U.S. patent application number 17/033629 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-14 for mechanism for grouping a neighboring access point (ap) in a spatial reuse group (srg).
The applicant listed for this patent is QUALCOMM Incorporated. Invention is credited to Alfred ASTERJADHI, George CHERIAN, Abhishek Pramod PATIL.
Application Number | 20210014692 17/033629 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005109622 |
Filed Date | 2021-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210014692 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHERIAN; George ; et
al. |
January 14, 2021 |
MECHANISM FOR GROUPING A NEIGHBORING ACCESS POINT (AP) IN A SPATIAL
REUSE GROUP (SRG)
Abstract
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus,
including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, for
enabling a neighboring access point (AP) to reuse communication
resources that are used by an existing spatial reuse group (SRG).
In one aspect, an SR element including SR information can be
generated. The SR information may indicate that a first group of
STAs associated with a second AP may reuse resources of a wireless
medium over which packets are transmitted by a second group of STAs
associated with the first AP and may indicate a permitted OBSS
threshold value for reuse of the resources over the first AP. In
some implementations, a wireless apparatus may transmit the SR
element that includes the SR information.
Inventors: |
CHERIAN; George; (San Diego,
CA) ; ASTERJADHI; Alfred; (San Diego, CA) ;
PATIL; Abhishek Pramod; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QUALCOMM Incorporated |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005109622 |
Appl. No.: |
17/033629 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16235302 |
Dec 28, 2018 |
10827359 |
|
|
17033629 |
|
|
|
|
62613367 |
Jan 3, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 16/10 20130101;
H04W 72/0426 20130101; H04W 40/244 20130101; H04W 48/16 20130101;
H04W 76/11 20180201; H04W 24/08 20130101; H04W 48/10 20130101; H04W
16/28 20130101; H04W 72/082 20130101; H04W 88/10 20130101; H04W
16/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 16/06 20060101
H04W016/06; H04W 76/11 20060101 H04W076/11; H04W 16/28 20060101
H04W016/28; H04W 40/24 20060101 H04W040/24; H04W 48/16 20060101
H04W048/16; H04W 72/08 20060101 H04W072/08; H04W 88/10 20060101
H04W088/10; H04W 48/10 20060101 H04W048/10; H04W 24/08 20060101
H04W024/08; H04W 16/10 20060101 H04W016/10 |
Claims
1. A method of wireless communication for a first access point
(AP), comprising: generating a spatial reuse (SR) element that
includes SR information, the SR information indicating that a first
group of stations (STAs) associated with a second AP may reuse
resources that are used for packets transmitted by a second group
of STAs associated with the first AP and indicating at least one
first permitted overlapping basic service set (OBSS) threshold
value for reuse of the resources over the first AP; and
transmitting the SR element that includes the SR information.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the SR element is carried in one
of a beacon, a probe response, an action frame, a beacon report
request, or a beacon report response.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the SR element further comprises
an SR group (SRG) identifier field.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein an SRG identifier associated with
the first AP is included in the SRG identifier field when the at
least one first permitted OBSS threshold value included in the SR
information is associated with a plurality of different SR groups
(SRGs).
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the SR element is an SR
permission element.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the SR information is included in
an SR parameter set element.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the SR information indicates a
partial basic service set identification (BSSID) bitmap.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the SR information indicates
color information for at least an SR group comprising the first
AP.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a first
message from the second AP, the first message indicating that the
second AP intends to reuse the resources with the first AP; and
including the second AP in a spatial reuse group (SRG) associated
with the first AP.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a first
message from the second AP, the first message indicating at least
one second OBSS threshold value for reuse of the resources over the
second AP; updating the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold
value to match the at least one second OBSS threshold value; and
transmitting a second message to the second AP indicating the
updated at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an SR
information request from the second AP, wherein the SR element is
generated in response to the SR information request.
12. A method of wireless communication for a first access point
(AP), comprising: receiving, from a second AP, a spatial (SR)
element that includes SR information, the SR information comprising
at least one first permitted overlapping basic service set (OBSS)
threshold value for reuse of resources that are used for packets
transmitted by the second AP; determining if the at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value meets a transmission criterion; and
transmitting information associated with the at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value to at least one station (STA) upon
determining that the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold
value meets the transmission criterion.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the SR element is carried in a
beacon, a probe response, an action frame, a beacon report request,
or a beacon report response.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the SR element further includes
a spatial reuse group (SRG) identifier field.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein an SRG identifier associated
with the second AP is included in the SRG identifier field when the
at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value included in the
SR information is associated with a plurality of different SR
groups (SRGs).
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the SR information is included
in an SR permission element.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the SR information is included
an SR parameter set element.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the transmission criterion is
associated with one or more of an interference level or
transmission power.
19. The method of claim 12, further comprising: transmitting a
first message to the first AP, the first message indicating that
the first AP intends to reuse the resources over the second AP.
20. The method of claim 12, further comprising: transmitting a
first message to the second AP, the first message indicating at
least one second OBSS threshold value for reuse of the resources
over the first AP; and receiving a second message from the second
AP indicating an updated at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value.
21. The method of claim 12, further comprising: transmitting an SR
information request to the second AP, wherein the SR element is
received in response to the SR information request; and monitoring
for the SR element.
22. An apparatus for wireless communication for a first access
point (AP), comprising: a memory; and at least one processor
coupled to the memory and configured to: generate a spatial reuse
(SR) element that includes SR information, the SR information
indicating that a first group of stations (STAs) associated with a
second AP may reuse resources that are used for packets transmitted
by a second group of STAs associated with the first AP and
indicating at least one first permitted overlapping basic service
set (OBSS) threshold value for reuse of the resources over the
first AP; and a first interface configured to transmit the SR
element that includes the SR information.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the SR element is carried in
a beacon, a probe response, an action frame, a beacon report
request, or a beacon report response, the SR element further
comprises an spatial reuse group (SRG) identifier field, and an SRG
identifier associated with the first AP is included in the SRG
identifier field when the at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value included in the SR information is associated with a
plurality of different SR groups (SRGs).
24. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising: a second
interface to receive a first message from the second AP, the first
message indicating that the second AP intends to reuse the
resources with the first AP; and include the second AP in a spatial
reuse group (SRG) associated with the first AP.
25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the second interface is
further configured to receive a first message from the second AP,
the first message indicating at least one second OBSS threshold
value for reuse of the resources over the second AP, wherein the at
least one processor is further configured to update the at least
one first permitted OBSS threshold value to match the at least one
second OBSS threshold value, and wherein the first interface is
further configured to transmit a second message to the second AP
indicating the updated at least one first permitted OBSS threshold
value.
26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the second interface is
configured to receive an SR information request from the second AP,
wherein the SR element is generated in response to the SR
information request.
27. An apparatus for wireless communication for a first access
point (AP), comprising: a memory; and a first interface configured
to receive, from a second AP, a spatial reuse (SR) element that
includes SR information, the SR information comprising at least one
first permitted overlapping basic service set (OBSS) threshold
value for reuse of resources that are used for packets transmitted
by the first AP; at least one processor coupled to the memory and
configured to determine if the at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value meets a transmission criterion; and a second
interface configured to transmit information associated with the at
least one first permitted OBSS threshold value to at least one
station (STA) upon determining that the at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value meets the transmission
criterion.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second interface is
further configured to: transmit a first message to the second AP,
the first message indicating that the first AP intends to reuse the
resources over the second AP.
29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second interface is
further configured to transmit a first message to the second AP,
the first message indicating at least one second OBSS threshold
value for reuse of the resources over the first AP, and wherein the
first interface is further configured to receive a second message
from the second AP indicating an updated at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value.
30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second interface is
further configured to transmit an SR information request to the
second AP, wherein the SR element is received in response to the SR
information request, and wherein the at least one processor is
further configured to monitor for the SR element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional
application Ser. No. 16/235,302 entitled "A MECHANISM FOR GROUPING
A NEIGHBORING ACCESS POINT (AP) IN A SPATIAL REUSE GROUP (SRG)" and
filed on Dec. 28, 2018 which claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/613,367, entitled "A MECHANISM FOR GROUPING A
NEIGHBORING ACCESS POINT IN A SPATIAL REUSE GROUP" and filed on
Jan. 3, 2018, both of which are expressly incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to communication systems,
and more particularly to enabling a first access point (AP) to
reuse a wireless communication medium over a second AP.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY
[0003] In some telecommunication systems, communications networks
are used to exchange messages among several interacting
spatially-separated devices. Networks may be classified according
to geographic scope, which could be, for example, a metropolitan
area, a local area, or a personal area. Such networks would be
designated respectively as a wide area network (WAN), metropolitan
area network (MAN), local area network (LAN), wireless local area
network (WLAN), or personal area network (PAN). Networks also
differ according to the switching or routing techniques used to
interconnect the various network nodes and devices (such as circuit
switching versus packet switching), the type of physical media
employed for transmission (such as wired versus wireless), and the
set of communication protocols used (such as Internet protocol
suite, Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET), 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, infra-red, optical, etc., frequency bands. Wireless
networks advantageously facilitate user mobility and rapid field
deployment when compared to fixed wired networks.
[0005] A wireless network, for example a WLAN, such as a Wi-Fi
(i.e., IEEE 802.11 family of standards) network may include an AP
that communicates with one or more stations (STAs) or mobile
devices. The AP may be coupled to a network, such as the Internet,
and may enable a wireless device to communicate via the network (or
communicate with other devices coupled to the AP). A wireless
device may communicate with a network device bi-directionally. For
example, in a WLAN, a STA may communicate with an associated AP via
downlink (DL) and uplink (UL). The DL (or forward link) may refer
to the communication link from the AP to the station, and the UL
(or reverse link) may refer to the communication link from the
station to the AP.
SUMMARY
[0006] The systems, methods and devices of this disclosure each
have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely
responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. In an
aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and
an apparatus are provided. In some implementations, the apparatus
may include a first AP in a Spatial Reuse Group (SRG). The
apparatus may generate a spatial reuse (SR) element that includes
SR information. In some implementations, the SR information may
indicate that a first group of STAs associated with a second AP may
reuse resources that are used for packets transmitted by a second
group of STAs associated with the first AP and may indicate at
least one first permitted overlapping BSS (OBSS) threshold value
for reuse the resources over the first AP. The apparatus may
transmit the SR element that includes the SR information.
[0007] In some implementations, the SR element may be carried in
one of a beacon, a probe response, an action frame, a beacon report
request, or a beacon report response.
[0008] In some implementations, the SR element may include an SRG
identifier field. As an example, an SRG identifier associated with
the first AP may be included in the SRG identifier field when the
first permitted OBSS threshold value(s) included in the SR
information is associated with a plurality of different SRGs.
[0009] In some implementations, the SR element may be an SR
permission element.
[0010] In some implementations, the SR information may be included
in an SR parameter element set.
[0011] In some implementations, the SR information may indicate a
partial basic service set identification (BSSID) bitmap.
[0012] In some implementations, the SR information may indicate
color information for at least an SR group including the first
AP.
[0013] In some implementations, the apparatus may receive a first
message from the second AP, the first message indicating that the
second AP intends to reuse the resources with the first AP. The
apparatus may then include the second AP in an SRG associated with
the first AP.
[0014] In some implementations, the apparatus may receive a first
message from the second AP, the first message indicating at least
one second OBSS threshold value for reuse of the resources over the
second AP. The apparatus may then update the at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value to match the at least one second
OBSS threshold value and transmit a second message to the second AP
indicating the updated at least one first permitted OBSS threshold
value.
[0015] In some implementations, the apparatus may an SR information
request from the second AP, wherein the SR element is generated in
response to the SR information request.
[0016] In some other implementations, the apparatus may include a
neighboring AP that is not part of an SRG. The apparatus may
receive, from a second AP, an SR element that includes SR
information. In some implementations, the SR information including
at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value for reuse of
resources that are used for packets transmitted by the second AP.
Such reuse of resources may be described as reuse over the second
AP. The apparatus may determine if the at least one first permitted
OBSS threshold value meets a transmission criterion. The apparatus
may transmit information associated with the at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value to at least one STA upon determining
that the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value meets
the transmission criterion.
[0017] In some implementations, the SR element may be carried in a
beacon, a probe response, an action frame, a beacon report request,
or a beacon report response.
[0018] In some implementations, the SR element may include an SRG
identifier field. As an example, an SRG identifier associated with
the second AP may be included in the SRG identifier field when the
at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value included in the
SR information is associated with a plurality of different
SRGs.
[0019] In some implementations, the SR information may be included
in an SR permission element.
[0020] In some implementations, the SR information may be included
an SR parameter set element.
[0021] In some implementations, the transmission criterion may be
associated with one or more of an interference level or
transmission power.
[0022] In some implementations, the apparatus may transmit a first
message to the first AP, the first message indicating that the
first AP intends to reuse the resources over the second AP.
[0023] In some implementations, the apparatus may transmit a first
message to the second AP, the first message indicating at least one
second OBSS threshold value for reuse of the resources over the
first AP. The apparatus may then receive a second message from the
second AP indicating an updated at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value.
[0024] In some implementations, the apparatus may transmit an SR
information request to the second AP, wherein the SR element is
received in response to the SR information request. Then, the
apparatus may monitor for the SR element.
[0025] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter
described in this disclosure 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 shows an example wireless communication system in
which aspects of the present disclosure may be employed.
[0027] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for reusing
over an AP in accordance with certain aspects of the
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a PPDU that may carry an
SR element in accordance with certain aspects of the
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating SR information fields in
accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows an example functional block diagram of a
wireless communication device that may support reuse over
transmissions of the wireless communication device within the
wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method for enabling
reuse over transmissions of a first AP in accordance with certain
aspects of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of an example wireless
communication device that may be configured to reuse over
transmissions of a first AP in accordance with certain aspects of
the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 6 shows an example functional block diagram of a
wireless communication device that may be configured to reuse over
another AP within the wireless communication system of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method for reusing over
another AP in accordance with certain aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of an example wireless
communication device that may be configured to reuse over another
AP in accordance with certain aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0036] Like reference numbers and designations in the various
drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Various aspects of the systems, apparatuses,
computer-readable media, and methods are described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This
disclosure may, however, be implemented 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 one skilled
in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is
intended to cover any aspect of the systems, apparatuses, computer
program products, and methods disclosed herein, whether implemented
independently of, or combined with, any other aspect of the
disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented, or a
method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth
herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure 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 disclosure set
forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed
herein may be implemented by one or more elements of a claim.
[0038] 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
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
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.
[0039] A group of STAs that communicate with an AP may be known as
a basic service set (BSS). In some cases, the area of one BSS may
overlap with the area of another BSS, and the overlapping BSSs be
known as an overlapping BSS (OBSS). A wireless device (such as a
STA or an AP) may receive a configuration message from an AP that
includes OBSS coordination parameters. The OBSS coordination
parameters may then be used to select an OBSS preamble detection
(PD) threshold or a transmission (TX) power. For example, an OBSS
coordination parameter may include an indication of an OBSS PD
threshold or the TX power or a range of OBSS PD thresholds or TX
powers. In some cases, the coordination parameter may include
selection criteria that may be used to select the indicated OBSS PD
threshold or TX power. Additionally, or alternatively, a range
selection criteria also may be used to select from a range of OBSS
PD thresholds and TX powers. The wireless device may use the
selected OBSS PD threshold or TX power to communicate with an AP or
another device in the OBSS. Hence, the use or reuse of a particular
wireless communication medium may be guided by another device, such
as the AP. Spatial reuse refers to concurrent transmissions by
different devices on the wireless communication medium. Spatial
reuse may be used for inter-BSS transmission or intra-BSS
transmissions in a Spatial Reuse Group (SRG). However, there may
not be a mechanism by which a neighboring AP can reuse the same
resources of a wireless communication medium that are used by an
existing SRG. As used herein, reference to "reuse over" may refer
to concurrent transmissions over a wireless communication medium.
Such concurrent transmission by the neighboring AP may be referred
to as reuse over the existing SRG.
[0040] The present disclosure provides a solution by enabling a
first AP to advertise the OBSS PD thresholds of the SRG, and the
second AP may join the SRG when the advertised OBSS PD thresholds
meet a transmission criterion of the OBSS of the second AP.
[0041] Popular wireless network technologies may include various
types of WLANs. A WLAN may be used to interconnect nearby devices
together, employing widely used networking protocols. The various
aspects described herein may apply to any communication standard,
such as a wireless protocol, or a wired protocol.
[0042] In some aspects, wireless signals may be transmitted
according to a WLAN protocol (such as IEEE 802.11) using OFDM,
direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications, a
combination of OFDM and DSSS communications, or other schemes. In
one aspect, the physical (PHY) layer may use the DSSS to achieve a
data rate (such as PHY rate) of, for example, 11 Mbps.
Implementations of the 802.11 protocol may be used for sensors,
metering, and smart grid networks. Advantageously, aspects of
certain devices implementing the 802.11 protocol may consume less
power than devices implementing other wireless protocols, and/or
may be used to transmit wireless signals across a relatively long
range, for example about one kilometer or longer.
[0043] In some implementations, a WLAN includes various devices
which are the components that access the wireless network. For
example, there may be two types of devices: APs and clients (also
referred to as stations or "STAs"). In general, an AP may serve as
a hub or base station for the WLAN and a STA serves as a user of
the WLAN. For example, a STA may be a laptop computer, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, etc. In an example, a STA
connects to an AP via a Wi-Fi (such as the IEEE 802.11 protocol)
compliant wireless link to obtain general connectivity to the
Internet or to other wide area networks. In some implementations a
STA also may be used as an AP.
[0044] A station also may include, be implemented as, or known as
an access terminal (AT), a subscriber station, a subscriber unit, a
mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a user
terminal, a user agent, a user device, a user equipment, or some
other terminology. In some implementations, a station may include a
cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a Session Initiation
Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device having wireless
connection capability, or some other suitable processing device
connected to a wireless modem. Accordingly, one or more aspects
taught herein may be incorporated into a phone (such as a cellular
phone or smartphone), a computer (such as a laptop), a portable
communication device, a headset, a portable computing device (such
as a personal data assistant), an entertainment device (such as 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.
[0045] The term "associate," or "association," or any variant
thereof should be given the broadest meaning possible within the
context of the present disclosure. By way of example, when a first
apparatus associates with a second apparatus, it should be
understood that the two apparatuses may be directly associated, or
intermediate apparatuses may be present. For purposes of brevity,
the process for establishing an association between two apparatuses
will be described using a handshake protocol that requires an
"association request" by one of the apparatus followed by an
"association response" by the other apparatus. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the handshake protocol
may require other signaling, such as by way of example, signaling
to provide authentication.
[0046] Any reference to an element herein using a designation such
as "first," "second," and so forth does not generally limit the
quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations are
used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or
more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to
first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can
be employed, or that the first element must precede the second
element. In addition, 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, or B, or C, or any combination thereof (such
as A-B, A-C, B-C, and A-B-C).
[0047] As discussed above, certain devices described herein may
implement an IEEE 802.11 standard, such as one or more of 802.11a,
802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ad, 802.11ah, 802.11ax,
802.11ay, 802.11az and 802.11-EHT. Such devices, whether used as a
STA or AP or other device, may be used for smart metering or in a
smart grid network. Such devices may provide sensor applications or
be used in home automation. The devices may instead or in addition
be used in a healthcare context, for example for personal
healthcare. The devices also may be used for surveillance, to
enable extended-range Internet connectivity (such as for use with
hotspots), or to implement machine-to-machine communications.
[0048] FIG. 1 shows an example wireless communication system 100 in
which aspects of the present disclosure may be employed. The
wireless communication system 100 may operate pursuant to a
wireless standard, for example the 802.11 standard. The wireless
communication system 100 may include an AP 104 in communication
with a plurality of mobile stations (STAs) 112, 114.
[0049] A variety of processes and methods may be used for
transmissions in the wireless communication system 100 between the
AP 104 and the STAs. For example, signals may be sent and received
between the AP 104 and the STAs in accordance with OFDM/orthogonal
frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) techniques. When OFDMA
techniques are used for communication, the wireless communication
system 100 may be referred to as an OFDM/OFDMA system.
Alternatively, signals may be sent and received between the AP 104
and the STAs in accordance with CDMA techniques. If this is the
case, the wireless communication system 100 may be referred to as a
CDMA system.
[0050] A communication link that facilitates transmission from the
AP 104 to one or more of the STAs may be referred to as a DL 108,
and a communication link that facilitates transmission from one or
more of the STAs to the AP 104 may be referred to as a UL 110.
Alternatively, a downlink 108 may be referred to as a forward link
or a forward channel, and an uplink 110 may be referred to as a
reverse link or a reverse channel. In some aspects, DL
communications may include unicast or multicast traffic
indications.
[0051] The AP 104 may suppress adjacent channel interference (ACI)
in some aspects so that the AP 104 may receive UL communications on
more than one channel simultaneously without causing significant
analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) clipping noise. The AP 104 may
improve suppression of ACI, for example, by having separate finite
impulse response (FIR) filters for each channel or having a longer
ADC backoff period with increased bit widths.
[0052] The AP 104 may act as a base station and provide wireless
communication coverage in a basic service area (BSA) 102a. A BSA
(such as the BSA 102a) is the coverage area of an AP (such as the
AP 104). The APs 104, 114, 118 along with the STAs associated with
the AP 104 and that use the AP 104 for communication may be
referred to as a BSS. Similarly, the AP 120 may act as a base
station and provide wireless communication coverage in a BSA 102b.
The AP 120 along with the STAs (not shown in FIG. 1) associated
with AP 120 and that use the AP 120 for communication also may be
referred to as a BSS. In some scenarios, the area of one BSS (such
as BSA 102a) may overlap with the area of another BSS (such as BSA
102b), and be referred to as OBSSs. An SRG may refer to a set of
APs and/or BSSs (such as APs 104, 114, 118, 120) that are grouped
together such that all of the wireless devices in the SRG share the
same OBSS PD thresholds that are used by the wireless devices for
reuse of the wireless communication medium by supporting concurrent
inter-BSS transmissions and/or concurrent intra-BSS transmissions
that meet the OBSS PD thresholds. In FIG. 1, the BSS area
associated with AP 104 (such as BSA 102a) and the BSS area
associated with AP 120 (such as BSA 102b) may form an SRG.
[0053] In some implementations, the wireless communication system
100 may not have a central AP (such as AP 104), but rather may
function as a peer-to-peer network between the STAs. Accordingly,
the functions of the AP 104 described herein may alternatively be
performed by one or more of the STAs.
[0054] The AP 104 may transmit on one or more channels (such as
multiple narrowband channels, each channel including a frequency
bandwidth) a beacon signal (or simply a "beacon"), via a
communication link such as the downlink 108, to other nodes (STAs)
of the wireless communication system 100, which may help the other
nodes (STAs) to synchronize their timing with the AP 104, or which
may provide other information or functionality. Such beacons may be
transmitted periodically. In one aspect, the period between
successive transmissions may be referred to as a superframe.
Transmission of a beacon may be divided into a number of groups or
intervals. In one aspect, the beacon may include, but is not
limited to, such information as timestamp information to set a
common clock, a peer-to-peer network identifier, a device
identifier, capability information, a superframe duration,
transmission direction information, reception direction
information, a neighbor list, and/or an extended neighbor list,
some of which are described in additional detail below. Thus, a
beacon may include information that is both common (such as shared)
amongst several devices and specific to a given device.
[0055] In some aspects, a STA (such as STAs 112 and 116) may be
required to associate with the AP 104 in order to send
communications to and/or to receive communications from the AP 104.
In one aspect, information for associating may be included in a
beacon broadcast by the AP 104. To receive such a beacon, the STA
116 may, for example, perform a broad coverage search over a
coverage region. A search also may be performed by the STA 116 by
sweeping a coverage region in a lighthouse fashion, for example.
After receiving the information for associating, the STA 116 may
transmit a reference signal, such as an association probe or
request, to the AP 104. In some aspects, the AP 104 may use
backhaul services, for example, to communicate with a larger
network, such as the Internet or a public switched telephone
network (PSTN).
[0056] In some implementations, the AP 104 may include one or more
components for performing various functions. For example, the AP
104 may include an SRG component 124 configured to perform
procedures that enable a neighboring AP (such as AP 120) to join an
SRG. In this example, the SRG component 124 may be configured to
generate an SR element that includes SR information. In some
implementations, the SR information indicating that a first group
of STAs associated with a second AP may reuse the wireless
communication medium that is used for packets transmitted by a
second group of STAs associated with the first AP. In some
implementations, the SR information may include at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value for reuse over the first AP. In some
other implementations, the SR element may be carried in a beacon, a
probe response, or an action frame. In some other implementations,
the SR element may further include an SRG identifier field. In some
implementations, an SRG identifier associated with the first AP may
be included in the SRG identifier field when the at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value included in the SR information is
associated with a plurality of different SRGs. In some other
implementations, the SR information may be included in an SR
permission element. In some other implementations, the SR
information may be included in an SR parameter set element. In some
implementations, the SRG component 124 may be configured to
transmit the SR element that includes the SR information. In some
other implementations, the SRG component 124 may be configured to
receive a first message from a second AP. In some implementations,
the first message may indicate that the second AP intends to join
an SRG associated with the first AP. In some other implementations,
the SRG component 124 may be configured to include the second AP in
the SRG. In some other implementations, the SRG component 124 may
be configured to receive a first message from a second AP. In some
aspects, the first message may indicate at least one second OBSS
threshold value associated with the second AP. In some other
implementations, the SRG component 124 may be configured to update
the at least one first OBSS threshold value to match the at least
one second OBSS threshold value. In some other implementations, the
SRG component 124 may be configured to transmit a second message to
the second AP indicating the updated at least one first OBSS
threshold value. In some other implementations, the SRG component
124 may be configured to receive an SR information request from the
second AP. In some implementations, the SR element may be generated
in response to the SR information request.
[0057] In some implementations, the AP 120 may include one or more
components for performing various functions. For example, the AP
120 may include an SRG component 126 configured to perform
procedures related to joining an SRG associated with a neighboring
AP (such as AP 104). In this example, the SRG component 126 may be
configured to receive, from a second AP, an SR element that
includes SR information. In some implementations, the SR
information including at least one permitted OBSS threshold value
for reuse of the wireless communication medium used by the second
AP. In some other implementations, the SR element may be carried in
a beacon, a probe response, or an action frame. In some other
implementations, the SR element may further include an SRG
identifier field. In some other implementations, an SRG identifier
associated with the second AP may be included in the SRG identifier
field when the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value
included in the SR information is associated with a plurality of
different SRGs. In some other implementations, the SR information
may be included in an SR permission element. In some other
implementations, the SR information may be included an SR parameter
set element. In some implementations, the SRG component 126 may be
configured to determine if the at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value meets a transmission criterion. In some
implementations, the transmission criterion may be associated with
one or more of an interference level or transmission power. In some
other implementations, the SRG component 126 may be configured to
transmit a first message to the second AP. In some implementations,
the first message may indicate that the first AP intends to join a
SRG associated with the second AP. In some other implementations,
the SRG component 126 may be configured to transmit information
associated with the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold
value to at least one STA upon determining that the at least one
first permitted OBSS threshold value meets the transmission
criterion. In some other implementations, the SRG component 126 may
be configured to transmit a first message to the second AP. In some
implementations, the first message may indicate at least one second
OBSS threshold value associated with reuse over the second AP. In
some other implementations, the SRG component 126 may be configured
to receive a second message to the second AP indicating the updated
at least one first OBSS threshold value. In some other
implementations, the SRG component 126 may be configured to
transmit an SR information request to the second AP. In some
implementations, the SR element may be received in response to the
SR information request. In some other implementations, the SRG
component 126 may be configured to monitor for the SR element.
[0058] In a Wi-Fi network, wireless devices such as APs and STAs
may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) to determine whether a
transmission channel is busy or idle for purposes of determining
whether data may be transmitted to another wireless device. A CCA
has two components: carrier sense (CS) and energy detection.
Carrier sense refers to an ability of a wireless device (such as AP
or STA) to detect and decode incoming Wi-Fi signal preambles,
signals which enable the receiver to acquire a wireless signal from
and synchronize with the transmitter, from other wireless devices.
For example, a first AP may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal preamble, and
the Wi-Fi signal preamble may be detected by a second AP or a STA.
Similarly, a third AP may broadcast a Wi-Fi signal preamble, and
the Wi-Fi signal preamble may be detected by the second AP. When
the second AP detects one or more of the Wi-Fi signal preambles,
the second AP may determine that the transmission channel is busy
and not transmit data. The CCA may remain busy for the length of a
transmission frame associated with the Wi-Fi signal preambles.
[0059] The second component of CCA is energy detection, which
refers to the ability of a wireless device to detect an energy
level present on a transmission channel. The energy level may be
based on any of different interference sources, Wi-Fi
transmissions, a noise floor, or ambient energy. Wi-Fi
transmissions may include unidentifiable Wi-Fi transmissions that
have been corrupted or are so weak that the transmission can no
longer be decoded. Unlike carrier sense, in which the exact length
of time for which a transmission channel is busy may be known,
energy detection uses periodic sampling of a transmission channel
to determine if the energy still exists. Additionally, energy
detection may require at least one threshold used to determine
whether the reported energy level is adequate to report the
transmission channel as busy or idle. This energy level may be
referred to as the ED level/ED threshold level or the CCA
sensitivity level. For example, if an ED level is above a
threshold, a wireless device may defer to other devices by
refraining from transmitting.
[0060] A group of STAs that communicate with an AP may be known as
a BSS. In some cases, the area of one BSS may overlap with the area
of another BSS, and the overlapping BSSs be known as an OBSS. A
wireless device (such as a STA or an AP) may receive a
configuration indication from an AP that includes OBSS coordination
parameters. The OBSS coordination parameters may then be used to
select an OBSS PD threshold or a TX power. For example, an OBSS
coordination parameter may include an indication of an OBSS PD
threshold or the TX power or a range of OBSS PD thresholds or TX
powers. In some cases, the OBSS coordination parameter may include
selection criteria that may be used to select the indicated OBSS PD
threshold or TX power. Additionally, or alternatively, a range
selection criteria also may be used to select from a range of OBSS
PD thresholds and TX powers. The wireless device may use the
selected OBSS PD threshold or TX power to communicate with an AP or
another device in the OBSS. Hence, the use or reuse of a particular
wireless communication medium may be guided by another device, such
as the AP. Spatial reuse refers to concurrent transmissions by
different devices on the wireless communication medium. When an AP
uses the same resources of a wireless communication medium that are
used by an existing SRG, the AP may be described as reusing over
the existing SRG. Thus, "reuse over" may refer to the AP
transmitting a transmission concurrently over a wireless
communication medium that is used for packet transmission by an
SRG.
[0061] A first implementation for spatial reuse may include spatial
reuse parameter (SRP) based spatial reuse. SRP based spatial reuse
may be performed on a per-link basis to ensure that a packet
transmitted with a reuse of the wireless communication medium will
meet a target signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINK)
threshold.
[0062] A second implementation for spatial reuse may include OBSS
PD based spatial reuse. Using OBSS PD based spatial reuse, an AP
may advertise a range of PD thresholds that may be used by an
associated wireless device to determine if reuse of the wireless
communication medium over an OBSS packet (such as transmitted by a
different wireless device in the OBSS) may be performed. The OBSS
PD based spatial reuse implementation may include a non-SRG mode or
an SRG mode.
[0063] In non-SRG mode, spatial reuse may be applicable to any
physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data unit
(PPDU) that is classified as inter-BSS (such as PPDU sent within
the associated BSS) but not as intra-BSS (such as PPDU sent in a
different BSS). When an associated AP does not communicate an OBSS
coordination parameter (such as via a spatial reuse element), also
referred to as spatial reuse information, that includes a minimum
OBSS PD threshold (such as OBSS PD_Min) or a maximum OBSS PD
threshold (such as OBSS PD_Max), a wireless device operating in
non-SRG mode may use preconfigured values for OBSS PD_Min (such as
-82 dBm) and OBSS PD_Max (such as -62 dBm). When the AP
communicates spatial reuse information (such as via a spatial reuse
element), the AP may set the OBSS PD_Min using a preconfigured
value (such as -82 dBm), and the AP may select OBSS PD_Max between
from a preconfigured range (such as -82 dBm to -62 dBm). In non-SRG
mode, the spatial reuse information may be associated with
preconfigured clear channel assessment (CCA) thresholds rather than
optimized for the system.
[0064] SRG mode may be beneficial in a wireless network with a
planned topology (such as a topology with a preconfigured location
for each AP, BSS, or OBSS--such as in an apartment or office) in
which OBSSs are densely located. Spatial reuse in SRG mode may be
applicable to any PPDU that is classified as either inter-BSS or
intra-BSS. In SRG mode, an AP may select the OBSS PD_Min threshold
and OBSS PD_Max threshold for a group of BSSs (such as an SRG),
such as based on system overhead, interference levels, etc. In
other words, the PD thresholds in SRG mode may be selected to
optimize reuse in a wireless network with a preconfigured topology.
In SRG mode, an AP may send spatial reuse information (such as via
a spatial reuse element or via a spatial reuse parameter set
element) to associated STAs or other APs in the SRG. The spatial
reuse information may indicate, such as the OBSS PD_Min, OBSS
PD_Max, an SRG BSS color bitmap, or an SRG partial BSS
identification (BSSID) bitmap. The SRG BSS color bitmap or SRG
partial BSSID bitmap may be used to define the SRG.
[0065] However, when the wireless network has a preconfigured
topology, there may be no mechanism by which a new AP (such as an
AP that is not part of the preconfigured topology of the SRG) can
reuse over an AP in the existing SRG. Consequently, a neighboring
AP may cause certain problems to an existing SRG. For example, an
OBSS that includes the neighboring AP may benefit by configuring
the OBSS PD_Min value such that STAs in the OBSS aggressively reuse
over the SRG. When STAs aggressively reuse over the SRG, the
quality of service (QoS) experienced by users in the SRG may be
reduced. Thus, there is a need for a mechanism by which a
neighboring AP may join the SRG.
[0066] The present disclosure provides a solution by enabling a
first AP in an SRG to advertise the OBSS PD thresholds of the SRG,
and the second AP may join the SRG when the advertised OBSS PD
thresholds meet a transmission criterion of the neighboring OBSS,
such as described below in connection with any of FIGS. 2-8.
[0067] FIG. 2A is a diagram 200 illustrating a mechanism by which a
second OBSS 210b may reuse over a first OBSS 210a in accordance
with certain aspects of the disclosure.
[0068] In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first OBSS 210a
may include a first AP 202a and one or more associated STAs (not
shown), and the second OBSS 210b may include a second AP 202b and
one or more associated STAs 204b.
[0069] Although the techniques described below are for two OBSSs,
the technique may be performed by more than two OBSSs without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0070] Spatial reuse (such as spatial reuse in SRG mode) may be
supported by the first OBSS 210a and the second OBSS 210b. For
example, concurrent inter-BSS transmissions or concurrent intra-BSS
transmissions over the wireless communication medium may be
supported in the SRG such that the STAs or APs in the first OBSS
210a and the second OBSS 210b may transmit over one another when
certain OBSS threshold criteria are met.
[0071] In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first AP 202a may
select the OBSS PD_Min threshold and OBSS PD_Max threshold for
reuse over the first AP 202a, such as based on system overhead,
interference levels, preconfigured thresholds, etc. In other words,
the first AP 202a may send (at 201) spatial reuse information (such
as via a spatial reuse element or via a spatial reuse parameter set
element) to associated STAs 204a (such as a second group of STAs)
in the first OBSS 210a so that the associated STAs 204a may perform
inter-BSS spatial reuse over the first AP 202a. The SR information
may indicate, such as the OBSS PD_Min, OBSS PD_Max, an SRG BSS
color bitmap (such as the color bitmap may indicate that the first
OBSS 210a and any other OBSS(s) that are assigned the same color,
and hence, are members of the same SRG), or an SRG partial BSSID
bitmap.
[0072] In addition to sending the spatial reuse information to
other wireless devices in the first OBSS 210a, the first AP 202a
also may broadcast or transmit the SR information so that any
neighboring OBSSs may reuse over the first AP 202a. For example,
the first AP 202a may generate (at 203) an SR element that includes
SR information associated with reuse over the first AP 202a. In
some implementations, the SR information may include at least one
first permitted OBSS threshold value for reuse over the first AP
202a. For example, the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold
value may include the OBSS PD_Min threshold or the OBSS PD_Max
threshold used for spatial reuse by the wireless devices in the
second OBSS 210b. In some implementations, the SR information may
be included in an SR permission element in the SR element. In some
other implementations, the SR information may be included in an SR
parameter set element in the SR element.
[0073] In some implementations, the SR element generated (at 203)
by the first AP 202a may be carried in a beacon frame, a probe
response frame, an action frame (such as described in the 802.11k
protocol), a beacon report request (such as described in the
802.11k protocol), or a beacon report response (such as described
in the 802.11k protocol). An example PPDU that may include either a
beacon frame, a probe response frame, or an action frame is
illustrated in FIG. 2B. An SR element carried in the PPDU (such as
beacon frame, probe response frame, or action frame) is illustrated
in FIG. 2C.
[0074] In some implementations, the SR element generated (at 203)
may be carried in a beacon frame when the first AP 202a is
configured to periodically announce its presence and to relay
information such as the SR information to other wireless devices.
In some other implementations, the SR element generated (at 203)
may be carried in a probe response frame when an SR information
request 221 (such as probe request frame) that requests SR
information is received from the second AP 202b. In some
implementations, the SR information request 221 may indicate a
willingness to join an SRG associated with the first OBSS
210a/first AP 202a. In some other implementations, the SR element
generated (at 203) may be carried in an action frame when the first
AP 202a wants to instruct any new neighboring APs (such as the
second AP 202b) that the reuse over the wireless devices in the
first OBSS 210a is available.
[0075] In some implementations, the SR element generated (at 203)
by the first AP 202a may include an identifier field, and an SRG
identifier associated with at least the SRG of the first AP 202a
may be included in the identifier field. In scenarios in which the
SR information is associated with a plurality of different SRGs
(not illustrated in FIG. 2A), a specific value (such as 0x00) may
be included in the SRG identifier field of the SR element.
Alternatively, when the SR information is associated with a
plurality of different SRGs (not illustrated in FIG. 2A) the
identifier field may be omitted.
[0076] The first AP 202a may transmit (at 205) the SR element that
includes the SR information to the second AP 202b. The SR
information transmitted (at 205) may indicate, such as the OBSS
PD_Min, OBSS PD_Max, an SRG BSS color bitmap (such as the color
bitmap may indicate that the first OBSS 210a and any other OBSS(s)
that are assigned the same color, and hence, are members of the
same SRG), or an SRG partial BSSID bitmap. In some implementations,
the second AP 202b may determine (at 207) if the at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value meets a transmission criterion. The
transmission criterion may be associated with a tolerated
interference level, a range of transmission powers, or system
overhead associated with the second OBSS 210b. For example, the
second AP 202b may determine (at 207) if the at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value meets a transmission criterion by
comparing the OBSS threshold value with the transmission criterion.
When the OBSS threshold value is within the tolerated interference
level or range of transmission powers for wireless devices within
the second OBSS 210b, the second AP 202b may determine (at 207) to
reuse over the first AP 202a or to join a the SRG associated with
the first AP 202a. Because the threshold criterion of the second AP
202b complies with the OBSS threshold value(s) of the first AP
202a, it follows that the OBSS threshold value(s) of the second AP
202b also may comply with the threshold criterion of the first AP
202a.
[0077] Otherwise, when the OBSS threshold value is outside the
tolerated interference level or range of transmission powers for
the second OBSS 210b, the second AP 202b may determine (at 207) not
to reuse over the first AP 202a or to join the SRG associated with
the first AP 202a.
[0078] In some implementations, the second AP 202b may transmit (at
209) a first message (such as a PPDU, an SR element, SR
information, etc.) indicating that the second AP 202b will comply
with the at least one first OBSS threshold value and that wireless
devices in the second OBSS 210b may reuse over the first AP 202a.
When the first message is received by the first AP 202a, the first
AP 202a may include (at 211) the second AP 202b in the SRG. The
first AP 202a may include (at 211) the second AP 202b in the SRG by
updating a color bitmap to assign the second OBSS 210b the same
color as the first OBSS 210a.
[0079] Additionally, or alternatively, the first message
(transmitted at 209) may include information associated with at
least one second OBSS threshold value associated with reuse over
the second AP 202b. The first AP 202a may determine (at 213)
whether to update the at least one first OBSS threshold value based
on the at least one second OBSS threshold value associated with
reuse over the second AP 202b. For example, when the at least one
second OBSS threshold value is more conservative (such as includes
a narrower OBSS threshold value range) than the at least one first
OBSS threshold value, the first AP 202a may determine (at 213) to
update the at least one first OBSS threshold value to match the at
least one second OBSS threshold value. The first AP 202a may
transmit (at 215) a second message (such as a PPDU, an SR element,
SR information, etc.) that indicates the updated at least one first
OBSS threshold value to the second AP 202b.
[0080] Otherwise, when the second determines (at 207) not to reuse
over the first AP 202a or join the SRG associated with the first AP
202a, the second AP 202b may not transmit an indication to the
first AP 202a, or the second AP 202b may transmit an indication not
to reuse over the first AP 202a or to join the SRG of the first AP
202a.
[0081] The second AP 202b may transmit (at 217) the SR information
associated with the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold
value to at least one STA 204b (such as to all STAs or a group of
STAs associated with the second OBSS 210b) upon determining (at
207) that the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value
meets the transmission criterion. Additionally, or alternatively,
the second AP 202b may the updated at least one first permitted
OBSS threshold value or the at least one second OBSS threshold
value for reuse over the second AP 202b to the at least one STA
204b. The second AP 202b or the associated STAs 204b may use the SR
information to reuse the wireless communication medium (such as to
send concurrent inter-BSS transmissions or concurrent intra-BSS
transmissions) over the first AP 202a or second AP 202b.
[0082] Using the techniques described above in FIG. 2A, a mechanism
is provided that enables a neighboring AP (such as second AP 202b)
to reuse over or join an existing SRG. The mechanism described
above may provide an enforceable rule since the permission to join
the SRG may be explicitly indicated through the beacon frame or
probe response frame, and hence, the inclusion of a neighboring AP
as a member of the SRG may be enforced. Using the above technique,
an SRG may be described as "loosely" managed APs in that SRG based
reuse may be applicable in cases where there is no central
controller.
[0083] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example PPDU 235 that
may include an action frame, a probe response frame, or a beacon
frame in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure.
[0084] The PPDU 235 may include one or more of a BSS color 214, a
BSSID 216, a receiver address (RA) 218, a transmitter address (TA)
220, or SR element 222 (for example that includes SR information).
In some implementations, the PPDU 235 may be a high efficiency (HE)
PPDU that is generated to comply with the IEEE 802.11ax or 802.11k
communication standard(s).
[0085] The BSS color 214 field may be an identifier of an OBSS
(such as the first OBSS 210a, the second OBSS 210b, etc.). The BSS
color 214 field may be used to assist in identifying the OBSS from
which the PPDU 235 originates. In some implementations, the BSS
color 214 field may include a value between, for example one and
63. In some other implementations, the BSS color 214 field may
include six bits. In some other implementations, the BSS color 214
field may be a field in an HE signal (HE SIG) field in a HE
preamble (not illustrated) of the PPDU 235.
[0086] The BSSID 216 field may include a BSSID. In some
implementations, the BSSID 216 may include the MAC addresses of the
APs in an SRG, and the BSSID 216 may be generated by, for example,
combining a 24-bit Organization Unique Identifier (the
manufacturer's identity) and the manufacturer's assigned 24-bit
identifier for the radio chipset in the APs. In some
implementations, the BSSID 216 may be a 48-bit MAC address in
accordance with IEEE 802.11 (such as 802.11ax, 802.11k, etc.).
[0087] The RA 218 may be an address that indicates the receiver
(such as the first AP 202a, the second AP 202b, etc.) of the PPDU
235. The TA 220 may be an address that indicates the transmitter
(such as the first AP 202a, the second AP 202b, etc.) of the PPDU
235.
[0088] In some implementations, the SR element 222 may be an
information element (ID) that is carried by the PPDU 235. In some
implementations, the SR element 222 may be an SR permission
element. In some other implementations, the SR element 222 may be
an SR parameter set element. The SR element 222 may include one or
more of the SR information fields described below in connection
with FIG. 2C.
[0089] FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating an example of the SR
information fields 245 in an SR element 222 in accordance with
certain aspects of the disclosure. The SR information fields 245
may include any of OBSS TX max 224, OBSS PD min 226, OBSS PD max
228, SRG BSS color bitmap 230, SRG Partial BSSID bitmap 232, or an
SRG identifier 234 field.
[0090] In some implementations, the SR element 222 may include an
indication that one or more of the fields is not included. In some
implementations, the SR element 222 may include an indication
whether SR is allowed for a neighboring OBSS (such as second OBSS
210b). In some implementations, the SR element 222 may include an
indication whether SR is allowed over the devices in an SRG (such
as the first OBSS 210a). In some implementations, SR element 222
may be part of an SR parameter set element carried in a PPDU 235
(such as action frame, beacon frame, probe request frame, probe
response frame, etc.). The OBSS TX max 224 may indicate a maximum
TX (such as 30 dBm for the first OBSS 210a or the second OBSS 210b)
for the receiver of the SR element 222 (such as the first AP 202a,
the first set of STAs 204a, the second AP 202b, the second set of
STAs 204b). The OBSS TX max 224 may be used to determine if SR can
be used for inter-BSS (such as OBSS) PPDUs or intra-BSS PPDUs.
[0091] In some implementations, OBSS PD Min 226 may be an
indication of a PD minimum for determining if SR can be used for
inter-BSS PPDUs or intra-BSS PPDUs.
[0092] In some implementations, OBSS PD Max 228 may be an
indication of a PD max for determining if SR can be used for
inter-BSS PPDUs or intra-BSS PPDUs.
[0093] In some implementations, SRG BSS color bitmap 230 may
indicate the color of the BSS from which the SR element 222 was
transmitted, and hence, the SRG associated with the SR element
222
[0094] SRG partial BSSID bitmap 232 may include BSSID range, BSSID
range of bits match, BSSID list, BSSID hashed index, SRG partial
BSSID bitmap, SRG BSS BSSIDS, or SRG BSS BSSIDS.
[0095] In some implementations, the SRG identifier 234 field may
include an SRG identifier (such as color, C1, C2, C3, C4, etc.)
associated with at least the SRG associated with the transmitting
SRG (such as the first AP 202a). In scenarios in which the SR
information in the SR element 222 is associated with a plurality of
different SRGs, a specific value (such as 0x00) may be included in
the SRG identifier 234 field of the SR element. Alternatively, when
the SR information is associated with a plurality of different SRGs
the SRG identifier 234 field may be omitted.
[0096] FIG. 3 shows an example functional block diagram of a
wireless communication device 302 that may be configured to enable
reuse by another AP within the wireless communication system 100 of
FIG. 1. The wireless communication device 302 is an example of a
device that may be configured to implement the various methods
described herein. For example, the wireless communication device
302 may correspond to, such as AP 104, first AP 202a, the wireless
communication device 500.
[0097] The wireless communication device 302 may include a
processor 304 which controls operation of the wireless
communication device 302. The processor 304 also may be referred to
as a central processing unit (CPU). Memory 306, which may include
both read-only memory (ROM) and random-access memory (RAM), may
provide instructions and data to the processor 304. A portion of
the memory 306 also may include non-volatile random-access memory
(NVRAM). The processor 304 may perform logical and arithmetic
operations based on program instructions stored within the memory
306. The instructions in the memory 306 may be executable (by the
processor 304, for example) to implement the methods described
herein.
[0098] The processor 304 may include or be a component of a
processing system implemented with one or more processors. The one
or more processors may 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.
[0099] The processing system also may 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 may include code (such as in source code
format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other
suitable format of code). The instructions, when executed by the
one or more processors, may cause the processing system to perform
the various functions described herein.
[0100] The wireless communication device 302 also may include a
housing 308, and the wireless communication device 302 may include
a transmitter 310 or a receiver 312 to allow transmission and
reception of data between the wireless communication device 302
(such as an AP) and a remote device (such as a STA). The
transmitter 310 and the receiver 312 may be combined into a
transceiver 314. An antenna 316 may be attached to the housing 308
and electrically coupled to the transceiver 314. The wireless
communication device 302 also may include multiple transmitters,
multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, or multiple
antennas.
[0101] The wireless communication device 302 also may include a
signal detector 318 that may be used to detect and quantify the
level of signals received by the transceiver 314 or the receiver
312. The signal detector 318 may detect such signals as total
energy, energy per subcarrier per symbol, power spectral density,
and other signals. The wireless communication device 302 also may
include a DSP 320 for use in processing signals. The DSP 320 may be
configured to generate a packet for transmission. In some aspects,
the packet may include a PPDU.
[0102] The wireless communication device 302 may further include a
user interface 322 in some aspects. The user interface 322 may
include a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, or a display. The user
interface 322 may include any element or component that conveys
information to a user of the wireless communication device 302 or
receives input from the user.
[0103] When the wireless communication device 302 is implemented as
an AP (such as the AP 104, first AP 202a, wireless communication
device 500), the wireless communication device 302 also may include
an SRG component 324. For example, the wireless communication
device 302 may include an SRG component 324 configured to perform
procedures related to enabling a neighboring AP (such as AP 120,
the second AP 202b, the wireless communication device 602, 800) to
join an SRG. In this example, the SRG component 324 may be
configured to generate an SR element that includes SR information.
In some implementations, the SR information indicating that a first
group of STAs associated with a second AP may reuse over packets
transmitted by a second group of STAs associated with the first AP.
In some other implementations, the SR element may be carried in a
beacon, a probe response, or an action frame. In some other
implementations, the SR element may further include an SRG
identifier field. In some other implementations, an SRG identifier
associated with the first AP may be included in the SRG identifier
field when the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value
included in the SR information is associated with a plurality of
different SRGs. In some other implementations, the SR information
may be included in an SR permission element. In some other
implementations, the SR information may be included in an SR
parameter set element. In some implementations, the SRG component
324 may be configured to transmit the SR element that includes the
SR information. In some other implementations, the SRG component
324 may be configured to receive a first message from a second AP.
In some implementations, the first message may indicate that the
second AP intends to join an SRG associated with the first AP. In
some other implementations, the SRG component 324 may be configured
to include the second AP in the SRG. In some other implementations,
the SRG component 324 may be configured to receive a first message
from a second AP. In some implementations, the first message may
indicate at least one second OBSS threshold value associated with
the second AP. In some other implementations, the SRG component 324
may be configured to update the at least one first OBSS threshold
value to match the at least one second OBSS threshold value. In
some other implementations, the SRG component 324 may be configured
to transmit a second message to the second AP indicating the
updated at least one first OBSS threshold value. In some other
implementations, the SRG component 324 may be configured to receive
an SR information request from the second AP. In some
implementations, the SR element may be generated in response to the
SR information request.
[0104] The various components of the wireless communication device
302 may be coupled together by a bus system 326. The bus system 326
may include a data bus, for example, as well as a power bus, a
control signal bus, and a status signal bus in addition to the data
bus. Components of the wireless communication device 302 may be
coupled together or accept or provide inputs to each other using
some other mechanism.
[0105] Although a number of separate components are illustrated in
FIG. 3, one or more of the components may be combined or commonly
implemented. For example, the processor 304 may be used to
implement the functionality described above with respect to the
processor 304, but also to implement the functionality described
above with respect to the signal detector 318, the DSP 320, the
user interface 322, or the SRG component 324. Further, each of the
components illustrated in FIG. 3 may be implemented using a
plurality of separate elements.
[0106] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method 400 to enable
reuse by another AP in accordance with certain aspects of the
disclosure. The method 400 may be performed using a first AP (such
as the AP 104, 120, the first AP 202a, the second AP 202b, the
wireless communication device 302, 500, 602, 800) in communication
with a second AP (such as the AP 104, 120, the first AP 202a, the
second AP 202b, the wireless communication device 302, 500, 602,
800). In FIG. 4, optional operations are indicated with dashed
lines.
[0107] At 402, the first AP may receive an SR information request
from the second AP. In some implementations, an SR element may be
generated in response to the SR information request. For example,
referring to FIG. 2, the SR element generated (at 203) may be
carried in a probe response frame when an SR information request
221 (such as probe request frame) that requests SR information is
received from the second AP 202b.
[0108] At 404, the first AP may generate an SR element that
includes SR information. In some implementations, the SR
information indicating that a first group of STAs associated with a
second AP may reuse resources that are used for packets transmitted
by a second group of STAs associated with the first AP. Such reuse
of the resources may be described as reuse over the second group of
STAs. In some other implementations, the SR element may be carried
in a beacon, a probe response, or an action frame. In some other
implementations, the SR element may further include an SRG
identifier field. The SR information may indicate a partial BSSID
bitmap, such as including any of a BSSID range, a BSSID range of
bits match, a BSSID list, a BSSID hashed index, an SRG partial
BSSID bitmap, SRG BSS BSSIDS, or a SRG BSS BSSIDS. In another
example, the SR information may indicate color information
associated with at least an SR group including the first AP, such
as an SRG identifier (such as color, C1, C2, C3, C4, etc.)
associated with at least the SRG associated with the first AP. In
some other implementations, an SRG identifier associated with the
first AP may be included in the SRG identifier field when the at
least one first permitted OBSS threshold value included in the SR
information is associated with a plurality of different SRGs. In
some other implementations, the SR information may be included in
an SR permission element. In some other implementations, the SR
information may be included in an SR parameter set element. For
example, referring to FIG. 2A, the first AP 202a may generate (at
203) an SR element that includes SR information associated with
reuse the resources over the first AP 202a. In some
implementations, the SR information may include at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value for reuse of the resources over the
first AP 202a. For example, the at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value may include the OBSS PD_Min threshold or the OBSS
PD_Max threshold used for spatial reuse by the wireless devices in
the second OBSS 210b. In some implementations, the SR information
may be included in an SR permission element in the SR element. In
some other implementations, the SR information may be included in
an SR parameter set element in the SR element.
[0109] At 406, the first AP may transmit the SR element that
includes the SR information. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the
first AP 202a may transmit (at 205) the SR element that includes
the SR information.
[0110] At 408, the first AP may to receive a first message from a
second AP. In some implementations, the first message may indicate
that the second AP intends to join an SRG associated with the first
AP. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the first AP 202a may
receive (at 209) a first message indicating that the second AP 202b
will comply with the at least one first OBSS threshold value and
that wireless devices in the second OBSS 210b may reuse the
resources over the first AP 202a.
[0111] At 410, the first AP may include the second AP in the SRG.
For example, referring to FIG. 2A, when the first message is
received by the first AP 202a, when the first message is received
(at 209) by the first AP 202a, the first AP 202a may include (at
211) the second AP 202b in the SRG. The first AP 202a may include
(at 211) the second AP 202b in the SRG by updating a color bitmap
to assign the second OBSS 210b the same color as the first OBSS
210a.
[0112] At 412, the first AP may receive a first message from a
second AP. In some implementations, the first message may indicate
at least one second OBSS threshold value for reuse of the resources
over the second AP. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the first
message (transmitted at 209) may include information associated
with at least one second OBSS threshold value associated with reuse
of the resources over the second AP 202b.
[0113] At 414, the first AP may update the at least one first OBSS
threshold value to match the at least one second OBSS threshold
value. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the first AP 202a may
update (at 213) the at least one first OBSS threshold value based
on the at least one second OBSS threshold value associated with
reuse of the resources over the second AP 202b. For example, when
the at least one second OBSS threshold value is more conservative
(such as including a narrower OBSS threshold value range) than the
at least one first OBSS threshold value, the first AP 202a may
update (at 213) the at least one first OBSS threshold value to
match the at least one second OBSS threshold value.
[0114] At 416, the first AP may transmit a second message to the
second AP indicating the updated at least one first OBSS threshold
value. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the first AP 202a may
transmit (at 215) a second message that indicates the updated at
least one first OBSS threshold value to the second AP 202b.
[0115] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of an example wireless
communication device 500 that may enable reuse of resources by
another AP within the wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1.
The wireless communication device 500 may include a receiver 505, a
processing system 510, and a transmitter 515. The processing system
510 may include a SRG component 524.
[0116] The processing system 510, the SRG component 524, or the
transmitter 515 may be configured to generate an SR element that
includes SR information. In some implementations, the SR
information indicating that a first group of STAs associated with a
second AP may reuse resources that are used for packets transmitted
by a second group of STAs associated with the first AP. Such reuse
of the resources may be described as reuse over the first AP. In
some other implementations, the SR information may include at least
one first permitted OBSS threshold value for reuse of the resources
over the first AP. In some other implementations, the SR element
may be carried in a beacon, a probe response, or an action frame.
In some other implementations, the SR element may further include
an SRG identifier field. In some other implementations, an SRG
identifier associated with the first AP may be included in the SRG
identifier field when the at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value included in the SR information is associated with a
plurality of different SRGs. In some other implementations, the SR
information may be included in an SR permission element. In some
other implementations, the SR information may be included in an SR
parameter set element. The processing system 510, the SRG component
524, or the transmitter 515 may be configured to transmit the SR
element that includes the SR information. The processing system
510, the SRG component 524, or the receiver 505 may be configured
to receive a first message from a second AP. In some
implementations, the first message may indicate that the second AP
intends to join an SRG associated with the first AP. The processing
system 510, the SRG component 524, the receiver 505, or the
transmitter 515 may be configured to include the second AP in the
SRG. The processing system 510, the SRG component 524, or the
receiver 505 configured to receive a first message from a second
AP. In some implementations, the first message may indicate at
least one second OBSS threshold value associated with the second
AP. The processing system 510, the SRG component 524, or the
receiver 505 may be configured to update the at least one first
OBSS threshold value to match the at least one second OBSS
threshold value. The processing system 510, the SRG component 524,
or the transmitter 515 may be configured to transmit a second
message to the second AP indicating the updated at least one first
OBSS threshold value. The processing system 510, the SRG component
524, or the transmitter 515 may be configured to receive an SR
information request from the second AP. In some implementations,
the SR element may be generated in response to the SR information
request.
[0117] The processing system 510, the SRG component 524, receiver
505, or the transmitter 515 may be configured to perform one or
more functions discussed above with respect to blocks 402, 404,
406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416 of FIG. 4. The receiver 505 may
correspond to the receiver 312. The processing system 510 may
correspond to the processor 304. The transmitter 515 may correspond
to the transmitter 310. The SRG component 524 may correspond to the
SRG component 124 or SRG component 324.
[0118] In some implementations, the wireless communication device
500 may include means for generating (such as the processing system
510, the SRG component 524, or the transmitter 515) an SR element
that includes SR information. In some implementations, the SR
information indicating that a first group of STAs associated with a
second AP may reuse the resources that are used for packets
transmitted by a second group of STAs associated with the first AP.
In some other implementations, the SR information may include at
least one first permitted OBSS threshold value for reuse of the
resources over the first AP. In some other implementations, the SR
element may be carried in a beacon, a probe response, or an action
frame. In some other implementations, the SR element may further
include an SRG identifier field. In some other implementations, an
SRG identifier associated with the first AP may be included in the
SRG identifier field when the at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value included in the SR information is associated with a
plurality of different SRGs. In some other implementations, the SR
information may be included in an SR permission element. In some
other implementations, the SR information may be included in an SR
parameter set element. In some implementations, the wireless
communication device 500 may include means for transmitting (such
as the processing system 510, the SRG component 524, or the
transmitter 515) the SR element that includes the SR information.
In some implementations, the wireless communication device 500 may
include means for receiving (such as the processing system 510, the
SRG component 524, or the receiver 505) a first message from a
second AP. In some implementations, the first message may indicate
that the second AP intends to reuse the resources over the first
AP. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 500
may include means for including (such as the processing system 510,
the SRG component 524, receiver 505, or the transmitter 515) the
second AP in the SRG. In some other implementations, the wireless
communication device 500 may include means for receiving (such as
the processing system 510, the SRG component 524, or the receiver
505) a first message from a second AP. In some implementations, the
first message may indicate at least one second OBSS threshold value
associated with the second AP. In some implementations, the
wireless communication device 500 may include means for updating
(such as the processing system 510, the SRG component 524, or the
receiver 505) the at least one first OBSS threshold value to match
the at least one second OBSS threshold value. In some
implementations, the wireless communication device 500 may include
means for transmitting (such as the processing system 510, the SRG
component 524, or the transmitter 515) transmit a second message to
the second AP indicating the updated at least one first OBSS
threshold value. In some other implementations, the wireless
communication device 500 may include means for receiving (such as
the processing system 510, the SRG component 524, or the receiver
505) an SR information request from the second AP. In some
implementations, the SR element may be generated in response to the
SR information request.
[0119] FIG. 6 shows an example functional block diagram of a
wireless communication device 602 that may be configured to enable
reuse resources over another AP within the wireless communication
system 100 of FIG. 1. The wireless communication device 602 is an
example of a device that may be configured to implement the various
methods described herein. For example, the wireless communication
device 602 may correspond to, such as AP 120, second AP 202b, the
wireless communication device 800.
[0120] The wireless communication device 602 may include a
processor 604 which controls operation of the wireless
communication device 602. The processor 604 also may be referred to
as a central processing unit (CPU). Memory 606, which may include
both read-only memory (ROM) and random-access memory (RAM), may
provide instructions and data to the processor 604. A portion of
the memory 606 also may include non-volatile random-access memory
(NVRAM). The processor 604 may perform logical and arithmetic
operations based on program instructions stored within the memory
606. The instructions in the memory 606 may be executable (by the
processor 604, for example) to implement the methods described
herein.
[0121] The processor 604 may include or be a component of a
processing system implemented with one or more processors. The one
or more processors may 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.
[0122] The processing system also may 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 may include code (such as in source code
format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other
suitable format of code). The instructions, when executed by the
one or more processors, may cause the processing system to perform
the various functions described herein.
[0123] The wireless communication device 602 also may include a
housing 608, and the wireless communication device 602 may include
a transmitter 610 or a receiver 612 to allow transmission and
reception of data between the wireless communication device 602
(such as an AP) and a remote device (such as an AP, a STA, etc.).
The transmitter 610 and the receiver 612 may be combined into a
transceiver 614. An antenna 616 may be attached to the housing 608
and electrically coupled to the transceiver 614. The wireless
communication device 602 also may include multiple transmitters,
multiple receivers, multiple transceivers, or multiple
antennas.
[0124] The wireless communication device 602 also may include a
signal detector 618 that may be used to detect and quantify the
level of signals received by the transceiver 614 or the receiver
612. The signal detector 618 may detect such signals as total
energy, energy per subcarrier per symbol, power spectral density,
and other signals. The wireless communication device 602 also may
include a DSP 620 for use in processing signals. The DSP 620 may be
configured to generate a packet for transmission. In some aspects,
the packet may include a PPDU.
[0125] The wireless communication device 602 may further include a
user interface 622 in some aspects. The user interface 622 may
include a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, or a display. The user
interface 622 may include any element or component that conveys
information to a user of the wireless communication device 602 or
receives input from the user.
[0126] When the wireless communication device 602 is implemented as
an AP (such as the AP 120, second AP 202b, wireless communication
device 800), the wireless communication device 602 also may include
an SRG component 624. For example, the wireless communication
device 602 may include an SRG component 624 configured to perform
procedures related to reusing over another AP (such as AP 104, the
first AP 202a, the wireless communication device 302, 500). In this
example, the SRG component 624 may be configured to receive, from a
second AP, an SR element that includes SR information. In some
implementations, the SR information may include at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value for reuse of resources over the
second AP. In some other implementations, the SR element may be
carried in a beacon, a probe response, or an action frame. In some
other implementations, the SR element may further include an SRG
identifier field. In some other implementations, an SRG identifier
associated with the second AP may be included in the SRG identifier
field when the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value
included in the SR information is associated with a plurality of
different SRGs. In some other implementations, the SR information
may be included in an SR permission element. In some other
implementations, the SR information may be included an SR parameter
set element. In some implementations, the SRG component 624 may be
configured to determine if the at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value meets a transmission criterion. In some
implementations, the transmission criterion may be associated with
one or more of an interference level or transmission power. In some
other implementations, the SRG component 624 may be configured to
transmit a first message to the second AP. In some implementations,
the first message may indicate that the first AP intends to reuse
resources over the second AP. In some other implementations, the
SRG component 624 may be configured to transmit information
associated with the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold
value to at least one STA upon determining that the at least one
first permitted OBSS threshold value meets the transmission
criterion. In some other implementations, the SRG component 624 may
be configured to transmit a first message to the second AP. In some
implementations, the first message may indicate at least one second
OBSS threshold value associated with reuse of the resources over
the second AP. In some other implementations, the SRG component 624
may be configured to receive a second message to the second AP
indicating the updated at least one first OBSS threshold value. In
some other implementations, the SRG component 624 may be configured
to transmit an SR information request to the second AP. In some
implementations, the SR element may be received in response to the
SR information request. In some other implementations, the SRG
component 624 may be configured to monitor for the SR element.
[0127] The various components of the wireless communication device
602 may be coupled together by a bus system 626. The bus system 626
may include a data bus, for example, as well as a power bus, a
control signal bus, and a status signal bus in addition to the data
bus. Components of the wireless communication device 602 may be
coupled together or accept or provide inputs to each other using
some other mechanism.
[0128] Although a number of separate components are illustrated in
FIG. 6, one or more of the components may be combined or commonly
implemented. For example, the processor 604 may be used to
implement the functionality described above with respect to the
processor 604, but also to implement the functionality described
above with respect to the signal detector 618, the DSP 620, the
user interface 622, or the SRG component 624. Further, each of the
components illustrated in FIG. 6 may be implemented using a
plurality of separate elements.
[0129] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example method 700 of reusing
over another AP in accordance with certain aspects of the
disclosure. The method 700 may be performed using a first AP ((such
as the AP 104, 120, the first AP 202a, the second AP 202b, the
wireless communication device 302, 500, 602, 800) in communication
with a second AP (such as the AP 104, 120, the first AP 202a, the
second AP 202b, the wireless communication device 302, 500, 602,
800). In FIG. 7, optional operations are indicated with dashed
lines.
[0130] At 702, the first AP may transmit an SR information request
to the second AP. In some implementations, an SR element may be
received in response to the SR information request. For example,
referring to FIG. 2, the SR element generated (at 203) may be
carried in a probe response frame when an SR information request
221 (such as probe request frame) that requests SR information is
received from the second AP 202b.
[0131] At 704, the first AP may monitor for the SR element. For
example, referring to FIG. 2, the second AP 202b may monitor for
the SR element once the SR information request 221 is transmitted
to the first AP 202a.
[0132] At 706, the first AP may receive, from a second AP, an SR
element that includes SR information. In some implementations, the
SR information may indicate that reuse of resources used to
transmit packets by the first AP is available to wireless devices
in an OBSS associated with the first AP. Such reuse of the
resources may be described as reuse over the first AP. In some
other implementations, the SR element may be carried in a beacon, a
probe response, or an action frame. In some other implementations,
the SR element may further include an SRG identifier field. In some
other implementations, an SRG identifier associated with the second
AP may be included in the SRG identifier field when the at least
one first permitted OBSS threshold value included in the SR
information is associated with a plurality of different SRGs. In
some other implementations, the SR information may be included in
an SR permission element. In some other implementations, the SR
information may be included an SR parameter set element. For
example, referring to FIG. 2A, the second AP 202b may receive (at
205) the SR element that includes the SR information from the first
AP 202a.
[0133] At 708, the first AP may determine if the at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value meets a transmission criterion. In
some implementations, the transmission criterion may be associated
with one or more of an interference level or transmission power.
For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the second AP 202b may determine
(at 207) if the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value
meets a transmission criterion. The transmission criterion may be
associated with a tolerated interference level, a range of
transmission powers, or system overhead associated with the second
OBSS 210b. For example, the second AP 202b may determine (at 207)
if the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value meets a
transmission criterion by comparing the OBSS threshold value with
the transmission criterion. When the OBSS threshold value is within
the tolerated interference level or range of transmission powers
for wireless devices within the second OBSS 210b, the second AP
202b may determine (at 207) to reuse the resources over the first
AP 202a or to join a the SRG associated with the first AP 202a.
Because the threshold criterion of the second AP 202b complies with
the OBSS threshold value(s) of the first AP 202a, it follows that
the OBSS threshold value(s) of the second AP 202b will also comply
with the threshold criterion of the first AP 202a. Otherwise, when
the OBSS threshold value is outside the tolerated interference
level or range of transmission powers for the second OBSS 210b, the
second AP 202b may determine (at 207) not to reuse the resources
over the first AP 202a or to join the SRG associated with the first
AP 202a.
[0134] Upon determining (at 708) that the at least one permitted
OBSS threshold value does not meet a threshold criterion, the
operation may return to 704 where the first AP monitors for an SR
element including SR information. Upon determining (at 708) that
the at least one permitted OBSS threshold value does meet a
threshold criterion, the operation may move to 710.
[0135] At 710, the first AP may transmit a first message to the
second AP. In some implementations, the first message may indicate
that the first AP intends to reuse the resources over the second
AP. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the second AP 202b may
transmit (at 209) a first message indicating that the second AP
202b will comply with the at least one first OBSS threshold value
and that wireless devices in the second OBSS 210b may reuse the
resources over the first AP 202a.
[0136] At 712, the first AP may transmit information associated
with the at least one permitted OBSS threshold value to at least
one STA upon determining that the at least one permitted OBSS
threshold value meets the transmission criterion. For example,
referring to FIG. 2A, the second AP 202b may transmit (at 217) the
SR information associated with the at least one first permitted
OBSS threshold value to at least one STA 204b (such as a first
group of STAs) upon determining (at 207) that the at least one
first permitted OBSS threshold value meets the transmission
criterion. Additionally, or alternatively, the second AP 202b may
the updated at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value or
the at least one second OBSS threshold value for reuse of the
resources over the second AP 202b to the at least one STA 204b.
[0137] At 714, the first AP may transmit a first message to the
second AP. In some implementations, the first message may indicate
at least one second OBSS threshold value associated with reuse of
the resources over the second AP. For example, referring to FIG.
2A, the first message (transmitted at 209) may include information
associated with at least one second OBSS threshold value associated
with reuse of the resources over the second AP 202b.
[0138] At 716, the first AP may receive a second message from the
second AP indicating the updated at least one first OBSS threshold
value. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, the first AP 202a may
transmit (at 215) a second message that indicates the updated at
least one first OBSS threshold value to the second AP 202b.
[0139] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of an example wireless
communication device 800 that may reuse resources for packets
transmitted by another AP within the wireless communication system
100 of FIG. 1. The wireless communication device 800 may include a
receiver 805, a processing system 810, and a transmitter 815. The
processing system 810 may include a SRG component 824.
[0140] The processing system 810, the SRG component 824, or the
receiver 805 may be configured to receive, from a second AP, an SR
element that includes SR information. In some implementations, the
SR information may include at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value. In some other implementations, the SR element may
be carried in a beacon, a probe response, or an action frame. In
some other implementations, the SR element may further include an
SRG identifier field. In some other implementations, an SRG
identifier associated with the second AP may be included in the SRG
identifier field when the at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value included in the SR information is associated with a
plurality of different SRGs. In some other implementations, the SR
information may be included in an SR permission element. In some
other implementations, the SR information may be included an SR
parameter set element. The processing system 810, the SRG component
824, the receiver 805, or the transmitter 815 may be configured to
determine if the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value
meets a transmission criterion. In some implementations, the
transmission criterion may be associated with one or more of an
interference level or transmission power. The processing system
810, the SRG component 824, or the transmitter 815 may be
configured to transmit a first message to the second AP. In some
implementations, the first message may indicate that the first AP
intends to join a SRG associated with the second AP. The processing
system 810, the SRG component 824, or the transmitter 815 may be
configured to transmit information associated with the at least one
first permitted OBSS threshold value to at least one STA upon
determining that the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold
value meets the transmission criterion. The processing system 810,
the SRG component 824, or the transmitter 815 may be configured to
transmit a first message to the second AP. In some implementations,
the first message may indicate at least one second OBSS threshold
value associated with reuse of the resources over the second AP.
The processing system 810, the SRG component 824, or the receiver
805 may be configured to receive a second message to the second AP
indicating the updated at least one first OBSS threshold value. The
processing system 810, the SRG component 824, or the transmitter
815 may be configured to transmit an SR information request to the
second AP. In some implementations, the SR element may be received
in response to the SR information request. The processing system
810, the SRG component 824, or the receiver 805 may be configured
to monitor for the SR element.
[0141] The processing system 810, the SRG component 824, receiver
805, or the transmitter 815 may be configured to perform one or
more functions discussed above with respect to blocks 702, 704,
706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716 of FIG. 7. The receiver 805 may
correspond to the receiver 612. The processing system 810 may
correspond to the processor 604. The transmitter 815 may correspond
to the transmitter 610. The SRG component 824 may correspond to the
SRG component 126 or SRG component 624.
[0142] In some implementations, the wireless communication device
800 may include means for receiving (such as the processing system
810, the SRG component 824, or the receiver 805), from a second AP,
an SR element that includes SR information. In some
implementations, the SR information may include at least one first
permitted OBSS threshold value. In some other implementations, the
SR element may be carried in a beacon, a probe response, or an
action frame. In some other implementations, the SR element may
further include an SRG identifier field. In some other
implementations, an SRG identifier associated with the second AP
may be included in the SRG identifier field when the at least one
first permitted OBSS threshold value included in the SR information
is associated with a plurality of different SRGs. In some other
implementations, the SR information may be included in an SR
permission element. In some other implementations, the SR
information may be included an SR parameter set element. In some
implementations, the wireless communication device 800 may include
means for determining (such as the processing system 810, the SRG
component 824, the receiver 805, or the transmitter 815) if the at
least one first permitted OBSS threshold value meets a transmission
criterion. In some implementations, the transmission criterion may
be associated with one or more of an interference level or
transmission power. In some implementations, the wireless
communication device 800 may include means for transmitting (such
as the processing system 810, the SRG component 824, or the
transmitter 815) a first message to the second AP. In some
implementations, the first message may indicate that the first AP
intends to join a SRG associated with the second AP. In some
implementations, the wireless communication device 800 may include
means for transmitting (such as the processing system 810, the SRG
component 824, or the transmitter 815) information associated with
the at least one first permitted OBSS threshold value to at least
one STA upon determining that the at least one first permitted OBSS
threshold value meets the transmission criterion. In some
implementations, the wireless communication device 800 may include
means for transmitting (such as the processing system 810, the SRG
component 824, or the transmitter 815) a first message to the
second AP. In some implementations, the first message may indicate
at least one second OBSS threshold value associated with reuse of
the resources over the second AP. In some implementations, the
wireless communication device 800 may include means for receiving
(such as the processing system 810, the SRG component 824, or the
receiver 805) a second message to the second AP indicating the
updated at least one first OBSS threshold value. In some
implementations, the wireless communication device 800 may include
means for transmitting (such as the processing system 810, the SRG
component 824, or the transmitter 815) an SR information request to
the second AP. In some implementations, the SR element may be
received in response to the SR information request. In some
implementations, the wireless communication device 800 may include
means for monitoring (such as the processing system 810, the SRG
component 824, or the receiver 805) for the SR element.
[0143] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of
blocks in the processes/flowcharts disclosed is an illustration of
example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood
that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the
processes/flowcharts may be rearranged. Further, some blocks may be
combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims present
elements of the various blocks in a sample order and are not meant
to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
[0144] The previous description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described
herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims
are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is
to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims,
wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather
"one or more." The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving
as an example, instance, or illustration." Any aspect described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically
stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more.
Combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of
A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B,
and C," and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" include any
combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A,
multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such
as "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, or C," "at
least one of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B,
C, or any combination thereof" may be A only, B only, C only, A and
B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations
may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All
structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the
various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known
or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are
expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be
encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is
intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such
disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words "module,"
"mechanism," "element," "device," and the like may not be a
substitute for the word "means." As such, no claim element is to be
construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly
recited using the phrase "means for."
* * * * *