RU2815440C2 - Communication device and communication method for communication via improved direct communication line - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: communication.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the communication via an improved forward link. The communication device is configured to provide wireless communication with an access point (AP) via the first channel. The communications apparatus comprises: circuitry that, in operation, generates a channel authorization request frame that contains information indicating the communications apparatus, another communications apparatus, and a second channel that is different from the first channel. The transmitter, during operation, transmits a generated channel permission request frame to the AP to request permission from the AP to use a second channel for forward link communication with another communications device. The receiver, during operation, receives a channel permission response frame from the AP, which authorizes the use of a second channel, wherein the communication device is also configured to communicate with another communication device via a forward link over the second channel after receiving the channel permission response frame. Forward Link uses a tunnelled forward link setup.

EFFECT: ability to communicate via an improved forward link in specific bands/channels.

8 cl, 24 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention relates to communications apparatus and methods for performing enhanced forward link communications, and more particularly to communications apparatus and methods for performing enhanced forward link communications in regulated bands such as the 6 GHz band.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[2] The US FCC (Federal Communications Commission) recently opened the 6 GHz band to unlicensed use. The 6 GHz band will play an important role in achieving the required throughput of future wireless standards such as IEEE 802.11ax (HE), IEEE 802.11be (ENT), 3GPP 5G, etc.

[3] To protect existing users, the FCC provided the following rules in its latest Notice for Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM):

- The U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands are widely used for point-to-point microwave links, including links that need to have a high level of availability. Thus, in these subbands, only standard power access points (APs) can operate using the power levels of the U-NII-1 and U-NII-3 bands, at frequencies determined by the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system ). U-NII is an unlicensed national information infrastructure.

- The U-NII-6 and U-NII-8 subbands are used by mobile stations in locations where it is difficult to determine the location of active receivers from existing databases, making AFC difficult to use. Thus, these subbands may only allow indoor low-power access point operation using lower power levels in the U-NII-2 bands.

- Client devices can be allowed to operate across the entire 6 GHz band, controlled by either a standard power AP or a low power AP.

[4] However, communication apparatuses and communication methods for implementing forward link communications in the 6 GHz band have not been previously considered. In particular, it is unclear how devices involved in forward link communications should operate in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands, since these devices may not be directly connected to the AFC system.

[5] Thus, there is a need for communication apparatuses and methods that can provide feasible technical solutions for advanced forward link communication in the 6 GHz band. In addition, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the presented prior art of the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[6] Non-limiting and exemplary embodiments facilitate the provision of communication apparatuses and communication methods for performing enhanced forward link communications.

[7] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus configured to communicate wirelessly with an access point (AP) over a first channel, comprising: a circuit that, during operation, generates a request frame for authorization to use the channel, wherein the channel permission request frame contains information indicating a communication apparatus, another communication apparatus, and a second channel that is different from the first channel; a transmitter that, in operation, transmits a generated channel permission request frame to an AP to request permission from the AP to use a second channel for forward link communication with another communications apparatus; and a receiver that, in operation, receives a channel authorization response frame from an AP that authorizes use of the second channel, wherein the communication apparatus is also configured to communicate with another communication apparatus on a forward link on the second channel after receiving the authorization response frame to use the channel.

[8] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a communication apparatus is provided, configured to communicate wirelessly with an access point (AP), comprising: circuitry that, during operation, generates a Request To Send (RTS) frame for a tunneled configuration signal Tunnel Direct-Link Setup (TDLS)”, wherein the “TDLS RTS” frame contains information indicating another communication device; a transmitter that, during operation, transmits a generated “TDLS RTS” frame to the AP to request a transmission opportunity (TXOP) for transmitting TDLS to another communication device; and a receiver that, during operation, receives a “Clear To Send (CTS) TDLS” frame from the AP, wherein the transmitter is also configured to transmit, within the requested TXOP, one or more data frames over the TDLS forward link to another communication device after receiving the "TDLS CTS" frame.

[9] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an access point (AP) configured to communicate wirelessly with a communication apparatus via a first channel; comprising: a receiver that, in operation, receives a channel authorization request frame from a communications apparatus, wherein the channel authorization request frame contains a request to use a second channel, different from the first channel, for forward link communication with another apparatus communications, a circuit that, in operation, determines, using a frequency coordination database, whether a second channel can be used by a communication device and another communication device, after receiving a request frame for permission to use the channel, and the specified circuit is also configured to generate a response frame about channel permission, wherein the channel permission response frame contains information indicating the result of said determination; and a transmitter that, in operation, transmits a channel authorization response frame to a communication apparatus, the channel authorization request frame containing information indicating the result of said determination, wherein the communication apparatus is configured to perform forward link communication in the second channel with another communication device based on the specified definition.

[10] According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an access point (AP) configured to communicate wirelessly with a communication apparatus; containing: a receiver that, during operation, receives from a communications device a “Request to Send (RTS) Tunneled Direct Link Setup Signal (TDLS)” frame, wherein the “TDLS RTS” frame contains a request to the AP for a transmit capability (TXOP) to transmit TDLS to another communication device, wherein the TDLS RTS frame contains information indicating the other communication device; a circuit that, when in operation, generates a TDLS Clearance to Send (CTS) frame; and a transmitter that, in operation, transmits a TDLS CTS frame to a communication device, wherein the communication device is configured to transmit, within the requested TXOP, one or more data frames on the TDLS forward link to another communication device after receiving the TDLS frame CTS."

[11] According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a communication method is provided, including: generating a channel permission request frame, wherein the channel permission request frame contains information indicating a communication apparatus, another communication apparatus, and a second channel that is different from the first channel; transmitting the generated channel permission request frame to the access point to request permission from the AP to use the second channel for forward link communication with another communication device; receiving a response frame about permission to use the channel from an access point that allows use of the second channel, and communicating via a forward link in the second channel with another communication device after receiving the response frame about permission to use the channel.

[12] It should be noted that general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, storage medium, or any selected combination thereof.

[13] Additional advantages and disadvantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the description and drawings. Such features and/or advantages may be separately obtained by various embodiments and features of the specification and drawings, all of which need not be present to obtain one or more of such features and/or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[14] Embodiments of the present invention will be better understood and more apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following written description, by way of example only, in conjunction with the drawings in which the following are illustrated.

[15] In FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a forward link communication setup between two stations (STAs).

[16] In FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of forward link communication between two stations (STAs) in an infrastructure network.

[17] In FIG. 1C shows a schematic diagram of forward link communication between two stations (STAs) in a Wi-Fi Direct network (peer-to-peer network).

[18] In FIG. 2 is a message flow illustrating the configuration of an off-channel TDLS mode in the 6 GHz band in accordance with the first embodiment.

[19] In FIG. 3 is a message flow illustrating a TDLS channel switch to off-channel mode in the 6 GHz band, in accordance with the first embodiment.

[20] In FIG. 4A illustrates the format of a TDLS Setup Request frame used to request a TDLS forward link setup, in accordance with various embodiments.

[21] In FIG. 4B shows the format of a “TDLS Channel Grant Request” frame used to request channel grant for forward link communication in accordance with the first embodiment.

[22] In FIG. 4C shows the format of a TDLS Channel Grant Response frame used to respond to a TDLS Channel Grant Request frame in accordance with the first embodiment.

[23] In FIG. 5 is a message flow illustrating traffic flow configuration for a forward TDLS link in the 6 GHz band in accordance with the first embodiment.

[24] In FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating configuration of a multiband traffic flow for a forward TDLS link in the 6 GHz band in accordance with the first embodiment.

[25] In FIG. 7 shows the format of the “Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) Parameter Setting” element according to the first embodiment.

[26] In FIG. 8 shows the format of an “Add Traffic Stream Request (ADDTS)” frame and an “ADDTS Response” frame in accordance with the first embodiment.

[27] In FIG. 9 shows the format of an "Operation Stop" element used for an operation termination instruction in accordance with the first embodiment.

[28] In FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating forward link communication between two STAs during Transmission Opportunity (TXOP) in accordance with the second embodiment.

[29] In FIG. 11A shows the format of a TDLS Trigger frame used to initiate communication on the forward link, in accordance with the second embodiment.

[30] In FIG. 11B illustrates an alternative TDLS Trigger frame format used to initiate forward link communications, in accordance with the second embodiment.

[31] In FIG. 12 shows the format of a TDLS Action frame used to report the status of a TDLS buffer according to the second embodiment.

[32] In FIG. 13 shows the format of a “TDLS RTS (Request to Send)” frame and a “TDLS CTS (Clear to Send)” frame according to the third embodiment.

[33] In FIG. 14 is a message flow illustrating forward link communication between two STAs during TXOP according to the third embodiment.

[34] In FIG. 15 is a schematic example of a communication apparatus according to various embodiments. The communication apparatus may be implemented as an AP or STA and configured to communicate over an enhanced forward link in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

[35] In FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a communication method in accordance with various embodiments.

[36] In FIG. 17 shows the configuration of a communication device, such as a communications apparatus or station (STA), in accordance with various embodiments.

[37] In FIG. 18 shows the configuration of a communication device, such as an access point, in accordance with various embodiments.

[38] In FIG. 19 illustrates a reference architecture for a multi-band communications device, such as an STA, that is configured to participate in forward link communications, in accordance with various embodiments.

[39] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size of some of the elements in the illustrations, block diagrams, or flow diagrams may be exaggerated relative to other elements to ensure an accurate understanding of the present embodiments.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[40] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Like reference numbers and symbols shown in the drawings refer to like items or equivalents.

[41] The following paragraphs explain some exemplary embodiments with reference to an access point (AP) and a station (STA) for performing enhanced forward link communications.

[42] In the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technologies, a station, interchangeably referred to as an STA, is a communications apparatus configured to use the 802.11 protocol. Based on the definition in IEEE 802.11-2016, an STA can be any device that contains an IEEE 802.11 compliant media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface to a wireless medium (WM). .

[43] For example, an STA may be a laptop, desktop personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), access point, or Wi-Fi-enabled telephone in a wireless local area network (WLAN) environment. ). An STA can be fixed or mobile. In a WLAN environment, the terms "STA", "wireless client", "user", "user device" and "node" are often used interchangeably.

[44] Similarly, an access point, which may be interchangeably referred to as a wireless access point (WAP), in the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technologies, is a communications apparatus by which an STA on a wireless network can connect to a wired network. networks. An access point is usually connected to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be built into or used within a router.

[45] As mentioned above, in another case, an STA in a WLAN can act as an access point and vice versa. This is due to the fact that communication devices in the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technologies may include both STA hardware components and AP hardware components. Thus, communication devices can be configured to switch between the STA mode and the AP mode depending on the actual conditions and/or requirements of the WLAN.

[46] Direct link communication (also known as peer-to-peer or device-to-device communication) provides many benefits. In traditional wireless networks, such as IEEE 802.11 WLANs, all communication must occur through an access point (AP), even if the two devices involved in the communication are part of the same wireless network (known as the Basic Service Set (BSS) according to the 802.11 standard). To make this device-to-device communication more efficient, the IEEE 802.11z standard introduced the Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS). TDLS is characterized by the use of setup frames that are encapsulated in data frames that can be transparently transmitted by the AP, hence the term "tunneling". All control frames involved in TDLS configuration, such as, for example, a TDLS configuration request frame and a TDLS configuration response frame, are encapsulated in data frames, so that TDLS configuration is completely transparent to the AP. As such, the AP may not even be TDLS compliant. A communication link between two devices using TDLS is known as a forward TDLS link or simply a TDLS link. Since packets are exchanged between two devices directly over the TDLS communication line without the participation of an AP, TDLS allows the number of packet transmissions to be halved. Therefore, the use of TDLS links provides improved wireless network efficiency, particularly when two devices are located relatively closer to each other than to the access point. A TDLS link may even be able to utilize higher data rates due to the reduced distance between devices compared to a wireless AP link.

[47] In FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram 100 of setting up direct peer-to-peer communication between two non-AP STAs. STA 104 may transmit a TDLS setup request frame via AP 102 to STA 106 (as illustrated by transmission paths 1a and 1b) to configure forward link communications between STA 104 and STA 106. STA 106 may then transmit a response frame about configuring TDLS by AP 102 to STA 104 (as illustrated by transmission paths 2a and 2b) in response to receiving a TDLS request frame. The TDLS Setup Request Frame and the TDLS Setup Response Frame are control frames for TDLS Setup and are sent directly to/from the AP with data encapsulation so that the TDLS Setup is transparent to the AP 102. After the TDLS Setup, the two STAs 104 and 106 can directly communicate with each other via a “direct line of communication”. The forward link can also be switched to a channel other than the BSS operating channel (base channel), and can even operate in a different band; operation on such a forward link channel is referred to as "off-channel" operation.

[48] APs currently cannot control the configuration/use of TDLS. However, client devices are only allowed to operate in the 6 GHz band under the control of the access point. When operating in the 5 GHz Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) band, the TDLS initiator STA acts as a DFS Owner (DO); however, in the 6 GHz band, TDLS STAs may not have this capability.

[49] Thus, the present invention proposes an enhanced forward link communication procedure that provides APs with more control over forward link communication in specific bands/channels. Without such improvements, forward links such as TDLS may be prohibited in the 6 GHz band.

[50] When operating in some sub-bands of the 6 GHz band (for example, U-NII-5 and U-NII-7), the AP may need to consult the Automatic Frequency Control Database (AFC) to determine the allowable operating frequency and transmission parameters. Such APs may be known as AFC Database Dependent (ADD) STAs, while non-AP STAs associated with such APs may be referred to as ADD-Dependent STAs. Non-AP STAs can communicate on channels in these sub-bands only if they are “allowed” to do so by permitting STAs, and such non-AP STAs can be considered to be “under the control” of the AP. An access point may announce its presence on a channel in which it requires permission to operate by periodically transmitting permission signals over the channel, for example, by including such permission signals in beacon frames.

[51] If two ADD-dependent STAs negotiate the TDLS forward link on the base channel, they can use the same transmission parameters that are used on the AP link for TDLS forward link transmissions.

[52] In FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram 110 of implementing TDLS forward link communication between two stations (STAs) in a channel infrastructure network. Another advantage of TDLS is that since TDLS is transparent to the AP, if both devices support greater capabilities than the AP, the TDLS link can operate at higher capabilities that may not be supported by the AP. For example, AP 112 may only support 802.11ac, but both TDLS devices may support the latest edition of 802.11ax, in which case the devices can communicate at the higher data rate of 802.11ax over the forward link. Additionally, if the two devices are multiband devices and they are connected to an access point on the 5 GHz band (base channel), but if both devices support the 6 GHz band, the two devices can also choose to switch the TDLS link to the wider channel in the 6 GHz band (TDLS over-the-air link), even if the access point itself does not operate in the 6 GHz band.

[53] As mentioned above, AP 112 may access AFC database 118 to determine allowed operating frequency and transmission parameters. The ADD-dependent STAs 114 and 116 may then use the same transmission parameters as those used for the AP link for TDLS link transmissions between STAs 114 and 116 if the TDLS link is on the BSS operating channel, i.e. the forward link is in the base channel. Although in FIG. 1B shows a direct link between the access point and the AFC database, in effect the access point may contact the AFC system to check the availability of a channel in the AFC database. Alternatively, there may be no direct interaction between the AP and the AFC database, and all decisions regarding channel availability (frequency usage) at a particular geographic location may be made by the AFC system.

[54] However, when two non-AP STAs intend to set up or switch a TDLS forward link to a channel in the 6 GHz band that is not a base channel, the following rules shall apply:

- the associated AP must be an STA allowing ADD;

- The TDLS initiator STA must request permission from the AP to use the channel for the forward link by transmitting a “TDLS Channel Permission Request” frame to the AP;

- in response, the AP transmits the frame “Response about permission to use the TDLS channel”;

- a forward link can be set up/switched on a 6 GHz channel that is not a base channel only after receiving a TDLS Channel Grant Response frame from the access point with a SUCCESS state.

[55] In FIG. 1C depicts a schematic diagram 120 of forward link communication between two stations (STAs) in a Wi-Fi Direct (peer-to-peer) network. TDLS links can also operate on temporary wireless networks such as the Wi-Fi Alliance or Wi-Fi Direct. Wi-Fi Direct networks are device-to-device networks in which one device serves as the Group Owner (GO), without the need for a traditional access point. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, the smartphone 122 can perform the function of the GO, while the Wi-Fi enabled printer 124 and the Wi-Fi enabled digital camera 126 can connect to the Wi-Fi Direct network, creating a Wi-Fi Direct connection with the GO. In this case, the GO serves as an AP and TDLS communication links can be established between the digital camera 126 and the printer 124 such that the digital camera 126 can transmit photographs directly to the printer 124 for printing. Again, if both digital camera 126 and printer 124 are multiband devices and they both support the 6 GHz band, both of those devices may also choose to switch the TDLS link to a wider channel in the 6 GHz band (TDLS out-of-band link). In this example, while the smartphone 122 has access to the Internet and is configured to access the AFC database 128 (via the AFC system), it can also serve as an STA allowing ADD, as well as grant permission for two TDLS devices to transmit on the forward link TDLS communications in the channel in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands of the 6 GHz band.

[56] In FIG. 2 is a message flow illustrating the configuration of TDLS off-channel mode in the 6 GHz band in accordance with the first embodiment. AP 202 may be an ADD enabling STA. Non-AP STA 204 and STA 206 are associated with AP 202 on a channel in the 6 GHz band. For various reasons, the non-AP STA 204 and the non-AP STA 206 may choose to communicate on the forward link on a channel that is different from the operating channel of the BSS. Due to regulatory requirements for the 6 GHz band, it may be mandatory for the AFC system to ensure that the channel is available before any transmissions can be made on a channel. The non-AP STA 204, as a TDLS initiator STA, may request permission from the AP 202 to use another channel in the 6 GHz band to communicate on the forward link with the non-AP STA 206 by transmitting a Permission Request frame 208 to use a TDLS channel on the AP 202. The channel may be, for example, a channel in the U-NII-5 or U-NII-7 subbands of the 6 GHz band, which is different from the base 6 GHz channel used for communication by the AP 202 with STA 204 and 206.

[57] Upon receiving the TDLS Channel Authorization Request frame 208 from STA 204, the AP 202 checks the AFC database (eg, through the AFC system) regarding the availability of the requested channel. If this check is successful, AP 202 may transmit a TDLS Channel Grant Response frame 210 with a status SUCCESSFUL to STA 204 to indicate that the requested channel is available for forward link communications. STA 204 may then initiate setup of a forward link on the requested channel with STA 204 by transmitting, by AP 202, a “TDLS Setup Request” frame 212 to STA 206. STA 206 may then respond by transmitting, by AP 202, a “TDLS Setup Response” frame 214. to STA 204. STA 204 then transmits, via AP 202, a “TDLS Setup Confirm” frame 216 to STA 206 and a forward TDLS link is established on the requested channel in the 6 GHz band. In the event of a non-successful result, if the requested channel is found to be unavailable when checking the AFC database, the AP 202 may transmit a TDLS Channel Grant Response frame 210 with an unsuccessful state (eg, TDLS_channel_USE_DISTRIBUTED) to the STA 204 to indicate that permission to use the requested channel for forward link communication is denied.

[58] In FIG. 3 is a message flow illustrating switching a TDLS forward link channel to an off-channel mode in the 6 GHz band, in accordance with the first embodiment. In this example, non-AP STAs 304 and 306 are associated with AP 302 on a channel in the 5 GHz band and have already set up a TDLS forward link on the base channel. However, STA 304 intends to switch the forward link to off-channel mode in the 6 GHz band. Thus, STA 304, as a TDLS initiator STA, can request permission from AP 302 to use another channel in the 6 GHz band for forward link communication with STA 306 by transmitting a “TDLS Channel Authorization Request” frame 308 to the AP. 302. The channel may be, for example, a 6 GHz channel that is different from the 5 GHz base channel used to communicate between AP 302 and STAs 304 and 306.

[59] Upon receiving the TDLS Channel Permission Request frame 308 from STA 304, the AP 302 checks the AFC database regarding the availability of the requested channel. If this check is successful, AP 302 may transmit a TDLS Channel Grant Response frame 310 with a status SUCCESSFUL to STA 304 to indicate that the requested channel is available for forward link communications. STA 304 may then initiate a switch of the forward link from STA 304 to the requested 6 GHz channel by transmitting a “TDLS Channel Switch Request” frame 312 to STA 306. STA 306 may then respond by transmitting a “TDLS Channel Switch Response” frame to STA 304 with status SUCCESS and the forward TDLS link will be switched to the requested channel in the 6 GHz band. In the event of a result other than success, if the requested channel is not available when checking the AFC database, the AP 302 may transmit a "TDLS Channel Grant Response" frame 310 with a failed status to the AP 304 to indicate that the handover grant has a direct communication line to the requested channel is refused.

[60] It should be understood that if the STA 204/304 (TDLS initiator STA) is configured to directly check the AFC database regarding the use of off-channel mode in the 6 GHz band for a forward link (eg, via a cellular Internet link ), it does not need to request permission from the AP 202/302 and can directly proceed to off-channel forward link setup/switching.

[61] In FIG. 4A shows the format of a TDLS Setup Request frame 400 used to request a TDLS forward link setup, in accordance with various embodiments. The TDLS Setup Request frame 400 may be used as a TDLS Setup Request frame 212 transmitted by the STA 202 via the AP 202 to the STA 204, as shown in FIG. 2. The TDLS Setup Request frame 400 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, one or more Address fields, a Sequence Control field, an HT Control field, a Category field, TDLS Action field, Conversation Marker field, Target Channel field (optional), Broadband Channel Switching Item field (optional), and FCS (Frame Check Sequence) field (or may consist of these fields) . The Target Channel field may include (or be a combination of) a Functioning Class field and a Channel Number field. The Channel Number field may indicate the channel to be used for the requested forward link communication. The Target Channel field and the Broadband Channel Switching Item field may be present in the TDLS Setup Request frame 400 to request TDLS setup on a channel that is different from the base channel. In addition, the "Broadband Channel Switching Element" field may be present if the TDLS setup request frame 400 is to be used to request a channel that is wider than 20 MHz. Although not shown in the drawing, if the TDLS link is to be configured in another frequency band, and if the MAC address of the STA in that frequency band is different from the band in which the base channel is located, the MAC address in the other band may also be included in the frame. Request to configure TDLS." If a peer STA receives a TDLS Setup Request, it may also include its MAC address in another band in the TDLS Setup Request Response frame. If necessary, setting up a TDLS link on another channel can also trigger setting up a TDLS PeerKey security association on another channel.

[62] In FIG. 4B shows the format of a TDLS Channel Grant Request frame 410 used to request a channel grant for forward link communication in accordance with the first embodiment. The TDLS Channel Grant Request frame 410 may be used as a TDLS Channel Grant Request frame 208/308 transmitted by the STA 202/302 to the AP 202/302, as shown in FIG. 2 and fig. 3. The TDLS Channel Permission Request frame 410 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, one or more Address fields, a Sequence Control field, an HT Control field, and a Category", TDLS Action field, Conversation Marker field, Link Identifier Element field, Device Information field (optional), Target Channel field, Broadband Channel Switching Element field (optional) and the "FCS" field (or may consist of the specified fields). The "Device Information" field may include a "First Device Identifier" field, a "First Device Location" field, a "Second Device Identifier" field, and a "Second Device Location" field (or may consist of such fields). The device identifier, for example, may be the FCC identifier of the device and may be used by the AFC system to check whether the device can be used in that channel. Likewise, device location fields may indicate information about the geographic location of the device, such as latitude, longitude, and optionally antenna height. The Target Channel field may include a Functioning Class field and a Channel Number field (not shown) identifying the channel requested for forward link communication (or may consist of such fields). Additionally, the Wideband Channel Switching Item field may be present if the requested channel is wider than 20 MHz. Device location information may be used by the AFC system to calculate whether transmission from any of the TDLS devices on the requested channel may cause interference to licensed users operating nearby. The AFC system may take many factors into account when making this decision, including information about the receiving antenna of licensed users, the nature of the terrain (rural, urban, semi-rural), etc. If the AFC system determines that forward link transmissions on the requested channel do not cause any interference to licensed users in the immediate vicinity, permission may be granted to use the requested channel for forward link communications. In other cases, the AFC system may simplify interference calculations by using AP information (location, antenna height, etc.) to perform interference calculations, under the assumption that if the AP's transmission on the requested channel does not cause interference to licensed users, then the transmissions performed by any of the client devices (i.e. TDLS STAs) will also not cause any interference to licensed users.

[63] In FIG. 4C shows the format of a TDLS Channel Grant Response frame 420 used to respond to a TDLS Channel Grant Request frame 410 in accordance with the first embodiment. The TDLS Channel Grant Response frame 420 may be used as a TDLS Channel Grant Response frame 210/310 transmitted by the AP 202/302 to the STA 202/302, as shown in FIG. 2 and fig. 3. The TDLS Channel Grant Response frame 420 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, one or more Address fields, a Sequence Control field, an HT Control field, and a Category", TDLS Action field, Conversation Marker field, Status field, Maximum Power Level field, Validity Period field, Bypass Channel field (optional), Broadband Channel Switching field (optional ) and the "FCS" field (or may consist of the specified fields).

[64] The Status field may have the value "SUCCESSFUL" in cases where the channel requested in the TDLS Channel Authorization Request frame is available for forward link communications, and may have the value "TDLS_Channel_USE_DISTRIBUTED" in cases if the channel requested in the TDLS Channel Authorization Request frame (for example, the channel specified in the Channel Number field of the TDLS Channel Authorization Request frame) is not available for forward link communications. If the state is other than SUCCESSFUL, the AP may include a Bypass Channel field and a Broadband Channel Switch element in the TDLS Channel Grant Response frame to recommend another channel for forward link communication. The TDLS Channel Grant Response frame 420 may also include applicable transmission parameters (eg, maximum transmit power level), a validity period for channel use, etc.

[65] The Maximum Power Level field can indicate the maximum power, in 0.5 dBm units, that can be transmitted on the channel specified in the Channel Number field. The “Validity period” field can indicate the period of time during which permission to use the channel is valid. The STA is expected to request permission again from the associated AP after the validity period has expired, for example by transmitting another TDLS Channel Permission Request frame to the associated AP. It should be understood that the TDLS channel permission request/response frames are transmitted directly to/from the AP without data encapsulation.

[66] Additionally, before transmitting data frames on the 6 GHz TDLS forward link, a non-access point station may be required to set up a Traffic Stream (TS) for the TDLS forward link. In fig. 5 is a message flow illustrating the configuration of a TS for a forward TDLS link on a channel in the 6 GHz band, in accordance with the first embodiment. The STA 504 may transmit an “Add Traffic Stream (ADDTS) Request” frame 508 to the AP 502. The “ADDTS Request” frame 508 may contain information identifying the TDLS forward link. For example, STA 504 may include a Link Identifier element in ADDTS Request frame 508 to indicate the TS for TDLS and identify the addresses of the initiator STA (eg, STA 504) and responder STA (eg, STA 506). If the AP 502 allows the TS, the AP 502 creates a TS for the forward TDLS link. Having information about both STAs involved in TDLS communication can also make it easier for the AP to make better decisions, for example, if the AP knows that two STAs are physically close to each other, the AP can provide more opportunities for direct transmission communication link and at the same time, the AP can reject the request to set up traffic between STAs that are far apart to prevent interference to other STAs.

[67] Additionally, the AP 502 may transmit an ADDTS Response frame 510 to the STA 504 and include a Link Identifier element in the ADDTS Response frame 510, the Link Identifier element indicating the TDLS link. If the TS is bidirectional, the STA 504 may transmit a TDLS Configuration Confirm frame 512 to the STA 506 to inform the STA 606 that the TS has been successfully configured, where the TDLS Configuration Confirm frame 512 may indicate a Traffic Specification (TSPEC)/traffic identifier ( Traffic ID, TID) TS. Alternatively, the STA 506 can repeat the TS setting for the opposite direction. For this example, it is assumed that a forward TDLS link has already been established between STA 504 and STA 506. Otherwise, the two STAs 504 and 506 may perform TDLS setup immediately after successfully setting up the traffic flow for the TDLS link. After successful setup of the TS, one or more TID-related Data frames 514 can then be transmitted on the TDLS forward link. If the TDLS forward link requires a TS, then transmission of a data frame on the TDLS forward link is not allowed if the TDLS TS cannot be configured. As an advantage, configuring the TS with the AP 502 allows the AP 502 to control communication traffic between the non-AP STAs 504 and 506.

[68] If the BSS operating channel is in the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz band and the TDLS forward link is switched to a channel in the 6 GHz band (off-channel mode), it is possible to configure the TDLS TS for the 6 GHz band, but the actual configuration TDLS TS is performed on the BSS working channel. In fig. 6 is a message flow illustrating traffic flow configuration for a forward TDLS link on a non-6 GHz channel in accordance with the first embodiment. The STA 604 may transmit an ADDTS Request frame 608 on the BSS operating channel to the AP 602. The ADDTS Request frame 608 may contain information identifying the TDLS forward link. For example, STA 604 may include a Link Identifier element in ADDTS Request frame 608 to indicate the TS for TDLS and identify the addresses of the initiator STA (eg, STA 604) and responder STA (eg, STA 606). In addition, the ADDTS Request frame 608 may include a multi-band element indicating the 6 GHz band and the channel to switch to in the 6 GHz band. If the AP 602 allows the TS, the AP 602 creates a TS for the TDLS forward link in the 6 GHz band.

[69] Additionally, AP 602 may transmit an ADDTS Response frame 610 on the BSS operating channel to the STA 604 and include a Link Identifier element in the ADDTS Response frame 610, wherein the Link Identifier element indicates the line TDLS communications. In addition, the ADDTS Response frame 610 may include a multi-band element indicating a channel to be switched in the 6 GHz band. The STA 604 may then transmit a TDLS Setup Confirm frame 612 to the STA 606 via the AP 602 (i.e., encapsulated in data frames) to inform the STA 606 that the TS has been successfully configured, where the TDLS Setup Confirm frame 612 may indicate a traffic specification. (TSPEC) / traffic identifier (TID) TS. For this example, it is assumed that a TDLS forward link has already been established on the 6 GHz channel between STA 504 and STA 506. After successful setup of the TS, one or more TID-related Data frames 514 can then be transmitted on the TDLS forward link. however, the STA 604 and STA 606 can operate in power-save (PS) mode with the AP 602. As an advantage, configuring the TS with the AP 602 allows the AP 602 to control communication traffic between the non-AP STA 604 and 606.

[70] The AP may indicate that the Access Category (AC) in the 6 GHz band requires TDLS TS configuration by setting the "TDLS ACM" bit in the "Parameter Record" field of the AC in the "Advanced Distributed Channel Access Parameter Setting" element ( Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA)" transmitted in Beacon/Probe Response frames in the 6 GHz band. In fig. 7 shows the format of the EDCA Parameter Set element 700 according to the first embodiment. The EDCA Parameter Set element 700 may include an Element ID field, a Length field, a QoS Information field, an Updated EDCA Information field, an AC_BE Parameter Entry field, and an AC_BK Parameter Entry field. , the AC_VI Parameter field and the AC_VO Parameter Record field (or may consist of the specified fields). The “AC_BK Parameter Record” field may include the “AO / AIFSN” field, the “ECWmin / ECWmax” field and the “TXOP Limit” field (or may consist of these fields). The ACI/AIFSN field may include an AIFSN subfield, an ACM subfield, an ACI subfield, and an ACM TDLS subfield (or may consist of these subfields). If the "TDLS ACM" subfield bit is set, TDLS forward link data transmission in the 6 GHz band is permitted only after the STA has configured a TDLS TS with an AP for that AS (regardless of the setting of the "ACM" bit for that AS). On the other hand, if the ACM TDLS subfield bit is not set, that AS is allowed to transmit TDLS forward link data in the 6 GHz band without the need for TS configuration. As an advantage, the ACM TDLS subfield allows APs to better manage forward link communications with non-AP STAs.

[71] In FIG. 8 shows the format of an ADDTS Request frame 800 and an ADDTS Response frame 802 in accordance with the first embodiment. The ADDTS Request frame 800 may be used as an ADDTS Request frame 508/608 transmitted by the STA 504/604 to the AP 502/602, as shown in FIG. 5 and fig. 6. The ADDTS Request frame 800 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an Address 1 (RA) field, an Address 2 (TA) field, and an Address 3 (BSSID) field. , Sequence Control field, HT Control field, Category field, QoS Action field, Conversation Token field, TSPEO Element field, Link Identifier Element field, and FCS field (or may consist of the specified fields). As shown in the examples in FIGS. 5 and fig. 6, an “ADDTS Request” frame is sent by the initiating STA to the AP to request the AP to configure the TS for the forward link.

[72] The ADDTS Response frame 802 may be used as an ADDTS Request frame 510/610 sent by the AP 502/602 to the STA 504/604, as shown in FIG. 5 and fig. 6. The ADDTS Response frame 802 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an Address 1 (RA) field, an Address 2 (TA) field, an Address 3 (BSSID) field. , Sequence Control field, HT Control field, Category field, QoS Action field, Conversation Marker field, Status Code field, TS Delay field, TSPEO Element field, Element field link identifier" and the "FCS" field (or may consist of these fields). As shown in the examples in FIGS. 5 and fig. 6, an ADDTS Reply frame is sent by the AP to the initiating STA to confirm that the TS is configured. The TDLS forward link may be identified in ADDTS request/response frames by a Link Identifier Element field, which may include an Element Identifier field, a Length field, a BSSID field, an STA Address field. -TDLS Initiator" and the "TDLS Responder STA Address" field (or may consist of the specified fields).

[73] An AP may instruct an associated non-AP STA to cease operation on the 6 GHz TDLS forward link by including a Terminate element in broadcast/unicast frames addressed to the STA. For example, this shutdown instruction may be sent to the AP upon detection of a primary spectrum user (eg, due to a change in the AFC database), upon instruction from the AFC system, or in other similar situations. Such shutdown requirements may include the immediate cessation of all ongoing transmissions and may be authorized by regulatory authorities to protect licensed spectrum users from unacceptable interference. In fig. 9 shows the format of an Operation Stop element 900 used for an operation termination instruction in accordance with the first embodiment. The Termination element 900 may include an Item ID field, a Length field, an Extended Item ID field, a BSSID field, a Band ID field, a Functioning Class field, and an Operating Channel field. and the Reason Code field (or may consist of the specified fields). The Band ID field (if present), the Performance Class field, and the Operating Channel field together identify the frequency band and channel to which the shutdown operation applies. The Reason Code field may indicate the reason why the STA is required to terminate forward link operation, for example, a value of "0" indicates that primary or licensed usage has been detected, a value of "1" indicates that channel usage was prohibited in the AFC database by the AFC system, or other values 2-255 that may be reserved for other reasons. For example, one of the other reasons may be an interference report being submitted to the AFC system by a licensed user of the channel.

[74] Upon receipt by the STA of an instruction to cease operation from the AP via the Stop Operation element 900, the STA shall completely cease operation of the forward TDLS link on the specified channel. This may include, for example, stopping transmissions on the forward link, disconnecting the forward link, or canceling the TDLS TS associated with the forward link. As an advantage, the AP can control TDLS forward link setup/TDLS forward link transmissions in the 6 GHz band using a stop instruction.

[75] In a second embodiment, the AP may only allow scheduled transmission of data frames even on forward TDLS links, such that TDLS Data frame transmissions may require receiving a TDLS Trigger frame from the AP. While the requirement that TDLS STAs configure TSs for TDLS links may provide some access point control over TDLS link transmissions, in some regulatory areas the AP may be required to have much more stringent control over which STAs at what times. can transmit over a wireless medium. In such scenarios, the AP may disable all contention-based access (eg, EDCA) transmissions and allow only transmissions scheduled by the AP. Upon receipt of a TDLS Trigger frame, the TDLS Initiator STA may transmit one or more Data frames to the TDLS Responder STA over the TDLS forward link during TXOP. In fig. 10 is a message flow illustrating forward link communication between two STAs during TXOP according to the second embodiment. The AP 1002 may generate and transmit a TDLS Trigger frame 1008 to the STA 1004. The STA 1004 receives a TDLS Trigger frame 1008 and after a short interframe spacing (SIFS) 1010 transmits one or more TDLS Data frames 1012 to the STA 1006 within TXOP 1016. The STA 1004 may acknowledge each received TDLS Data frame 1012 from the AP 1004 by transmitting an acknowledgment frame 1014 (an "ACK" frame or a "BlockAck" frame) to the STA 1004. In various embodiments, a "TDLS Trigger" frame 1008 " may include information indicating the MAC address of the STA 1004, the allowed Access Category (AC) and the maximum transmit power level, and one or more data frames must be transmitted to the MAC address and TID specified in the " field Allowed AC" or higher AC, wherein one or more data frames are transmitted at a transmit power that is lower than the maximum transmit power level.

[76] Transmission of EDCA-based data frames is prohibited over the TDLS forward link. Moreover, such initiated transmissions according to the second embodiment are only possible if a forward TDLS link is established on the base channel. Therefore, switching from a TDLS channel to an off-channel mode in the 6 GHz band may be prohibited. The AP 1002 may use the TDLS TS parameters as well as the TDLS buffer status report to schedule transmission of the TDLS Trigger frame 1008 .

[77] In FIG. 11A shows the format of a TDLS Trigger frame 1100 used to initiate communications on the forward link, in accordance with the second embodiment. The TDLS Trigger frame 1100 may be used as a TDLS Trigger frame 1008, as shown in FIG. 10. TDLS Trigger frame 1100 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field, a TA field, a General Information field, a User Information field, and a Padding field. and the "FCS" field (or may consist of the specified fields). The “RA” field can be set, for example, to the MAC address of the TDLS initiator STA. In the example shown in FIG. 10, it will indicate the MAC address of the STA 1004 transmitting data frames 1012. The General Information field may include a Trigger Type field, and the Trigger Type field may include a value of "8" to indicate that the frame is a TDLS Trigger frame. All other fields in the General Information field, with the exception of the Trigger Type field and the CS Required field, can be reserved. The Trigger-Specific General Information field is missing. The User Information field may include an AID12 field and a Trigger Specific User Information field. Only one User Information field can be present. The AID12 field can be set to the AID of the TDLS initiator STA. In the example shown in FIG. 10, this will be AID STA 1004. The Trigger Dependent User Information field may further include a Destination MAC Address field, an Allowed AC field, and a Maximum Power Level field (or may consist of these fields ). The Destination MAC Address field may indicate, for example, the MAC address of a TDLS responder STA. In the example shown in FIG. 10, this will be the MAC address of STA 1006, which is the intended recipient of data frames 1012. All other fields in the Trigger-Specific User Information field can be reserved. A TDLS Initiator STA receiving a TDLS Trigger frame 1100 may be allowed to transmit data frames addressed to a TDLS Responder STA from any of the TIDs with the AS specified in the Allowed AS field, or from any AS with a higher priority.

[78] In FIG. 11B illustrates an alternative TDLS Trigger frame format used to initiate communications on the forward link, in accordance with the second embodiment. Alternatively, the TDLS Trigger frame format may be simplified to the form shown in TDLS Trigger frame 1102. TDLS Trigger frame 1102 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field, a TA field, a Trigger Type field, a Required CS field, an Allowed AC field, a "Maximum Power Level", "Destination MAC Address" field and "FCS" field (or may consist of these fields). Accordingly, the TDLS Trigger frame 1008 shown in FIG. 10 may also be represented as a simplified TDLS Trigger frame 1102.

[79] In addition, a new TDLS Action (TDLS Buffer Status Report) frame may be defined for an STA so that the station can report the status of its TDLS buffer to the AP. In fig. 12 shows the format of a TDLS Action frame 1200 used to report the status of a TDLS buffer, according to a second embodiment. The TDLS Buffer Status Report frame 1200 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an Address 1 field, an Address 2 field, an Address 3 field, a Sequence Control field, and a HT Control", a "Category" field, a "Link Identifier Element" field, one or more "TDLS Buffer Status" fields, and an "FCS" field (or may consist of these fields). Each TDLS Buffer Status field may include a TID field and a Queue Size field (or may consist of these fields). The TDLS Action field may have a value such as "11", indicating that the action frame is a TDLS Buffer Status Report frame. The Link Identifier Element field may contain information identifying the TDLS link. The TID field may contain the TID corresponding to the TDLS Data frames. The Queue Size field may indicate the queue size of the TID corresponding to the data frames addressed to the peer TDLS STA and may use the same encoding as the Queue Size subfield of the QoS Control field. The "TID" field may also correspond to a TSID if the TDLS forward link is configured with a TS.

[80] TDLS Buffer Status Report frame 1200 may be sent directly to/from the AP without data encapsulation. As an advantage, the AP may use the information provided in the TDLS Buffer Status Report frame 1200 to dynamically schedule the TDLS Trigger frame 1100/1102 to initiate a TDLS transmission in the 6 GHz band.

[81] The AP may indicate, for example, in the Enhanced Capabilities field in Beacon/Probe Response frames, whether TS configuration is required for the 6 GHz TDLS forward link (bit #83) and/or whether a frame is required “Trigger” for transmissions of the “Data” frame on the TDLS forward link in the 6 GHz band (bit #84). Table 1 below presents the bit values that an AP may use for the Enhanced Capabilities field in Beacon/Probe Response frames to indicate the above requirements. As an advantage, the AP can better manage requirements to enable transmission on the TDLS forward link in the 6 GHz band.

[82] According to a third embodiment, new "RXS (Request to Send)" and "CTS (Clear to Send)" frames may be defined to request and allow TDLS transmissions. In fig. 13 shows the format of a TDLS RTS frame 1300 and a TDLS CTS frame 1302 in accordance with the third embodiment. A “TDLS RTS” frame 1300 may be sent from a TDLS initiator STA to an associated AP to request TXOP for TDLS transmission from another STA (eg, a TDLS responder STA). The TDLS RTS frame 1300 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field, a TA field, a Destination MAC Address field, and an FCS field (or may consist of these fields). ). The “RA” field can be set, for example, to the MAC address of the TDLS initiator STA, and the “Destination MAC Address” field can be set to the MAC address of the TDLS responder STA. The presence of the Destination MAC Address field distinguishes a TDLS RTS frame from a regular RTS frame.

[83] A "TDLS CTS" frame 1302 may be sent by the AP to the TDLS initiator STA if the AP has enabled TDLS transmission. The TDLS CTS frame 1302 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field, a Destination MAC Address field, and an FCS field (or may consist of these fields). Similar to the Destination MAC Address field of the TDLS RTS frame 1300, the Destination MAC Address field of the TDLS CTS frame 1302 can be set to the MAC address of the TDLS responder STA. The presence of the Destination MAC Address field distinguishes a TDLS CTS frame from a regular CTS frame.

[84] According to the third embodiment, transmission of Data frames on the TDLS forward link may be allowed only after an RTS/CTS exchange with the AP. In addition, data transmission may only be possible if a forward TDLS link is established on the base channel, so switching the TDLS channel to off-channel mode in the 6 GHz band is prohibited. As an advantage, the RTS/CTS exchange allows the AP to dynamically enable/disable TDLS transmissions in the 6 GHz band. One of the advantages of using this RTS/CTS sequence to initiate communication on the TDLS link is that the AP is relieved of the need to perform scheduling on the TDLS link, and the TDLS initiator STA (in this example, STA1 1404) is responsible for initiating the TDLS TXOP; however, the AP is still configured to provide strict control over whether TDLS forward link transmissions are allowed.

[85] In FIG. 14 is a message flow illustrating forward link communication between two STAs during TXOP according to the third embodiment. The STA 1404 may generate and transmit a TDLS RTS frame 1408 to the AP 1402 to request TXOP 1416 for TDLS transmission from the STA 1406. The TDLS RTS frame 1410 may be the same as the TDLS RTS frame 1300 shown in FIG. 13, and may contain information indicative of the STA 1406, such as the MAC address of the STA 1406. The AP 1402 may then generate and transmit a TDLS CTS frame 1410 to the STA 1402 after receiving a TDLS RTS frame 1408 enabling transmission. TDLS CTS frame 1410 may be the same as TDLS CTS frame 1302 shown in FIG. 13, and may contain information indicative of the STA 1406, such as the MAC address of the STA 1406. Upon receiving the "TDLS CTS" frame 1410, the STA 1404 may transmit one or more "Data" frames 1412 in a TXOP request 1416 to the STA 1406. The STA 1406 may acknowledge each data frame by transmitting an acknowledgment frame 1414 to STA 1404. This example assumes that both STA 1404 and STA 1406 are operating in active mode (ie, not in power saving mode).

[86] In FIG. 15 is a schematic, partially exploded view of a communications apparatus 1500 in accordance with various embodiments. The communications apparatus 1500 may be implemented as an AP or an STA in accordance with various embodiments.

[87] As shown in FIG. 15, communications apparatus 1500 may include circuitry 1514, at least one radio transmitter 1502, at least one radio receiver 1504, and at least one antenna 1512 (for simplicity, only one antenna is depicted in FIG. 15 for illustrative purposes). Circuitry 1514 may include at least one controller 1506 for use in performing tasks in software and hardware, wherein at least one controller 1506 is configured to perform those tasks including controlling communication with one or more other communication devices. on a wireless network. Circuitry 1514 may also include at least one transmit signal generator 1508 and at least one processor 1510 for processing the receive signal. At least one controller 1506 may control at least one transmission signal generator 1508 to generate frames (e.g., TDLS Setup Request frames, TDLS Setup Response frames, TDLS Channel Permission Request frames, ADDTS request and "TDLS RTS" frames if the communication device 300 is an STA, and, for example, "TDLS Channel Grant Response" frames, "ADDTS Response" frames, "EDCA Parameter Set" frames, frames with termination instruction, TDLS Trigger frames, TDLS Buffer Status Report frames, and TDLS CTS frames if the communications apparatus 300 is an AP) to be sent by at least one radio transmitter 1502 to one or more others communication devices, and at least one receive signal processor 1510 to process frames (e.g., TDLS Channel Grant Response frames, ADDTS Response frames, EDCA Parameter Set element frames, instruction frames to terminate operation, TDLS Trigger frames, TDLS Buffer Status Report frames, and TDLS CTS frames if the communications apparatus 300 is an STA, and, for example, TDLS Setup Request frames, Setup Response frames TDLS frames, TDLS Channel Authorization Request frames, ADDTS Request frames, and TDLS RTS frames if the communications apparatus 300 is an AP) received by at least one radio receiver 1504 from one or more others communication devices under the control of at least one controller 1506. The at least one transmit signal generator 1508 and the at least one receive signal processor 1510 may be stand-alone modules of the communication devices 1500 that communicate with the at least one controller 1506 to performing the above functions, as shown in FIG. 15. Alternatively, at least one transmit signal generator 1508 and at least one receive signal processor 1510 may be included in at least one controller 1506. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of these functional modules is flexible and can vary greatly depending on practical needs and/or requirements. Means for processing, data storage and other related controls may be provided on appropriate printed circuit board and/or chipsets. In various embodiments, the at least one radio transmitter 1502, the at least one radio receiver 1504, and the at least one antenna 1512 may be controlled by at least one controller 1506 during operation.

[88] The communications apparatus 1500, during operation, provides functions required for enhanced forward link communications. For example, communications apparatus 1500 may be an STA configured to communicate wirelessly with the AP on a first channel, and circuitry 1514 (e.g., at least one transmit signal generator 1508 in circuitry 1514) may, in operation, generate a permission request frame to using a channel containing information indicating a communications apparatus 1500, another communications apparatus, and a second channel that is different from the first channel. The radio transmitter 1502, in operation, may transmit a generated channel permission request frame to the AP to request permission from the AP to use a second channel for forward link communication with another communications device. The radio receiver 1504, during operation, may receive a channel permission response frame from an AP authorizing the use of a second channel, wherein the communication apparatus 1500 is also configured to communicate with another communication apparatus over a forward link on the second channel after receiving the channel permission response frame. channel usage.

[89] The forward link may be a TDLS forward link. The channel grant response frame may include information indicating a maximum transmit power level and validity period for use of the second channel, where communication between the communication apparatus and another communication apparatus on the forward link is terminated upon expiration of the specified validity period.

[90] In addition, the radio receiver 1504 may also be configured to receive a stop operation instruction from the AP, wherein the communication apparatus 1500 is also configured to terminate forward link communication upon receiving the stop operation instruction.

[91] In addition, circuitry 1514 (eg, at least one transmit signal generator 1508 in circuitry 1514) may also be configured to generate an ADDTS request frame containing information identifying the forward link; wherein the radio transmitter 1502 may also be configured to transmit a generated ADDTS request frame to the AP to request the AP to configure a traffic flow for the forward link; wherein the radio receiver 1504 may also be configured to receive an ADDTS response frame from the AP confirming that the traffic flow is configured; and wherein the radio transmitter 1502 may also be configured to transmit data frames related to the traffic flow to another communications apparatus.

[92] For example, communications apparatus 1500 may be an STA, and radio receiver 1504 may, during operation, receive a trigger frame from an AP; wherein the radio transmitter 1502, during operation after receiving the trigger frame, can transmit one or more data frames on a forward link to another communication device. The trigger frame may be, for example, a TDLS Trigger frame. The trigger frame may contain information indicating the MAC address of the other communication device, the allowed Access Category (AC) and the maximum transmit power level, with one or more data frames transmitted to the MAC address and from the traffic identifier (TID) specified in the Allowed AC field or a higher AC, and where one or more data frames are transmitted at a transmit power that is lower than the maximum transmit power level. In addition, the radio transmitter 1502 may also be configured to periodically transmit a buffer status report frame to the AP to report the size of buffered data corresponding to a TID and addressed to another communications apparatus, wherein the buffer status report frame also contains information indicating a forward communication link.

[93] For example, communications apparatus 1500 may be an STA configured to communicate wirelessly with the AP, and circuitry 1514 (e.g., at least one transmit signal generator 1508 in circuitry 1514) may, in operation, generate a "TDLS RTS" frame. , containing information indicating another communication device. The radio transmitter 1502, during operation, may transmit a generated "TDLS RTS" frame to the AP to request a transmission opportunity (TXOP) for TDLS transmission to another communications device. The radio receiver 1504, during operation, may receive a "TDLS CTS" frame from the AP, and the radio transmitter 1502 is also configured to transmit, within the requested TXOP, one or more data frames on the TDLS forward link to another communication device after receiving the "TDLS CTS" frame "

[94] For example, the communications apparatus 1500 may be an AP configured to communicate wirelessly with the communications apparatus over a first channel, and the radio receiver 1504 may, in operation, receive from the communications apparatus a channel permission request frame, wherein the permission request frame to use a channel contains a request to use a second channel, which is different from the first channel, for forward link communication with another communication device. The circuit 1514 is operatively configured to determine from the frequency coordination database whether the second channel can be used by a communications apparatus and another communications apparatus upon receiving a channel authorization request frame. Circuit 1514 (eg, at least one transmit signal generator 1508 in circuit 1514) may also be configured to generate a channel grant response frame, wherein the channel grant request frame contains information indicating the result of the determination. The radio transmitter 1502, during operation, may transmit a channel permission response frame to a communications apparatus, wherein the communications apparatus is configured to communicate on a forward link on a second channel with another communications apparatus based on the result of said determination.

[95] The frequency coordination database may be, for example, an AFC database. The channel grant response frame may also include information indicating a maximum transmit power level and validity period for use of the second channel, where communication between the communication apparatus and another communication apparatus on the forward link is terminated upon expiration of the specified validity period.

[96] In addition, circuitry 1514 (eg, at least one transmit signal generator 1508 in circuitry 1514) may also be configured to generate a stop instruction frame. The radio transmitter 1502 may also be configured to transmit a generated shutdown instruction to a communications device instructing it to cease communicating over the forward link.

[97] In addition, circuitry 1514 (e.g., at least one transmit signal generator 1508 in circuitry 1514) may also be configured to generate a trigger frame containing information identifying another communications apparatus, and radio transmitter 1502 may also be configured to transmitting the generated trigger frame to the communication device; and wherein the communication apparatus is configured to transmit over a forward link one or more data frames to another communication apparatus upon receiving said trigger frame. The trigger frame may be, for example, a TDLS Trigger frame.

[98] For example, communications apparatus 1500 may be an AP configured to communicate wirelessly with the communications apparatus, and radio receiver 1504 may, in operation, receive a TDLS RTS frame from the communications apparatus, wherein the TDLS RTS frame requests a TXOP from the AP. to transmit TDLS to another communication device and the "TDLS RTS" frame contains information indicating the other communication device. Circuitry 1514 (eg, at least one transmit signal generator 1508 in circuitry 1514) may generate a "TDLS CTS" frame during operation. The radio transmitter 1502, in operation, may transmit a TDLS CTS frame to a communications device configured to transmit, within the requested TXOP, one or more data frames on a forward TDLS link to another communications device upon receiving the TDLS CTS frame.

[99] In FIG. 16 is a block diagram 1600 illustrating a communication method in accordance with various embodiments. At step 1602, a channel authorization request frame may be generated containing information indicating a communication device, another communication device, and a second channel that is different from the first channel. At step 1604, a generated channel permission request frame may be transmitted to the AP to request permission from the AP to use a second channel for forward link communication with another communications device. At step 1606, a channel grant response frame authorizing use of the second channel may be received from the AP. At step 1608, forward link communication may occur on a second channel with another communication device after receiving a channel grant response frame.

[100] In FIG. 17 shows the configuration of a communications device 1700, such as a communications apparatus, such as an STA, in accordance with various embodiments. Similar to the schematic exemplary communication apparatus shown in FIG. 15 is a schematic exemplary communication apparatus 1700 shown in FIG. 17 includes at least one antenna 1702 with at least one radio transmitter and at least one radio receiver (for simplicity, the radio transmitter and radio receiver are not shown in FIG. 17), and circuitry 1704. Circuitry 1704 may include at least at least one controller or CPU 1706 for use in software and hardware that perform tasks, where the CPU 1706 is configured to perform those tasks, including control of communication with other communication devices, such as another STA or AP.

[101] Circuitry 1702 may also include a location module 1708 that performs the function of determining the location of communication device 1700, which may include latitude and longitude information about its geographic location. In some regulatory areas, location information may be used by the AFC system to decide which frequency channels can be used by the STAs to communicate on the forward link. Circuitry 1702 may also include a channel selection module 1710 configured to select channels to be used for forward links with other STAs, keeping track of channel usage periods for each channel, etc. The module may also process channel grant responses from the associated AP regarding the use of channels for forward links. The circuitry 1702 may also include a forward link registration module 1712 that stores related information about the forward links and associated traffic, e.g., channels allocated to the forward links and their validity periods, traffic flow parameters assigned to the forward link communication, buffer status of various forward communication lines and other similar data.

[102] In FIG. 18 shows the configuration of a communications device 1800, such as an access point, in accordance with various embodiments. Similar to the schematic exemplary communication apparatus shown in FIG. 15 is a schematic exemplary communication apparatus 1800 shown in FIG. 18 includes at least one antenna 1802 with at least one radio transmitter and at least one radio receiver (for simplicity, the radio transmitter and radio receiver are not shown in FIG. 18), and circuitry 1804. Circuitry 1804 may include at least at least one controller or CPU 1806 for use in software and hardware that perform tasks, where the CPU 1806 is configured to perform those tasks, including controlling communication with communication devices, such as an STA or other AP.

[103] Circuitry 1802 may also include an AFC system interface module 1814 that stores information required to communicate with the AFC system and functions as a gateway for the AFC system and the AFC database. The actual communication with the AFC system may occur through a wired interface. Circuitry 1802 may also include a location module 1808 that performs the function of determining the location of an AP device, which may include information about the latitude and longitude of its geographic location of the AP, as well as the height of the AP from the ground. The location information may be used by the AFC system to decide on frequency channels that can be used by the AP and STAs associated with the AP. Circuitry 1702 may also include a channel control module 1810 for controlling channels used by STAs associated with the AP, as well as transmitting enable signals for channels, tracking channel usage periods, etc. This module can also process channel authorization requests from associated STAs and interact with the AFC system interface module regarding channel usage for forward links. The circuitry 1802 may also include a forward link registration module 1812 that stores related information about the forward links and associated traffic, e.g., channels allocated to the forward links and their validity periods, traffic flow parameters assigned to the forward link communication, buffer status of various forward communication lines and other similar data.

[104] In FIG. 19 shows the configuration of a multi-band device, such as an STA, in accordance with various embodiments. A multiband device can be said to consist of multiple STAs, one for each frequency band. For example, if a multiband device supports a 5 GHz band and a 6 GHz band, as shown in the drawing, it contains a 5 GHz STA (for example, STA 1902) and a 6 GHz STA (for example, STA 1904), with each STA having its own MAC levels and PHY, and related objects. Each STA may have its own station management entity, which has access to the MAC and PHY layers in each band through the corresponding MAC Layer Management Entity (MLME) and PHY Layer Management Entity (PLME). Each STA's Service Access Point (SAP) MAC provides upper-layer protocols with an interface to the band-specific MAC and PHY sublayers. Although in traditional 802.11 networks, even AP and non-AP devices can be multiband devices, they will appear as separate STAs in each frequency band, with a 5 GHz non-AP STA being associated with a 5 GHz AP STA, a A 6 GHz non-AP STA should be associated with a 6 GHz AP STA. In scenarios where the AP is a single-band device (for example, an 802.11ac AP) and only operates in the 5 GHz band, the non-AP device may be unable to use its 6 GHz STA to communicate with that AP. However, two such non-AP devices will be able to communicate in the 6 GHz band by setting up a TDLS link between the respective 6 GHz STAs. In such cases, a non-AP 5 GHz STA may request permission from the AP for the associated 6 GHz STA to use a channel in the 6 GHz band to communicate on the forward link with the other 6 GHz STA. If the MAC address used by the 6 GHz STA is different from the MAC address used by the 5 GHz STA, the AP may also store a record of the 6 GHz MAC address for forward link tracking.

[105] It is expected that the STTA, as well as most non-AP STTAs, will be multi-band devices that are configured to operate in multiple frequency bands. Traditionally, each frequency band has its own MAC and PHY layers and entities associated with them, and under 802.11, entities associated with each frequency band are treated as separate STAs, even if they are in the same physical device. Alternatively, regardless of the number of frequency bands in which a multiband device may operate, each device may be represented by a single unified MAC address and links at different frequencies, differentiated by band ID and channel numbers.

[106] As described above, embodiments of the present invention provide improved communication systems, communication methods, and communication apparatuses that enable advanced forward link communication. While most of the examples herein relate to IEEE 802.11 networks and devices, the present invention may equally be applied to cellular systems, such as device-to-device (D2D) communications in LTE-Advanced or in future 5G networks. Before initiating forward link communication between two cellular User Equipment (UE) units on a 6 GHz channel, the UE may request permission from its serving base station (eg, eNodeB) to use the channel to perform D2D communication with the other UE. , which may be in close proximity to it, by transmitting a request for permission to use the channel to the base station. Upon receiving a channel authorization request from the UE, the base station checks in the AFC database (eg, through the AFC system) for the availability of the requested channel. If the above check is successful, the base station may transmit a channel grant response with a SUCCESS status to the UE to indicate that the requested channel is available for D2D communication. The UE may then proceed to use the channel to perform D2D communication with another UE.

[107] The present invention may be implemented by software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each embodiment set forth above may be implemented in part or entirely by an LSI such as an integrated circuit, and control of each process described in each embodiment may be implemented in part or in whole by the same LSI or combination BIS. The LSI may be formed individually as dies, or a single die may be formed to include part or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may include data input and output coupled thereto. LSI in the present case may be referred to as integrated circuit, system LSI, super-LSI or super-LSI depending on the degree of integration. However, the implementation method of an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI and can be implemented using an application-specific circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a application-specific processor. In addition, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be used, which can be programmed after the LSI has been manufactured or a reconfigurable processor in which the wiring and settings of the circuit cells located within the LSI can be changed. The present invention can be implemented as digital data processing or analog data processing. If future integrated circuit technology replaces LSI as a result of developments in semiconductor technology or other derivative technology, the functional blocks may be integrated using the future integrated circuit technology. In addition, biotechnology can be applied.

[108] The present invention can be implemented using any type of apparatus, device or system having a communication function, which is referred to as a communication apparatus.

[109] The communication apparatus may include a transceiver and processing/control circuitry. The transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter and/or function as a receiver and a transmitter. The transmitter-receiver transceiver may include a radio frequency (RF) module including amplifiers, RF modulators/demodulators, and the like, and one or more antennas.

[110] Non-limiting examples of such communication devices include telephone (e.g., cell phone, smartphone), tablet, personal computer (PC) (e.g., laptop, desktop, netbook), camera (e.g., digital camera/ video camera), digital player (digital audio/video player), wearable device (e.g. wearable camera, smart watch, tracking device), game console, digital book reader, remote diagnostic and treatment device/telemedicine (remote diagnosis) health and medical services) and a vehicle having communication functionality (for example, a car, an aircraft, a ship), as well as various combinations thereof.

[111] A communication apparatus is not limited to a portable or wearable apparatus and may also include any type of apparatus, device, or system that is not portable or stationary, such as a smart home device (e.g., an appliance, lighting, smart meter, control panel), vending machine and any other “physical objects” in the “Internet of Things (IoT)” network.

[112] Communications may include the exchange of data through, for example, a cellular system, a wireless LAN system, a satellite system, etc., as well as various combinations thereof.

[113] A communication device may comprise a device, such as a controller or sensor, that is coupled to a communication device performing the communication function described in the present disclosure. For example, the communication device may include a controller or sensor that generates control signals or data signals used by the communication device performing the communication function of the communication device.

[114] A communications apparatus may also include an infrastructure entity such as a base station, an access point, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls apparatuses, such as those mentioned in the above non-limiting examples.

[115] It should be understood that while certain properties of various embodiments have been described with reference to apparatus, corresponding properties also apply to the methods of various embodiments and vice versa.

[116] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention, as illustrated in specific embodiments, may be subject to numerous changes and/or modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is described in a broad sense. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-limiting.

Claims (22)

1. A communication device capable of wireless communication with an access point (AP) via the first channel, containing: a circuit that, in operation, generates a channel authorization request frame, the channel authorization request frame comprising information indicating a communications apparatus, another communications apparatus, and a second channel that is different from the first channel; a transmitter that, in operation, transmits a generated channel permission request frame to an AP to request permission from the AP to use a second channel for forward link communication with another communications apparatus; And a receiver that, during operation, receives a channel permission response frame from an AP that authorizes the use of a second channel, wherein the communication device is also configured to communicate with another communication device via a forward link over the second channel after receiving the channel permission response frame channel usage, characterized in that Direct Link uses the Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS). 2. The communication device according to claim 1, in which the response frame about permission to use the channel contains information indicating the maximum transmit power level and the validity period for using the second channel, and communication between the communication device and another communication device on the forward link is terminated by after the specified validity period has expired. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, in which the receiver is also configured to receive an instruction to stop working from the AP, and the communication device is also configured to stop communication on the forward link after receiving the instruction to stop working. 4. The communication device according to claim 1, in which the circuit is also configured to generate a request frame for an add traffic stream (Add Traffic Stream, ADDTS), and the ADDTS request frame contains information identifying the forward communication line; wherein the transmitter is also configured to transmit the generated ADDTS request frame to the AP to request the AP to configure a traffic flow for the forward link; wherein the receiver is also configured to receive an ADDTS response frame from the AP confirming the traffic flow setting; And wherein the transmitter is also configured to transmit data frames related to said traffic flow to another communication device. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, in which the receiver is also configured to receive a trigger frame from the AP; wherein the transmitter is also configured to transmit one or more data frames over a forward link to another communication device after receiving said trigger frame. 6. The communication device according to claim 5, in which the trigger frame contains information indicating the MAC address of another communication device, the allowed access category (Access Category, AC) and the maximum transmit power level, and one or more data frames are to be transmitted to the MAC address to and from a traffic identifier (TID) specified in an authorized access category or a higher access category, and wherein said one or more data frames are transmitted at a transmit power that is lower than the maximum transmit power level. 7. The communications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is also configured to periodically transmit a buffer status report frame to the AP to report the size of buffered data corresponding to the TID and addressed to the other communications apparatus, wherein the buffer status report frame also contains information indicating direct line of communication. 8. Communication method, including: generating a channel authorization request frame, wherein the channel authorization request frame contains information indicating a communication apparatus, another communication apparatus, and a second channel that is different from the first channel; transmitting the generated channel permission request frame to the AP to request permission from the AP to use the second channel for forward link communication with another communication device; receiving a response frame about permission to use the channel from the AP allowing the use of the second channel, and communication via a direct link in the second channel with another communication device after receiving a response frame about permission to use the channel, characterized in that Direct Link uses the Tunneled Direct Link Setup (TDLS).