U.S. patent application number 15/239656 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-16 for systems and methods for reuse of wireless communication resources in neighboring communication networks.
The applicant listed for this patent is QUALCOMM Incorporated. Invention is credited to Alfred Asterjadhi, Gwendolyn Denise Barriac, George Cherian, Gang Ding, Simone Merlin, Qingjiang Tian, Yan Zhou.
Application Number | 20170078887 15/239656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58239024 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170078887 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barriac; Gwendolyn Denise ;
et al. |
March 16, 2017 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REUSE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION RESOURCES
IN NEIGHBORING COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for managing reuse of a wireless medium
are provided. One method of managing reuse of a wireless medium
includes determining, at an access point, whether to allow reuse of
the wireless medium by one or more stations in a basic service set
(BSS). The method further includes transmitting, upon determining
to allow reuse, an indication that reuse of the wireless medium can
be permitted for stations meeting a criteria. The method further
includes determining one or more reuse parameters. The method
further includes transmitting the one or more reuse parameters.
Inventors: |
Barriac; Gwendolyn Denise;
(Encinitas, CA) ; Cherian; George; (San Diego,
CA) ; Merlin; Simone; (San Diego, CA) ;
Asterjadhi; Alfred; (San Diego, CA) ; Zhou; Yan;
(San Diego, CA) ; Ding; Gang; (San Diego, CA)
; Tian; Qingjiang; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QUALCOMM Incorporated |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58239024 |
Appl. No.: |
15/239656 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62253617 |
Nov 10, 2015 |
|
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|
62218992 |
Sep 15, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 16/14 20130101;
H04W 16/10 20130101; H04W 72/042 20130101; H04W 84/12 20130101;
H04W 72/082 20130101; H04W 88/08 20130101; H04W 74/006 20130101;
H04B 17/318 20150115; H04W 72/048 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 16/02 20060101
H04W016/02; H04W 72/04 20060101 H04W072/04; H04W 72/08 20060101
H04W072/08; H04W 74/08 20060101 H04W074/08; H04B 17/318 20060101
H04B017/318 |
Claims
1. A method of managing reuse of a wireless medium, comprising:
determining, at an access point, whether to allow reuse of the
wireless medium by one or more stations in a basic service set
(BSS); transmitting, upon determining to allow reuse, an indication
that reuse of the wireless medium is permitted for stations meeting
a criteria; determining one or more reuse parameters; and
transmitting the one or more reuse parameters.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more reuse parameters
comprise a plurality of reuse parameters that are different for
different stations.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting a reuse
mode comprising one or more of the following conditions either
alone or in combination: stations are permitted to reuse the
wireless medium when detecting an overlapping BSS (OBSS)
transmission from a transmitting device that has a received signal
strength indication (RSSI) less than a first threshold; stations
are permitted to reuse the wireless medium when a destination
device of the OBSS transmission has an RSSI less than a second
threshold; and stations are permitted to reuse the wireless medium
when the transmitting device and/or intended receiving device has
an RSSI less than a dynamic threshold that is a function of one or
more preamble parameters; and transmitting an indication of the
selected reuse mode.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first threshold and the
second threshold are the same.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the dynamic threshold is a
function of a transmit power of the transmitting device and/or of
an intended receiver.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more reuse parameters
comprise one or more of: a transmit power, an energy detection (ED)
level, a transmitter received signal strength indication (RSSI)
threshold, an intended receiver RSSI threshold, an RSSI threshold
function based on one or more parameters, the one or more
parameters including: transmit power or other parameters included
in a preamble of received packets, and an indication of an amount
of interference tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more
parameters.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether to allow
reuse of the wireless medium is based on a BSS distance of an
access point and/or a BSS distance of the one or more stations.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining to allow
reuse of the wireless medium and using enhanced request-to-send
and/or enhanced clear-to-send transmissions.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the criteria defines that all
stations in the BSS are allowed to reuse the wireless medium, or a
subset of stations in the BSS are allowed to reuse the wireless
medium, wherein the subset of stations are based on the BSS
distance of each of the one or more stations.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the access point has multiple
BSS identifiers, the method further comprising signaling one or
more BSS identifiers to which the one or more stations should
defer, or choosing all the BSS identifiers to share the same
color.
11. An apparatus configured to manage reuse of a wireless medium,
comprising: a processor configured to: determine whether to allow
reuse of the wireless medium by one or more stations in a basic
service set (BSS); determine one or more reuse parameters;
transmit, via a transmitter and upon the determination to allow
reuse, an indication that reuse of the wireless medium is permitted
for stations meeting a criteria; and transmit, via the transmitter,
the one or more reuse parameters.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the processor is further
configured to select a reuse mode comprising one or more of the
following conditions either alone or in combination: stations are
permitted to reuse the wireless medium when detecting an
overlapping BSS (OBSS) transmission from a transmitting device that
has a received signal strength indication (RSSI) less than a first
threshold; stations are permitted to reuse the wireless medium when
a destination device of the OBSS transmission has an RSSI less than
a second threshold; and stations are permitted to reuse the
wireless medium when the transmitting device and/or intended
receiving device has an RSSI less than a dynamic threshold that is
a function of one or more preamble parameters; and transmit, via
the transmitter, an indication of the selected reuse mode.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first threshold and the
second threshold are the same, and wherein the dynamic threshold is
a function of a transmit power of the transmitting device and/or of
an intended receiver.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more reuse
parameters comprise one or more of: a transmit power, an energy
detection (ED) level, a transmitter received signal strength
indication (RSSI) threshold, an intended receiver RSSI threshold,
an RSSI threshold function based on one or more parameters, the one
or more parameters including: transmit power, or other parameters
included in a preamble of received packets, and an indication of an
amount of interference tolerated at nodes as a function of one or
more parameters.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is configured
to determine whether to allow reuse of the wireless medium based on
a BSS distance of an access point and/or a BSS distance of the one
or more stations.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is further
configured to determine to allow reuse of the wireless medium and
to use enhanced request-to-send and/or enhanced clear-to-send
transmissions.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the criteria defines that
all stations in the BSS are allowed to reuse the wireless medium,
or a subset of stations in the BSS are allowed to reuse the
wireless medium, wherein the subset of stations are based on the
BSS distance of each station of the one or more stations.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus comprises an
access point having multiple BSS identifiers, and wherein the
processor is further configured to: signal one or more BSS
identifiers to which the one or more stations should defer, or
choose all the BSS identifiers to share the same color.
19. A method of reusing a wireless medium, comprising: detecting,
at a station, an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) transmission;
determining whether to reuse the wireless medium; determining one
or more reuse parameters; and selectively transmitting a message
based on said determining whether to reuse the wireless medium and
the one or more reuse parameters.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: selecting a reuse
mode comprising one or more of the following conditions either
alone or in combination: stations are permitted to reuse the
wireless medium when detecting the OBSS transmission from a
transmitting device that has a received signal strength indication
(RSSI) less than a first threshold; stations are permitted to reuse
the wireless medium when a destination device of the OBSS
transmission has an RSSI less than a second threshold; and stations
are permitted to reuse the wireless medium when the transmitting
device has an RSSI less than a dynamic threshold that is a function
of one or more preamble parameters; and applying the selected reuse
mode.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more reuse
parameters comprise one or more of: a transmit power, an energy
detection (ED) level, a transmitter received signal strength
indication (RSSI) threshold, a receiver RSSI threshold, a RSSI
threshold function based on one or more parameters, the one or more
parameters including: transmit power, or other parameters included
in a preamble of received packets, and an indication of an amount
of interference tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more
parameters.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein determining whether to reuse
the wireless medium is based on a BSS distance of an access point
and/or a BSS distance of the station.
23. The method of claim 19, further comprising determining to reuse
the wireless medium and using enhanced request-to-send and/or
enhanced clear-to-send transmissions.
24. The method of claim 19, further comprising receiving an
indication that reuse of the wireless medium is permitted for
stations meeting a criteria, wherein: the criteria defines that all
stations in a basic service set (BSS) are allowed to reuse the
wireless medium, a subset of stations are based on a BSS distance
of an access point and/or a BSS distance of each station, and the
one or more parameters are defined in the OBSS transmission.
25. An apparatus configured to reuse a wireless medium, comprising:
a processor configured to: detect an overlapping basic service set
(OBSS) transmission; determine whether to reuse the wireless
medium; determine one or more reuse parameters; and selectively
transmit, via a transmitter, a message based on said determining
whether to reuse the wireless medium and the one or more reuse
parameters.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the processor is further
configured to: select a reuse mode comprising one or more of the
following conditions either alone or in combination: stations are
permitted to reuse the wireless medium when detecting the OBSS
transmission from a transmitting device that has a received signal
strength indication (RSSI) less than a first threshold; stations
are permitted to reuse the wireless medium when a destination
device of the OBSS transmission has an RSSI less than a second
threshold; and stations are permitted to reuse the wireless medium
when the transmitting device has an RSSI less than a dynamic
threshold that is a function of one or more preamble parameters;
and apply the selected reuse mode.
27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the one or more reuse
parameters comprise one or more of: a transmit power, an energy
detection (ED) level, a transmitter received signal strength
indication (RSSI) threshold, a receiver RSSI threshold, a RSSI
threshold function based on one or more parameters, the one or more
parameters including: transmit power or other parameters included
in a preamble of received packets, and an indication of an amount
of interference tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more
parameters.
28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the processor is configured
to determine whether to reuse the wireless medium based on a BSS
distance of an access point and/or a BSS distance of each
station.
29. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the processor is further
configured to determine to reuse the wireless medium and to use
enhanced request-to-send and/or enhanced clear-to-send
transmissions.
30. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the processor is further
configured to receive, via a receiver, an indication that reuse of
the wireless medium is permitted for stations meeting a criteria,
wherein, the criteria defines that all stations in a basic service
set (BSS) are allowed to reuse the wireless medium, a subset of
stations are based on a BSS distance of an access point and/or a
BSS distance of each station, and the one or more parameters are
defined in the OBSS transmission.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. 119
[0001] The present application for patent claims priority to
Provisional Application No. 62/218,992 filed on Sep. 15, 2015, and
Provisional Application No. 62/253,617 filed on Nov. 10, 2015, both
entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REUSE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
RESOURCES IN NEIGHBORING COMMUNICATION NETWORKS," and assigned to
the assignee hereof. Provisional Application Nos. 62/218,992 and
62/253,617 are hereby expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
FIELD
[0002] Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate
to wireless communications, and more particularly, to methods and
apparatuses for reusing wireless communication resources in
neighboring communication networks.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In many telecommunication systems, communications networks
are used to exchange messages among several interacting
spatially-separated devices. Networks can be classified according
to geographic scope, which could be, for example, a metropolitan
area, a local area, or a personal area. Such networks can be
designated respectively as a wide area network (WAN), metropolitan
area network (MAN), local area network (LAN), or personal area
network (PAN). Networks also differ according to the
switching/routing technique used to interconnect the various
network nodes and devices (e.g., circuit switching vs. packet
switching), the type of physical media employed for transmission
(e.g., wired vs. wireless), and the set of communication protocols
used (e.g., Internet protocol suite, SONET (Synchronous Optical
Networking), Ethernet, etc.).
[0004] Wireless networks are often preferred when the network
elements are mobile and thus have dynamic connectivity needs, or if
the network architecture is formed in an ad hoc, rather than fixed,
topology. Wireless networks employ intangible physical media in an
unguided propagation mode using electromagnetic waves in the radio,
microwave, infrared, optical, etc. frequency bands. Wireless
networks advantageously facilitate user mobility and rapid field
deployment when compared to fixed wired networks.
[0005] The devices in a wireless network can transmit/receive
information between each other. Device transmissions can interfere
with each other, and certain transmissions can selectively block
other transmissions. Where many devices share a communication
network, congestion and inefficient link usage can result. As such,
systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media are
needed for improving communication efficiency in wireless
networks.
SUMMARY
[0006] Various implementations of systems, methods and devices
within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects,
no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable
attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the
appended claims, some prominent features are described herein.
[0007] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter
described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying
drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and
advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings,
and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following
figures may not be drawn to scale.
[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of
managing reuse of a wireless medium. The method includes
determining, at an access point, whether to allow reuse of the
wireless medium by one or more stations in a basic service set
(BSS). The method further includes transmitting, upon determining
to allow reuse, an indication that reuse of the wireless medium can
be permitted for stations meeting a criteria. The method further
includes determining one or more reuse parameters. The method
further includes transmitting the one or more reuse parameters.
[0009] In various embodiments, the one or more reuse parameters can
include a plurality of reuse parameters that are different for
different stations.
[0010] In various embodiments, the method can further include
selecting a reuse mode comprising one or more of the following
conditions either alone or in combination: stations can be
permitted to reuse the wireless medium when detecting an
overlapping BSS (OBSS) transmission from a transmitting device that
can have a received signal strength indication (RSSI) less than a
first threshold, stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless
medium when a destination device of the OBSS transmission can have
an RSSI less than a second threshold, and stations can be permitted
to reuse the wireless medium when the transmitting device and/or
intended receiving device can have an RSSI less than a dynamic
threshold that can be a function of one or more preamble
parameters. The method can further include transmitting an
indication of the selected reuse mode.
[0011] In various embodiments, the first threshold and the second
threshold can be the same. In various embodiments, the dynamic
threshold can be a function of a transmit power of the transmitting
device and/or of an intended receiver. In various embodiments, the
one or more reuse parameters can include one or more of: a transmit
power, an energy detection (ED) level, a transmitter received
signal strength indication (RSSI) threshold, an intended receiver
RSSI threshold, a RSSI threshold function based on one or more
preamble parameters, and an indication of an amount of interference
tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more parameters.
[0012] In various embodiments, determining whether to allow reuse
of the wireless medium can be based on a BSS distance of an access
point and/or a BSS distance of the one or more stations. In various
embodiments, the method can further include determining to allow
reuse of the wireless medium and using enhanced request-to-send
and/or enhanced clear-to-send transmissions. In various
embodiments, the criteria can define that all stations in the BSS
can be allowed to reuse the wireless medium.
[0013] In various embodiments, the criteria can define that a
subset of stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium. In various embodiments, the subset of stations can be based
on their BSS distance. In various embodiments, the access point can
have multiple BSS identifiers, the method further comprising
signaling one or more colors to which the one or more stations
should defer, or selecting the same color as a neighboring access
point.
[0014] In various embodiments, the one or more reuse parameters
comprise one or more of a transmit power, an energy detection (ED)
level, a transmitter received signal strength indication (RSSI)
threshold, an intended receiver RSSI threshold, an RSSI threshold
function based on one or more parameters, the one or more
parameters including atransmit power or other parameters included
in a preamble of received packets, and an indication of an amount
of interference tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more
parameters.
[0015] In various embodiments, determining whether to allow reuse
of the wireless medium is based on a BSS distance of an access
point and/or a BSS distance of the one or more stations. In various
embodiments, the criteria defines that all stations in the BSS are
allowed to reuse the wireless medium, or a subset of stations in
the BSS are allowed to reuse the wireless medium, wherein the
subset of stations are based on the BSS distance of each of the one
or more stations. In various embodiments, the access point has
multiple BSS identifiers, the method further comprising signaling
one or more BSS identifiers to which the one or more stations
should defer, or choosing all the BSS identifiers to share the same
color.
[0016] Another aspect provides an apparatus configured to manage
reuse of a wireless medium. The apparatus includes a processor
configured to determine whether to allow reuse of the wireless
medium by one or more stations in a basic service set (BSS). The
processor is further configured to determine one or more reuse
parameters. The apparatus further includes a transmitter configured
to transmit, upon determining to allow reuse, an indication that
reuse of the wireless medium can be permitted for stations meeting
a criteria. The transmitter is further configured to transmit the
one or more reuse parameters.
[0017] In various embodiments, the one or more reuse parameters can
include a plurality of reuse parameters that are different for
different stations.
[0018] In various embodiments, the processor can be further
configured to select a reuse mode comprising one or more of the
following conditions either alone or in combination: stations can
be permitted to reuse the wireless medium when detecting an
overlapping BSS (OBSS) transmission from a transmitting device that
can have a received signal strength indication (RSSI) less than a
first threshold, stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless
medium when a destination device of the OBSS transmission can have
an RSSI less than a second threshold, and stations can be permitted
to reuse the wireless medium when the transmitting device and/or
intended receiving device can have an RSSI less than a dynamic
threshold that can be a function of one or more preamble
parameters. The transmitter can be further configured to transmit
an indication of the selected reuse mode.
[0019] In various embodiments, the first threshold and the second
threshold can be the same. In various embodiments, the dynamic
threshold can be a function of a transmit power of the transmitting
device and/or of an intended receiver. In various embodiments, the
one or more reuse parameters can include one or more of: a transmit
power, an energy detection (ED) level, a transmitter received
signal strength indication (RSSI) threshold, an intended receiver
RSSI threshold, a RSSI threshold function based on one or more
preamble parameters, and an indication of an amount of interference
tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more parameters.
[0020] In various embodiments, the processor can be configured to
determine whether to allow reuse of the wireless medium based on a
BSS distance of an access point and/or a BSS distance of the one or
more stations. In various embodiments, the processor can be further
configured to determine to allow reuse of the wireless medium and
to use enhanced request-to-send and/or enhanced clear-to-send
transmissions. In various embodiments, the criteria can define that
all stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium.
[0021] In various embodiments, the criteria can define that a
subset of stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium. In various embodiments, the subset of stations can be based
on their BSS distance. In various embodiments, the apparatus can
include an access point having multiple BSS identifiers, and
wherein the processor can be further configured to signal one or
more colors to which the one or more stations should defer, or to
select the same color as a neighboring access point.
[0022] Another aspect provides another apparatus for managing reuse
of a wireless medium. The apparatus includes means for determining
whether to allow reuse of the wireless medium by one or more
stations in a basic service set (BSS). The apparatus further
includes means for transmitting, upon determining to allow reuse,
an indication that reuse of the wireless medium can be permitted
for stations meeting a criteria. The apparatus further includes
means for determining one or more reuse parameters. The apparatus
further includes means for transmitting the one or more reuse
parameters.
[0023] In various embodiments, the one or more reuse parameters can
include a plurality of reuse parameters that are different for
different stations.
[0024] In various embodiments, the apparatus can further include
means for selecting a reuse mode comprising one or more of the
following conditions either alone or in combination: stations can
be permitted to reuse the wireless medium when detecting an
overlapping BSS (OBSS) transmission from a transmitting device that
can have a received signal strength indication (RSSI) less than a
first threshold, stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless
medium when a destination device of the OBSS transmission can have
an RSSI less than a second threshold, and stations can be permitted
to reuse the wireless medium when the transmitting device and/or
intended receiving device can have an RSSI less than a dynamic
threshold that can be a function of one or more preamble
parameters. The apparatus can further include means for
transmitting an indication of the selected reuse mode.
[0025] In various embodiments, the first threshold and the second
threshold can be the same. In various embodiments, the dynamic
threshold can be a function of a transmit power of the transmitting
device and/or of an intended receiver. In various embodiments, the
one or more reuse parameters can include one or more of: a transmit
power, an energy detection (ED) level, a transmitter received
signal strength indication (RSSI) threshold, an intended receiver
RSSI threshold, a RSSI threshold function based on one or more
preamble parameters, and an indication of an amount of interference
tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more parameters.
[0026] In various embodiments, determining whether to allow reuse
of the wireless medium can be based on a BSS distance of an access
point and/or a BSS distance of the one or more stations. In various
embodiments, the apparatus can further include means for
determining to allow reuse of the wireless medium and using
enhanced request-to-send and/or enhanced clear-to-send
transmissions. In various embodiments, the criteria can define that
all stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium.
[0027] In various embodiments, the criteria can define that a
subset of stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium. In various embodiments, the subset of stations can be based
on their BSS distance. In various embodiments, the apparatus can
include an access point having multiple BSS identifiers, the
apparatus further comprising means for signaling one or more colors
to which the one or more stations should defer, or selecting the
same color as a neighboring access point.
[0028] Another aspect provides a non-transitory computer-readable
medium. The medium includes code that, when executed, causes an
apparatus to comprising code that, when executed, causes an
apparatus to determine whether to allow reuse of the wireless
medium by one or more stations in a basic service set (BSS). The
medium further includes code that, when executed, causes the
apparatus to transmit, upon determining to allow reuse, an
indication that reuse of the wireless medium can be permitted for
stations meeting a criteria. The medium further includes code that,
when executed, causes the apparatus to determine one or more reuse
parameters. The medium further includes code that, when executed,
causes the apparatus to transmit the one or more reuse
parameters.
[0029] In various embodiments, the one or more reuse parameters can
include a plurality of reuse parameters that are different for
different stations.
[0030] In various embodiments, the medium can further include code
that, when executed, causes the apparatus to select a reuse mode
comprising one or more of the following conditions either alone or
in combination: stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless
medium when detecting an overlapping BSS (OBSS) transmission from a
transmitting device that can have a received signal strength
indication (RSSI) less than a first threshold, stations can be
permitted to reuse the wireless medium when a destination device of
the OBSS transmission can have an RSSI less than a second
threshold, and stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless
medium when the transmitting device and/or intended receiving
device can have an RSSI less than a dynamic threshold that can be a
function of one or more preamble parameters. The medium can further
include code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to transmit
an indication of the selected reuse mode.
[0031] In various embodiments, the first threshold and the second
threshold can be the same. In various embodiments, the dynamic
threshold can be a function of a transmit power of the transmitting
device and/or of an intended receiver. In various embodiments, the
one or more reuse parameters can include one or more of: a transmit
power, an energy detection (ED) level, a transmitter received
signal strength indication (RSSI) threshold, an intended receiver
RSSI threshold, a RSSI threshold function based on one or more
preamble parameters, and an indication of an amount of interference
tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more parameters.
[0032] In various embodiments, the medium can further include code
that, when executed, causes the apparatus to determine whether to
allow reuse of the wireless medium based on a BSS distance of an
access point and/or a BSS distance of the one or more stations. In
various embodiments, the medium can further include code that, when
executed, causes the apparatus to determine to allow reuse of the
wireless medium and to use enhanced request-to-send and/or enhanced
clear-to-send transmissions. In various embodiments, the criteria
can define that all stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the
wireless medium.
[0033] In various embodiments, the criteria can define that a
subset of stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium. In various embodiments, the subset of stations can be based
on their BSS distance. In various embodiments, the apparatus can
include an access point having multiple BSS identifiers, further
comprising code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to signal
one or more colors to which the one or more stations should defer,
or to select the same color as a neighboring access point.
[0034] Another aspect provides another method of reusing a wireless
medium. The method includes detecting, at a station, an overlapping
basic service set (OBSS) transmission. The method further includes
determining whether to reuse the wireless medium. The method
further includes determining one or more reuse parameters. The
method further includes selectively transmitting a message based on
said determining whether to reuse the wireless medium and the one
or more reuse parameters.
[0035] In various embodiments, the method can further include
selecting a reuse mode comprising one or more of the following
conditions either alone or in combination: stations can be
permitted to reuse the wireless medium when detecting the OBSS
transmission from a transmitting device that can have a received
signal strength indication (RSSI) less than a first threshold,
stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless medium when a
destination device of the OBSS transmission can have an RSSI less
than a second threshold, and stations can be permitted to reuse the
wireless medium when the transmitting device can have an RSSI less
than a dynamic threshold that can be a function of one or more
preamble parameters. The method further includes applying the
selected reuse mode.
[0036] In various embodiments, the first threshold and the second
threshold can be the same. In various embodiments, the one or more
reuse parameters can include one or more of: a transmit power, an
energy detection (ED) level, a transmitter received signal strength
indication (RSSI) threshold, a receiver RSSI threshold, a RSSI
threshold function based on one or more preamble parameters, and an
indication of an amount of interference tolerated at nodes as a
function of one or more parameters. In various embodiments,
determining whether to reuse the wireless medium can be based on a
BSS distance of an access point and/or a BSS distance of the
station. In various embodiments, the method can further include
determining to reuse the wireless medium and using enhanced
request-to-send and/or enhanced clear-to-send transmissions.
[0037] In various embodiments, the method can further include
receiving an indication that reuse of the wireless medium can be
permitted for stations meeting a criteria. In various embodiments,
the criteria can define that all stations in the BSS can be allowed
to reuse the wireless medium. In various embodiments, the criteria
can define that a subset of stations in the BSS can be allowed to
reuse the wireless medium.
[0038] In various embodiments, the subset of stations can be based
on their BSS distance. In various embodiments, the one or more
parameters can be defined in the OBSS transmission.
[0039] Another aspect provides another apparatus configured to
reuse a wireless medium. The apparatus includes a processor
configured to detect an overlapping basic service set (OBSS)
transmission. The processor is further configured to determine
whether to reuse the wireless medium. The processor is further
configured to determine one or more reuse parameters. The apparatus
further includes a transmitter configured to selectively transmit a
message based on said determining whether to reuse the wireless
medium and the one or more reuse parameters.
[0040] In various embodiments, the one or more reuse parameters can
include a plurality of reuse parameters that are different for
different stations.
[0041] In various embodiments, the processor can be further
configured to select a reuse mode comprising one or more of the
following conditions either alone or in combination: stations can
be permitted to reuse the wireless medium when detecting the OBSS
transmission from a transmitting device that can have a received
signal strength indication (RSSI) less than a first threshold,
stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless medium when a
destination device of the OBSS transmission can have an RSSI less
than a second threshold, and stations can be permitted to reuse the
wireless medium when the transmitting device can have an RSSI less
than a dynamic threshold that can be a function of one or more
preamble parameters. The processor can be further configured to
apply the selected reuse mode.
[0042] In various embodiments, the first threshold and the second
threshold can be the same. In various embodiments, the one or more
reuse parameters can include one or more of: a transmit power, an
energy detection (ED) level, a transmitter received signal strength
indication (RSSI) threshold, a receiver RSSI threshold, a RSSI
threshold function based on one or more preamble parameters, and an
indication of an amount of interference tolerated at nodes as a
function of one or more parameters. In various embodiments, the
processor can be configured to determine whether to reuse the
wireless medium based on a BSS distance of an access point and/or a
BSS distance of the station.
[0043] In various embodiments, the processor can be further
configured to determine to reuse the wireless medium and to use
enhanced request-to-send and/or enhanced clear-to-send
transmissions. In various embodiments, the apparatus can further
include a receiver configured to receive an indication that reuse
of the wireless medium can be permitted for stations meeting a
criteria. In various embodiments, the criteria can define that all
stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium.
[0044] In various embodiments, the criteria can define that a
subset of stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium. In various embodiments, the subset of stations can be based
on their BSS distance. In various embodiments, the one or more
parameters can be defined in the OBSS transmission.
[0045] Another aspect provides another apparatus for reusing a
wireless medium. The apparatus includes means for detecting an
overlapping basic service set (OBSS) transmission. The apparatus
includes means for determining whether to reuse the wireless
medium. The apparatus includes means for determining one or more
reuse parameters. The apparatus includes means for selectively
transmitting a message based on said determining whether to reuse
the wireless medium and the one or more reuse parameters.
[0046] In various embodiments, the one or more reuse parameters can
include a plurality of reuse parameters that are different for
different stations.
[0047] In various embodiments, the apparatus can further include
means for selecting a reuse mode comprising one or more of the
following conditions either alone or in combination: stations can
be permitted to reuse the wireless medium when detecting the OBSS
transmission from a transmitting device that can have a received
signal strength indication (RSSI) less than a first threshold,
stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless medium when a
destination device of the OBSS transmission can have an RSSI less
than a second threshold, and stations can be permitted to reuse the
wireless medium when the transmitting device can have an RSSI less
than a dynamic threshold that can be a function of one or more
preamble parameters. The apparatus can further include means for
applying the selected reuse mode.
[0048] In various embodiments, the first threshold and the second
threshold can be the same. In various embodiments, the one or more
reuse parameters can include one or more of: a transmit power, an
energy detection (ED) level, a transmitter received signal strength
indication (RSSI) threshold, a receiver RSSI threshold, a RSSI
threshold function based on one or more preamble parameters, and an
indication of an amount of interference tolerated at nodes as a
function of one or more parameters. In various embodiments,
determining whether to reuse the wireless medium can be based on a
BSS distance of an access point and/or a BSS distance of the
station.
[0049] In various embodiments, the apparatus can further include
means for determining to reuse the wireless medium and to use
enhanced request-to-send and/or enhanced clear-to-send
transmissions. In various embodiments, the apparatus can further
include receiving an indication that reuse of the wireless medium
can be permitted for stations meeting a criteria. In various
embodiments, the criteria can define that all stations in the BSS
can be allowed to reuse the wireless medium.
[0050] In various embodiments, the criteria can define that a
subset of stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium. In various embodiments, the subset of stations can be based
on their BSS distance. In various embodiments, the one or more
parameters can be defined in the OBSS transmission.
[0051] Another aspect provides another non-transitory
computer-readable medium. The medium includes code that, when
executed, causes an apparatus to detect an overlapping basic
service set (OBSS) transmission. The medium further includes code
that, when executed, causes the apparatus to determine whether to
reuse the wireless medium. The medium further includes code that,
when executed, causes the apparatus to determine one or more reuse
parameters. The medium further includes code that, when executed,
causes the apparatus to selectively transmit a message based on
said determining whether to reuse the wireless medium and the one
or more reuse parameters.
[0052] In various embodiments, the one or more reuse parameters can
include a plurality of reuse parameters that are different for
different stations.
[0053] In various embodiments, the medium can further include code
that, when executed, causes the apparatus to select a reuse mode
comprising one or more of the following conditions either alone or
in combination: stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless
medium when detecting the OBSS transmission from a transmitting
device that can have a received signal strength indication (RSSI)
less than a first threshold, stations can be permitted to reuse the
wireless medium when a destination device of the OBSS transmission
can have an RSSI less than a second threshold, and stations can be
permitted to reuse the wireless medium when the transmitting device
can have an RSSI less than a dynamic threshold that can be a
function of one or more preamble parameters. The medium further
includes code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to apply
the selected reuse mode.
[0054] In various embodiments, the first threshold and the second
threshold can be the same. In various embodiments, the one or more
reuse parameters can include one or more of: a transmit power, an
energy detection (ED) level, a transmitter received signal strength
indication (RSSI) threshold, a receiver RSSI threshold, a RSSI
threshold function based on one or more preamble parameters, and an
indication of an amount of interference tolerated at nodes as a
function of one or more parameters. In various embodiments,
determining whether to reuse the wireless medium can be based on a
BSS distance of an access point and/or a BSS distance of the
station.
[0055] In various embodiments, the medium can further include code
that, when executed, causes the apparatus to determine to reuse the
wireless medium and to use enhanced request-to-send and/or enhanced
clear-to-send transmissions. In various embodiments, the medium can
further include code that, when executed, causes the apparatus to
receive an indication that reuse of the wireless medium can be
permitted for stations meeting a criteria. In various embodiments,
the criteria can define that all stations in the BSS can be allowed
to reuse the wireless medium.
[0056] In various embodiments, the criteria can define that a
subset of stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium. In various embodiments, the subset of stations can be based
on their BSS distance. In various embodiments, the one or more
parameters can be defined in the OBSS transmission.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication
system in which aspects of the present disclosure can be
employed.
[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates various components that can be utilized
in a wireless device that can be employed within the wireless
communication system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of two access points and
the associated devices in each basic service set, in accordance
with an embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method of reusing
a wireless medium that can be employed within the wireless
communication system of FIG. 1.
[0061] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for an exemplary method of reusing
a wireless medium that can be employed within the wireless
communication system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] Various aspects of the novel systems, apparatuses, and
methods are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The teachings disclosure can, however, be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout
this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the
teachings herein it will be appreciated that the scope of the
disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the novel systems,
apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented
independently of or combined with any other aspect of the
invention. For example, an apparatus can be implemented or a method
can be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein.
In addition, the scope of the invention is intended to cover such
an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure,
functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to, or
other than, the various aspects of the invention set forth herein.
It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein can be
embodied by one or more elements of a claim.
[0063] Although particular aspects are described herein, many
variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope
of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the
preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not
intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses, or objectives.
Rather, aspects of the disclosure are intended to be broadly
applicable to different wireless technologies, system
configurations, networks, and transmission protocols, some of which
are illustrated by way of example in the figures and in the
following description of the preferred aspects. The detailed
description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure
rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by
the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
[0064] Wireless network technologies can include various types of
wireless local area networks (WLANs). A WLAN can be used to
interconnect nearby devices together, employing widely used
networking protocols. The various aspects described herein can
apply to any communication standard, such as Wi-Fi or, more
generally, any member of the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless
protocols.
[0065] In some aspects, wireless signals can be transmitted
according to a high-efficiency 802.11 protocol using orthogonal
frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), direct-sequence spread
spectrum (DSSS) communications, a combination of OFDM and DSSS
communications, or other schemes such as multiple-input and
multiple-output (MIMO).
[0066] In some implementations, a WLAN includes various devices
that access the wireless network. For example, there can be two
types of devices: access points ("APs") and clients (also referred
to as stations, or "STAs"). In general, an AP serves as a hub or
base station for the WLAN and an STA serves as a user of the WLAN.
For example, a STA can be a laptop computer, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, etc. In some aspects, an STA
connects to an AP via a Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocol such as
802.11ax) compliant wireless link to obtain general connectivity to
the Internet or to other wide area networks (WAN). In some
implementations an STA can also be used as an AP.
[0067] The techniques described herein can be used for various
broadband wireless communication systems, including communication
systems that are based on an orthogonal multiplexing scheme, such
as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA). An OFDMA
system utilizes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM),
which is a modulation technique that partitions the overall system
bandwidth into multiple orthogonal sub-carriers. These sub-carriers
can also be called tones, bins, etc.
[0068] The teachings herein can be incorporated into (e.g.,
implemented within or performed by) a variety of wired or wireless
apparatuses (e.g., nodes). In some aspects, a wireless node
implemented in accordance with the teachings herein can comprise an
access point or an access terminal.
[0069] An access point ("AP") can comprise, be implemented as, or
known as a NodeB, Radio Network Controller ("RNC"), eNodeB, Base
Station Controller ("BSC"), Base Transceiver Station ("BTS"), Base
Station ("BS"), Transceiver Function ("TF"), Radio Router, Radio
Transceiver, Basic Service Set ("BSS"), Extended Service Set
("ESS"), Radio Base Station ("RBS"), or some other terminology.
[0070] A station ("STA") can also comprise, be implemented as, or
known as a user terminal, an access terminal ("AT"), a subscriber
station, a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a remote station, a
remote terminal, a user agent, a user device, user equipment, or
some other terminology. In some implementations an access terminal
can comprise a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session
Initiation Protocol ("SIP") phone, a wireless local loop ("WLL")
station, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a handheld device
having wireless connection capability, or some other suitable
processing device connected to a wireless modem. Accordingly, one
or more aspects taught herein can be incorporated into a phone
(e.g., a cellular phone or smart phone), a computer (e.g., a
laptop), a portable communication device, a headset, a portable
computing device (e.g., a personal data assistant), an
entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite
radio), a gaming device or system, a global positioning system
device, or any other suitable device that is configured to
communicate via a wireless medium.
[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication
system 100 in which aspects of the present disclosure can be
employed. The wireless communication system 100 can operate
pursuant to an IEEE 802.11 wireless standard such as, for example,
the 802.11ax standard. The wireless communication system 100 can
include an AP 104, which communicates with STAs 106A-D (referred to
herein as "STA 106" or "STAs 106").
[0072] A variety of processes and methods can be used for
transmissions in the wireless communication system 100 between the
AP 104 and the STAs 106. For example, in some aspects signals can
be transmitted and received between the AP 104 and the STAs 106 in
accordance with OFDMA techniques. In accordance with these aspects,
the wireless communication system 100 can be referred to as an
OFDMA system.
[0073] A communication link that facilitates transmission from the
AP 104 to one or more of the STAs 106 can be referred to as a
downlink (DL) 108, and a communication link that facilitates
transmission from one or more of the STAs 106 to the AP 104 can be
referred to as an uplink (UL) 110. Alternatively, a downlink 108
can be referred to as a forward link or a forward channel, and an
uplink 110 can be referred to as a reverse link or a reverse
channel.
[0074] The AP 104 can provide wireless communication coverage in a
basic service area (BSA) 102. The AP 104 along with the associated
STAs 106 that use the AP 104 for communication can be referred to
as a basic service set (BSS). Associated STAs 106 may refer to one
or more associated station (e.g., STA 106A) that has performed an
association procedure with the AP 104. It should be noted that the
wireless communication system 100 may not have a central AP 104,
and may alternatively function as a peer-to-peer network
between/among the STAs 106. Accordingly, the functions of the AP
104 described herein can additionally or alternatively be performed
by one or more of the STAs 106.
[0075] FIG. 2 illustrates various components that can be utilized
in a wireless device 202 that can be employed within the wireless
communication system 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an
embodiment. The wireless device 202 is an example of a device that
can be configured to implement the various methods described
herein. In some aspects, the wireless device 202 can comprise the
AP 104 or one of the STAs 106.
[0076] As illustrated, the wireless device 202 can include a
processor 204, which may be configured to control the operation of
the wireless device 202. The processor 204 can also be referred to
as a central processing unit (CPU). As illustrated, the wireless
device 202 can also include a memory 206, which can include one or
both of read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). In
some aspects, the memory 206 stores or provides instructions or
data that may be utilized by the processor 204. In one aspect, a
portion of the memory 206 can also include non-volatile random
access memory (NVRAM). The processor 204 can be configured to
perform logical and arithmetic operations based on program
instructions stored within the memory 206. In various embodiments,
the instructions in the memory 206 can be executable (e.g.,
software) to implement the methods described herein.
[0077] In various aspects, the processor 204 can comprise, or be a
component of, a processing system implemented with one or more
processors. The one or more processors can be implemented with any
combination of general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers,
digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate array
(FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state
machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated
hardware finite state machines, or any other suitable entities that
can perform calculations or other manipulations of information.
[0078] The processing system can also include machine-readable
media for storing software. Software shall be construed broadly to
mean any type of instructions, whether referred to as software,
firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or
otherwise. Instructions can include code (e.g., in source code
format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other
suitable format of code). In various embodiments, the instructions,
when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processing
system to perform the various functions described herein.
[0079] The wireless device 202 can also include a housing 208,
which can include a transmitter 210 and a receiver 212 to allow
transmission and reception of data between the wireless device 202
and a remote location. In some aspects, the transmitter 210 and the
receiver 212 can be combined into a transceiver 214. In various
aspects, an antenna 216 can be attached to the housing 208 and
electrically coupled to the transceiver 214. The wireless device
202 can also include (not shown) multiple transmitters, multiple
receivers, multiple transceivers, and/or multiple antennas, which
can be utilized during MIMO communications, for example.
[0080] As illustrated, the wireless device 202 can also include a
signal detector 218 that can be used to detect and quantify the
level of signals received by the transceiver 214. In some aspects,
the signal detector 218 can detect the received signals as total
energy, energy per subcarrier per symbol, power spectral density
and other signals. As illustrated, the wireless device 202 can also
include a digital signal processor (DSP) 220 for use in processing
signals. In various aspects, the DSP 220 can be configured to
generate a data unit for transmission. In some aspects, the
generated data unit can comprise a physical layer data unit (PPDU),
which may also be referred to as a "packet," a "message" or a
"frame."
[0081] As illustrated, the wireless device 202 can further comprise
a user interface 222. In some aspects, the user interface 222 can
comprise a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, or a display. In
accordance with various embodiments, the user interface 222 can
include any element or component that conveys information to a user
of the wireless device 202 or receives input from the user.
[0082] As illustrated, the various components of the wireless
device 202 can be coupled together by a system bus 226. The system
bus 226 can include a data bus, for example, as well as a power
bus, a control signal bus, or a status signal bus in addition to
the data bus. In various aspects, the components of the wireless
device 202 can be coupled together, or accept or provide inputs to
each, other using some other mechanism.
[0083] Although a number of separate components are illustrated in
FIG. 2, one or more of the components can be combined or commonly
implemented. For example, the processor 204 can be used to
implement not only the functionality described above with respect
to the processor 204, but also to implement the functionality
described above with respect to the signal detector 218 or the DSP
220. Further, each of the components illustrated in FIG. 2 can be
implemented using a plurality of separate elements.
[0084] As discussed above, the wireless device 202 can comprise an
AP 104 or an STA 106, and can be used to transmit and/or receive
data. In some aspects, the data units exchanged between the AP 104
and the STAs 106 can include data frames, control frames, and/or
management frames. Data frames can be used for transmitting data
from an AP 104 or a STA 106 to other APs 104 or STAs 106. Control
frames can be used together with data frames for performing various
operations or for reliably delivering data (e.g., acknowledging
receipt of data, polling of APs, area-clearing operations, channel
acquisition, carrier-sensing maintenance functions, etc.). In some
aspects, management frames can be used for various supervisory
functions (e.g., for joining and departing from wireless networks,
etc.).
Conditions for Reuse of Wireless Resources Between Overlapping
Basic Service Sets
[0085] Various mechanisms for wireless resource reuse are described
herein. In some embodiments, a wireless device (such as the STA
106A or the AP 104 of FIG. 1) that has data for transmission can
monitor the wireless medium in order to determine whether the
medium is free for transmission. If the wireless device detects a
competing transmission, the wireless device can still reuse the
wireless medium (by proceeding with its own transmission without
deferral to the detected packet transmission) under one or more
conditions discussed herein. Various embodiments of wireless medium
reuse are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/487,019, filed
Sep. 15, 2014, Atty. Docket No. 135020; and U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/265,112, filed Apr. 29, 2014, Atty. Docket No. 132682, the
entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0086] For example, the wireless device can determine whether the
detected transmission is an inter-basic service set (BSS) or
intra-BSS transmission based on a BSS color indication (for
example, in a signal field such as SIG A) or based on a media
access control (MAC) address in a MAC header of the transmission.
If the detected transmission is an inter-BSS frame, and various
other conditions discussed herein are met, the wireless device can
apply an overlapping BSS (OBSS) packet detection (PD) level that is
greater than a minimum receive sensitivity level. Accordingly, when
the proper conditions are met, the wireless device can refrain from
deferring to OBSS packets by applying a higher threshold during
clear channel assessment (CCA). Various embodiments of an AP
changing CCA thresholds are described in U.S. application Ser. No.
14/326,312, filed Jul. 8, 2014, Atty. Docket No. 133804, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0087] As discussed herein, the AP 104 (FIG. 1) can provide the
conditions under which the OBSS PD level should be applied
(referred to herein as "OBSS conditions"), and the OBSS PD level
itself, to the STAs 106A-106D. For example, the AP 104 can provide
the OBSS conditions in a message such as a beacon, a broadcast
information element (IE), or any other wireless communication.
Various examples of such conditions are discussed with respect to
FIG. 3.
Adjusting Deferral Parameters
[0088] FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of two access points and
the associated devices in each respective BSS, in accordance with
an embodiment. As noted above, the BSS may refer to an AP 104 along
with the associated STAs 106 that use the AP 104 for communication.
For example, as illustrated, the AP 304A may have a BSS 302A, which
comprises associated STAs 306A and 306C. In some aspects, the
phrase "BSS" may refer to the area which the AP 304A services.
Although illustrated here as a circle, this coverage of the BSS
302A is merely illustrative.
[0089] The AP 304A may be associated with any number of different
STAs. For example, the AP 304A may be associated with more or less
than the two illustrated STAs 306A, 306C. Within some geographical
proximity to the AP 304A, there may also be other APs, such as AP
304B. The AP 304B may have a BSS, such as BSS 302B, which may
comprise one or more STAs, such as STA 306B. Although the BSS of
the AP 304A and the AP 304B are not illustrated as overlapping, in
some aspects, the BSS 302A from one AP 304A may overlap with the
BSS 302B from another AP 304B, or the BSA (not illustrated) of one
AP 304A may overlap with the BSA of another AP 304B. In dense
deployments, there may be a large number of overlapping BSSes from
various APs (also referred to herein as a plurality of wireless
communication networks). Each of the BSSes may be based on the same
protocols, such as a particular IEEE 802.11 protocol, or may be
based on different protocols. Similarly, these BSSes may use the
same portion of the spectrum, such as using the same channel (e.g.,
overlapping or partially overlapping), or may use adjacent or
different channels. In some aspects, a channel may comprise a
bandwidth, and the bandwidth may be regarded as comprising more
than one sub-band (e.g., 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz,
etc.). In accordance with these aspects, OBSSes may be regarded as
utilizing overlapping or partially overlapping bandwidths or
sub-bands of a channel, or adjacent or different sub-bands of a
channel.
[0090] In some aspects, deferral rules may be used by devices
within a BSS to determine when to defer to other traffic on the
wireless medium, when to transmit on the wireless medium, how long
to wait before attempting to access the wireless medium, etc. In
some aspects, a BSS may achieve better performance if the devices
in that BSS have an easier time accessing the wireless medium, such
as, for example, when the deferral rules for the BSS have been
loosened or made less stringent.
[0091] Loosening deferral rules may take multiple forms. For
example, in some aspects, clear channel assessment thresholds may
be increased. In accordance with these aspects, before a device,
such as a STA 106 or an AP 104, transmits on the wireless medium,
that device may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA). This CCA
may include, for example, determining an average amount of energy
that is present on a particular portion of the channel during a
particular time or time frame. The device may compare the detected
amount of energy to a threshold, in order to determine whether or
not the wireless medium is in use. For example, if there is a large
amount of energy in the spectrum at a particular time, the device
may determine that this portion of the spectrum is in use, and may
choose not to transmit on this portion of the spectrum at that
time. Accordingly, this threshold may be altered, in order to allow
devices to transmit even when larger amounts of energy are present
on the wireless medium, or to forbid devices from transmitting when
lower amounts of energy are present. Accordingly, adjusting this
threshold, depending upon the direction of the adjustment, may be
referred to herein as "loosening" or "tightening" the deferral
rules for a BSS, as it may make devices either more or less likely
to defer to the traffic present on the wireless medium.
[0092] In another aspect, deferral rules for a BSS may be loosened
to allow devices to transmit on top of packets which they detect
when those packets are from an overlapping basic service set
(OBSS). For example, from the point of view of a device in the BSS
302A such as STA 306A, the BSS 302B may be thought of as an OBSS.
Specifically, for example, STA 306A may be close enough to STA 306B
or AP 304B that each of the two devices may be able to receive
communications from the other (e.g., when BSS 302A and BSS 302B are
using one or more of the same channels and technologies). However,
a BSS may adjust its rules, in accordance with one aspect, such
that when the STA 306A detects a transmission, and detects that
this transmission is from the STA 306B, the AP 304B, or another
device in the OBSS (e.g., BSS 302B), the STA 306A may still use the
wireless medium, as long as a detected energy is below a certain
threshold. Accordingly, making the adjustment above to allow the
STA 306A to use the medium more often despite other medium use may
also be referred to herein as loosening a deferral rule. In some
aspects, loosening of deferral rules may be done for an entire BSS.
For example, the AP 304A may transmit a message to each device
within the BSS 302A, informing those devices of the deferral rules
for the BSS 302A. In some aspects, the AP 304A may additionally or
alternatively broadcast a message in the beacon frame, or using a
management frame. In some aspects, the loosening of the deferral
rules may only apply to certain devices, for example if those
devices have a BSS distance that is above a threshold.
[0093] In some aspects, a BSS may achieve better performance with
less stringent deferral rules when, for example, there are fewer
nearby OBSSes. For example, deferral rules may be loosened when
there are no "contiguous" BSSes on the same channel. For example,
if a BSS is far enough away from neighboring (e.g., within a
specified geographical distance) OBSSes on the same channel,
deferral rules may be loosened. Similarly, there may be situations
in which a BSS may achieve better performance with more stringent
deferral rules. For example, when a large number of BSSes overlap,
use the same channel, and carry a large amount of traffic, it may
be beneficial to use more stringent (e.g., "tightened") deferral
rules in order to reduce packet collisions which may render packets
un-receivable. For example, tightening deferral rules may include
decreasing one or more CCA thresholds (also referred to herein as a
clear channel assessment threshold). In some aspects, an AP may be
configured to switch to a primary channel that is not aligned with
most of its neighbors when it determines that neighboring BSSes are
using the same, or overlapping, channels. Although this switching
process may not be considered a deferral rule, it may be useful in
lieu of, or in addition to, making deferral rules more or less
stringent. Accordingly, methods and apparatus for enabling a BSS to
adjust the stringency of its deferral rules or switching channels
based on the proximity of OBSSes or how active or inactive the
OBSSes are described. In some aspects, there may be one or more
neighboring OBSSes, which may also be referred to herein as a
plurality of neighboring wireless communication networks.
Three Reuse Modes
[0094] In various embodiments, the AP 304A can be configured to
indicate at least one of three example reuse modes in which the STA
306A can determine whether to defer to OBSS transmissions. In a
first mode, the STA 306A can be configured to defer to a
transmission from STA 306B when a received signal strength
indication (RSSI) in the preamble of the transmission from STA 306B
is greater than or equal to a threshold (Thresh_OBSS). Accordingly,
in the first reuse mode, the STA 306A can be configured to reuse
the wireless medium when the RSSI of the transmission from STA 306B
is less than Thresh_OBSS.
[0095] In the second reuse mode, as in the first reuse mode, the
STA 306A can be configured to defer to a transmission from STA 306B
when a received signal strength indication (RSSI) in the preamble
of the transmission from STA 306B is greater than or equal to
Thresh_OBSS. Moreover, the STA 306A can be configured to defer to
the transmission from STA 306B based on an RSSI associated with the
intended receiver of the transmission. For example, the STA 306A
can monitor transmissions from other devices and can keep a record
of observed RSSI from each device. Thus, in an embodiment where the
STA 306B transmits a packet to the AP 304B, the STA 306A can
further determine whether to defer to the transmission if the
previously observed RSSI of the AP 304B is greater than or equal to
a threshold (Thresh_OBSS_RX). In some embodiments, Thresh_OBSS can
be the same as, or equal to, Thresh_OBSS_RX. STA 306A can also get
the RSSI of the intended receiver of packet, in this case AP 304B,
if AP 304B sends a clear to send (CTS). Various embodiments of
deferral according to the second reuse mode are described in U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/268,829, filed May 2, 2014, Atty. Docket
No. 141289U1; U.S. application Ser. No. 14/268,855, filed May 2,
2014, Atty. Docket No. 141289U2; and U.S. application Ser. No.
14/268,830, filed May 2, 2014, Atty. Docket No. 141289U3; the
entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference
(collectively referred to herein as "References 141289"). Although
References 141289 discuss looking at the RSSI from the receiver of
the intended packet when deciding whether to reuse the wireless
medium during the packet transmission itself, various embodiments
of the second reuse mode provided herein are not restricted to
reuse only for the length of the packet.
[0096] In the third reuse mode, in various embodiments, the STA
306A can be configured to defer to a transmission from STA 306B
based on the conditions of the first reuse mode and/or the second
reuse mode. Additionally, or alternatively, the STA 306A can be
configured to selectively defer or reuse the wireless medium based
on additional requirements inside a preamble, an enhanced
request-to-send (eRTS), or an enhanced clear-to-send (eCTS). In
other words, Thresh_OBSS can be a function of one or more preamble
parameters (Thresh_OBSS(pp)). For example, in embodiments where a
modulation coding scheme (MCS) is defined in the preamble,
Thresh_OBSS can be a function of the MCS. In various embodiments,
the function can be preset or defined by the AP 304A. In some
embodiments, the preamble can state how much interference is
tolerated, and the Thresh_OBSS can be computed from that
information. In some embodiments, the transmitter may lower its
power in order to meet the interference requirement. Various
embodiments of deferral according to the third reuse mode are
described in References 141289. Various embodiments of eRTS and
eCTS, which can also be referred to as OBSS request to send (RTS)
and OBSS CTS in some embodiments, are described in U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/052,402, filed Sep. 18, 2014, Atty. Docket No.
146857P1; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/157,898, filed
May 6, 2015, Atty. Docket No. 153408P1, the entirety of each of
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Controlling Reuse Enablement--All STAs
[0097] In one embodiment, the AP 304A can allow wireless medium
reuse for all STAs in the BSS 302A. Thus, the AP 304A can signal
reuse to all STAs. In some embodiments, only one of the three reuse
modes discussed herein is available. In embodiments where more than
one reuse mode is available, the AP 304A can signal which reuse
mode the STA 306A should apply. The AP 304A can further signal all
relevant thresholds to the selected reuse mode. For example, the AP
304A can signal the energy detection (ED) level, OBSS_Thresh,
OBSS_Thresh_RX (when different from OBSS_Thresh), OBSS_Thresh(pp)
(when the thresholds for OBSS packets are a function of parameters
in the preamble, eRTS, and/or eCTS, etc.), an indication of an
amount of interference tolerated at nodes as a function of one or
more parameters (such as MCS), and so on.
[0098] In an embodiment, APs can selectively allow or disallow
reuse of the wireless medium based on a "BSS distance." The BSS
distance can be a metric, such as a ratio, which conveys
information about the relatively distance of the STAs in the BSS as
compared to the distance to neighboring BSSes which operate on the
same channel as the BSS. For example, this distance may be a ratio
which conveys information about the relative distance of STA 306A
and STA 306C, compared to the distance from AP 304A to AP 304B.
[0099] There may be several possible ways of calculating the
"distance" between two BSSes (also referred to herein as "BSS
distance"), in order to determine the proximity of OBSSes. The
simplest method of doing this may be to simply measure the distance
between two APs, such as the APs 304A and 304B for example.
However, this measurement may be insufficient. As illustrated in
FIG. 3, the APs 304A and 304B may be some distance from each other,
however, their BSSes may still be contiguous because of how close
STA 306A and STA 306B are to one another. Due to the proximity of
STA 306A and STA 306B, transmissions to or from one of these
devices (e.g., STA 306A) may be interrupted by transmission to or
from the other device (e.g., STA 306B). In some aspects, this
proximity may be overlooked if a BSS distance is measured solely by
determining a distance between two APs. Accordingly, it may be
desirable to have more nuanced and sophisticated measures of BSS
distance. Accordingly, more sophisticated BSS distance measurement
methods and apparatus may provide additional information about how
far apart the STAs in one BSS are from the STAs in another BSS.
[0100] For example, BSS distance may be determined in a number of
ways. It will be appreciated that each of these described options
may be "mixed and matched" to some extent. For example, certain
measures may use averages, or may use values specific to a STA that
is the furthest away from its associated AP. In some aspects, each
of the described options may use received signal strength
indication (RSSI) measurements instead of distance measurements. In
accordance with these aspects, the described formulas may need to
be adjusted when RSSI is used instead of distance. Any of the
measurement options described herein may be used interchangeably by
changing the metric in a suitable manner.
[0101] A first option for calculating a BSS distance may be
calculating the distance from the AP in a BSS to the nearest OBSS
AP that operates on the same channel, divided by the distance from
the AP in the BSS to the furthest STA in the BSS. For example, in
FIG. 3, the APs 304A and 304B may be 100 meters apart from one
another, and the STA 306A of BSS 302A may be the furthest STA from
the AP 304A at a distance of 40 meters from the AP 304A.
Accordingly, in one aspect the BSS distance measurement may be 100
meters divided by 40 meters, or 2.5.
[0102] Another option for calculating a BSS distance may be to take
an average (or expected value), for each STA in a BSS, of the
distance from that STA to the nearest neighboring OBSS AP, divided
by the distance from the STA to the AP of its own BSS. For example,
in FIG. 3, STA 306A may be 60 meters from AP 304B, which may be the
nearest neighboring OBSS AP to STA 306A. STA 306A may also be 40
meters from AP 304A, which is the AP that STA 306A is associated
with. Accordingly, the BSS distance, as calculated for STA 306A,
may be 60 meters divided by 40 meters, or 1.5. This ratio may be
calculated for each AP in BSS 302A, and the ratios may then be
averaged to calculate a BSS distance for BSS 302A.
[0103] Another option for calculating a BSS distance may be to take
the distance between station "x" and its nearest neighboring OBSS
AP, divided by the distance from station "x" to the BSS AP that it
is associated with, where station "x" is the STA in the BSS which
is furthest from the AP. For example, in FIG. 3, STA 306A may be
the station in BSS 302A which is furthest from AP 304A. As before,
STA 306A may be 60 meters from the nearest OBSS AP, which may be AP
304B, and STA 306A may be 40 meters from the AP in its BSS, which
is AP 304A. Thus, this ratio may be calculated by dividing 60
meters by 40 meters, which is 1.5. In some aspects, this formula
may be altered by, for example, calculating this ratio for some
number of STAs in the BSS. For example, this may be calculated
based upon the furthest 1, 2, 4, 5, or some other number of STAs.
This ratio may also be calculated for each STA, and the lowest
ratio in the BSS may be used, or an average of the lowest 2, 3, 4,
5 or some other number of BSSes.
[0104] Another method of calculating BSS distance may be based, at
least in part, on the BSS distance to a particular OBSS. To get a
final BSS distance, these OBSS distances can be averaged, or the
minimum value can be taken. As another example, the BSS distance of
BSS 302A may be based on the distance between an AP 304A and its
nearest neighboring OBSS AP in the same channel, such as AP 304B.
For example, a BSS distance may be calculated based on the distance
from an AP to its nearest neighboring same-channel OBSS AP, divided
by the mean distance between the AP and all STAs in that AP's BSS.
For example, AP 304A may be 100 meters from AP 304B. STA 306A and
306C may be 40 and 20 meters from AP 304A, respectively. If these
two STAs are the only STAs in BSS 302A, the mean distance between
AP 304A and STAs in BSS 302A may be 30 meters. Thus, this BSS
distance may be determined to be 100 meters divided by 30 meters,
or 3.33. In some aspects, the denominator of this BSS distance
calculation, instead of the mean distance between the AP and all
STAs, may be, for example, the distance to the furthest-away STA in
the BSS, the median distance between the AP and a STA in the BSS,
or another metric. In some aspects, a number of different BSS
distances may be calculated in this manner, for each of a number of
different neighboring access points. As discussed, a "final" BSS
distance may be determined by averaging these BSS distances for
each OBSS, or the minimum BSS distance value may be used.
[0105] In some aspects, the distance between an AP and a STA, or an
AP and another AP, may be determined or approximated using RSSI
values. RSSI may be a measurement of the power present in a
received radio signal, and, in some aspects, a distance between two
wireless devices may be inferred based upon this metric. For
example, a received signal strength may be compared to a
transmitter signal strength of that device (which may be known), in
order to estimate a distance to a device based on the RSSI. This
comparison may be performed by the AP 304A, for example. Further,
the RSSI value itself may be used directly in the above
calculations, provided that the calculations are modified in order
to accommodate the use of an RSSI value. For example, the first
option for calculating distance may be modified to use an RSSI
value by calculating BSS distance as the RSSI (from the AP in the
BSS) to the farthest STA in the BSS, divided by the RSSI (from the
AP in the BSS) to the nearest OBSS AP on the same channel. When
using an RSSI value rather than a distance, it may be advantageous
to switch the numerator and the denominator from the distance-based
ratios above. This may be true because an RSSI may be
inversely-related to a distance between two wireless devices (e.g.,
the further a STA is from an associated AP, the lower the receiver
strength). Accordingly, it may be beneficial to switch the
numerator and denominator when using RSSI values rather than
distances. In some aspects, a linear value of RSSI may be
assumed.
[0106] Various other embodiments of determining the BSS distance
are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/852,395, filed Sep.
11, 2015, Atty. Docket No. QTELE.160A/147141U1, the entirety of
which is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the
BSS distance of the AP 304A or 304B can be used. In other
embodiments, the BSS distance of the STAs can be used (for example,
where they report their BSS distance to the AP 304A).
[0107] In some embodiments, the AP 304A can be configured to reuse
the wireless medium. In such embodiments, the AP 304A can use
eRTS/eCTS for high-efficiency (HE) STAs (such as STAs compliant
with 802.11ax). In embodiments where eRTS/eCTS transmissions allow
other devices to reuse the wireless medium during those
transmissions, the devices can be configured to reuse the wireless
medium when the RSSI is below a threshold.
Controlling Reuse Enablement--Some STAs
[0108] In one embodiment, the AP 304A can allow wireless medium
reuse for some (but not all) STAs in the BSS 302A. Thus, the AP
304A can signal reuse enablement to a subset of STAs. For example,
the AP 304A can signal a BSS distance threshold to all STAs, and
all STAs who have a BSS distance less than the BSS distance
threshold can reuse the wireless medium during OBSS transmissions
where the OBSS conditions are met.
[0109] In one embodiment, each STA 306A and 306C can compute its
own BSS distance. In embodiments where more than one reuse mode is
available, the AP 304A can signal which reuse mode the STA 306A
should apply. The AP 304A can further signal all relevant
thresholds to the selected reuse mode. For example, the AP 304A can
signal the energy detection (ED) level, OBSS_Thresh, OBSS_Thresh_RX
(when different from OBSS_Thresh), OBSS_Thresh(pp) (when the
thresholds for OBSS packets are a function of parameters in the
preamble, eRTS, and/or eCTS, etc.), an indication of an amount of
interference tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more
parameters (such as MCS), and so on.
[0110] In some embodiments, the thresholds can be a function of
each receiving STAs BSS distance. In another embodiment, the
thresholds can be a function of each STAs distance to its own AP,
for example via Dynamic Sensitivity Control (DSC). Accordingly,
each STA can compute its own threshold based on the APs 304A
indications. In some embodiments, transmissions that don't reuse
the wireless medium can use legacy RTS/CTS, and transmissions that
do reuse the wireless medium, can use eRTS/eCTS.
Controlling Reuse Enablement--STA Decides
[0111] In various embodiments, enablement of wireless medium reuse
during OBSS transmissions can be determined by each STA. For
example, the AP 304A can refrain from signaling threshold. The STAs
can be aware of the thresholds in advance, for example they can be
stored in a memory. As another example, the thresholds can be
provided in the OBSS transmission itself. For example, the STA 306B
can provide a minimum interference level in its transmissions. The
STA 306A can determine whether or not to reuse the wireless medium
based on the provided minimum interference level. It can also
change its power in order to meet the interference
requirements.
Examples
[0112] In various embodiments, a combination of the above
embodiments can be employed. For example, in one embodiment the AP
304A can decide whether reuse is enabled based on its BSS distance
and each STA can compute OBSS_Thresh based on information in the
transmission. As another example, the AP 304A can instruct each STA
to use DSC, and each STA can compute OBSS_Thresh based on its
distance to the AP 304A. In other embodiments, various other
combinations of approaches described herein can be employed.
[0113] In another example embodiment, the AP 304A can determine
that the nearest AP 304B is farther than distance D. The AP 304A
can allow reuse for all STAs in its BSS 302A, so long as STAs do
not see any OBSS STAs within distance D2. The AP 304A can send a
broadcast IE to STAs 306A and 306C, indicating the condition for
reuse, and the OBSS_Thresh if they pass the requirement.
Accordingly, for STAs that do not see any OBSS STAs within distance
D2, they can reuse the wireless medium based on OBSS_Thresh
provided by the AP.
[0114] In another example embodiment, the AP 304A can determine
that the neighbor AP 304B is farther than distance D. The AP 304A
can broadcast a distance D1 to the farthest STA 306C. The AP 304A
can listen to neighbor AP's 304B broadcasted distance to their
farthest STA 306B. If AP 304A sees that AP's 304B farthest STA 306B
is less than D2, and if D1 is less than D2, AP 304A can determine
to allow reuse in its BSS 302A. Accordingly, AP 304A can send an IE
indicating that STAs can reuse the wireless medium, and the
OBSS_Thresh. In some embodiments, the AP 304A and 304B can signal
each other in order to determine a reuse agreement.
APs with Multiple Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSIDs)/Co-Located
APs
[0115] In various embodiments, AP 304A can have multiple BSSIDs. In
one embodiment, the AP 304A can signal to the BSS 302A which colors
should be deferred to. For example, the AP 304A can indicate all
colors of APs within a certain distance and/or RSSI. Various
embodiments of such deferral described in U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/174,444, filed Jun. 11, 2015, Atty. Docket No.
153972, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
In another embodiment, the AP 304A can select the same color as
nearby APs (such as the AP 304B).
[0116] In some embodiments, the AP 304A can provide the color of an
OBSS to be deferred to. The colors of all the OBSSs to be deferred
to can be included in a management frame. Subsequently, when the
STA 306A receives a packet, the STA 306A determines the color of
the packet and determines whether the color of the packet matches
the color of the BSS 302A or one of the colors the OBSSs to be
deferred to. When the color of the packet matches one of those
colors, the STA 306A observes the packet. Otherwise, the STA 306A
can choose to drop the packet.
[0117] In other embodiments, the AP 304A can assign the color of
the BSS 302A as the same color of a particular OBSS (e.g., the BSS
302B) to be deferred to. The AP 304A can choose not to send any
indications to the one or more stations of the BSS 302A, as the
stations are configured to observe packets of the color of the BSS
302A. As such, the stations of the BSS 302A can observe the packets
from the BSS 302A and the particular OBSS having the same color.
Further, the AP 304A can further negotiate with the access points
of the OBSSs to be deferred to assign the same color to the BSS
302A and the OBSSs to be deferred to. Similarly, the AP 304A can
choose not to send any indications to the one or more stations of
the BSS 302A, as the stations are configured to observe packets
having the color of the BSS 302A. As such, the stations of the BSS
302A can observe the packets from the BSS 302A and the OBSSs to be
deferred to.
Implementing Methods
[0118] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart 400 for an exemplary method of
reusing a wireless medium that can be employed within the wireless
communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The method can be implemented
in whole or in part by the devices described herein, such as the
wireless device 202 shown in FIG. 2. Although the illustrated
method is described herein with reference to the wireless
communication system 100 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1
and 3, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that the illustrated method can be implemented by another device
described herein, or any other suitable device. Although the
illustrated method is described herein with reference to a
particular order, in various embodiments, blocks herein can be
performed in a different order, or omitted, and additional blocks
can be added.
[0119] First, at block 410, a wireless device determines whether to
allow reuse of the wireless medium by one or more stations in a
basic service set (BSS). For example, the AP 304A can decide if
reuse is possible based on its BSS distance. In one example, the
STA 306A can compute OBSS_Thresh based on information in a packet
received from STA 306B.
[0120] In another example, the AP 304A can determine that the
nearest APs (such as AP 304B) are farther than a distance D. The AP
304A can determine to allow reuse for all STAs in its BSS 302A so
long as the STAs do not see any OBSS STAs within a distance D2. The
AP 304A can send a Broadcast Information Element to the STAs 306A
and 306C, telling them the requirement for reuse, and the
OBSS_Thresh if they pass the requirement. In this example, for STAs
that do not see any OBSS STAs (such as STA 306B) within distance
D2, they can reuse the wireless medium with OBSS_Thresh as provided
by the AP 304A.
[0121] In another example, the AP 304A can determine that neighbor
APs (such as AP 304B) are farther than distance D. The AP 304A can
broadcast the distance D1 to a farthest STA. The AP 304A can listen
to neighbor APs broadcasted distance to their farthest STA. If AP
304A sees that neighboring AP have a farthest STA less than D2, and
if D1 is less than D2, the AP 304A can allow reuse in its BSS 302A.
Accordingly, the AP 304A can sent an Information Element telling
STAs 306C and 306A that they can reuse the wireless medium and
define OBSS_Thresh. In some embodiments, the AP 304A can also allow
reuse based on an agreement with neighbor AP 304A.
[0122] Next, at block 420, the device transmits, upon determining
to allow reuse, indication that reuse of the wireless medium is
permitted for stations meeting a criteria. For example, the AP 304A
can transmit a beacon or broadcast IE allowing reuse of the
wireless medium for some or all stations within its BSS 302A.
[0123] Then, at block 430, the device can determine one or more
reuse parameters. For example, the AP 304A can determine any of the
reuse conditions discussed above with respect to FIG. 3. For
example, the AP 304A can determine that stations are allowed to
reuse the wireless medium when Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3 (or any
combination thereof) rules are satisfied.
[0124] In various embodiments, a plurality of reuse parameters can
be different for different stations. In other words, different
reuse parameters can be determined for, associated with, and
communicated to different stations on a per-station basis. As an
example, the AP 304A can determine a first set of reuse parameters
for the STA 304B, and can communicate the first set of reuse
parameters to the STA 304B (either directly or in a broadcast
message). Similarly, the AP 304A can determine a second set of
reuse parameters for the STA 304A, and can communicate the second
set of reuse parameters to the STA 304A (either directly or in a
broadcast message). In some embodiments, different reuse parameters
can be determined for, associated with, and communicated to
different groups of stations on a per-group basis. As an example,
the AP 304A can determine a first set of reuse parameters for a
first group of stations including the STA 304A and the STA 304B,
and can communicate the first set of reuse parameters to the STA
304A and the STA 304B (either directly or in a broadcast message).
Similarly, the AP 304A can determine a second set of reuse
parameters for a second group of stations (including one or more
STAs not shown), and can communicate the second set of reuse
parameters to the second group of stations (either directly or in a
broadcast message).
[0125] Thereafter, at block 440, the device can transmit the one or
more reuse parameters. For example, the AP 304A can transmit a
beacon or broadcast IE defining the reuse parameters to some or all
stations within its BSS 302A. In various embodiments, the reuse
parameters can be transmitted with the indication that reuse is
permitted. In other embodiments, the reuse parameters can be
transmitted separately.
[0126] In various embodiments, the method can further include
selecting a reuse mode comprising one or more of the following
conditions either alone or in combination: stations can be
permitted to reuse the wireless medium when detecting an
overlapping BSS (OBSS) transmission from a transmitting device that
can have a received signal strength indication (RSSI) less than a
first threshold, stations can be permitted to reuse the wireless
medium when a destination device of the OBSS transmission can have
an RSSI less than a second threshold, and stations can be permitted
to reuse the wireless medium when the transmitting device and/or
intended receiving device can have an RSSI less than a dynamic
threshold that can be a function of one or more preamble
parameters. The method can further include transmitting an
indication of the selected reuse mode.
[0127] In various embodiments, the first threshold and the second
threshold can be the same. In various embodiments, the dynamic
threshold can be a function of a transmit power of the transmitting
device and/or of an intended receiver. In various embodiments, the
one or more reuse parameters can include one or more of: a transmit
power, an energy detection (ED) level, a transmitter received
signal strength indication (RSSI) threshold, an intended receiver
RSSI threshold, a RSSI threshold function based on one or more
preamble parameters, and an indication of an amount of interference
tolerated at nodes as a function of one or more parameters.
[0128] In various embodiments, determining whether to allow reuse
of the wireless medium can be based on a BSS distance of an access
point and/or a BSS distance of the one or more stations. In various
embodiments, the method can further include determining to allow
reuse of the wireless medium and using enhanced request-to-send
and/or enhanced clear-to-send transmissions. In various
embodiments, the criteria can define that all stations in the BSS
can be allowed to reuse the wireless medium.
[0129] In various embodiments, the criteria can define that a
subset of stations in the BSS can be allowed to reuse the wireless
medium. In various embodiments, the subset of stations can be based
on their BSS distance. In various embodiments, the access point can
have multiple BSS identifiers, the method further comprising
signaling one or more colors to which the one or more stations
should defer, or selecting the same color as a neighboring access
point.
[0130] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 4 can be
implemented in a wireless device that can include a determining
circuit and a transmitting circuit. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that a wireless device can have more components than the
simplified wireless device described herein. The wireless device
described herein includes only those components useful for
describing some prominent features of implementations within the
scope of the claims.
[0131] The determining circuit can be configured to determine
whether reuse is allowed, and/or determine the applicable reuse
parameters. In some embodiments, the determining circuit can be
configured to perform at least one of blocks 410 and 430 of FIG. 4.
The determining circuit can include one or more of the processor
204 (FIG. 2), the memory 206 (FIG. 2), and the DSP 220 (FIG. 2). In
some implementations, means for determining can include the
determining circuit.
[0132] The transmitting circuit can be configured to transmit the
indication that reuse is allowed and/or the reuse parameters. In
some embodiments, the transmitting circuit can be configured to
perform at least one of blocks 420 and 440 of FIG. 4. The
transmitting circuit can include one or more of the transmitter 210
(FIG. 2), the antenna 216 (FIG. 2), and the transceiver 214 (FIG.
2). In some implementations, means for transmitting can include the
transmitting circuit.
[0133] In various embodiments, the wireless device can include a
selecting circuit. The selecting circuit can be configured to
select a reuse mode. The selecting circuit can include one or more
of the processor 204 (FIG. 2), the memory 206 (FIG. 2), and the DSP
220 (FIG. 2). In some implementations, means for selecting can
include the selecting circuit.
[0134] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart 500 for an exemplary method of
reusing a wireless medium that can be employed within the wireless
communication system 100 of FIG. 1. The method can be implemented
in whole or in part by the devices described herein, such as the
wireless device 202 shown in FIG. 2. Although the illustrated
method is described herein with reference to the wireless
communication system 100 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1
and 3, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that the illustrated method can be implemented by another device
described herein, or any other suitable device. Although the
illustrated method is described herein with reference to a
particular order, in various embodiments, blocks herein can be
performed in a different order, or omitted, and additional blocks
can be added.
[0135] First, at block 510, a wireless device can detect an
overlapping basic service set (OBSS) transmission. For example, the
STA 306A can detect an OBSS transmission from the STA 306B.
[0136] Then, at block 520, the wireless device can determine
whether to reuse the wireless medium. For example, the STA 306A can
receive in indication from the AP 304A that reuse of the wireless
medium is allowed. In another embodiment, the STA 306A can
unilaterally determine that reuse of the wireless medium is
allowed, for example, based on DSC and/or information in the
transmission from the STA 306B.
[0137] Next, at block 530, the wireless device can determine one or
more reuse parameters. For example, the STA 306A can receive the
reuse parameters from the AP 304A via a beacon or broadcast IE. In
another embodiment, the STA 306A can unilaterally determine the
reuse parameters, for example, based on parameters that are hard
coded or stored in memory, and/or information in the transmission
from the STA 306B.
[0138] In various embodiments, a plurality of reuse parameters can
be different for different stations. In other words, different
reuse parameters can be determined for, associated with, and/or
received at different stations on a per-station basis. As an
example, the STA 306C can receive a first set of reuse parameters
from the AP 304A via a beacon or broadcast IE. Similarly, the STA
306A can receive a second set of reuse parameters from the AP 304A
via a beacon or broadcast IE. Alternatively, the STAs 306A and 306C
can each determine their own different reuse parameters
unilaterally. In some embodiments, different reuse parameters can
be determined for, associated with, and/or received at different
groups of stations on a per-group basis. As an example, a first
group of stations, including the STA 304A and the STA 304, can
receive a first set of reuse parameters from the AP 304A via a
beacon or broadcast IE. Similarly, a second group of stations
(including one or more STAs not shown) can receive a second set of
reuse parameters from the AP 304A via a beacon or broadcast IE.
[0139] Thereafter, at block 540, the wireless device can
selectively transmit a message based on said determining whether to
reuse the wireless medium and the one or more reuse parameters. For
example, the STA 306A can compare the reuse parameters (such as
OBSS_Thresh) to the transmission from the STA 306B. In one example,
the STA 306A can transmit the message when the RSSI of the
transmission from the STA 306B is less than the RSSI defined in
OBSS_Thresh.
[0140] In an embodiment, the method shown in FIG. 5 can be
implemented in a wireless device that can include a detecting
circuit, a determining circuit, and a transmitting circuit. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless device can have
more components than the simplified wireless device described
herein. The wireless device described herein includes only those
components useful for describing some prominent features of
implementations within the scope of the claims.
[0141] The detecting circuit can be configured to detect the OBSS
transmission. In some embodiments, the detecting circuit can be
configured to perform at least block 510 of FIG. 5. The detecting
circuit can include one or more of the receiver 212 (FIG. 2), the
DSP 220, the processor 204, the memory 206, the signal detector
218, the antenna 216 (FIG. 2), and the transceiver 214 (FIG. 2). In
some implementations, means for detecting can include the detecting
circuit.
[0142] The determining circuit can be configured to determine
whether reuse is allowed, and/or determine the applicable reuse
parameters. In some embodiments, the determining circuit can be
configured to perform at least one of blocks 520 and 530 of FIG. 5.
The determining circuit can include one or more of the processor
204 (FIG. 2), the memory 206 (FIG. 2), and the DSP 220 (FIG. 2). In
some implementations, means for determining can include the
determining circuit.
[0143] The transmitting circuit can be configured to selectively
transmit a message reusing the wireless medium. In some
embodiments, the transmitting circuit can be configured to perform
at least one of blocks 520 and 540 of FIG. 5. The transmitting
circuit can include one or more of the transmitter 210 (FIG. 2),
the antenna 216 (FIG. 2), and the transceiver 214 (FIG. 2). In some
implementations, means for transmitting can include the
transmitting circuit.
[0144] In various embodiments, the wireless device can include a
selecting circuit. The selecting circuit can be configured to
select a reuse mode. The selecting circuit can include one or more
of the processor 204 (FIG. 2), the memory 206 (FIG. 2), and the DSP
220 (FIG. 2). In some implementations, means for selecting can
include the selecting circuit.
[0145] In various embodiments, the wireless device can include a
receiving circuit. The receiving circuit can be configured to
receiving the reuse indication and/or reuse parameters, for example
as a beacon or IE from the AP. The receiving circuit can include
one or more of the receiver 212 (FIG. 2), the DSP 220, the antenna
216 (FIG. 2), and the transceiver 214 (FIG. 2). In some
implementations, means for receiving can include the receiving
circuit.
[0146] A person/one having ordinary skill in the art would
understand that information and signals can be represented using
any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For
example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits,
symbols, and chips that can be referenced throughout the above
description can be represented by voltages, currents,
electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields
or particles, or any combination thereof.
[0147] Various modifications to the implementations described in
this disclosure can be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to
other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of
this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited
to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the claims, the principles and the
novel features disclosed herein. The word "exemplary" is used
exclusively herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or
illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other implementations.
[0148] Certain features that are described in this specification in
the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in
combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various
features that are described in the context of a single
implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations
separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although
features can be described above as acting in certain combinations
and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the
combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a
sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[0149] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a
list of items refers to any combination of those items, including
single members. As an example, "at least one of: a, b, or c" is
intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c. As used
herein, the terms "and" or "or" may be interchangeable, and may be
interpreted as "and/or" (e.g., anywhere from one to all of the
items in a list).
[0150] The various operations of methods described above can be
performed by any suitable means capable of performing the
operations, such as various hardware and/or software component(s),
circuits, and/or module(s). Generally, any operations illustrated
in the Figures can be performed by corresponding functional means
capable of performing the operations.
[0151] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules and
circuits described in connection with the present disclosure can be
implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a
digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array signal (FPGA) or
other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor
logic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof
designed to perform the functions described herein. A general
purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative,
the processor can be any commercially available processor,
controller, microcontroller or state machine. A processor can also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0152] In one or more aspects, the functions described can be
implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination
thereof. If implemented in software, the functions can be stored on
or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a
computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both
computer storage media and communication media including any medium
that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to
another. A storage media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or
store desired program code in the form of instructions or data
structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any
connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For
example, if the software is transmitted from a web site, server, or
other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,
twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in
the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes
compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc
(DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce
data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with
lasers. Thus, in some aspects computer readable medium can comprise
non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., tangible media). In
addition, in some aspects computer readable medium can comprise
transitory computer readable medium (e.g., a signal). Combinations
of the above should also be included within the scope of
computer-readable media.
[0153] The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or
actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or
actions can be interchanged with one another without departing from
the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of
steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific
steps and/or actions can be modified without departing from the
scope of the claims.
[0154] Further, it should be appreciated that modules and/or other
appropriate means for performing the methods and techniques
described herein can be downloaded and/or otherwise obtained by a
user terminal and/or base station as applicable. For example, such
a device can be coupled to a server to facilitate the transfer of
means for performing the methods described herein. Alternatively,
various methods described herein can be provided via storage means
(e.g., RAM, ROM, a physical storage medium such as a compact disc
(CD) or floppy disk, etc.), such that a user terminal and/or base
station can obtain the various methods upon coupling or providing
the storage means to the device. Moreover, any other suitable
technique for providing the methods and techniques described herein
to a device can be utilized.
[0155] While the foregoing is directed to aspects of the present
disclosure, other and further aspects of the disclosure can be
devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the
scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *