082] The aspects described above, as well as throughout this disclosure, are not intended to be limiting with respect to the number of Access Points (APs), Stations (STAs), Multiple Access Points (MAPs), primary channels, or non-primary channels involved. Furthermore, any time durations or intervals mentioned are merely illustrative and should not be construed as restrictive in any way.

[0083] In another aspect of method 400 describing a dynamic switching mechanism from a non-primary channel to a primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a Wi-Fi system. The method 400 is further illustrated with a sequence diagram 600 having device components of FIG.1 are discussed in upcoming paragraph with referring to FIG.6.

[0084] Referring to FIG.6, Access Point 1 (AP1) initiates the sequence by broadcasting a Target Wake Time (TWT) message. The message includes a Restricted TWT (R-TWT) schedule intended for participating stations, as shown by dotted lines in the sequence diagram from AP1 to AP2.

[0085] Further in sequence of steps, upon reception of the TWT message, the Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) Restricted TWT Service Period begins. AP2 synchronize their operations according to the R-TWT schedule.

[0086] Further in sequence, during the R-TWT SP, data transmissions occur in both Downlink (DL) and Uplink (UL) directions. These transmissions are confined to the primary channel as defined by AP1 within it BSS its associated STAs.

[0087] Further in sequence, after the completion of the OBSS R-TWT data transmissions, the primary channel enters an idle state. No active data transmission is observed during this period.

[0088] Further in sequence, a switch schedule is initiated to transition operations from the primary channel to a non-primary channel. This schedule is communicated to relevant stations and access points. For example, here AP1 and its associated STA21, STA22.

[0089] Further in sequence, after the NPCA operations are completed, an indication is provided to switch back to the primary channel (shown in dotted lines). Stations and access points resume operations on the primary channel as per the original configuration. For example, here AP2 and its associated STA21, STA22.

[0090] Yet, in another aspect, the method 400 describing a dynamic switching mechanism from a non-primary channel to a primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a Wi-Fi system. The method 400 is further illustrated with a sequence diagram 700 having device components of FIG.1 are discussed in upcoming paragraph with referring to FIG.7.

[0091] Referring to FIG.7, access point (AP1) transmits a Target Wake Time (TWT) message. The TWT message comprises a Restricted TWT (R-TWT) schedule intended for one or more associated stations.

[0092] Further in sequence of steps, upon reception of the R-TWT schedule, the OBSS R-TWT Service Period is initiated. Participating stations synchronize their transmission and reception activities in accordance with the received schedule. AP2 synchronizes their operations according to the R-TWT schedule.

[0093] Further in sequence, during the R-TWT SP, data transmissions are conducted in both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) directions. The transmissions occur over the primary communication channel.

[0094] Further in sequence, upon completion of the OBSS R-TWT data transmissions, a control frame (e.g., CF END) is transmitted. The frame signifies the termination of the R-TWT Service Period.

[0095] Further in sequence, a switch schedule is initiated to transition operations from the primary channel to a non-primary channel. The schedule is communicated to relevant stations and access points. For example, here AP2 and its associated STA21, STA22.

[0096] Further in sequence, following completion of operations on the non-primary channel, an indication is transmitted to revert to the primary channel. Stations and access points resume communication over the primary channel.

[0097] The method 400 described above along with an exemplary embodiment covered in the FIG.6 and FIG.7, may be implemented by components or communication devices within the Wi-Fi network 100 in the above illustrated embodiments, particularly when the Access Point (AP) operates within the operational bandwidth shared by one or more APs from a plurality of APs functioning on the primary channel. For example, the method 400 may be implemented to dense network environment where multiple APs may be operating on the same primary channel bandwidth supporting　channel coordination,　load balancing, or　interference mitigation. The AP must be aware of its　channel environment　and possibly collaborate with other APs to ensure efficient use of the spectrum.

[0098] Further, coming to the next aspect of the disclosure, yet　in another embodiment of the disclosure, the method 500 described in the preceding paragraphs may also be implemented by components or communication devices within the Wi-Fi network 100, particularly when the AP operates within or outside an operational bandwidth of one or more APs from the plurality of APs operating the in the primary channel. For example, the method 500 may be implemented to dense network environment such as multifloored building or in overlapping system networks, where multiple APs may be operating on the same primary channel 200-1, most of the APs uses for example 20 MHz bandwidth, covering channel 200-1. If one AP located at the top most floor also operates on primary channel 200-1 with the same 20 MHz bandwidth, meaning it functions　within　the operational bandwidth of the other APs. However, another AP at the base floor of the building, due to local interference or specific deployment needs, operates on primary channel 200-1 but with only a 5 MHz bandwidth as rest of the bandwidth requirement may be utilized differently from other channel. Alternatively, it may temporarily switch to a non-primary channel like Channel 200-3. In both these cases, the base floor AP is considered to be operating　outside　the operational bandwidth of the other APs. The described method (e.g., channel switchback using an Information Element) is designed to work in both scenarios whether the AP is aligned with or deviates from the bandwidth used by other APs on the primary channel ensuring flexibility and robust performance in diverse deployment environments.

[0099] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart illustrating another method 500 for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during NPCA in a Wi-Fi network, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] The method 500 may comprise one or more steps. Further, the order in which the method 500 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. Furthermore, the components or devices are discussed in detail, taking reference from FIG. 3, therefore omitted here for the sake of brevity. Further the processor 301 and the memory 302 are configured to execute the method 500 steps discussed below.

[0101] In another embodiment, the method 500 steps described below may be executed when both the system 101 and the system 102 are operating under Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) conditions.

[0102] Now getting in details of method 500 steps explaining the functional aspect of the present disclosure, the communication device 300 is configured to perform the following steps:

[0103] At step 501, receiving a message frame indicating a duration information in a SP OBSS R-TWT transmissions in a primary channel by the AP from a plurality of APs in a WIFI system operating in a non-primary channel. Further at step 501, the method 500 enhances channel utilization and coordination among multiple Access Points (MAPs) operating in overlapping frequency bands or in non-overlapping frequency bands or bandwidth as discussed in general aspects of the invention above. In a Wi-Fi network comprising a plurality of APs, some APs may operate on non-primary channels to reduce congestion and improve spectrum efficiency. However, to maintain synchronization and optimize communication, APs operating on different channels whether within or outside the bandwidths defined by the MAP configuration, may receive a message frame from APs on the primary channel. This message frame indicates the duration of activity on the primary channel. The message frame may be frame in the SP OBSS R-TWT transmission. The SP OBSS R-TWT transmissions may be typically received as part of broadcast R-TWT schedule by one or more APs from the plurality of APs, operating in the primary channel by indicating NPCA duration, received as message exchange between the plurality of APs in a Multi-AP (MAP) negotiation by indicating NPCA duration, or received as frame from the one or more APs indicating the SP.

[0104] Further, in method 500, the broadcast R-TWT may comprise NPCA duration which informs other APs about when the primary channel will be active. Furthermore, in MAP negotiation the NPCA duration may also be exchanged. The type of negotiation with NPCA duration may allow APs to coordinate their transmission windows and avoid overlapping transmissions. Alternatively, the NPCA duration may be received as a　frame from one or more APs, indicating the　SP. This frame helps APs determine when they can transmit without causing interference. Method 500 may allow efficient use of available spectrum by synchronizing among APs thereby reducing collisions and improving throughput in complex wi-fi network with multiple APs.

[0105] Based on the received OBSS R-TWT transmissions, the AP evaluates and decides whether switching to the primary channel is necessary. This decision may depend on factors such as service period timing, traffic load, or synchronization requirements, negotiation and or the like as discussed in further method steps. In an embodiment, the AP monitoring may have its operational bandwidth overlapping with that of one or more APs operating on the primary channel. Yet in another embodiment, the AP monitoring may have its operational bandwidth non overlapping with that of one or more APs operating on the primary channel.

[0106] Further, at method step 502, based on the received message frame as depicted in step 501, the availability of the primary channel is determined by the AP.

[0107] The method step 502 further includes determining, by the Access Point (AP), the availability of the primary channel based on the duration information present in the message frame in OBSS R-TWT transmissions. The duration information may be the duration when the primary channel is occupied by the ongoing transmission on the primary channel by an AP or may indicate the expected busy period of the primary channel. In an aspect, the method 500 may use the duration information by the AP to calculate when the primary channel may become available for use. The method 500 implemented in AP operating on a non-primary channel can make an informed and non-disruptive transition to the primary channel, thereby maintaining non interruption in overlapping or non-overlapping BSS environments.

[0108] In an aspect, AP2 broadcasts a message frame indicating 50ms, 50ms is the time period during which primary channel 200-1 will be occupied by the AP2. Now AP1 may receive the message frame indicating 50ms. AP1 may be operating on non-primary channel 200-3. Further AP1 may determine or calculate that the primary channel 200-1 is busy for 50ms, AP1 may then decide to delay switch to primary channel 200-1until the busy period of the primary channel 200-1 ends.

[0109] After determining method step 502, coming to the next step of the method 500.

[0110] Further, at method step 503, based on the determining the availability of the primary channel as depicted in step 502, the AP transmit an Information Element (IE) to one or more Stations (STAs) connected with the AP indicating to switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

[0111] In an embodiment, the method step 503 includes constructing the IE that may include an indication to switch to the primary channel or a switchback time　to allow all associated Stations (STAs) to synchronize the switch. The IE may be transmitted using various frame types, for example, via management broadcast frame　(e.g., Beacon or Probe Response), unicast message　(e.g., Action frame to individual STAs), Control frame　(e.g., RTS / CTS with embedded IE), Active frame　(e.g., specially crafted frame for immediate action)

[0112] For example, the IE construction may include two fields which is shown in Table 2 and Table 3 below.

[0113] Switch to Non-Primary ChannelNPCA durationExpected Value: Enable / DisableExpected value: Sum of all R-TWT transmissions

[0114] Table 2 represents one field indicating whether switching to a non-primary channel is enabled or disabled. The expected value is a binary indicator:　Enable　or　Disable, representing the operational status of NPCA for the associated stations and access points. Further another field represents the duration allocated for NPCA operations. The expected value is the　sum of all Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) transmissions, indicating the cumulative time required for scheduled transmissions during NPCA. For example, the switch Back duration in microseconds can be coded to 8bits or the like.

[0115] SP duration in microsecondsExpected value: Sum of all R-TWT transmissions

[0116] Table 3 represents one field indicating SP duration in microseconds. It is used to inform participating stations and access points of the total time allocated for scheduled transmissions. Further the expected value for the SP duration. The expected is the value is the　sum of all Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) transmissions, representing the cumulative transmission time scheduled during the SP.In an embodiment, upon receiving the IE by the associated STAs connected to the AP, each STA parses the IE to extract the switchback time and target channel. STA prepares to switch to the primary channel at the indicated time. STAs may maintains synchronization with the AP to avoid service disruption. After transmitting and reception of the IE, at the designated switchback time, both the AP and the STAs switch to the primary channel. Hence communication resumes seamlessly on the primary channel.

[0117] In an aspect, an AP1 and the connected STAs (STA11, STA12) are operating on a non-primary channel (e.g., Channel 200-3) due to dynamic frequency selection events. After 50ms, the AP detects that the primary channel (e.g., Channel 200-1) is now clear and constructs an IE with the target primary channel 200-1 and switchback time of 50ms. Then the AP either broadcasts the IE in a Beacon frame or transmit the unicast action frames to each STA comprising the IE fields. After reception of IE, each STA schedules a channel switch to primary channel 200-1 after 50ms. At the 5ms mark of time, all devices switch to primary channel 200-1.

[0118] In another aspect of method 500 describing a dynamic switching mechanism from a non-primary channel to a primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a Wi-Fi system. The method 500 is further illustrated with a sequence diagram 800 having device components of FIG.1 are discussed in upcoming paragraph with referring to FIG.8.

[0119] Referring to FIG.8, access point (AP1) transmits a Target Wake Time (TWT) message. The TWT message includes a Restricted TWT (R-TWT) schedule, which is disseminated to one or more associated stations (STAs).

[0120] Further in sequence of steps, upon reception of the R-TWT schedule, the OBSS R-TWT Service Period is initiated. Participating stations synchronize their operations in accordance with the received schedule.

[0121] Further in sequence, during the R-TWT SP, data transmissions are conducted in both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) directions. The transmissions occur over the primary communication channel.

[0122] Further in sequence, a control frame or signaling mechanism is employed to indicate the duration of the R-TWT Service Period. This indication facilitates timing coordination among participating stations and access points.

[0123] Further in sequence, a switch schedule is initiated to transition operations from the primary channel to a non-primary channel. The schedule is communicated to relevant stations and access points to enable channel switching.

[0124] Further in sequence, upon completion of operations on the non-primary channel, an indication is transmitted to revert to the primary channel. Stations and access points resume communication over the primary channel in accordance with the original configuration.

[0125] Yet, in another aspect, the method 500 describing a dynamic switching mechanism from a non-primary channel to a primary channel during Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA) in a Wi-Fi system. The method 500 is further illustrated with a sequence diagram 900 having device components of FIG.1 are discussed in upcoming paragraph with referring to FIG.9.

[0126] Referring to FIG.9, first access point (AP1), or a coordinated exchange between AP1 and a second access point (AP2), transmits a Target Wake Time (TWT) message. The TWT message comprises a Restricted TWT (R-TWT) schedule and includes information specifying the duration of Non-Primary Channel Access (NPCA). The schedule is disseminated to one or more associated stations (STAs) for synchronized operation.

[0127] Further in sequence of steps, during the R-TWT Service Period, data transmissions are conducted in both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) directions. The transmissions occur over the primary communication channel and are restricted to the duration defined in the R-TWT schedule.

[0128] Further in sequence, upon completion of the R-TWT Service Period, a switch schedule is initiated to transition operations from the primary channel to a non-primary channel. The switch schedule includes explicit timing information indicating when the stations and access points are to revert to the primary channel.

[0129] Further in sequence, an optional control frame or signaling mechanism may be transmitted to indicate the switch-back to the primary channel. Upon reception of said indication, stations and access points resume communication over the primary channel.

[0130] The aspects described above, as well as throughout this disclosure, are not intended to be limiting with respect to the number of Access Points (APs), Stations (STAs), Multiple Access Points (MAPs), primary channels, or non-primary channels involved. Furthermore, any time durations or intervals mentioned are merely illustrative and should not be construed as restrictive in any way.

[0131] The method 500 described above may be implemented along with an exemplary embodiment covered in the FIG.8 and FIG.9, by components or communication devices within the Wi-Fi network 100 in the above illustrated embodiments, particularly when the Access Point (AP) operates within the operational bandwidth shared by one or more APs from a plurality of APs functioning on the primary channel. For example, the method 500 may be implemented to dense network environment where multiple APs may be operating on the same or different primary channel bandwidth supporting　channel coordination,　load balancing, or　interference mitigation. The AP must be aware of its　channel environment　and possibly collaborate.

[0132] The switching mechanism illustrated in the method steps 400 and the method steps 500 allows multiple APs and STAs in multi-Wi-Fi environment or dynamic network, to dynamically utilize the primary channel, improving overall network efficiency and responsiveness.

[0133] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1.A method performed by an access point (AP) for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during non-primary channel access (NPCA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system, the method comprising:monitoring overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel, while operating in a non-primary channel;determining availability of the primary channel based on the monitoring; andtransmitting, to one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP, an information element (IE) indicating a switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.2.The method of claim 1, wherein the AP operates within an operational bandwidth of one or more APs from a plurality of APs operating in the primary channel.3.The method of claim 1, wherein the OBSS R-TWT transmissions are broadcasted by one or more APs from the plurality of APs in the primary channel, andwherein the OBSS R-TWT transmissions are service period (SP) based OBSS R-TWT transmissions.4.The method of claim 1, wherein determining availability comprises one of:detecting an idle state in the primary channel when the OBSS R-TWT transmissions do not occur in the primary channel; orreceiving a frame indicating end of the OBSS R-TWT transmissions.5.The method of claim 1, wherein the IE is transmitted in one of a management broadcast frame, a unicast message, a control frame, or an active frame.6.The method of claim 1, wherein the IE includes switchback time information to enable the one or more STAs to switch to the primary channel concurrently.7.A communication device for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during non-primary channel access (NPCA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system, the communication device comprising:a transceiver;one or more processors; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the one or more processors individually or in any combination to cause the communication device to:monitor overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel, while operating in a non-primary channel;determine availability of the primary channel based on the monitoring; andtransmit, to one or more stations (STAs) associated with the AP, an information element (IE) indicating a switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.8.A method by an access point (AP) for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during non-primary channel access (NPCA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system, the method comprising:receiving a message frame indicating a duration information in service period (SP) overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel, while operating in a non-primary channel;determining availability of the primary channel based on the duration information included in the message frame; andtransmitting, to one or more STAs associated with the AP, an information element (IE) indicating to switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.9.The method of claim 8, wherein the AP operates within or outside an operational bandwidth of one or more APs from a plurality of APs operating in the primary channel.10.The method of claim 8, wherein the SP OBSS R-TWT transmissions are one of:received as part of broadcast R-TWT schedule by one or more APs from a plurality of APs operating in the primary channel, indicating NPCA duration;received as message exchange between the plurality of APs in a multi-AP (MAP) negotiation, indicating NPCA duration; andreceived from the one or more APs as a frame indicating an SP.11.The method of claim 8, wherein determining availability comprises one of:detecting an expiry of NPCA duration; ordetecting an expiry of an SP.12.The method of claim 8, wherein the IE is transmitted in one of a management broadcast frame, a unicast message, a control frame, or an active frame.13.The method of claim 8, wherein the IE includes switchback time information to enable the one or more STAs to switch to the primary channel concurrently.14.A communication device for dynamic switching to a primary channel from a non-primary channel during non-primary channel access (NPCA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication system, the communication device comprising:a transceiver;one or more processors; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the one or more processors individually or in any combination to cause the communication device to:receive a message frame indicating a duration information in service period (SP) overlapping basic service sets (OBSS) restricted target wake time (R-TWT) transmissions in a primary channel, while operating in a non-primary channel;determine availability of the primary channel based on the duration information included in the message frame; andtransmit, to one or more STAs associated with the AP, an information element (IE) indicating a switch to the primary channel from the non-primary channel for continuing service to the one or more STAs.

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