U.S. patent application number 14/563280 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-02 for methods and systems for providing efficient operation of multiple modes in a wlan system.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is INTERDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Sudheer A. Grandhi, Joseph S. Levy, Mohammed Sammour.
Application Number | 20150092720 14/563280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39145333 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150092720 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grandhi; Sudheer A. ; et
al. |
April 2, 2015 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING EFFICIENT OPERATION OF MULTIPLE
MODES IN A WLAN SYSTEM
Abstract
A method and apparatus that applies medium access control (MAC)
transmission opportunity (TXOP) protection for multiple mode
operation in a WLAN system. In particular, MAC mechanisms are
defined to support multiple mode CTS frames, and multiple mode
CF-End frames sent by the AP, each in a format appropriate for the
corresponding mode which may also apply to a single mode. MAC
mechanisms permit truncation of TXOP duration for releasing the
unused portion of the TXOP when no further data for transmission is
available. Release of unused protected TXOP is possible for both
protected AP transmissions and STA transmissions.
Inventors: |
Grandhi; Sudheer A.;
(Pleasanton, CA) ; Sammour; Mohammed; (Al Rabieh
Amman, JO) ; Levy; Joseph S.; (Merrick, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTERDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
INTERDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
CORPORATION
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
39145333 |
Appl. No.: |
14/563280 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13681897 |
Nov 20, 2012 |
8909286 |
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14563280 |
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13218919 |
Aug 26, 2011 |
8359065 |
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13681897 |
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11618328 |
Dec 29, 2006 |
8014818 |
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13218919 |
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60756457 |
Jan 4, 2006 |
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60796176 |
Apr 29, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 74/0816 20130101;
H04W 74/0833 20130101; H04W 72/1278 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801;
H04W 74/002 20130101; H04W 84/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/329 |
International
Class: |
H04W 72/12 20060101
H04W072/12 |
Claims
1. A method for use in an access point (AP), the method comprising:
receiving a request-to-send (RTS) frame from a station (STA),
wherein the RTS frame indicates a request for a transmit
opportunity (TXOP); transmitting, in response to the RTS frame, an
indication of a TXOP, wherein the indication of a TXOP is a
space-time block code (STBC) clear-to-send (CTS) frame and a
non-STBC CTS frame; receiving packet data from the STA during the
TXOP; receiving, on a condition that the STA does not have further
packet data to transmit, an indication of truncation of the TXOP
including a first STBC contention free (CF)-End frame or a first
non-STBC CF-End frame; and transmitting a second STBC CF-End frame
and a second non-STBC CF-End frame.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving the indication of
truncation of the TXOP occurs on a condition that sufficient TXOP
duration is remaining.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the remaining TXOP duration is
sufficient on a condition that the remaining TXOP duration is
greater than a sum of a CF-End frame duration, an STBC CF-End frame
duration, a non-STBC CF-End frame duration, and two short
interframe spacing (SIFS) durations.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication of truncation of
the TXOP indicates a network allocation vector (NAV) reset to the
AP.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the second STBC CF-End
frame and the second non-STBC CF-End frame indicate an end of a
contention free interval.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein a short interframe spacing (SIFS)
duration separates the second STBC CF-End frame and the second
non-STBC CF-End frame.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving an indication of
truncation of the TXOP includes receiving a CF-End frame using a
same modulation type as the received packet data.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein on a condition that the RTS frame
is an STBC RTS frame, transmitting the STBC CTS frame followed by
the non-STBC CTS frame, and on a condition that the RTS frame is a
non-STBC RTS frame, transmitting the non-STBC CTS frame followed by
the STBC CTS frame.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein on a condition that the
indication of truncation of the TXOP is an STBC CF-End frame,
transmitting the second STBC CF-End frame followed by the second
non-STBC CF-End frame.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein on a condition that the
indication of truncation of the TXOP is a non-STBC CF-End frame,
transmitting the second non-STBC CF-End frame followed by the
second STBC CF-End frame.
11. An access point (AP) comprising: a receiver configured to
receive a request-to-send (RTS) frame from a station (STA), wherein
the RTS frame indicates a request for a transmit opportunity
(TXOP); and a transmitter configured to transmit, in response to
the RTS frame, an indication of a TXOP, wherein the indication of a
TXOP is a space-time block code (STBC) clear-to-send (CTS) frame
and a non-STBC CTS frame; wherein the receiver is further
configured to receive packet data from the STA during the TXOP, and
receive, on a condition that the STA does not have further packet
data to transmit, an indication of truncation of the TXOP including
a first STBC contention free (CF)-End frame or a first non-STBC
CF-End frame; and wherein the transmitter is further configured to
transmit a second STBC CF-End frame and a second non-STBC CF-End
frame.
12. The AP of claim 11, wherein the receiver is further configured
to receive the indication of truncation of the TXOP on a condition
that sufficient TXOP duration is remaining.
13. The AP of claim 12, wherein sufficient TXOP duration is
remaining on a condition that a remaining TXOP duration is greater
than a CF-End frame duration, an STBC CF-End frame duration, a
non-STBC CF-End frame duration, and two short interframe spacing
(SIFS) durations.
14. The AP of claim 11, wherein the receiver is further configured
to receive an indication of truncation of the TXOP using a CF-End
frame using a same modulation type as the received packet data.
15. The AP of claim 11, wherein the indication of truncation of the
TXOP indicates a network allocation vector (NAV) reset to the
AP.
16. The AP of claim 11, wherein each of the second STBC CF-End
frame and the second non-STBC CF-End frame indicate an end of a
contention free interval.
17. The AP of claim 11, wherein the transmitter is configured to
transmit the second STBC CF-End frame and the second non-STBC
CF-End frame separated by a short interframe spacing (SIFS)
duration.
18. The AP of claim 11, wherein on a condition that the RTS frame
is an STBC RTS frame, the transmitter is further configured to
transmit the STBC CTS frame followed by the non-STBC CTS frame, and
on a condition that the RTS frame is a non-STBC RTS frame, the
transmitter is further configured to transmit the non-STBC CTS
frame followed by the STBC CTS frame.
19. The AP of claim 11, wherein on a condition that the indication
of truncation of the TXOP is an STBC CF-End frame, the transmitter
is further configured to transmit the second STBC CF-End frame
followed by the second non-STBC CF-End frame.
20. The AP of claim 11, wherein on a condition that the indication
of truncation of the TXOP is a non-STBC CF-End frame, the
transmitter is further configured to transmit the second non-STBC
CF-End frame followed by the second STBC CF-End frame.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/681,897 filed on Nov. 20, 2012, which
issued on Dec. 9, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,909,286, which claims the
benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/218,919 filed on
Aug. 26, 2011, which issued on Jan. 22, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No.
8,359,065, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/618,328 filed on Dec. 29, 2006, which issued on Sep. 6, 2011
as U.S. Pat. No. 8,014,818, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/756,457 filed on Jan. 4, 2006 and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/796,176 filed on Apr. 29, 2006,
the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to wireless local
area networks (WLANs). More particularly it enhances operation of
STAs in multiple mode deployment in the same coverage area.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Currently, various proposals are being presented and
discussed for the 802.11n extension to the 802.11 WLAN standard,
which will allow for higher throughput WLAN devices. These
proposals come from various wireless consortiums that include EWC,
the Joint Proposal and WWiSE. The following describes aspects of
these proposals relevant to the present invention.
[0004] FIG. 1 shows a Clear to Send (CTS) frame as a MAC control
frame as defined in the 802.11 standard. The receiver address (RA)
of the CTS frame is copied from the transmitter address (TA) field
of the immediately previous Request to Send (RTS) frame to which
the CTS is a response. The duration value is the value obtained
from the Duration field of the immediately previous RTS frame,
minus the time, required to transmit the CTS frame and its short
inter-frame spacing (SIFS) interval. If the calculated duration
includes a fractional microsecond, that value is rounded up to the
next higher integer.
[0005] The CTS frame need not always follow a RTS frame as
described in the 802.11e standard (section 7.2.1.2). It can be the
first frame in an exchange and used for setting the Network
Allocation Vector (NAV) for MAC level protection for the
transmission to follow. When the CTS frame is sent as the first
frame by the initiating station of an exchange, the CTS may be
addressed to itself and is referred to as CTS-to-self.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows a Contention Free End (CF-End) frame, which is
a MAC control frame that may be sent by the AP as a broadcast frame
to reset the NAVs of all stations in the system and is described in
the 802.11 standard. A station receiving a CF-End frame with the
basic service set ID (BSSID) of the BSS, to which the station is
associated, will reset its NAV value to 0. This resets any medium
protection/reservation currently existing. The Duration field is
set to 0. As shown in FIG. 2, the BSSID is the address of the STA
contained in the AP. The RA is the broadcast group address. The FCS
is the frame check sequence.
[0007] In 802.11n, proposals were made to implement support for
Extended Range using a different physical layer (PHY) modulation
scheme than that used for Normal Range, essentially creating two
modes of operation. Extended Range STAs transmit and receive using
Space Time Block Code (STBC) PHY modulation, whereas Normal range
STAs transmit and receive using a non-STBC PHY modulation. In a
Joint Proposal contribution to 802.11n, an approach is described
for an AP to support a network of STAs operating in a dual mode,
where the two modes are Extended Range and Normal Range. Secondary
beacon and Dual CTS method together are used to support Extended
Range in addition to Normal Range, A secondary beacon is
transmitted with a secondary beacon bit set in the beacon to let
stations know that the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) for
this beacon has an offset. In the Dual CTS protection, stations
start a TXOP with an RTS directed at the AP, and the AP responds
with a first and second CTS separated by a point control function
inter-frame spacing (PIFS). When dual CTS protection enabled, the
AP should protect STBC TXOPs with a non-STBC CTS and non-STBC TXOPs
with an STBC CTS. The protection frames shall set a NAV for the
entire TXOP. STBC control frames shall be used in response to STBC
frames if the Dual CTS protection bit is set. Non-STBC control
frames shall be used otherwise. PIFS is used as the interval to
separate the dual CTS for non-STBC RTS.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows a diagram from the WWiSE proposal presentation
document on the self-managed Extended Range protection. Examples of
signaling for dual mode protection of normal range (NR) and
extended range (ER) stations are shown. Signal sequences 301-305
relate to enhanced distributed coordination function (DCF) channel
access (EDCA) and signal sequence 306 relates to a HCF controlled
channel access (HCCA) format. The AP protects TXOP for the NR STA
and ER STA using signal sequences 301-302 respectively. The ER STA
protects its TXOP in signal sequence 303. A signal sequence for an
11n NR STA is represented by signal sequence 304, and one for a
legacy NR STA is represented by signal sequence 305. In signal
sequence 306, the AP protects a TXOP for the STA using HCCA format.
As shown, the AP sends either a CTS in response to an RTS from a
particular stations and in the mode as used by the station that
sent the RTS, or a CTS-to-self signal in the mode other than that
of the RTS-sending station.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a new HT information element according to the
WWiSE proposed Extended Range. The AP signals new HT information
elements in management frames such as beacon, probe response etc.
to manage the BSS (for example to support Extended Range). The new
HT information elements may also be present in all beacons and
probe responses transmitted by a station in IBSS mode. The HT
information elements contain fields such as Secondary beacon, dual
STBC/CTS protection, etc. as shown in FIG. 4. According to the
Joint Proposal, the length is not fixed and the size depends on the
number of fields that are included. The fields shall be in the
order as shown in FIG. 4, with any new fields appearing at the end
of the existing fields. Any fields unknown to the STA shall be
ignored.
[0010] According to the Joint Proposal specification, and the EWC
specification, following are some definitions related to Power Save
Multi-Poll (PSMP) feature. A Power Save Multi-Poll (PSMP) is a MAC
frame that provides time schedule to be used by the PSMP
transmitter and PSMP receivers. The time schedule begins
immediately subsequent to the transmission of the PSMP frame. A
downlink transmission (DLT) is a period of time described by a PSMP
frame, which is intended to be used for the reception of frames by
PSMP receivers. An uplink transmission (ULT) is a period of time
described by a PSMP frame, which is intended to be used for the
transmission of frames by a PSMP receiver.
[0011] FIGS. 5 and 6 show PSMP information element formats
according to the EWC MAC specification. FIG. 5 shows a PSMP
parameter set format in which the PSMP is of type/subtype
Management Action Frame and broadcast address type. The PSMP
parameter set is used to describe the DLT and ULT which immediately
follows the PSMP frame. FIG. 6 shows the STA Info information
element format details such as Traffic (flow) ID, STA ID, DLT
offset and duration, ULT offset and duration.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows the PSMP sequence consisting of a DLT phase
followed by a ULT phase. Multi TID Block ACK (MTBA) is used to send
Block ACK for multiple TID flows.
[0013] A need exists to extend a dual mode protection to supporting
multiple mode operation. The current art is not robust and
efficient in medium usage because it does not provide a mechanism
to recover any unused transmission opportunity (TXOP) duration
protected by the dual CTS transmission. Under the current art
scheme, if the STA runs out of data to transmit during the
protected TXOP, the medium is wasted for the remainder of the TXOP.
A need exists to provide MAC signaling to relinquish the remaining
unused TXOP to the system.
[0014] A need also exists for the PSMP sequence to operate in a
multiple mode system in a bandwidth efficient manner. The 802.11n
specification contains inconsistencies with respect to allowing
only ACK/MTBA in ULT and no data for unscheduled PSMP. Also, there
is no guidance for truncation of TXOP under dual CTS protection for
STAs that are not able to interpret the CF-End frame.
SUMMARY
[0015] A first embodiment is a method and system for extending a
specific (STBC and non-STBC) dual mode operation in a WLAN system
to a more general multiple mode operation. A second embodiment is a
method and system for enhancing the MAC protection mechanisms in
multiple mode operation, in particular, mechanisms to support a
multiple CF-End (each in a format appropriate for the corresponding
mode) frame sequence sent by the AP to enable efficient medium
utilization which may also apply to a single mode. A third
embodiment is a method and system for enhancing PSMP sequences in
multiple mode operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A more detailed understanding of the invention may be had
from the following description of a preferred embodiment, given by
way of example and to be understood in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a CTS frame according to the 802.11
Standard;
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a CF-End frame format according to the 802.11
Standard;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a signaling diagram for self-managed extended
range protection according to WWiSE;
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a management frame HT information element
format;
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a PSMP parameter set format;
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a PSMP STA Info information element format;
[0023] FIG. 7 shows the PSMP sequence consisting of a DLT phase
followed by a ULT phase;
[0024] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary wireless LAN operating in multiple
mode;
[0025] FIG. 9 shows a primary beacon format and a secondary beacon
format that includes primary and secondary beacon ID fields;
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a management frame HT information element
format that includes primary and secondary beacon IDs;
[0027] FIG. 11 shows a frame transmission of a STA using protecting
TXOP for a specific mode format;
[0028] FIG. 12 shows a frame transmission of an AP protecting TXOP
using EDCA;
[0029] FIG. 13 shows a frame transmission of an AP protecting TXOP
using HCCA;
[0030] FIG. 14 shows a frame transmission sequence of an STA
releasing unused TXOP;
[0031] FIG. 15 shows a frame transmission sequence of an AP
releasing unused TXOP using EDCA;
[0032] FIG. 16 shows a frame transmission sequence of an STA
releasing unused TXOP using HCCA; and
[0033] FIG. 17 shows a multiple mode PSMP frame sequence.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Hereafter, the terminology "station" or "STA" includes but
is not limited to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), a user
equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber
unit, a pager, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant
(PDA), a computer, or any other type of user device capable of
operating in a wireless environment. When referred to hereafter,
the terminology "base station" includes but is not limited to a
Node-B, a site controller, an access point (AP), or any other type
of interfacing device capable of operating in a wireless
environment.
[0035] Hereafter for the purposes of describing the invention,
"mode" is used to refer to the specific network link, below the MAC
Layer, used for communication (transmission and reception) such as
the PHY layer, channel interface, channel bandwidth (e.g., 20 MHz
versus 40 MHz) and physical communication channel. It should be
noted that STAs in different modes may not typically operate
efficiently together in a BSS coverage area, unless controlled and
protected by MAC layer mechanisms. The present invention relates to
a multiple mode system (e.g., BSS) where STAs transmit and receive
in multiple modes (more than one) in the same coverage area.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary wireless LAN, comprising an AP,
and a STA1 operating in a Mode 1 operation, and a STA2 operating in
a Mode 2 operation. For simplicity, the preferred embodiments are
described in the context of two modes, Mode 1 and Mode 2. However,
the present invention may be extended to multiple mode operation
that includes additional modes beyond two.
[0037] The following describes three preferred embodiments of the
present invention. The first is a method and system for enhancing a
specific (space time block coding (STBC) and non-STBC) dual mode
operation in a WLAN system to a more general multi-mode operation.
The second embodiment is a method and system for enhancing the MAC
protection mechanisms in multiple mode operation, in particular,
mechanisms to support a multiple CF-End (each in a format
appropriate for the corresponding mode) frame sequence sent by the
AP to enable efficient medium utilization which also applies to a
single mode as a trivial case. The third embodiment describes a
method and system for enhancing PSMP sequences in multiple mode
operation.
[0038] The first embodiment concerns defining MAC mechanisms to
support multiple mode operation. Examples of applications for
multiple mode operation include: (1) legacy systems, (2) devices
supporting a new modulation set, (3) devices which may be in a
transition mode (new modulation set) before switching networks, (4)
mesh networks supporting multiple modes, and (5) devices operating
on more than one frequency band/channel.
[0039] In accordance with the first preferred embodiment, the AP
supports multiple mode operation using two main MAC mechanisms: 1)
by sending a beacon/secondary beacon followed by
multicast/broadcast data for each mode supported; and 2) by
supporting the sending of multiple CTS frames, each corresponding
to one of the multiple modes that are supported. The challenge for
the multiple mode protection is that the CTS protection frames must
be interpreted in the mode format (modulation, link configuration,
etc.) by each of the two communicating entities. Thus, if a STA is
using a specific mode format, then the CTS protection frame must be
sent and received in that specific format to allow recognition by
the STA.
[0040] FIG. 9 shows a diagram that is representative of a preferred
set of frame formats according to the above MAC mechanisms of the
AP. A primary mode frame comprises a primary beacon 901 followed by
the multicast/broadcast data 905. The primary beacon includes an HT
Information Element 903. After a defined offset period, a secondary
mode frame is sent that includes a secondary beacon 902 with its HT
Information Element 904, followed by multicast/broadcast data 906.
With reference to FIG. 8, the primary beacon serves STA1 on mode 1
(non-STBC). The secondary beacon serves STA2 which uses mode 2
(STBC). While for the purpose of example, here, mode 1 and mode 2
have been aligned with primary beacon and secondary beacon
respectively, alternatively, the primary beacon can serve mode 2
and the secondary beacon can serve mode 1, depending on system
parameters. Returning to our example, generally, the primary beacon
will serve all stations using mode 1, and the secondary beacon will
service all stations using mode 2. For multiple mode operation,
additional secondary beacons will serve each of the modes used in
the system, respectively.
[0041] During the multiple mode operation, the AP sends a
beacon/secondary beacon and multicast/broadcast traffic in a format
suitable for each mode supported by the system. In a multiple mode
system, one of the several beacons transmitted (corresponding to
the several modes) is identified as the primary beacon 901. Each
secondary beacon 902 may be transmitted with a time offset (with
reference to the primary beacon 901 or any other time reference).
The time offset may be determined based on system considerations.
The time offset may be a configurable system parameter that could
be changed dynamically by the AP. A timing synchronization function
(TSF) timestamp of the secondary beacon 902 shall be the actual
timestamp. All other fields in the secondary beacon 902 are
preferably identical to the corresponding fields in the primary
beacon 901. The multicast/broadcast data 906 transmitted after the
secondary beacon 902 is preferably identical to the
multicast/broadcast data 905 sent after the primary beacon 901.
Based on system considerations, each secondary beacon 902 includes
extra fields and data unique to its mode. Also based on system
considerations, each mode may have extra multicast/broadcast fields
and data unique to its mode.
[0042] FIG. 10 shows the preferred format for an HT Information
element 1000, corresponding to HT information elements 903, 904.
The HT Information element 1000 comprises the following fields:
element ID 1001, length 1002, control channel ID 1003, extension
channel offset 1004, recommended transmission width set 1005, RIFS
mode 1006, controlled access only 1007, service interval
granularity 1008, operating mode 1009, Basic STBC MCS 1011, L-SIG
protection allowed 1013 and Basic MCS set 1016. These fields
correspond with the proposed management HT information element
format shown in FIG. 4. In accordance with the present invention, a
multiple mode protection field 1012 and beacon ID field 1014 are
included to support multiple mode. As an example for dual mode, the
Beacon ID field 1014 may be one bit, where if the HT info element
has a value of 0, it is primary beacon, and if the value equals 1,
then it is a secondary beacon. For multiple mode, however, a single
bit info element is extended to a size adequate for identification
of all existing modes besides the primary mode. As shown in FIG.
10, the beacon ID field 1014 is tagged by bits B9-Bk where k is
selected based on the number of supported modes. For example, in a
system using 16 modes, a beacon ID field of 4 bits (B9-B12, k=12)
is selected.
[0043] FIG. 11 shows an example signaling diagram 1100 for a
multiple mode system using n modes that includes the AP and the
station STA2, which is operating in Mode 2 and protecting a TXOP.
An indication is provided by the AP that multiple mode TXOP
protection is supported by the system. The preferred mechanism for
this indication is for the AP to signal a multiple CTS protection
field/bit in the new HT information element Multiple Mode
Protection 1012 as shown in FIG. 10. When the multiple CTS
protection field/bit is set by the AP and received by the station
STA2, a TXOP is started by the station STA2 with a request to send
(RTS) frame 1101 in Mode 2 is transmitted to the AP. The response
from the AP is to send multiple CTS and CTS-to-self frames
1102-1105 in formats corresponding to the modes, for example,
modulation, link configuration, etc., so that stations operating in
the other modes will be notified that a TXOP has been
reserved/protected for Mode 2 stations, such as STA2.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 11, the AP transmits a CTS frame 1102 in
the mode being used for the TXOP being protected by the STA. Here,
the STA is the station STA2 which initiated the TXOP is operating
in Mode 2, and the position of the Mode 2 CTS frame 1102 in the
multiple CTS frame response from the AP is first. Alternatively,
the position for this mode's CTS frame may be last, or as
determined by the system and based on priority assigned to modes.
The AP also sends multiple CTS-to-Self frames 1103-1105 in all
modes except in the mode being used for the TXOP being protected by
the STA, i.e., CTS-to-Self Mode 1, CTS-to-Self Mode 3 . . . CTS-to
Self Mode n. The relative order of these CTS-to-Self frames can be
arbitrary or determined based on system and implementation
considerations and based on priority assigned to modes.
[0045] The multiple CTS/CTS-to-Self frames 1102-1105 are separated
by a PIFS, SIFS (as shown) or other time duration, such as Reduced
Inter Frame Spacing (RIFS), as determined based on other system
factors. Once the multiple CTS/CTS-to-self frames 1102-1105 have
been completely sent, the Mode 2 TXOP 1106 commences.
[0046] The multiple CTS/CTS-to-Self frames sent by the AP in
response to the RTS frame applies to the following cases. Where a
BSS with an AP is communicating in a multiple mode operation using
multiple CTS signals, the response by each of the STAs is with a
single CTS frame in the format corresponding to its mode of
operation. Alternatively, each STA can be allowed to respond with
multiple CTS frames, which is particularly useful in an independent
basic service set (IBSS) (i.e., where there is no AP and all
stations are peers) or a mesh scenario. In such a case, a selected
STA plays the role of an AP by sending the multiple CTS frames.
Otherwise, coordinating the CTS response from several stations
could be difficult.
[0047] FIG. 12 shows an example signaling diagram 1200 of the AP
protecting a Mode 2 TXOP using EDCA, which corresponds to the dual
protection signal sequence 301 of FIG. 3. Here, the AP initiates a
Mode 2 TXOP for itself, beginning with multiple CTS-to-self frames
1201-1203 in all modes except for Mode 2. Again, as in FIG. 11, the
sequence of the multiple mode CTS-to-self frames may be arbitrary
or determined based on system and implementation considerations and
based on priority assigned to modes. Next, the AP sends a Mode 2
RTS frame 1204, which contains specific STA address information,
addressed particularly to STA2 for this example. In response, STA2
sends a Mode 2 CTS frame 1205, which allows the Mode 2 TXOP frame
1206 from the AP to commence, where AP transmits data in Mode
2.
[0048] FIG. 13 shows an example signaling diagram 1300 of the AP
protecting a TXOP for a Mode 2 STA using HCCA, which corresponds to
the dual protection signal sequence 306 of FIG. 3. When the
multiple CTS protection field/bit 1012 is set and sent by the AP,
the AP protects a TXOP in a given mode with multiple CTS-to-self
frames 1307-1310 sent in formats corresponding to the modes, e.g.,
modulation, link configuration, etc., except in the mode being used
for the TXOP being protected by the AP, which is Mode 2 in this
example. The order of the multiple CTS-to-Self frames 1307-1310
corresponding to the multiple modes may be arbitrary or determined
based on system and implementation considerations and based on
priority assigned to modes. The multiple CTS-to-Self frames
1307-1310 may be separated by SIFS (as shown), PIFS or other time
duration, such as RIFS, as determined based on other system
factors.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 13 the multiple CTS-to-self frames
1307-1310 are followed by a CF-poll frame 1311 according to HCCA
protocol, sent in the mode being used for the TXOP, after a SIFS,
PIFS or other time duration such as RIFS, as determined based on
other system factors. Here, the TXOP 1312 is for Mode 2, thus the
CF-Poll frame 1311 is in Mode 2.
[0050] Under this multiple mode TXOP protection embodiment, where
the TXOP for a STA is protected, the STA must wait before it starts
its transmissions until the multiple CTS or CTS-to-Self frames from
the AP are transmitted. To achieve this, the following preferable
procedures are observed either individually or in various
combinations. Preferably, the amount of time needed by the AP to
transmit the multiple CTS/CTS-to-Self frames will be made known to
the STAs in the system. An example of one possible approach is to
include this information in a field of the new HT information
element 1000 sent by the AP. Alternatively, a station will not
start transmitting before it receives a CTS response to its RTS,
and if such CTS response comes last, then no explicit time needs to
be communicated beforehand. Another approach is to rely on carrier
sensing before transmitting, i.e. even after receiving a CTS, the
STA would have to wait if the medium is still occupied by CTS
frames of other modes.
[0051] Alternatively, if all STAs are capable of transmitting and
receiving on a single common mode format, even if they normally
communicate in a specific mode, that common mode format is
preferably used for sending protection control frames such as RTS
and CTS. The modulation used for sending control frames is
typically the basic rate in a given mode. The higher rates in each
mode are used for data transmission. It is conceivable for a STA to
support basic rates in all modes and higher rates only in one
preferred/specific mode. In this case, a single RTS frame and
single CTS frame being exchanged between two communicating devices
in that common format is sufficient to establish protection in
multiple mode system operation.
[0052] In all of the above protection mechanisms for multiple mode
operation, the protection frames that are used (i.e., RTS, CTS)
preferably set a NAV for the entire TXOP being protected.
[0053] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention
provides MAC mechanisms to support efficient usage of the medium in
multiple mode operation by releasing unused portions of the
protected TXOP. FIGS. 14-16 show examples signal sequences of how
the multiple CF-End frame transmission may be used to release
unused TXOP so as to enhance medium usage efficiency.
[0054] FIG. 14 shows an example of the STA releasing unused TXOP in
Mode 2. As in the signal sequence shown in FIG. 11, the STA2 sends
a Mode 2 RTS 1401, the AP responds with multiple CTS/CTS-to-self
frames 1402-1405, and the STA2's TXOP commences in Mode 2. In this
embodiment however, STA2 recognizes that no further data is
available for transmission prior to the end of the TXOP frame 1406.
STA2 then sends a single End of Data frame 1416, which can be in
the format of a CF-End frame. The AP responds with multiple CF-End
frames 1407-1409 in all modes. Once all CF-end frames are sent, the
unused portion of the TXOP frame 1406 is released to the medium,
and a new TXOP protection process can commence, initiated by
another station or the AP for its own transmission on the
medium.
[0055] FIG. 15 shows an example signal sequence of the AP releasing
unused TXOP during EDCA in Mode 2 as an extension of the signal
sequence shown in FIG. 12. The AP sends multiple mode CTS-to-self
frames 1521-1523, followed by a mode 2 RTS frame 1524 to request a
Mode 2 TXOP protection. STA2 responds with a Mode 2 CTS frame 1525,
clearing the way for the AP to commence its TXOP frame 1506 in Mode
2. During the TXOP frame 1506, the AP recognizes that there is no
more data to transmit, so it sends an End of Data frame 1526, which
can be in the format of a CF-End frame. The AP then sends multiple
CF-End frames 1527-1529 in all modes to notify all STAs that the AP
has completed its Mode 2 transmission in the current TXOP frame
1506. The TXOP frame 1506 is then truncated and the unused
remainder of the TXOP frame 1506 is then released for access to
another STA or the AP in a different mode. Protection of the
released TXOP follows the multiple mode procedures described
above.
[0056] FIG. 16 shows an example signal sequence of the STA
releasing unused TXOP during HCCA in Mode 2 as an extension of the
signal sequence shown in FIG. 13. AP sends multiple CTS-to-self
frames 1601-1604 in all modes except for the mode of the TXOP
protection, which is Mode 2 in this example. The Mode 2 CF-Poll
frame 1605 is sent and the Mode 2 TXOP frame 1606 for STA2
commences. During the TXOP frame 1606, STA2 recognizes that its
transmission data has been depleted, so it sends the End of Data
frame 1612. The AP notifies the other STAs in all modes using
multiple CF-End frames in the respective modes. The TXOP remainder
is then released.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the AP sequentially sends multiple
CF-End frames within MAC protocol data units (MPDUs) with
transmission formats (modulation, link configuration, etc.)
corresponding to the modes supported by the AP. A time gap of SIFS
(or other time duration as determined based on other system
factors) is included between the CF-End frames.
[0058] The following are additional examples of conditional cases
(individually or in combination), where this embodiment for
releasing protected TXOP is applicable: [0059] a. After receiving
an End-of-Data MAC signal from the STA, as shown in FIG. 14, (or
for example a QoS-NULL frame with an ACK response from AP) which
started the TXOP; [0060] b. After receiving an End-of-Data MAC
signal from the STA (or for example a QoS-NULL frame with an ACK
response from AP) which started the TXOP and the AP not having any
data to send; [0061] c. If the station which started the TXOP just
stops sending data; [0062] d. If the station which started the TXOP
just stops sending data and the AP detects this by some means (such
as Carrier Sensing) and the AP does not have any data to send;
[0063] e. After any medium recovery procedure; i.e. AP just
recovered the medium, and can send CF-End frames to allow stations
to access the medium; [0064] f. If the AP initiated the TXOP and is
done with downlink transmission and does not expect any uplink
transmissions; [0065] g. If the AP initiated the TXOP in EDCA and
is done with downlink transmission and does not expect any further
uplink transmissions (for example with an End-of-Data signal (as
shown in FIG. 15), or a QoS-NULL frame with an ACK response from
AP); [0066] h. If the AP initiated the TXOP in HCCA with a CF-Poll
and is done with downlink transmission and does not expect any
uplink transmissions; [0067] i. If the AP initiated the TXOP in
HCCA with a CF-Poll and receives an End-of-Data MAC signal from the
STA, as shown in FIG. 16, (or for example a QoS-NULL frame with an
ACK response from AP) and the AP is done with downlink
transmission.
[0068] The multiple CF-End frames that are sent by the AP
preferably observe the following rules individually or in
combination: [0069] a. The multiple CF-End frames will be sent only
if they can be sent before the current TXOP expires. This will be
determined by the AP by estimating the remainder of the TXOP and
comparing to the time required to send all CF-End frames; [0070] b.
If all the multiple CF-End frames cannot be sent before the current
TXOP expires only as many as can be sent before the current TXOP
expires will be sent; [0071] c. In some cases or system conditions,
even if all or some of the multiple CF-End frames cannot be sent
before the current TXOP expires, they will all be still be sent
even if some or all of them have to be sent outside the TXOP.
[0072] The multiple CF-End frames sent by the AP enable all other
devices in the system to update their NAV and avoid potential waste
or inefficiency in medium usage. The multiple CF-End frames from
the AP are separated by SIFS or other time duration, such as RIFS,
as determined based on other system factors. The mechanism and
order of transmission of the multiple CF-End frames (including dual
CF-End frames if in a dual mode system) sent by the AP to release
unused TXOP may be as follows depending on the options desired:
[0073] a. The multiple CF-End frames may be transmitted in an order
of priority as determined by the system configuration, which can
also be dynamically changed, where the priority corresponds to that
assigned to the modes supported by the system; [0074] b. The first
CF-End corresponds to the mode of the current TXOP and the rest of
the CF-End frames correspond to the other modes; [0075] c. The
order of the multiple CF-End frames corresponding to the modes
supported in the system may be arbitrary; [0076] d. Just one CF-End
frame in a format corresponding to the mode of the current TXOP is
sent in which case the medium is opened up to all stations
operating in that mode until the protection for that mode expires,
which gives a preference to the stations operating in the mode of
the TXOP; [0077] e. If all stations can transmit and receive a
single common mode format--even if they normally communicate in a
specific mode--that common mode format should be used for sending
one single CF-End frame which will be sufficient to update the NAV
of all stations in all modes.
[0078] The following example is described with reference to a
dual-mode system application, where dual CF-End frames are in the
ER(Extended Range)/NR(Normal Range) functionality, and where one
CF-End frame is sent in ER (STBC modulation), and the other CF-End
frame is sent in NR (non-STBC modulation). The following describes
one possible implementation of this dual CF-End frame example. If
dual CTS protection is enabled (i.e., STBC & non-STBC CTS
frames sent by the AP when dual CTS protection is enabled in the
system, typically indicated in the beacon) and a STA obtains a TXOP
and then the STA runs out of frames to transmit, then the STA may
indicate "End of transmission" or "End of data" or "Truncation of
its TXOP" by transmitting one of the following frames, provided
that the remaining TXOP duration will allow it (i.e., that there is
enough usable TXOP duration remaining after the CF-End frames for
release): [0079] Case 1: A CF-End frame with the modulation that
the STA is using (STBC or non-STBC). [0080] Case 2: A QoS-Null
frame with the modulation that the STA is using (STBC or non-STBC).
[0081] Case 3: Any other type of MAC frame that indicates "end of
transmission" or "end of data" signal--essentially indicating that
the STA has no more frames to send.
[0082] With the transmission of any one of the above indication
frames (the above Cases 1 to 3) the STA explicitly indicates the
completion or truncation of its TXOP. When the transmitted frame is
a CF-End frame (Case1) it shall be interpreted by the other STAs
that are capable of receiving it as a NAV reset.
[0083] On receiving any one of the above mentioned frames (the
above Cases 1 to 3) from a STA with a matching BSSID, an AP shall
respond with dual CF-End frames--one STBC CF-End frame and one
non-STBC CF-End frame--after a SIFS duration (or other time
duration, such as RIFS, as determined based on other system
factors). Another possibility is that, in Case 2 and any other
frame that expects an ACK, the AP may first respond with an ACK
before sending the dual CTS frames. Dual CF-End frames eliminate
unfairness towards STAs that are not of the same mode as the one
that owns the TXOP being truncated.
[0084] If the TXOP is owned by the AP and dual CTS Protection is
enabled in the system (usually indicated in the beacon i.e when
both STBC and non-STBC STAs are present in the system), the AP may
send dual CF-End frames if it runs out of frames to transmit
provided that the remaining TXOP duration will allow it.
[0085] Further, in general when dual CTS Protection is enabled in
the system as indicated in the beacon (i.e., when both STBC and
non-STBC STAs are present in the system), the AP shall send dual
CF-End frames--one STBC CF-End frame and one non-STBC CF-End
frame--to do a NAV reset. STAs that are capable of both modes may
transmit dual CF-End frames when they want to truncate their TXOPs
if the remaining TXOP duration will allow it.
[0086] The spacing between the dual CF-End frames sent by the AP
shall be SIFS or other time duration, such as RIFS, as determined
based on other system factors. The order of frames in the dual
CF-End frames may be arbitrary or one of them may be chosen to be
sent first. In a first possible embodiment, the first CF-End frame
shall use the same modulation used for transmissions in the TXOP
being truncated and the second CF-End frame shall use the other
modulation. In other words, for a STBC TXOP the first CF-End is in
STBC mode and for a non-STBC TXOP the first CF-End is in non-STBC
mode.
[0087] Note that the solution above has both benefits of increased
medium utilization efficiency and elimination of unfairness towards
STAs that are not of the same mode as the one that owns the TXOP
being truncated. This is because the CF-End sent by the owner of
the TXOP to truncate the TXOP cannot be interpreted by the STAs of
other modes and they will therefore not be able to access the
medium until the AP sends the dual CF-End (or multiple CF-End in
the general case). Also the above solution applies in general to
the case of a system with several modes (more than two).
[0088] The following describes a particular embodiment according to
the above Cases 1 to 3 that specifically applies to the 802.11n
standards specification. If dual CTS protection is enabled and a
STA obtains a TXOP and then the STA runs out of frames to transmit,
the STA may then indicate truncation of its TXOP, by transmitting a
CF-End frame provided that the remaining TXOP duration will allow
it. For example, this condition may be determined according to the
following determination: whether the remaining duration of the TXOP
is greater than the sum of CF-End frame duration, a STBC CF-End
frame duration, a non-STBC CF-End frame at a known basic rate, and
two SIFS duration. With a CF-End frame transmission, the STA
explicitly indicates the completion or truncation of its TXOP. The
transmission of a CF-End frame shall be interpreted as a NAV reset
by the other STAs that are capable of receiving it. On receiving a
CF-End frame from a STA with a matching BSSID, an AP shall respond
with dual CF-End frames after SIFS duration--one STBC CF-End frame
and one non-STBC CF-End frame. If the TXOP is owned by the AP and
dual CTS Protection is enabled in the system, the AP may send dual
CF-End frames if it runs out of frames to transmit provided that
the remaining TXOP duration will allow it. The spacing between the
dual CF-End frames sent by the AP shall be SIFS. The first CF-End
frame shall use the same modulation used for transmissions in the
TXOP being truncated and the second CF-End frame shall use the
other modulation. In other words, for a STBC TXOP the first CF-End
is in STBC mode and for a non-STBC TXOP the first CF-End is in
non-STBC mode.
[0089] The following describes another solution or mechanism which
is simple in that there is no need to send a dual CF-End but is
less efficient in medium utilization. When an STA or AP obtains a
TXOP and uses the Long NAV mechanism to protect the TXOP duration,
a CF-End frame is sent when there are no more frames to be sent
indicating truncation or completion of TXOP. Our simplified
solution is essentially to change the current rules for TXOP
truncation under Long NAV protection by disallowing sending of a
CF-End frame by the owner of the TXOP when dual CTS Protection is
enabled in the system (preferably indicated in the beacon). So
under these conditions, the TXOP will not be truncated by the owner
even if it has no more frames to send. This also applies in general
to the case of a system with several modes (more than two).
[0090] A STA, on receiving the CF_End frame (or MPDU) with a
modulation corresponding to its mode, can update its NAV (e.g.,
reset its NAV to 0) as follows: [0091] a. The station updates its
NAV after verifying that the BSSID corresponds to its BSS (i.e. the
BSS controlled by the AP with which the STA is associated). If the
BSSID does not match, the STA does not update its NAV. [0092] b. In
some cases or implementations, the STA updates its NAV regardless
of the BSSID in the CF-End frame.
[0093] A third preferred embodiment of the invention defines a
multiple mode PSMP sequence for a multiple mode system. The PSMP
sequence of prior art is designed to operate for a single mode. So
to apply the prior art PSMP sequence in a multiple mode system,
each mode would begin with dual CTS-to-Self frames followed by a
PSMP frame and the scheduled downlink and uplink transmissions.
This procedure would have to be repeated for each mode using the
prior art PSMP sequence. This is not efficient usage of the medium
and not flexible since multiple mode allocations cannot be made in
a single PSMP sequence.
[0094] FIG. 17 shows an example of the multiple mode PSMP sequence
according to the present invention. Here, the multiple mode PSMP
sequence is defined as multiple mode CTS-to-self frames, followed
by multiple mode PSMP frames, followed by the multiple mode
downlink and uplink transmissions. Multiple mode PSMP frames define
the schedule for the multiple mode downlink and uplink
transmissions for the multiple mode PSMP sequence duration. The
multiple mode PSMP frames may define downlink time (DLT)
allocations and uplink time (ULT) allocations of the stations in
various modes in any order as determined suitable for applications
and capabilities of the devices and is completely flexible.
Examples of the allocation ordering include, but are not limited to
the following: [0095] (1) all the downlink allocations of the same
mode may be lumped together--for example, there could be multiple
STAs receiving in the same mode and one STA in each DLT; [0096] (2)
all the uplink allocations of the same mode may be lumped together;
[0097] (3) all uplink allocations are made after all the downlink
allocations (FIG. 17); [0098] (4) the order of the STAs in the
downlink allocations may be preserved in the uplink allocations
(FIG. 17).
[0099] Many other variants are possible on how the multiple mode
PSMP frames may define downlink time (DLT) allocations and uplink
time (ULT) allocations. For example, a DLT can be followed by a ULT
of the same mode. In other words, according to this third preferred
embodiment, a completely flexible ordering of ULT/DLT of any mode
suitable for the applications and capabilities of the devices is
possible.
[0100] The multiple mode PSMP frames may be separated by PIFS or
other time duration, such as RIFS (Reduced Inter Frame Spacing), as
determined based on other system factors.
[0101] The present invention may be implemented as a network having
an access point with multiple STAs or WTRUs, at the data link
layer, medium access control, and network layer, as an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP)
or software. The present invention relates to 802.11 based WLAN
systems or OFDM/MIMO using radio resource management (RRM) and a
radio resource controller (RRC).
[0102] Although the features and elements of the present invention
are described in the preferred embodiments in particular
combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the
other features and elements of the preferred embodiments or in
various combinations with or without other features and elements of
the present invention. The methods provided in the present
invention may be implemented in a computer program, software, or
firmware tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage medium
for execution by a general purpose computer or a processor.
Examples of computer-readable storage mediums include a read only
memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a register, cache
memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as
internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and
optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and digital versatile disks
(DVDs).
[0103] Suitable processors include, by way of example, a general
purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a
DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific
Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)
circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), and/or a state
machine.
[0104] A processor in association with software may be used to
implement a radio frequency transceiver for use in a station (STA),
wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU), user equipment (UE),
terminal, base station, radio network controller (RNC), or any host
computer. The STA may be used in conjunction with modules,
implemented in hardware and/or software, such as a camera, a video
camera module, a videophone, a speakerphone, a vibration device, a
speaker, a microphone, a television transceiver, a hands free
headset, a keyboard, a Bluetooth.RTM. module, a frequency modulated
(FM) radio unit, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display unit, an
organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit, a digital music
player, a media player, a video game player module, an Internet
browser, and/or any wireless local area network (WLAN) module.
* * * * *