Proxy Sensing Across Indirect AP Links in 802.11bf Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing IEEE 802.11bf Task Group's Sensing by Proxy (SBP) procedure only allows a STA to request sensing measurements for links directly accessible via the AP receiving the SBP request, limiting the scope of sensing measurements to APs within direct wireless range, and there is no mechanism to extend this to APs that are not directly accessible.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that enables an SBP initiator to request sensing measurements from APs that are not directly accessible by establishing a proxy sensing mechanism, allowing APs affiliated with the same MLD or part of a multi-AP network to act as secondary proxy sensing initiators, and specifying conditions for measurement through signaling and frame formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the SBP procedure is limited to directly accessible APs only, then the protocol complexity is reduced, but the sensing measurement scope is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary AP that acts as a bridge between the SBP initiator and indirectly accessible target APs. This intermediary AP receives SBP requests from the initiator, forwards them to appropriate target APs, and aggregates measurement results before returning them to the initiator. This mediator approach extends sensing scope without requiring the initiator to directly access all target APs, thus maintaining protocol simplicity while expanding measurement capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple separate SBP procedures are used to access different APs, then each AP can be measured independently, but the number of procedures and signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate SBP procedures into a single unified procedure. The SBP initiator sends one consolidated request through the intermediary AP, which then coordinates measurements across multiple target APs. The intermediary AP aggregates measurement results from all target APs and returns them in a single response. This combining approach maintains independent measurement capability for each target AP while significantly reducing the number of separate procedures and signaling overhead.
3Ease of operation
If the SBP initiator directly communicates with all target APs, then measurement control is maximized, but the wireless coverage requirement becomes more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary AP serves as a communication mediator that relays control signals from the SBP initiator to target APs outside the initiator's direct wireless range. The initiator maintains measurement control by sending commands through the intermediary, which forwards them to target APs and returns results. This intermediary approach allows the initiator to control measurements on APs beyond its direct wireless coverage area while maintaining ease of operation through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a communication apparatus and a communication method for extended sensing by proxy, the communication apparatus comprising: a receiver, which, in operation, receives a first request frame from a second communication apparatus, the first request frame indicating a condition to select one or more links, each of the one or more links attached to one or more third communication apparatuses; circuitry, which, in operation, is configured to select a fourth communication apparatus and generate a second request to a fourth communication apparatus to perform a measurement on the one or more links; and a transmitter, which, in operation, transmits a first report frame to the second communication apparatus carrying one or more reports of the measurement corresponding to the one or more links.