Distributed-tone resource unit (DRU) operating sub-channel management method

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure is a distributed-tone resource unit (DRU) operating sub-channel management method. The method comprises: an access point (AP) partitioning an operating channel thereof into regular resource unit (RRU)-specific operating sub-channels and DRU-specific operating sub-channels; and the AP allocating a resource unit (RU) in a corresponding specific operating sub-channel to a station (STA) having an RRU or DRU capability in a basic service set (BSS) for wireless communication.

Description

Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU) Sub-Working Channel Management Method

[0001] Relevant publicly available cross-references

[0002] This disclosure is based on Chinese Patent Publication 2024119413758, filed on December 26, 2024, entitled “Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU) Sub-Working Channel Management Method”, and claims priority to that patent disclosure. The entire contents of that patent disclosure are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method for managing the sub-working channels of a Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU). Background Technology

[0004] With the widespread adoption of mobile internet and the continuous optimization of wireless network services, wireless communication technology has developed rapidly, and a wide variety of smart devices such as tablets, sensors, and smartphones have become integrated into our lives. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) have gained increasing attention due to their advantages such as flexible networking methods and low deployment costs.

[0005] The transmit power of Wi-Fi devices is subject to regulatory power spectral density (PSD) limits, which are particularly stringent in the 6GHz band. For stations (STAs) operating in the low-power indoor (LPI) band, the PSD limit is as low as -1 dBm / MHz. If the subcarriers in the resource unit (RU) used for transmission are continuous, a regular RU (Resource Unit) can be used. However, due to PSD limitations, the uplink communication rate and communication distance of the STA are severely restricted. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a method for managing the sub-working channels of a distributed tone resource unit (DRU).

[0007] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a method for managing sub-working channels of a Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU) is provided, comprising: an access point (AP) dividing its working channel into a sub-working channel dedicated to a Continuous Tone Resource Unit (RRU) and a sub-working channel dedicated to a Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU); and the AP allocating resource units (RUs) for wireless communication in the corresponding dedicated sub-working channels for terminals (STAs) with RRU or DRU capabilities within a Basic Service Set (BSS).

[0008] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, wherein the computer program is configured to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments when it is run.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, an electronic device is also provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0010] According to yet another embodiment of this disclosure, a computer program product is also provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in any of the above method embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer terminal for a distributed tone resource unit (DRU) sub-working channel management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a distributed tone resource unit (DRU) sub-working channel management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a WLAN network structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of RRU and DRU;

[0015] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the management frame structure;

[0016] Figure 6 is a structural block diagram of a distributed tone resource unit (DRU) sub-working channel management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of DRU subchannel adjustment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of DRU subchannel information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of DRU subchannel information according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram (a) of the format carrying DRU sub-channel information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram (II) of the format carrying DRU sub-channel information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram (III) of the format carrying DRU sub-channel information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram (fourth) of the format carrying DRU sub-channel information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the action frame format according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the DRU sub-channel change notification action frame format according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (I);

[0026] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram (II) of the DRU sub-channel change notification action frame format according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the general format of the trigger frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (I);

[0028] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram (II) of the general format of the trigger frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram (fourth) of the format carrying DRU sub-channel information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a multi-link scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the BSSID element format according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of capability information and status information fields according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of AP sub-channel changes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (I);

[0034] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram (II) of AP sub-channel change according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0036] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0037] The method embodiments provided in this disclosure can be executed in a mobile terminal, computer terminal, or similar computing device. Taking running on a computer terminal as an example, FIG1 is a hardware structure block diagram of the computer terminal running in the method embodiments of this disclosure. As shown in FIG1, the computer terminal may include one or more (only one is shown in FIG1) processors 102 (processor 102 may include, but is not limited to, processing devices such as microprocessors MCUs or programmable logic devices FPGAs) and a memory 104 configured to store data. The computer terminal may also include a transmission device 106 configured for communication functions and an input / output device 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure shown in FIG1 is only illustrative and does not limit the structure of the computer terminal. For example, the computer terminal may also include more or fewer components than shown in FIG1, or have a different configuration than shown in FIG1.

[0038] The memory 104 may be configured to store computer programs, such as application software programs and modules, like the computer program corresponding to the Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU) sub-channel management method in this embodiment of the present disclosure. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer program stored in the memory 104, thereby implementing the aforementioned method. The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to a computer terminal via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0039] The transmission device 106 is configured to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the network described above may include a wireless network provided by a communication provider for the computer terminal. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a Network Interface Controller (NIC), which can connect to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet. In another example, the transmission device 106 may be a Radio Frequency (RF) module configured to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0040] This embodiment provides a method for managing the sub-working channel of a Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU) running on the aforementioned computer terminal. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the method for managing the sub-working channel of a Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU) according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the process includes the following steps:

[0041] In step S202, the access point (AP) divides its working channel into a sub-working channel dedicated to the continuous tone resource unit (RRU) and a sub-working channel dedicated to the distributed tone resource unit (DRU).

[0042] In step S204, the AP allocates resource units (RUs) for wireless communication in the corresponding dedicated sub-working channels for terminal STAs with RRU or DRU capabilities within the basic service set (BSS).

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP notifies the associated STA within the BSS of information about the sub-operating channels of the RRU and / or DRU.

[0044] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a WLAN network comprising one or more wireless communication devices includes an Access Point (AP) 102 and a Station (STA) 104. These devices are capable of exchanging data according to the IEEE 802.11 series of standards. IEEE 802.11 wireless communication technology can also be referred to as Wi-Fi technology. The technologies defined by the IEEE 802.11 series of standards include Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) protocols. Wireless communication technology based on IEEE 802.11 can also be referred to as Wi-Fi technology.

[0045] A Basic Service Set (BSS) is the basic service unit of a wireless local area network (WLAN), consisting of one access point (AP) and several STAs (Stations). The BSS defines the coverage area of ​​an AP, within which STAs can communicate with each other. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames to enable any STA within its wireless range to establish and maintain a communication link with the WLAN.

[0046] It should be noted that a WLAN network may include two types of STAs using RRU and DRU. Wi-Fi devices that support DRU also support RRU, while traditional STAs only support RRU. The subcarriers in a DRU are non-contiguous and distributed. The introduction of DRU provides a new option for resource scheduling. If DRU is used, PSD limitations can be overcome and transmit power can be significantly improved, thereby increasing spectrum efficiency and expanding coverage. Figure 4 (related technology) shows a schematic diagram of a 26-ton DRU under a 20MHz bandwidth. Compared to a 26-ton RRU (Regular RU, referring to an RU with continuous subcarriers), the subcarriers of an RRU are continuously distributed, while the subcarriers of a DRU are dispersed. As can be seen from Figure 4, DRU will lead to spectrum resource fragmentation and reduce spectrum efficiency, and will also affect the resource scheduling of STAs using RRU in the network. From the AP's perspective, it is necessary to balance the gains and negative effects brought by DRU. By using the method of allocating dedicated DRU resources proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure, the use of DRU is restricted to a certain spectrum range, which can reduce the impact on spectrum efficiency and STAs using RRU.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the information of the DRU-specific sub-working channel includes the bandwidth size and frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel, the frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel, the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel being N times the bandwidth of the basic channel, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel including the low-frequency, high-frequency, or intermediate position of the AP working channel.

[0048] In simple terms, a channel is a frequency range that determines the frequency range within which a WLAN device communicates. Wi-Fi devices can operate on one or more frequency bands, such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz, and 60GHz. The 802.11 standard specifies multiple channels within each frequency band. Because overlapping channels can cause interference and degrade the overall performance of the wireless network, in practical use, adjacent access points (APs) should typically choose non-overlapping channels.

[0049] Wireless communication channel bandwidths offer a variety of options, including but not limited to 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz, and combinations such as 80+80MHz. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the channel bandwidth may reach 320MHz, or appear in a combination of 160+160MHz. For narrower channels, bandwidth options may include subdivisions from 1MHz to 10MHz, or combinations thereof, or other bandwidths less than or equal to the available bandwidth may also be used.

[0050] The concept of Resource Units (RUs) was introduced in IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6). For example, an 80MHz channel is divided into multiple RUs within the same time domain. Each RU contains a certain number of subcarriers, and each STA transmits and receives information through the RU. Depending on the number of subcarriers, RUs can be classified as 26-tone, 52-tone, 106-tone, 242-tone, 484-tone, 996-tone, and 2x996-tone. Wi-Fi 7 also defines different combinations of RUs, such as 26+52-tone and 242+484-tone.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an access point (AP) divides its working channel into a sub-working channel dedicated to a distributed tone resource unit (DRU), including: the AP dividing a portion of its working channel into a sub-working channel dedicated to DRUs based on the DRU capabilities reported by the associated STAs; wherein the DRU capabilities include at least one of the following: whether the STA device supports DRU capabilities, and whether the STA device enables DRU capabilities.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP determines information about the DRU sub-working channel from the AP's working channel based on the DRU capability reported by the associated STA.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP determines information about the DRU sub-working channel from its working channels based on the DRU capabilities reported by the associated STAs, including: the AP determining the proportion of STAs with DRU capabilities among the associated STAs in the BSS based on the DRU capabilities reported by each STA in the BSS; and the AP determining the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel based on the proportion.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP determines the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel according to a ratio, including: when the AP determines that the ratio meets a first preset threshold, the AP determines the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel according to the ratio.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, after the AP determines the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel according to the ratio, the method further includes: adjusting the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel if the AP determines that the ratio has changed and the changed ratio meets a second preset threshold.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the DRU capability also includes: the maximum DRU operating bandwidth supported by the STA.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP determines or adjusts the bandwidth size of the DRU sub-working channel by taking into account factors such as the maximum DRU working bandwidth supported by the STA and / or its proportion.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP determines the frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel based on the supported frequency capabilities reported by the STA within the BSS; wherein, the frequency position includes the start, end, or middle position of the AP working sub-channel, and the supported frequency capabilities include at least one of the following: supported frequency range, whether non-primary channel access (NPCA) and dynamic subband operation (DSO) are supported.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP determines the frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel based on the frequency capabilities reported by the STAs within the BSS, including: if the AP confirms that some STAs with DRU capabilities do not support DSO or NPCA capabilities, the AP determines the frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel as the P20 low-frequency position; or the AP confirms the frequency range supported by the STAs with DRU capabilities and divides the DRU sub-working channel within the frequency range.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP adjusts the size of the DRU sub-working channel bandwidth and / or frequency position based on the DRU sub-working channel utilization rate.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP notifies the STA of information or changes to the DRU sub-operating channel; wherein, the AP notifying the STA of information or changes to the DRU sub-operating channel includes: the AP broadcasting the information or changes to the DRU sub-operating channel to all STAs within the BSS via a broadcast frame, wherein the broadcast frame includes at least one of the following: a beacon frame, an action frame, and a trigger frame; or the AP sending the information or changes to the DRU sub-operating channel to STAs with DRU capability within the BSS via a unicast frame or a multicast frame, wherein the unicast frame includes at least one of the following: a data frame, a management frame, an action frame, and a control frame.

[0062] In one embodiment, the beacon frame is a management frame, the structure of which is shown in Figure 5. The beacon contains both mandatory and optional data information.

[0063] Required fields include: Timestamp, Beacon Interval (TBTT time), Capability Information and Status Indication, and SSID. The Beacon Interval specifies the interval between Beacon transmissions. Capability Information informs STAs of any special features the network possesses; STAs use this information to determine if they support all the features of the BSS. STAs that do not support all features cannot join the BSS.

[0064] Optional elements include: TIM element, RNR (Reduced Neighbor Report) element, Multiple BSSID element, Multi-Link element, etc.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AP notifies the STA of information or changes to the DRU sub-operating channel, including: the AP notifying the STA in the BSS of information or changes to the DRU sub-tracking channel through a broadcast frame periodically broadcast during the target beacon transmission time; or the AP notifying the STA supporting the use of the DRU of information or changes to the DRU sub-operating channel through a unicast frame during the target wake-up time of the STA supporting the use of the DRU.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the action frame includes a classification field and a subclass field, wherein the classification field is used to indicate the DRU management function of the action frame, and the subclass field is used to indicate the DRU sub-working channel change notification function or the DRU sub-working channel change effective indication function of the action frame.

[0067] In one embodiment, an action frame is a management frame that triggers a certain operation. Action frames do not require an acknowledgment (ACK). The IEEE 802.11 standard includes many categories of action frames, such as spectrum management, QoS, HT, VHT, and radio measurement. Management frames contain two types of information elements: field and element. The categories of action frames are shown in Table 1.

[0068] Table 1

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the public information field of the trigger frame carries information about the DRU sub-working channel.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a cell, sub-element, or sub-field indicating DRU sub-working channel information is added to the frame, wherein the cell, sub-element, and sub-field include an identification field, a length field, and an information element indicating the DRU sub-working channel; or a cell, sub-element, or sub-field indicating a change in DRU sub-working channel information is added to the frame, wherein the cell, sub-element, and sub-field include an identification field, a length field, and an information element indicating a change in the DRU sub-working channel.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the AP is a multi-link AP, the multi-link AP transmits DRU sub-working channel information or sub-working channel change information to itself and neighboring APs through one of its links.

[0072] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this disclosure, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk), and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0073] This embodiment also provides a distributed tone resource unit (DRU) sub-working channel management device, which is configured to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments; details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0074] Through the embodiments of this disclosure, since the Continuous Tone Resource Unit (RRU) sub-channels are suitable for traditional STA equipment, while the Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU) sub-channels provide STAs supporting DRUs with opportunities to use non-contiguous subcarriers, this achieves finer-grained and more flexible resource allocation in the spectrum, improving spectrum efficiency. Furthermore, it restricts the use of DRUs to reduce the impact on spectrum efficiency and STAs using RRUs. By providing dedicated sub-working channels for different STA equipment, the Access Point (AP) can support the efficient coexistence of different types of STAs in the same network, and dynamically adjusting the allocation of RRU and DRU sub-channels enhances the flexibility of resource scheduling.

[0075] Figure 6 is a structural block diagram of a distributed tone resource unit (DRU) sub-working channel management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the device includes a partitioning module 10 and an allocation module 20.

[0076] The partitioning module 10 is configured to partition the working channel into a sub-working channel dedicated to the continuous tone resource unit (RRU) and a sub-working channel dedicated to the distributed tone resource unit (DRU).

[0077] The allocation module 20 allocates resource units (RUs) to terminal STAs with RRU or DRU capabilities within the basic service set (BSS) for wireless communication in their respective dedicated sub-working channels.

[0078] It should be noted that the above modules can be implemented by software or hardware. For the latter, they can be implemented in the following ways, but are not limited to: all the above modules are located in the same processor; or, the above modules are located in different processors in any combination.

[0079] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided in the disclosed embodiments, the following description is based on specific scenario embodiments.

[0080] This disclosure proposes a method for allocating dedicated DRU resources to limit the use of DRUs to a certain spectrum range, thereby reducing the impact on spectrum efficiency and STAs using RRUs.

[0081] (1) Assuming the maximum working bandwidth supported by the AP is N, the AP uses the DRU capability reported by the STA as a decision condition and uses a portion of the bandwidth in its working channel as a dedicated spectrum for DRU transmission.

[0082] The bandwidth is divided into two categories: RRU sub-channel and DRU sub-channel.

[0083] The DRU sub-channel bandwidth is a multiple of the basic channel bandwidth (20MHz), such as 20MHz, 40MHz, and 80MHz. The sum of the two types of sub-channel bandwidth is N, and one or more of these sub-channel types can exist simultaneously. DRU sub-channels may be deployed at different locations throughout the operating bandwidth.

[0084] (2) Triggered by changes in conditions or at regular intervals, the AP re-evaluates whether the current DRU sub-channel matches the current conditions. If they do not match, the DRU sub-channel (including bandwidth and starting frequency position) is adjusted, such as initial division, addition, reduction, or release. The adjustment of the DRU sub-channel is shown in Figure 7.

[0085] (3) When there is a change in the DRU sub-channel (e.g., from none to yes, from small to large bandwidth) or periodically, the AP sends a signal to the STA in its BSS to notify it of the latest DRU sub-channel information.

[0086] a. The AP can signal information about the DRU sub-channel via broadcast frames, such as broadcast beacon frames and others such as TF frames, RTS frames, Action, etc.

[0087] b. The AP targets the DRU-STA (set to refer to the STA that supports / enables DRU) and signals information about the DRU sub-channel via unicast frames (data frames, management frames, control frames, etc.), such as Action frames and data frames.

[0088] Different formats can be used within broadcast / unicast frames, and they contain different information that enables the receiving STA to align with the DRU subchannel, including the DRU subchannel bandwidth and DRU subchannel frequency position. As shown in Figure 8, some fields can be adjusted.

[0089] Regarding the DRU subchannel bandwidth (a value of 0 when the subchannel is released), the bandwidth size can optionally be indicated by bit values, such as 00:0MHz; 01:20MHz; 10:40MHz; 11:80MHz.

[0090] Regarding the frequency position of the DRU sub-channel (such as the start / center frequency position or index), as shown in Figure 9, when the bandwidth is 0, the frequency position field may not be included.

[0091] Scenario Example 1 (Specific Format Example of Information Carrying)

[0092] (1) New element: DRU subchannel information element.

[0093] As shown in Figure 10, the Element ID is a predefined number that identifies this type; the Length field indicates the length following "Length".

[0094] (2) Add a new field: DRU sub-channel information field, as shown in Figure 11.

[0095] (3) Sub-element in a certain element (e.g., UHR capability element, UHR operation capability element): DRU sub-channel information sub-element, as shown in Figure 12.

[0096] (4) In a subfield of an element (e.g., UHR capability element, UHR operation capability element), as shown in Figure 13.

[0097] Scenario Example 2 (Notification via Action Frame)

[0098] For the Action frame body, the format is shown in Figure 14. Category represents the major category of Action frames for what specific purpose they are used for, such as spectrum management. A major category of Action contains multiple sub-categories of Action (such as channel switching notification, spectrum management request, spectrum management report, etc.). Each sub-category has a corresponding independent frame format. The sub-category is identified by the first field of Action detail.

[0099] In this embodiment, the change notification for the DRU sub-channel includes:

[0100] (1) Define a Category to indicate Action frames for DRU management purposes. Table 2 is the category value table.

[0101] Table 2: Category values

[0102] (2) Define the subclass Action: DRU subchannel change notification Action frame format, as shown in Table 3 and Figure 15.

[0103] Table 3: DRU Management Action field values

[0104] The format of the DRU subchannel bandwidth and frequency position, as in Scenario Example 1, can have multiple methods.

[0105] (3) Furthermore, if the DRU sub-channel change does not take effect immediately, the AP can trigger the effect through the Action frame, similar to defining an Action subclass, DRU sub-channel change effect indication, and the STA can adjust the frequency domain related processing accordingly, as shown in Table 4 and Figure 16, where the DRU sub-channel bandwidth and frequency position are optional.

[0106] Table 4

[0107] Scenario Example 3 (Notification via TF Frame)

[0108] A TF frame (trigger frame) is a control frame, which is a broadcast frame. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the general format of a trigger frame according to an embodiment of this disclosure (I). The Common Info carries common information, and the User Info carries STA-specific information. Since the DRU sub-channel is not STA-specific information, the DRU sub-channel information is carried in the Common Info.

[0109] Scenario Example 4: (Energy Saving)

[0110] In traditional power-saving mechanisms prior to Wi-Fi 6: When a STA is in sleep mode, if data is sent to it during this period, the AP will buffer it, waiting for the STA to wake up before transmitting. The AP periodically broadcasts a beacon frame at each TBTT (Target Beacon Transmission Time). The STA periodically wakes up to receive this beacon frame and checks the TIM (Traffic Indication Map) field / DTIM field to determine if there is any buffered data. If so, it wakes up, receives the buffered data, and then re-enters sleep mode; otherwise, the STA returns to sleep mode until the next TBTT.

[0111] Wi-Fi 6 introduces a new power-saving mechanism called TWT (Target Wake Time), which allows STAs to avoid waking up at fixed intervals. Instead, the AP and STA negotiate the TWT service time, and the STA only works during the service time, remaining in sleep mode at other times.

[0112] In WLAN networks, different power-saving mechanisms may exist, so APs can use different notification mechanisms to notify DRUs of sub-channel change information:

[0113] The AP can notify the STA in the BSS of DRU subchannel change information through beacon frames periodically broadcast by TBTT, in order to support DRU-STAs that adopt this energy-saving mechanism.

[0114] Since the AP knows the STA's TWT (Target Wake-up Time), the AP can further notify the DRU-STA of the current DRU sub-channel information during the DRU-STA's TWT service period through the User Info List part of the Action frame or TF frame, etc., to support the DRU-STA that adopts this energy-saving mechanism. The notification of the current DRU sub-channel information through the User Info List part of the TF frame is shown in Figure 18.

[0115] The effective time for DRU sub-channel changes can be consistent with TBTT or TWT.

[0116] Scenario Example 5 (Condition: the number or proportion of STAs supporting DRU)

[0117] In this embodiment, the AP determines the bandwidth of the DRU sub-channel by the number or proportion of DRU-STAs, and divides the DRU sub-channel when certain conditions are met; the DRU sub-channel is adjusted according to the changes in the conditions, such as by increasing, decreasing or releasing it.

[0118] The AP records the number or proportion of DRU-STAs. When a certain threshold condition is met, the initial DRU sub-channel allocation is performed; when another condition is met, the DRU sub-channels are adjusted. As shown in Table 5, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the threshold number settings and the possible DRU sub-channel bandwidth sizes.

[0119] Table 5: Threshold Relationship Diagram

[0120] As shown in Table 5, AP determines whether the DRU-STA number / ratio meets the following conditions and performs different processing accordingly:

[0121] Condition 1: Below threshold 1: No DRU sub-channel allocated;

[0122] Condition 2: [Threshold 1, Threshold 2): Allocate a 20MHz DRU subchannel;

[0123] Condition 3: [Threshold 2, Threshold 3): Allocate a 40MHz DRU subchannel;

[0124] Condition 4: If threshold 3 is exceeded: Allocate an 80MHz DRU sub-channel;

[0125] Similarly, you can set more or fewer thresholds.

[0126] In the Association Request, DRU-STA declares its support for DRU capabilities, indicating whether or not DRU is supported. The specific format for carrying this information is similar to Scenario Example 1, such as adding a DRU Capability element / field, as shown in Figure 19.

[0127] The AP confirms the DRU sub-channel information based on the DRU-STA's support capability parameters for DRUs. If available, the AP includes the DRU sub-channel information in the associated response to notify the STA. During this process, the AP can evaluate and make decisions regarding DRU sub-channel adjustments. For example, if there are currently no DRU sub-channels but the threshold 1 has been reached, a 20MHz DRU sub-channel can be allocated. When there are changes to the DRU sub-channels, the AP notifies the STA.

[0128] When the STA deassociates, the AP can re-evaluate and make decisions regarding the adjustment of the DRU sub-channels, and notify the STA of any changes.

[0129] Scenario Example 6 (Condition: DRU bandwidth utilization)

[0130] Based on the above embodiments, the AP periodically triggers an evaluation of the DRU bandwidth utilization.

[0131] If the upper limit threshold is reached, the DRU bandwidth is expanded; if the lower limit threshold is reached, the DRU bandwidth is reduced; if the DRU bandwidth is not used for a long time, it is released.

[0132] Scenario Example 7 (When determining the DRU sub-channel bandwidth, the maximum DRU operating bandwidth supported by the STA should also be considered)

[0133] Based on scenario examples one to three, when determining the DRU sub-channel bandwidth, the AP needs to consider the maximum DRU working bandwidth supported by the STA, such as: the maximum DRU working bandwidth supported by the highest proportion; the maximum value of the maximum DRU working bandwidth supported.

[0134] In its Association Request, the STA declares its support for DRU capabilities, including the maximum supported operating bandwidth. If this value indicates an operating bandwidth of 80MHz, then 20MHz and 40MHz DBW are also supported by default; the way this information is carried is synchronized with Scenario Example 1.

[0135] Scenario Example 8 (Determining the frequency point location of the DRU bandwidth)

[0136] Based on scenarios one through four, different STAs have different capabilities, such as supported frequency ranges and whether they support NPCA (Non-primary Channel Access) / DSO (Dynamic Subband Operation). The frequency location of the DRU subchannel must take these factors into account. For example, IoT devices have low frequencies, limited supported bandwidth, low capabilities, and cannot support frequency switching; therefore, the DRU subchannel should be deployed at a low P20 frequency location as much as possible. When reporting DRU capabilities, the STA should also indicate whether it supports frequency switching-related features.

[0137] In its Association Request, the STA declares its support for DRU capability and also indicates whether it supports DSO / NPCA; the AP then determines the location of the DRU sub-channel accordingly.

[0138] The method of carrying this information is synchronized with Example 1: assuming all STAs support DSO / NPCA, the DRU sub-channels can be distributed in any location; assuming some STAs do not support DSO / NPCA, the DRU sub-channels allocated by the AP will include the P20 main channel. Furthermore, the proportion of these STAs can be considered; if the proportion is too low, their impact is not considered.

[0139] Scenario Example 9 (Multi-link Scenario)

[0140] In IEEE 802.11be, WLAN devices support multi-stream, multi-band devices. This multi-band or multi-channel configuration can typically be multi-link. Such devices with multiple links are called multi-link devices (MLDs). Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a multi-link scenario, where multiple APs and multiple STAs are connected through multiple links.

[0141] DRU subchannels may be deployed on one or more spectrums as needed, and can be used to notify all APs of DRU subchannel information in the MLDAP via one of the links.

[0142] DRU subchannel information can be used as one of the key parameters of BSS. When a change occurs in the DRU subchannel, it will be incremented by 1 as the key parameter change count of BSS, thereby assisting the STA in receiving the latest key BSS parameters. When there is no change in the key parameter of BSS, the STA can skip the parsing and processing of the Beacon frame and continue to be in sleep mode to save power.

[0143] (1) One of the MLD APs (assume AP1) generates a Beacon frame, which indicates the DRU subchannel changes of AP1 and other APs (belonging to the same MLD AP):

[0144] For AP1, there is a sub-channel change:

[0145] a. The Beacon contains the latest sub-channel information of the DRU.

[0146] b. Set the value of Beacon->Capability Information and Status Information field->Critical Update Flag subfield to 1.

[0147] c. Beacon->Basic Multi-Link subelement->common info:BSS Parameters Change Count Present is set to 1, and the Link ID is the link ID corresponding to AP1 via common info:Link ID.

[0148] (2) Other APs have sub-channel changes:

[0149] a. Beacon->Multiple BSSID element carries the latest DRU subchannel corresponding to each AP, as shown in Figure 21. The optional sublement carries the sub-element ID, length, and data field.

[0150] b. Set the value of Nontransmitted Critical Update Flag subfield in Beacon->Capability Information And Status Information field->Nontransmitted Critical Update Flag subfield shown in Figure 22 to 1.

[0151] c. The differences between the two methods:

[0152] As shown in Figure 23, in Beacon->Basic Multi-Link subelement->the BSS Parameters Change Count Present of the Link Info corresponding to each AP is set to 1, and the corresponding BSS Parameters Change Count in the STA Info is incremented by 1.

[0153] As shown in Figure 24, Beacon->Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR)->TBTT information Set->MLD Parameters field->BSS Parameters Change Count+1.

[0154] When STA1 in a multi-link STA receives a Beacon frame, it determines that there are critical parameter changes in this AP or other APs of the MLD AP based on the Critical Update Flag subfield / Nontransmitted Critical Update Flag subfield. It then determines the number of BSS critical parameter changes based on the BSS Parameters Change Count, and further parses the critical parameters to obtain the corresponding number of changed BSS critical parameters (including DRU sub-channel information).

[0155] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP determines the dedicated frequency domain resources for DRU transmission based on the DRU capabilities reported by the STA within the BSS. The DRU sub-channel bandwidth is a multiple of the basic channel bandwidth (20MHz), such as 20MHz, 40MHz, or 80MHz. The DRU sub-channel can be deployed at any location within the entire operating bandwidth, with a default high-frequency location.

[0156] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP notifies the STA of DRU transmission resource information in the following ways: broadcasting to all STAs within the BSS (e.g., beacon frames / Action management frames, trigger frames / RTS control frames); notifying the DRU sub-channel information by beacon frames periodically broadcast by TBTT; selectively notifying the DRU-STA by unicasting (e.g., Action management frames, data frames, User Info field of trigger frames, etc.); and notifying the DRU-STA of DRU sub-channel information by Action frames during the TWT service period of the DRU-STA.

[0157] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the DRU capability of the STA includes: whether it supports DRU (mandatory), the allocated DRU resource bandwidth is determined by the ratio / absolute number of DRU-STA within the BSS; the maximum supported DRU working bandwidth (optional), the DRU resource bandwidth is determined based on the DRU capability; whether it supports DSO / NPCA capability (optional), the frequency domain location of the DRU resource is determined based on the capability.

[0158] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when a DRU-STA changes within the BSS, the AP determines to adjust the DRU resources; and selectively re-notifies the STA of the adjusted DRU resources: the adjusted DRU resources can take effect immediately, take effect at a specified time, or take effect through an Action frame notification, etc.; the effective time of the DRU sub-channel change can be consistent with TBTT or TWT.

[0159] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the AP can use a portion of its operating channel bandwidth as dedicated bandwidth for DRU transmission under certain conditions: the DRU sub-channel bandwidth is a multiple of the basic channel bandwidth (20MHz), such as 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz; the DRU sub-channel can be deployed at low frequency, high frequency, or in the middle of the entire operating bandwidth.

[0160] In this embodiment of the disclosure, in scenarios with multiple links, one of the links can be used to notify itself and the neighboring APs of DRU subchannel change information, thereby reducing the overhead of Beacon in the network.

[0161] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program configured to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments when executed.

[0162] In one exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media capable of storing computer programs, such as a USB flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard disk, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0163] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide an electronic device including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program and the processor being configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0164] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a transmission device and an input / output device, wherein the transmission device is connected to the processor and the input / output device is connected to the processor.

[0165] Specific examples in this embodiment can be found in the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0166] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the modules or steps of this disclosure described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those presented herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, this disclosure is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0167] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for managing the sub-working channels of a Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU), comprising: Access points (APs) divide their operating channels into dedicated sub-operating channels for Continuous Tone Resource Units (RRUs) and dedicated sub-operating channels for Distributed Tone Resource Units (DRUs). The AP is a terminal STA with RRU or DRU capability within the Basic Service Set (BSS) that is allocated a Resource Unit (RU) for wireless communication in its corresponding dedicated sub-working channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The AP notifies the associated STA within the BSS of the sub-working channel information of the RRU and / or the DRU.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The information of the DRU-specific sub-working channel includes the bandwidth and frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel, the frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel, the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel being N times the bandwidth of the basic channel, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel including the low-frequency, high-frequency, or intermediate position of the AP working channel.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The access point (AP) allocates a dedicated sub-working channel for the Distributed Tone Resource Unit (DRU) from its working channel, including: The AP divides a portion of the working channel into sub-working channels dedicated to the DRU based on the DRU capabilities reported by the associated STA. The DRU capability includes at least one of the following: whether the STA device supports the DRU capability, or whether the STA device enables the DRU capability.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: the AP determining information of the DRU sub-working channel from the AP's working channels based on the DRU capability reported by the associated STA.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The AP determines the information of the DRU sub-working channel from the AP's working channels based on the DRU capability reported by the associated STA, including: The AP determines the proportion of STAs with DRU capabilities among the associated STAs in the BSS based on the DRU capabilities reported by each STA within the BSS. The AP determines the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel according to the ratio.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The AP determines the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel according to the ratio, including: If the AP determines that the ratio meets the first preset threshold, the AP determines the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel based on the ratio.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, After the AP determines the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel according to the ratio, the method further includes: If the AP determines that the ratio has changed and the changed ratio meets the second preset threshold, the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel is adjusted.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein, The DRU capability also includes: the maximum DRU operating bandwidth supported by the STA.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The method further includes: the AP determining or adjusting the bandwidth of the DRU sub-working channel by taking into account the maximum DRU working bandwidth supported by the STA and / or the proportion thereof.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The method further includes: the AP determining the frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel based on the supported frequency capabilities reported by the STA within the BSS; The frequency position includes the beginning, end, or middle position of the AP working sub-channel, and the supported frequency capabilities include at least one of the following: supported frequency range, whether it supports non-main channel access NPCA and dynamic sub-band operation DSO.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The AP determines the frequency location of the DRU sub-operating channel based on the supported frequency capabilities reported by the STAs within the BSS, including: If the AP confirms that a STA with DRU capability does not support DSO capability or NPCA capability, the frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel will be determined as the P20 low-frequency position; or The AP identifies the frequency range supported by STAs with DRU capabilities and divides the DRU sub-working channels within the frequency range.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: The AP adjusts the bandwidth and / or frequency position of the DRU sub-working channel based on the utilization rate of the DRU sub-working channel.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: the AP notifying the STA of the information or change information of the DRU sub-working channel; The AP notifies the STA of the information or changes to the DRU sub-working channel, including: The AP broadcasts information or changes to the DRU sub-operating channel to all STAs within the BSS via a broadcast frame, wherein the broadcast frame includes at least one of the following: a beacon frame, an action frame, and a trigger frame; or The AP sends information about the DRU sub-working channel or changes to the DRU to the STA within the BSS that has the DRU capability via unicast or multicast frames, wherein the unicast frame includes at least one of the following: data frame, management frame, action frame, and control frame.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The AP notifies the STA of the information or change information of the DRU sub-working channel, including: The AP notifies the STA in the BSS of information or changes to the DRU sub-tracking channel by periodically broadcasting broadcast frames at the target beacon; or During the target wake-up time of the STA that supports the use of the DRU, the AP notifies the STA that supports the use of the DRU of the DRU sub-working channel information or change information via unicast frames.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The action frame includes a classification field and a subclass field. The classification field is used to indicate the DRU management function of the action frame, and the subclass field is used to indicate the DRU sub-working channel change notification function or the DRU sub-working channel change effective indication function of the action frame.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The public information field of the trigger frame carries information about the DRU sub-working channel.

18. The method of any one of claims 12-15, wherein, The method further includes: Add information cells, sub-elements, or sub-fields indicating DRU sub-working channel information to the frame, wherein the information cells, sub-elements, and sub-fields include an identification field, a length field, and an information element indicating the DRU sub-working channel; or The frame is supplemented with information cells, sub-elements, or sub-fields that indicate changes in DRU sub-working channel information, wherein the information cells, sub-elements, and sub-fields include an identification field, a length field, and an information element indicating changes in DRU sub-working channel.

19. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, 10, 12 to 15, wherein, The method further includes: When the AP is a multi-link AP, the multi-link AP sends DRU sub-working channel information or sub-working channel change information to itself and neighboring APs through one of its links.

20. A computer readable storage medium having stored therein a computer program, wherein, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1-8, 10, and 12-15.

21. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, performs the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1-8, 10, 12-15.

22. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1-8, 10, and 12-15.

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