Signaling for multi-dimension wireless resource allocation

The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to wireless local area network devices. Systems and techniques include determining wireless resource allocations in a time domain, a spatial wireless channel domain, and a frequency domain to coordinate communications with wireless communication devices, generating a control frame that directs wireless communications based on at least a portion of the wireless resource allocations, and transmitting the control frame to the wireless communication devices. Determining wireless resource allocations can include determining frequency allocations in the time domain.

BACKGROUND

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) include multiple wireless communication devices that communicate over one or more wireless channels. When operating in an infrastructure mode, a wireless communication device called an access point (AP) provides connectivity with a network such as the Internet to other wireless communication devices, e.g., client stations or access terminals (AT). Various examples of wireless communication devices include mobile phones, smart phones, wireless routers, wireless hubs. In some cases, wireless communication electronics are integrated with data processing equipment such as laptops, personal digital assistants, and computers.

Wireless communication systems such as WLANs can use one or more wireless communication technologies such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). In an OFDM based wireless communication system, a data stream is split into multiple data substreams. Such data substreams are sent over different OFDM subcarriers, which can be referred to as tones or frequency tones. Some wireless communication systems use a single-in-single-out (SISO) communication approach, where each wireless communication device uses a single antenna. Other wireless communication systems use a multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) communication approach, where a wireless communication device uses multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas. WLANs such as those defined in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) wireless communications standards, e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11n, or IEEE 802.11ac, can use OFDM to transmit and receive signals. Moreover, WLANs, such as ones based on the IEEE 802.11n standard, can use OFDM and MIMO.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes systems and techniques for wireless local area networks.

Systems and techniques for wireless local area networks can include determining wireless resource allocations in a time domain, a spatial wireless channel domain, and a frequency domain to coordinate communications with wireless communication devices, generating a control frame that directs wireless communications based on at least a portion of the wireless resource allocations, and transmitting the control frame to the wireless communication devices. Determining wireless resource allocations can include determining frequency allocations in the time domain. Determining wireless resource allocations can include determining spatial wireless channel allocations in the time domain.

Systems and techniques for wireless local area networks can include one or more of the following features. Implementations of systems and techniques can include transmitting a sounding packet in a downlink slot in accordance with the downlink slot assignment, wherein generating the control frame can include including information that describes the downlink slot assignment. Implementations can include receiving feedback packets transmitted by the wireless communication devices in accordance with the uplink slot assignments. In some implementations, feedback packets are derived from wireless channel estimations that are based on received versions of the sounding packet. Implementations can include broadcasting a sounding packet to the wireless communication devices. Implementations can include transmitting information that identifies which ones of the wireless communication devices are required to respond to the sounding packet.

Generating a control frame can include including information to cause a first device to receive first data in a downlink frame via a first spatial wireless channel. Generating a control frame can include including information to cause the first device to transmit an acknowledgement indication related to the first data in a first uplink slot of an uplink frame. Generating a control frame can include including information to cause a second device to receive second data in the downlink frame via a second spatial wireless channel. Generating a control frame can include including information to cause the second device to transmit an acknowledgement indication related to the second data in a second uplink slot of the uplink frame.

Determining the wireless resource allocations can include assigning the first uplink slot to a first frequency sub-band of a frequency band. Determining the wireless resource allocations can include assigning the second uplink slot to a second frequency sub-band of the frequency band. The first sub-band can be different from the second sub-band. The frequency band can include orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) tones.

Generating the control frame can include including information regarding two or more records associated with two or more wireless communication devices. A record can cause corresponding devices to receive the sounding packet in the downlink slot.

Determining the wireless resource allocations can include assigning a first downlink slot to a first frequency sub-band of a frequency band. Determining the wireless resource allocations can include assigning a second downlink slot to a second frequency sub-band of the frequency band. The first sub-band can be different from the second sub-band. The frequency band can include orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) tones.

The described systems and techniques can be implemented in electronic circuitry, computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them, such as the structural means disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof. This can include at least one computer-readable medium embodying a program operable to cause one or more data processing apparatus (e.g., a signal processing device including a programmable processor) to perform operations described. Thus, program implementations can be realized from a disclosed method, system, or apparatus, and apparatus implementations can be realized from a disclosed system, computer-readable medium, or method. Similarly, method implementations can be realized from a disclosed system, computer-readable medium, or apparatus, and system implementations can be realized from a disclosed method, computer-readable medium, or apparatus.

For example, one or more disclosed embodiment can be implemented in various systems and apparatus, including, but not limited to, a special purpose data processing apparatus (e.g., a wireless communication device such as a wireless access point, a remote environment monitor, a router, a switch, a computer system component, a medium access unit), a mobile data processing apparatus (e.g., a wireless client, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile computer, a digital camera), a general purpose data processing apparatus such as a computer, or combinations of these.

In one aspect, apparatuses and systems can include transceiver electronics to transmit and receive signals and processor electronics. In some implementations, processor electronics are configured to determine wireless resource allocations in a time domain, a spatial wireless channel domain, and a frequency domain to coordinate communications with two or more wireless communication devices, generate a control frame that directs wireless communications based on at least a portion of the wireless resource allocations, and to cause a transmission of the control frame to the wireless communication devices. Wireless resource allocations can include two or more determined frequency allocations in the time domain. Wireless resource allocations can include two or more determined spatial wireless channel allocations in the time domain. A control frame can include a downlink slot assignment and two or more uplink slot assignments. Two or more uplink slot assignments can be associated with two or more wireless communication devices, respectively.

In another aspect, systems can include wireless communication devices such as two or more client stations and an access point. An access point can be configured to determine wireless resource allocations in a time domain, a spatial wireless channel domain, and a frequency domain to coordinate communications with the two or more wireless communication devices, generate a control frame that directs wireless communications based on at least a portion of the wireless resource allocations, and cause a transmission of the control frame to the wireless communication devices.

Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages may be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A wireless communication device can schedule uplink and downlink communications in multiple dimensions including time, frequency, and space. For example, a device such as an access point can assign multiple devices to receive data in one or more downlink slots. The access point can assign multiple devices to transmit data in one or more uplink slots. A slot such as a downlink slot or an uplink slot can be described by a time resource description, e.g., starting time, time offset, or duration, and a frequency resource description, e.g., a frequency range or a frequency subcarrier group identifier. A slot can be further associated with a spatial wireless communication channel. Scheduling in the space domain can include scheduling communications on two or more spatially separated wireless communication channels that are respectively associated with two or more devices.

FIG. 1Ashows an example of communicating via time, frequency, and space domains. Wireless communication devices can communicate in the time, frequency, and space domains. A device such as an access point sends a control frame20that includes schedule information. Schedule information can include indications of resource assignments in the time, frequency, and space domains. A resource assignment can include information that associates an identifier, e.g., a station identifier, multi-station group identifier, or a broadcast identifier, with a downlink resource block45,50,55,60in a downlink frame30. A downlink resource block can include a downlink slot. A resource assignment can include information that associates an identifier with an uplink resource block65,70,75in an uplink frame40. An uplink resource block can include an uplink slot. An identifier can include an address of a device. In some implementations, an identifier is a multicast address that is associated with a group of devices. For example, a device (e.g., an access point) can send a resource assignment with a group identifier, such as a group address or a multicast address, to assign multiple devices to the same resource. The identifier can be a broadcast address.

The control frame20can include information that informs listening devices of a broadcast period45in which an access point broadcasts data to multiple devices. In this example, the downlink frame30includes the broadcast period45as a type of a downlink resource block.

In the downlink frame30, an access point transmits a first data unit to a first client device (STA1) in a first downlink resource block50. Concurrently, an access point transmits a second data unit to a second client device (STA2) in a second downlink resource block55. The access point, in the same downlink frame30, transmits a third data unit to a third client device (STA3) in a third downlink resource block60. The first and second downlink resource blocks50,55are separated by different spatial wireless channels, but are associated with the same frequency range. The third downlink resource block60is associated with a frequency range that is different from that of the first and second downlink resource blocks50,55.

In response to data received in the downlink frame30, the first device can send an acknowledgement to the access point in a first uplink resource block65and the second device can send an acknowledgement in a second uplink resource block70. The third device can send an acknowledgement in a third uplink resource block75. The first and second uplink resource blocks65,70are separated in the time domain, but are transmitted in the same frequency range. The third uplink resource block75is associated with a frequency range that is different from that of the first and second uplink resource blocks65,70.

This disclosure provides details and examples of techniques and systems for communicating based on multi-dimensional wireless resource allocations. Communicating based on multi-dimensional wireless resource allocations can include transmitting signaling information that describes an allocation of wireless resources in the time, frequency, and space domains. One or more of the described techniques and systems include coordinating downlink and uplink communications in a multi-dimensional manner. One or more of the described techniques and systems include sounding protocols to sound multiple antennas of a wireless communication device. The wireless resource allocation techniques presented herein can be implemented in a variety of wireless communication systems such as ones based on IEEE 802.11n or IEEE 802.11ac.

FIG. 1Bshows an example of a wireless local area network with two wireless communication devices. Wireless communication devices105,107such as an access point (AP), base station (BS), access terminal (AT), client station, or mobile station (MS) can include processor electronics110,112such as one or more processors that implement methods effecting the techniques presented in this disclosure. Wireless communication devices105,107include transceiver electronics115,117to send and/or receive wireless signals over one or more antennas120a,120b,122a,122b. In some implementations, transceiver electronics115,117include multiple radio units. In some implementations, a radio unit includes a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio frequency unit (RFU) to transmit and receive signals. Wireless communication devices105,107include one or more memories125,127configured to store information such as data and/or instructions. In some implementations, wireless communication devices105,107include dedicated circuitry for transmitting and dedicated circuitry for receiving.

A first wireless communication device105can transmit data to two or more devices via two or more spatial wireless communication channels such as orthogonal spatial subspaces, e.g., orthogonal Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) subspaces. For example, the first wireless communication device105can concurrently transmit data to a second wireless communication device107using a spatial wireless channel and can transmit data to a third wireless communication device (not shown) using a different spatial wireless channel. In some implementations, the first wireless communication device105implements a space division technique to transmit data to two or more wireless communication devices using two or more spatial multiplexing matrices to provide spatial separated wireless channels in a single frequency range.

Wireless communication devices105,107in a WLAN can use one or more protocols for medium access control (MAC) and Physical (PHY) layers. For example, a wireless communication device can use a Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) with Collision Avoidance (CA) based protocol for a MAC layer and OFDM for the PHY layer. A MIMO-based wireless communication device can transmit and receive multiple spatial streams over multiple antennas in each of the tones of an OFDM signal.

Wireless communication devices105,107are sometimes referred to as transmitters and receivers for convenience. For example, a “transmitter” as used herein refers to a wireless communication device that receives and transmits signals. Likewise, a “receiver” as used herein refers to a wireless communication device that receives and transmits signals.

Wireless communication devices such as a MIMO enabled AP can transmit signals for multiple client wireless communication devices at the same time in the same frequency range by applying one or more transmitter side beam forming matrices to spatially separate signals associated with different client wireless communication devices. Based on different interference patterns at the different antennas of the wireless communication devices, each client wireless communication device can discern its own signal. A MIMO enabled AP can participate in sounding to obtain channel state information for each of the client wireless communication devices. The AP can compute spatial multiplexing matrices, such as spatial steering matrices, based on the different channel state information to spatially separate signals to different client wireless communication devices.

A MIMO enabled AP can use frequency multiplexing to communicate with a group of devices. In one or more of the multiplexed frequency ranges, the AP can use spatial multiplexing to communicate with different devices via different spatial wireless channels. For example, an AP uses spatial multiplexing for multiple devices in one frequency sub-band and uses another frequency sub-band for a single device.

A transmitter can use a transmission signal model to generate SDMA transmission signals for two or more receivers. Generating SDMA transmission signals can include using spatial multiplexing matrixes associated with respective receivers. A transmitter can construct a multiplexing matrix W for client receivers based on interference avoidance and/or signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR) balancing. Interference avoidance attempts to minimize the amount of non-desired signal energy arriving at a receiver. Interference avoidance can ensure that signals intended for a particular receiver arrive only at that particular receiver and cancel out at a different receiver. A transmitter can perform SINR balancing. SINR balancing can include determining multiplexing matrices to actively control the SINRs observed at different receivers. For example, one SINR balancing approach can include maximizing the minimum SINR across serviced receivers.

A transmitter can simultaneously communicate with multiple receivers via different spatial wireless channels. The transmitter can use multiplexing matrices, such as steering matrices, to transmit information on different spatial wireless channels. The transmitter can multiply a transmission vector for the i-th receiver by a respective multiplexing matrix. The multiplexing matrix for each receiver can differ. A multiplexing matrix can be a function of the wireless channel between the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter can combine steered signal vectors corresponding to the different receivers to produce transmission signals that simultaneously transmit different information to respective receivers.

In some implementations, a transmitter uses an OFDM transmission signal model based on

S=∑i=1N⁢Wi⁢xi
where s is a transmitted signal vector for one tone, N is a number of simultaneously serviced receivers, xiis an information vector (Ti×1, Ti<Pi) intended for the i-th receiver, Wiis a multiplexing matrix (M×Ti) for the i-th receiver, M is a number of transmit antennas of the transmitter, and Piis the number of receive antennas of the i-th receiver.

In some implementations, a wireless communication device can determine multiple wireless channel matrices Hkibased on one or more received signals. Here, Hkirepresents the channel conditions for the k-th tone associated with the i-th receiver. A transmitter can transmit on multiple tones to two or more receivers. For example, the first tone received by the first receiver can be expressed as H11[W11x1+W12x2+ . . . +W1NxS], where Hkiis the multiplexing matrix for the i-th receiver at the k-th tone.

A multiplexing matrix W can be selected to cause the first receiver to receive H11W11x1and to have the remaining signals x2, x3, . . . xSbe in a null space for the first receiver. Therefore, when using a signal interference approach, the values of the multiplexing matrix W are selected such that H11W12≈0, . . . , H11W1N≈0. In other words, the multiplexing matrix W can adjust phases and amplitudes for these OFDM tones such that a null is created at the first receiver. That way, the first receiver can receive the intended signal x1without interference from other signals x2, x3, . . . , xSintended for the other receivers.

In general, a received signal can include a signal component intended for i-th receiver and one or more co-channel interference components from one or more signals intended for one or more other receivers. For example, a received signal at the i-th receiver is expressed by:

yi=Hi⁢Wi⁢xi+Hi⁢∑j≠i⁢Wj⁢xj+ni
where Hirepresents a wireless channel matrix associated with a wireless channel between a transmitter and the i-th receiver, and nirepresents noise at the i-th receiver. The summation is over values of j corresponding to receivers other than the i-th receiver.

When servicing multiple receivers simultaneously, power available at a transmitter can be allocated across multiple receivers. This, in turn, affects the SINR observed at each of the receivers. The transmitter can perform flexible power management across the receivers. For example, a receiver with low data rate requirements can be allocated less power by the transmitter. In some implementations, transmit power is allocated to receivers that have high probability of reliable reception (so as not to waste transmit power). Power can be adjusted in the corresponding multiplexing matrix W and/or after using other amplitude adjustment methods.

A transmitter device can determine a multiplexing matrix W associated with a receiver based on channel conditions between the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter and the receiver can perform sounding to determine wireless channel characteristics. Various examples of sounding techniques include explicit sounding and implicit sounding.

In some implementations, a device can transmit sounding packets based on pre-determined sounding data and spatial mapping matrix Qsounding. For example, a device can multiply Qsoundingwith a sounding data transmit vector. In some implementations, in the case of multiple soundings, Qsoundingis a column wise, composite matrix. A device can determine a steering matrix Vibased on information of how a sounding packet was received, e.g., comparing a signal indicative of a received sounding packet with a pre-determined signal. In some implementations, an AP computes a steering matrix for the i-th receiver based on Wi=QsoundingVi.

In some implementations, an AP transmits a sounding packet to a receiver. A receiver can determine wireless channel information based on the sounding packet. In some implementations, the receiver sends wireless channel information such as channel state information (CSI), information indicative of a steering matrix Vi, or information indicative of interference. For example, a receiver can measure CSI based on the received sounding packet.

An AP can compute steering matrices based on wireless channel information. In some implementations, a device computes:

HTotal=[H~1H~2]≈[H1H2]⁢Qsounding
as the composed CSI feedback from two receivers. Here, {tilde over (H)}1≈G1Qsounding, {tilde over (H)}2≈H2Qsoundingare the estimations of the wireless channel matrices associated with tones of an OFDM system for the two clients respectively. HTotalcan be expanded to include wireless channel matrix estimates for additional clients.

A multiplexing matrix such as a steering matrix can include an interference mitigation component and a beam forming component. Let Vī⊥represent the interference mitigation of the i-th client's signal at the other clients. In some implementations, Vī⊥are matrices that map to the null spaces of a matrix composed by the rows in HTotalcorresponding to the channels, except the channel of the i-th client (e.g., except for {tilde over (H)}i). In other words, Vī⊥=null({tilde over (H)}ī) and {tilde over (H)}īVī⊥≈0. Let Vi′ represent the beam forming matrix specific for the i-th client. In some implementations, Vi′ is the per-client steering matrix for improving the performance of the equivalent channel, {tilde over (H)}iVī⊥. In some implementations, a beam forming gain matrix such as Vi′ is computed via a singular value decomposition (SVD) technique. In some implementations, a steering matrix is given by Vi=Vī⊥Vi′.

In a two client example, an AP can compute steering matrices for the clients based on V1=V1⊥V1′ and V2=V2⊥V2′, respectively. The AP can compute V1⊥=null(H2) for the first client and V2⊥=null({tilde over (H)}1) for the second client. Observe, that {tilde over (H)}2V1⊥≈0, {tilde over (H)}1V2⊥≈0.

In a three client example, an AP can compute steering matrices for the clients based on V1=V1⊥V1′, V2=V2⊥V2′, and V3=V3⊥V3′, respectively. The AP can compute V1⊥=null([{tilde over (H)}2, {tilde over (H)}3]) for the first client. The AP can compute V2⊥=null([{tilde over (H)}1,{tilde over (H)}3]) for the second client. The AP can compute V3⊥=null([{tilde over (H)}1,{tilde over (H)}2]) for the third client. Observe, that {tilde over (H)}2V1⊥≈0, {tilde over (H)}1V2⊥≈0, {tilde over (H)}3V3⊥≈0.

In some implementations, clients can determine steering matrix feedback based on wireless channel estimations performed at each client based on receiving a sounding packet from an AP. Steering matrix feedback can include a matrix. In some implementations, steering matrix feedback includes a compressed representation of a matrix. Various examples of steering feedbacks include beam forming feedback and interference rejection feedback. Based on receiving steering matrix feedback, an AP can compute an updated steering matrix Wifor each client. In some implementations, some clients in a WLAN can transmit beam forming feedback, while other clients in the WLAN can transmit interference rejection feedback.

An AP can receive beam forming feedback from a client. Such feedback can include a beam forming feedback matrix Vi—FBfrom the i-th client for beam forming gain based on the wireless channel from the AP to the i-th client. A client can compute:
Vi—FB=fBF({tilde over (H)}i),
where fBFis a beam forming function. A beam forming computation can include performing a SVD computation. The AP can compute a steering matrix for the i-th client based on:
Wi=QsoundingVi—FB.
In some implementations, beam forming feedback includes a signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) value of each spatial stream that corresponds to each column of a steering matrix feedback. In some implementations, beam forming feedback includes information associated with a Modulation Coding Scheme (MCS).

An AP can receive interference rejection feedback from a client. A client can send a feedback matrix based on a null space of an estimated wireless channel matrix, e.g., Vi—FB=null({tilde over (H)}i). The AP can use the feedback matrix from the i-th client for interference avoidance of the signal of the other clients to the i-th client.

In a two client example, V1—FB=null({tilde over (H)}1) and V2—FB=null({tilde over (H)}2). The AP can compute steering matrices for the clients based on the Vi—FBmatrices, e.g., W1=QsoundingV2—FBand W2=QsoundingV1—FB. In some cases, V1—FBmay map to a subspace of the space null({tilde over (H)}1), e.g., less number of columns than null({tilde over (H)}1). In some implementations, the number of space time streams for the second client is less than or equal to the number of columns in V1—FB. Likewise, the number of space time streams for the first client is less than or equal to the number of columns in V2—FB.

A client can receive a physical layer packet with Nsts—clientspace time streams, e.g., streams based on MCS. To feedback an interference rejection steering matrix, the client can compute a feedback steering matrix where the number of columns is equal to or less than Nsts—max—AP−Nsts—client, where Nsts—max—APis the maximum possible number of space-time streams that can be transmitted from the AP. In some implementations, a client can feedback a MCS suggestion together with the interference rejection steering matrix feedback. A MCS suggestion can indicate a Nsts—clientvalue that is preferred by the client.

In some implementations, a client can feedback a SNR of each receive chain. In some implementations, a client can feedback a sub-stream SNR for Nsts—clientsub-streams. In some implementations, Nsts—client=Nsts—max—AP−Columns(Vi—FB), where Columns(Vi—FB) represents the number of columns of Vi—FB.

In some implementations, an AP can perform one or more MAC information element (IE) exchanges when establishing a SDMA protected time period, e.g., TxOP, so that each client knows the maximum possible Nsts—clientfor the other clients. A client can determine the number of columns in the client's feedback Vi—FBbased on the exchanges.

In some implementations, an AP sends sounding request packets to clients that cause the clients to send sounding packets from which the AP can estimate wireless channel information. The AP can compute wireless channel matrices {tilde over (H)}iTfor the wireless channels between the clients and the AP. In some implementations, a HTotalmatrix can include two or more {tilde over (H)}iTmatrices. The AP can compute the steering matrices Vibased on the HTotalmatrix.

FIG. 1Cshows an example of a wireless communication device architecture, which can include the various implementation details described above. A wireless communication device150can produce signals for different clients that are spatially separated by respective multiplexing matrices Wi, e.g., steering matrices, that are associated with a first frequency range and can produce signals for one or more clients that are associated with a second frequency range. A frequency range can include a group of OFDM sub-carriers.

For spatial multiplexing, each Wiis associated with a subspace. A wireless communication device150includes a MAC module155. The MAC module155can include one or more MAC control units (MCUs) (not shown). The wireless communication device150includes three or more modules160a,160b,160cthat receive data streams, from the MAC module155, which are associated with different clients. The modules160a,160b,160ccan perform encoding, such as a forward error correction (FEC) encoding technique, and modulation on a data stream. First and second modules160a,160bare respectively coupled with first and second spatial mapping modules165a,165bthat are associated with a first frequency range. A third module160cis associated with a second frequency range. Such a module160ccan bypass spatial mapping for non-SDMA based communications.

The spatial mapping modules165a,165bcan access a memory170a,170bto retrieve a spatial multiplexing matrix associated with a data stream's intended client. In some implementations, the spatial mapping modules165a,165baccess the same memory, but at different offsets to retrieve different matrices. An adder175can sum outputs from the spatial mapping modules165a,165b.

An Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module180can perform IFFTs on one or more data streams associated with one or more groups of OFDM subcarriers, respectively. In some implementations, the module180can include an OFDMA module and an IFFT module, where the OFDMA module maps different streams to different subcarrier groups before IFFT processing.

In some implementations, the OFDMA IFFT module180can perform an IFFT on an output of the adder175to produce a first time domain signal associated with a first frequency range. The IFFT module180can perform an IFFT on an output of a FEC/Modulation module160cto produce a second time domain signal associated with a second frequency range. In some implementations, the IFFT module180can combine the frequency components, e.g., first frequency range components, associated with the output of the adder175and the frequency components, e.g., second frequency range components, associated with the output of the FEC/modulation module160c. The IFFT module180can perform an IFFT on the combination to produce a time domain signal associated with both frequency ranges. In some implementations, an IFFT module180is configured to use one or more FFT bandwidth frequencies, e.g., 20 MHz, 40 MHz, or 80 MHz. In some implementations, the IFFT module180can perform different IFFTs.

A digital filtering and radio module185can filter the time domain signal and amplify the signal for transmission via an antenna module190. An antenna module190can include multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas. In some implementations, an antenna module190is a detachable unit that is external to a wireless communication device150.

In some implementations, a wireless communication device150includes one or more integrated circuits (ICs). In some implementations, a MAC module155includes one or more ICs. In some implementations, a wireless communication device150includes an IC that implements the functionality of multiple units and/or modules such as a MAC module, MCU, BBU, or RFU. In some implementations, a wireless communication device150includes a host processor that provides a data stream to a MAC module155for transmission. In some implementations, a wireless communication device150includes a host processor that receives a data stream from the MAC module155. In some implementations, a host processor includes a MAC module155.

FIG. 2shows an example of a functional block diagram of a transmit path of wireless communication device. In this example, a transmit path is configured for MIMO communications. A wireless communication device such as an AP can include one or more transmit paths. An AP's transmit path can include an encoding module205configured to receive a data steam, such as an audio data stream, a video data stream, or combination thereof. The encoding module205outputs encoded bit streams to a spatial parsing module210, which performs spatial mapping to produce multiple outputs.

Outputs of the spatial parsing module210are input into constellation mapping modules215, respectively. In some implementations, a constellation mapping module215includes a serial-to-parallel converter that converts an incoming serial stream to multiple parallel streams. The constellation mapping module215can perform quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) on multiple streams produced by a serial-to-parallel conversion. The constellation mapping module215can output OFDM tones that are input to a spatial multiplexing matrix module220. The spatial multiplexing matrix module220can multiply the OFDM tones by a spatial multiplexing matrix to produce signal data for multiple transmit antennas.

Outputs of the spatial multiplexing matrix module220are input to IFFT modules225. In some implementations, an IFFT module225can include an multiple access module to map different streams to different subcarrier groups. Outputs of the IFFT modules225are input to cyclic prefix (CP) modules230. Outputs of the CP modules230are input to digital-to-analog converters (DACs)235, which produce analog signals for transmission on multiple transmit antennas, respectively.

FIG. 3shows an example of an architecture that combines multiple transmission signals for transmission on multiple antennas. A transmitter can include two or more transmit paths301,302,303that are each configured for MIMO communications. A first transmit path301generates multiple transmit signals310a,310b,310nfor transmission on multiple transmit antennas320a,320b,320n, respectively. A second transmit path302generates multiple transmit signals311a,311b,311nfor transmission on multiple transmit antennas320a,320b,320n, respectively. A third transmit path303generates multiple transmit signals312a,312b,312n, for transmission on multiple transmit antennas320a,320b,320n, respectively.

A transmitter can include multiple summing modules315a,315b,315nthat are associated with multiple transmit antennas320a,320b,320n, respectively. In some implementations, summing modules315a,315b,315nsum corresponding outputs of DACs in each of the transmit paths301,302,303to produce combined transmit signals for each of antennas320a,320b,320n.

A SDMA based device, such as an SDMA enabled access point, can support both single client and multi-client communications. For example, a wireless communication device based on a wireless standard such as IEEE 802.11n can perform legacy mode communications with a single wireless communication device in one window. Such a device can perform multi-client communications in a different window. For example, a transmitter can transmit signaling information that causes legacy devices to ignore processing a multi-client SDMA frame and to prevent a legacy device from transmitting during a transmission of a multi-client SDMA frame. A multi-client SDMA frame can include data for different clients in respective spatial wireless channels.

In some implementations, SDMA based devices are operated to be compatible with legacy devices such as legacy IEEE 802.11n based devices or legacy IEEE 802.11a based devices. In some implementations, a SDMA frame format is compatible with such legacy devices. For example, a legacy device can detect and/or disregard a SDMA frame transmitted in the legacy device's operating frequency band. In some implementations, SDMA devices can create a protected time period (TxOP) during which SDMA frame transmissions are conducted. Such SDMA devices can use a MAC mechanism to reserve time for transmission of SDMA frames.

FIG. 4shows an example of a timing diagram that includes windows for carrier sense based communications and a window for space division based communications. An AP405can transmit or receive data to/from legacy clients410a,410bduring legacy windows450,452for CSMA-based communications. During a window454for SDMA based communications, the AP405sends steered data to SDMA enabled clients415a,415b,415cand then receives acknowledgements from the SDMA enabled clients415a,415b,415c. During the SDMA window454, legacy clients410a,410bcan be prohibited from transmitting data. Time sufficient for the SDMA window454can be arranged with the legacy client stations410a,410busing a MAC mechanism. In some implementations, once an AP obtains a transmission opportunity by using CSMA/CA, the AP can choose to transmit a SDMA frame or a non-SDMA frame.

Acknowledgement (ACK) packets can be transmitted by client SDMA devices to acknowledge correctly received frames, e.g., either SDMA or non-SDMA frames, from the AP. In some cases, a negative ACK (NAK) can be transmitted to indicate a failure. If an ACK is required for a non-SDMA frame, the receiving device can send an ACK after a Short Inter-Frame Space (SIFS), which starts after the end of a SDMA frame. In some implementations, a wireless communication device aggregates several acknowledgements and transmits a block ACK based on a block ACK request from the AP.

FIG. 5shows an example of a timing diagram including a downlink SDMA frame and uplink acknowledgments. An AP can transmit data to different clients in a downlink frame. A downlink frame can include a SDMA frame505. ACKs510a,510b,510ccan be transmitted after the SDMA frame505based on a fixed schedule. The AP can send a control frame that includes the fixed schedule. In some implementations, a SDMA frame505can include a field or IE in a header, e.g., a PHY header or a MAC header, in each of the signals transmitted in the corresponding subspaces to indicate the ordering of when each client can send an ACK or NAK. However, the allocation of time for ACKs can be distributed using other approaches and/or at other times. A SIFS can separate the SDMA frame505and the ACKs510a,510b,510c. SIFS are interspersed between the ACKs510a,510b,510c. In some implementations, the ACKs510a,510b,510care transmitted in the same time period over different frequency sub-bands. In some implementations, a downlink frame can include a SDMA downlink frame and a non-SDMA downlink frame that are multiplexed by different groups of OFDM tones.

Wireless communication devices can participate in a sounding procedure to determine wireless channel characteristics, and consequently, parameters for SDMA based communications. A sounding procedure can include transmitting sounding packets to sound one or more antennas. A sounding procedure, such as explicit sounding, can include operating an AP to transmit sounding packets to client devices. A sounding procedure, such as implicit sounding, can include operating an AP to cause client devices to transmit sounding packets to the AP. Various examples of sounding packets include staggered sounding packets and null data packets (NDPs). In some implementations, a MAC frame format for a sounding packet can include a field such as a High Throughout (HT) control field or a Very High Throughout (VHT) control field to signal parameters for a sounding procedure, e.g., feedback type.

FIG. 6shows an example of an explicit sounding timing diagram. An AP can transmit a control frame600such as a Power Save Multi-Poll (PSMP) frame. A control frame600can include scheduling information such as downlink and uplink communication resource assignments. In some implementations, devices can use the scheduling information to determine when to transmit and receive and when to sleep to save power.

An AP transmits a sounding packet605to two or more receivers in a downlink slot, e.g., STA1and STA2. In some implementations, an AP can use multicast to transmit a sounding packet to multiple receivers. In some implementations, a sounding packet includes information to coordinate the timing of when receivers send feedback packets. For example, MAC layer data can indicate an ordering of the feedback packets. In some implementations, a control frame600includes information to coordinate the timing of when receivers send feedback packets.

Receivers can determine wireless channel information based on a received version of the sounding packet605. For example, a first receiver transmits a feedback packet610to the AP based on the first receiver's reception of the sounding packet605. The first receiver can use an uplink slot for the feedback packet610based on scheduling information in the control frame600. A second receiver transmits a feedback packet615to the AP based on the second receiver's reception of the sounding packet605. The second receiver can use an uplink slot for the feedback packet615based on scheduling information in the control frame600. The AP can create one or more protected time periods (TxOPs) in which to send and receive sounding and feedback information.

In some implementations, a feedback packet includes channel state information (CSI). In some implementations, a feedback packet includes beam forming feedback information such as a steering matrix. In some implementations, a feedback packet includes interference feedback information such as an interference feedback matrix. Data that comprise a matrix can be compressed for transmission.

The AP can determine steering matrices for the receivers based on the feedback packets. In some implementations, a feedback packet can include wireless channel information. AP transmits a SDMA frame620that includes steered data packets for respective receivers.

A wireless communication device can use an implicit sounding procedure to sound antennas. In this example, a transmitter solicits sounding packets from two or more receivers. A transmitter transmits one or more sounding request packets to multiple wireless communication devices. A sounding request packet can cause a receiver to transmit a sounding packet. A sounding request packet can include different segments addressed to different receivers. In some implementations, a transmitter can multicast a sounding request packet to multiple clients. In some implementations, a transmitter can generate an aggregated data unit, e.g., A-MPDU, that includes a data unit for each client in the WLAN. For example, an aggregated data unit can include a first data unit with a sounding request for a first client and a second data unit with a sounding request for a second client. In some implementations, a transmitter transmits separate sounding request packets for each of the receivers.

A transmitter can receive sounding packets from the wireless communication devices. In some implementations, the received sounding packets can be sent in the same TxOP as the sounding request packet. In some implementations, a device can create a TxOP to transmit a sounding packet. The transmitter can estimate wireless channel matrices based on the sounding packets. The transmitter can determine steering matrices based on the wireless channel matrices. The transmitter generates steered data packets based on the steering matrices and data streams. The transmitter can transmit the steered data packets to the wireless communication devices. In some implementations, the transmitter performs calibration for phase shifts and/or amplitudes changes in one or more wireless channels.

In some implementations, a transmitter sends an A-MPDU with a sounding request to each device that is participating in a sounding procedure. Each device can send sounding frames in one or more assigned uplink slots. In some implementations, a transmitter sends one A-MPDU with a sounding request to a multicast address that is associated with multiple devices. In some implementations, a station record can include a field to indicate a request of the device to send sounding frames during one or more assigned uplink slots. In some implementations, a sounding request includes a Training Request (TRQ) field set to indicate that a receiver should send sounding packets.

FIG. 7shows an example of an implicit sounding timing diagram. An AP can transmit a control frame700. A control frame700can include scheduling information to assign downlink and uplink communication resources. An AP transmits a sounding request packet705to two or more receivers. A sounding request packet705can include a TRQ field. The TRQ field is set to one to indicate that one or more sounding packets are requested from a receiver. In some implementations, an AP can use multicast to transmit a sounding request packet to multiple client devices. In some implementations, a sounding request packet includes information to coordinate the timing of when client devices send sounding packets. For example, MAC layer data can indicate an ordering of the sounding packets.

A first client device transmits a sounding packet710to the AP. In a subsequent uplink slot, a second client device transmits a sounding packet715to the AP. The AP receives the sounding packets. The AP can determine wireless channel information based on the received version of the sounding packets and pre-determined sound packet data. The AP can determine steering matrices for the client devices based on the wireless channel information. The AP transmits a SDMA frame720that includes steered data packets for respective client devices.

The AP can determine wireless channel information based on the received version of the sounding packets and pre-determined sound packet data. The AP can determine steering matrices for the client devices based on the wireless channel information. The AP transmits a SDMA frame720that includes steered data packets for respective client devices.

FIG. 8shows an example of a communication process that schedules communications in the time, frequency, and space domains. At805, a communication process assigns downlink slots in a downlink frame. The communication process can assign downlink slots in the time domain, frequency domain, and space domain. A space domain can include spatial wireless communication channels. Downlink slots that are assigned to different devices can overlap in the time domain and frequency domain for SDMA based communications. At810, the communication process assigns uplink slots in an uplink frame. The communication process can assign uplink slots in time, frequency, and space domains.

In some implementations, the communication process schedules acknowledgements for data received in the downlink slots to be transmitted in different uplink slots at different time periods in the uplink frame. In some implementations, the communication process schedules acknowledgements for data received in the downlink slots to be transmitted in different uplink slots in different frequency ranges in the same time period in the uplink frame. In some implementations, portions of an uplink frame are interspersed with portions of a downlink frame. In some implementations, a downlink frame is referred to as a downlink sub-frame. In some implementations, an uplink frame is referred to as an uplink sub-frame.

At815, the communication process generates station records based on the assignments. At820, the communication process generates a control frame that includes the station records. A control frame can include a station record for each client device. In some cases a control frame can include a station record associated with a multi-station group.

At825, the communication process transmits the control frame. In some implementations, an AP transmits a control frame over multiple frequency sub-bands. At830, the communication process transmits data in the downlink slots. Transmitting data in the downlink slots can include spatially steering a transmission vector. At835, the communication process receives data in the uplink slots.

In a sounding procedure, a communication process can transmit a sounding packet in a downlink slot in accordance with a downlink slot assignment. A communication process can receive packets that are transmitted by wireless communication devices in accordance with corresponding uplink slot assignments. Received packets can include feedback packets that are derived from wireless channel estimations that are based on received versions of the sounding packet.

In some implementations, generating a control frame includes adding a record that describes a downlink slot assignment associated with a sounding packet. A record can indicate a group communication such as a broadcast communication or a multicast communication. In some implementations, generating a control frame includes adding multiple records that describe the identical downlink slot assignment, however, each record is addressed to a different device.

In some implementations, generating a control frame can include adding information to cause a first device to receive first data in a downlink frame via a first spatial wireless channel. Generating the control frame can include adding information to cause the first device to transmit an acknowledgement indication related to the first data in a first uplink slot of an uplink frame. Generating the control frame can include adding information to cause the second device to receive second data in the downlink frame via a second spatial wireless channel. Generating the control frame can include adding information to cause the second device to transmit an acknowledgement indication related to the second data in a second uplink slot of the uplink frame.

In some implementations, generating a control frame can include adding information to cause some devices to receive data in a frequency sub-band via different spatial wireless channels, e.g., SDMA, and to cause another device to receive data in a different frequency sub-band without spatial multiplexing, e.g., without SDMA. Therefore, a downlink frame can include a SDMA based frame and a non-SDMA based frame. In some implementations, a downlink frame can include SDMA based downlink slots and a non-SDMA based downlink slots.

FIG. 9Ashows an example of an extended PSMP frame. A control frame such as a PSMP frame900can include information to allocate communication resources to wireless communication devices. A PSMP frame900includes a frame control and duration field905, receiver address (RA)910, transmitter address (TA)915, basic service set identifier (BSSID)920, and a Management Action Header (MAH)925. In the PSMP frame900, the RA910can be set to a broadcast address. A BSSID920can include a MAC address of a device such as an AP. The PSMP frame900includes a PSMP header930and one or more station records935a,935b,935nfor respective client devices. The PSMP frame900includes a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)940.

In some implementations, the frame control and duration field905is a 4-byte field. In some implementations, the RA910is a 6-byte field, the TA915is a 6-byte field, and the BSSID920is a 6-byte field. In some implementations, the PSMP header930is a 2-byte field. In some implementations, a station record is a 8-byte field. In some implementations, the CRC940is a 4-byte field.

FIG. 9Bshows an example of a PSMP header. A PSMP header930includes a N-STA950, a More PSMP Indicator952, and a PSMP sequence duration954. In some implementations, N-STA950represents the number of station records that follow the PSMP header930. In some implementations, N-STA950is a 5-bit field. In some implementations, a more PSMP indicator952is set to indicate whether there will be another PSMP sequence. The indicator952can be a 1-bit value. In some implementations, a PSMP sequence duration954is a 10-bit field. In some implementations, a PSMP sequence duration954value is in units of 8 microseconds.

FIG. 9Cshows an example of a station record. A station record, e.g., a station information element, can include a type field960to indicate a presence of a station record. A station record can include information about a downlink transmission time (DTT), e.g., a downlink slot. For example, a station record can include a DTT start offset962and a DTT duration964. A station record can include information about an uplink transmission time (UTT), e.g., an uplink slot. For example, a station record can include a UTT start offset968and a UTT duration970. A station record can include a station identifier966. A station record can include one or more reserved bits972.

In some implementations, a type field960is a 2-bit field. In some implementations, a DTT start offset962is a 11-bit field and a DTT duration964is a 8-bit field. In some implementations, a station identifier (STA ID)966is a 16-bit field. In some implementations, a UTT start offset968is a 11-bit field and a UTT duration970is a 10-bit field.

FIG. 9Dshows an example of a station record that includes a frequency sub-band field. A station record can include a type field960, a DTT start offset962, a DTT duration964, a station identifier966, a UTT start offset968, UTT duration970, and a frequency sub-band field980. In some implementations, a frequency sub-band field980includes one or more bits. Different combinations of bit values for the frequency sub-band field980represent different frequency sub-bands.

In some implementations, a frequency sub-band field includes a 4-bit bitmap. In some implementations, each bit in a frequency sub-band field corresponds to a specific sub-band. For example, bit2of the bitmap can correspond to a second sub-band. In some implementations, a sub-band is assigned to a device if a corresponding sub-band bit in the bitmap is set to 1. Multiple sub-bands can be assigned to a device if two or more sub-band bits in the bitmap are set to 1. In some implementations, a device is required to use the same sub-band(s) for both downlink and uplink communications.

A frequency sub-band field can include two or more bitmaps. In some implementations, a frequency sub-band field can include a first 4-bit bitmap to indicate one or more allocated sub-bands for downlink communications and a second 4-bit bitmap to indicate one or more allocated sub-bands for uplink communications. In some implementations, a frequency sub-band field can be added into a group addressed station record to enable the allocation of one or more frequency resources for group-addressed communications.

FIG. 9Eshows an example of a mapping between a group of frequency sub-bands and a frequency sub-band field. A frequency band can be partitioned into two or more frequency sub-bands985a,985b,985c,985d. For example, a 80 MHz channel is divided into four 20 MHz channels. In this example, a 80 MHz band that includes 256 OFDM tones is partitioned in to four different 20 MHz sub-bands985a,985b,985c,985d. Each sub-band985a,985b,985c,985dincludes 64 OFDM tones.

A PSMP can include multiple station records that include frequency sub-band fields that assign different sub-bands to different devices. For example, a frequency sub-band field in a station record can include a frequency sub-band bitmap to assign one or more sub-bands985a,985b,985c,985dto a device. A sub-band bitmap can include bits990a,990b,990c,990dthat respectively control assignments to the frequency sub-bands985a,985b,985c,985d. In some cases, a device is assigned to two or more frequency sub-bands to provide higher bandwidth, e.g., two 20 MHz sub-bands can provide 40 MHz in signal bandwidth.

FIG. 10Ashows an example of a communication sequence that includes downlink and uplink communications. A communication sequence can include a PSMP frame1005, a downlink frame1040, and an uplink frame1050. A PSMP frame1005can include information that assigns devices to receive data in one or more downlink slots1010,1015,1020of a downlink frame1040. In some implementations, a downlink frame1040can include the PSMP frame1005at the beginning of the downlink frame1040. A PSMP frame1005can include information that identifies a downlink slot1010as including a broadcast communication for multiple devices. A PSMP frame1005can include information that assigns two or more devices to receive in the same downlink slot1015. A PSMP frame1005can include information that assigns devices to transmit data in respective uplink slots1025,1030,1035of an uplink frame1050.

In some implementations, an AP can send sounding packets to multiple devices, e.g., STA1and STA2, in a downlink slot1015and send a data unit such as an A-MPDU to a different device, e.g., STA3, in a subsequent downlink slot1020. In response to the sounding packets, the AP can receive feedback data from a first device at a first uplink slot1025, a second device at a second uplink slot1030, and a third device at a third uplink slot1035.

In some implementations, a sounding packet includes one or more Very High Throughout (VHT) fields such as VHT Signal Field (VHT-SIG), VHT Short Training Field (VHT-STF), VHT Long Training Field (VHT-LTF). The sounding packet can include Extended Long Training Fields (E-LTFs). For example, a sounding packet can include an E-LTF for each TX antenna to be sounded. In some implementations, subfield combinations in VHT-SIG fields can signal the number of E-LTFs in a sounding packet.

FIG. 10Bshows an example of a downlink slot that includes staggered sounding packets. A downlink slot can include sounding packets such as staggered sounding packets1055a,1055b,1055n. An access point can use staggered sounding packets1055a,1055b,1055nto transmit sounding data to client devices. In some implementations, a staggered sounding packet can include one or more of L-STF, L-LTF, and L-SIG. A staggered sounding packet can include one or more High Throughout (HT) fields such as HT Signal Field (HT-SIG) to signal that a VHT-SIG field is included in the sound packet. In some implementations, a VHT-SIG field is transmitted with a 90-degrees phase shift for Binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) modulation in each OFDM tone. In some implementations, an AP can rotate the VHT-SIG BPSK modulation constellation points in each subcarrier to the imaginary axis. A staggered sounding packet can include an E-LTF for each TX antenna to be sounded. The VHT-SIG field can include a sub-field that indicates the number of E-LTFs in a staggered sounding packet.

FIG. 10Cshows an example of a downlink slot that includes null data packets. A downlink slot can include sounding packets such as NDP sounding packets1065a,1065b,1065n. An access point can use NDP sounding packets1065a,1065b,1065nto transmit sounding data to client devices. In some implementations, a downlink slot includes a NDP announcement1060to communicate information about upcoming NDP sounding packets1065a,1065b,1065n. In some implementations, a device can process the NDP announcement1060to determine whether processing an upcoming NDP sounding packet is required.

A PSMP sequence can include a PSMP frame and a sounding downlink slot. A PSMP frame can include a NDP announcement frame that provides information about a subsequent sounding downlink slot. The sounding downlink slot can include null date packets (NDPs). In some implementations, a NDP is referred to as a NDP frame. In some implementations, only devices assigned to a sounding downlink slot are required to process the NDP frames and send feedback during assigned uplink slots.

In some implementations, a NDP sounding packet can include one or more of L-STF, L-LTF, and L-SIG. A NDP sounding packet can include one or more VHT fields such as VHT-SIG1and VHT-SIG2, VHT-STF, and multiple VHT-LTFs. Signaling fields in a NDP sounding packet such as VHT-SIG1and VHT-SIG2can be used to indicate the number of included VHT-LTFs. A NDP sounding packet can include a VHT-LTF for each TX antenna to be sounded. The VHT-LTFs can be used to determine a wireless channel matrix.

FIG. 11shows an example of a communication sequence that includes a null data packet announcement in a control frame. An access point can use a control frame to announce a sounding procedure to client devices. A control frame, such as one based on a PSMP frame format, can include an announcement of a transmission of NDPs. A control frame such as a PSMP frame1105can include a NDP announcement1115. The NDP announcement1115can include information relating to a sounding procedure.

An access point transmits a PSMP frame1105and, subsequently, transmits sounding data in a downlink frame1110. In some implementations, the access point can transmit user data in the downlink frame1110to one or more client devices that are not participating in the sounding procedure. The PSMP frame1105indicates assignments of client devices to one or more downlink slots in the downlink frame1110. For uplink communications, the PSMP frame1105indicates assignments of client devices to respective uplink slots1130a,1130bin an uplink frame1125.

Reception of a NDP announcement1115by a client device can cause the client device to monitor a downlink frame1110for sounding data such as one or more NDP frames1120a,1120b,1120n. For example, devices that are assigned to a downlink slot can receive NDP frames1120a,1120b,1120nin the downlink slot. Based on the received one or more NDP frames, devices can send feedback during their assigned uplink slots. For example, a first device can send feedback in a first uplink slot1130a. A second device can send feedback in a second uplink slot1130b. In some implementations, the second uplink slot1130bis subsequent to the first uplink slot1130ain a time domain. In some implementations, the first uplink slot1130aand the second uplink slot1130bare assigned to different groups of OFDM subcarriers.

A transmitter can use one or more techniques to communicate sounding information with receivers. A transmitter can transmit sounding information such as NDP announcement frames, NDP sounding frames, or staggered sounding frames to two or more receivers.

In some implementations, a sounding frame can include a control structure, e.g., a bitmap control field, a partial virtual bitmap, or both, that identifies the receivers of the sounding frame or following sounding frames. A device, indicated as a receiver of a sounding frame, can send a sounding feedback packet during an assigned uplink slot. In some implementations, a sounding frame can include a PHY header, MAC header, and FCS. A MAC header can include a High Throughout (HT) control field, a bitmap control field, and a partial virtual bitmap field. In some implementations, a MAC header can include a Very High Throughout (VHT) control field, a bitmap control field, and a partial virtual bitmap field. In some implementations, a sounding frame is not required to include a MAC payload.

In NDP sounding, a transmitter can individually send NDP announcement frames to sounding devices in respectively assigned downlink slots. The transmitter can broadcast the NDP frames to multiple client devices during a broadcast downlink slot. In some implementations, only devices that received the NDP announcement frames are required to send sounding feedback during assigned uplink slots, respectively.

An access point can multicast sounding frames to devices. An access point can assign an address such as a multicast address or a group address to a group of two more sounding devices. Frames such as a NDP announcement frame or a staggered sounding frame can include the address of the group as the receiver address. A downlink slot used for sounding can be assigned to the address of the group.

A downlink slot used for sounding can be individually assigned to each device participating in a sounding procedure. In some implementations, a PSMP can include two or more station records that cause different devices to receive the same data in the same downlink slot.

In some implementations, a NDP announcement frame includes a broadcast address as a receiver address. In some implementations, a staggered sounding frame includes a broadcast address as a receiver address. If a downlink slot is assigned to two or more devices, an AP can broadcast the data of the downlink slot to these devices. In some implementations, devices that are not assigned to the downlink slot are not required to process frames received during the downlink slot. In some implementations, a transmitter can individually send NDP announcement frames to devices, respectively.

In some implementations, a reserved bit in HT field is used to indicate SDMA sounding with NDP frames following a group of announcement frames. In some implementations, NDP frames are transmitted following the last NDP announcement frame of the group.

In some implementations, a transmitter transmits multiple NDP announcements by using staggered sounding frames with each announcement being for one sounding device. In some implementations, NDP frames are transmitted following the last NDP announcement frame.

In some implementations, staggered sounding frames are transmitted following the last NDP announcement frame. Each device can treat the frames following its announcement frame as a sounding frame, whether it is a staggered sounding frame or a NDP frame.

In some implementations, sounding is repeated for each device in its individually assigned downlink slot and uplink slot.

FIG. 12shows an example of a communication timing diagram that includes data transmissions associated with traffic identifiers. Devices can use a Traffic Identifier (TID) to identify a traffic flow. A device can transmit data packets with different TIDs, respectively, in a downlink slot. Similarly, a device can transmit data packets with different respective TIDs, respectively, in an uplink slot. In some cases, a traffic flow is between an AP and a client device. An identifier such as TID1can be used by multiple client devices at the same time, but nonetheless, refers to different traffic flows in the context of specific client devices.

A first PSMP sequence1205includes a PSMP frame that indicates an additional PSMP sequence will follow the sequence1205. In the first PSMP sequence1205, the access point1220transmits the PSMP frame. The access point1220transmits an aggregated MAC PDU (A-MPDU) to a first client device1225(e.g., STA1). To a second client device1230(e.g., STA2), the access point1220transmits data including an A-MPDU, data for a first traffic flow, and data for a second traffic flow.

The first client device1225sends an A-MPDU that includes data in two traffic flows (e.g., TID1and TID2) and a Multiple Traffic ID Block Acknowledgement (MTBA). The MTBA can include acknowledgement information for information that the access point1220transmitted in the first PSMP sequence1205.

The second client device1230sends an A-MPDU and a MTBA to the access point1220. The MTBA can include acknowledgement information for multiple traffic flows. In some implementations, a MTBA can be aggregated in a related A-MPDU. The access point1220can acknowledgement uplink data from the devices1225,1230in a following PSMP sequence1210.

A second PSMP sequence1210includes a PSMP frame that indicates an additional PSMP sequence will follow the sequence1210. In the second PSMP sequence1210, the access point1220transmits the PSMP frame. The access point1220transmits, to the first client device1225, data that includes an A-MPDU, MTBA, and data for TID2. The MTBA can include acknowledgement information for information received from the first device1225in the first PSMP sequence1205. The access point1220transmits, to the second client device1230, data that includes an A-MPDU. The first client device1225sends an A-MPDU.

A third PSMP sequence1215includes a PSMP frame with a more PSMP field set to zero. The access point1220and client devices1225,1230can exchange data in the third PSMP sequence1215.

A MTBA frame can include a MAC header, a block acknowledgement (BA) control field, and one or more TID records. A MAC header can include a frame control field, a duration field, a receiver address, and a transmitter address. A BA control field can include an acknowledgement policy field, a MTID field, a compression option field, and a field to indicate the number of TID records that follow. A TID record can include an information field, a BA starting sequence number, and a BA bitmap.

FIG. 13shows an example of a process that includes allocating wireless resources. At1305, a process determines wireless resource allocations in a time domain, a spatial wireless channel domain, and a frequency domain to coordinate communications with wireless communication devices. Determining wireless resource allocations can include determining frequency allocations in the time domain. In some implementations, determining wireless resource allocations can include assigning an uplink slot to a frequency sub-band of a frequency band and assigning a different uplink slot to a different frequency sub-band of the frequency band. The frequency band can include orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) tones.

At1310, the process generates a control frame that directs wireless communications based on at least a portion of the wireless resource allocations. A control frame can include one or more downlink slot assignments and one or more uplink slot assignments. In some implementations, an access points generates a control frame to coordinate uplink responses, e.g., acknowledgements or sounding feedback, to a downlink communication such as a broadcast data packet or a multicast data packet. In some implementations, a control frame can include two or more uplink slot assignments. The two or more uplink slot assignments can be associated with two or more wireless communication devices, respectively.

At1315, the process transmits the control frame to the wireless communication devices. In some implementations, transmitting the control frame includes broadcasting the control frame via a broadcast address.

A few embodiments have been described in detail above, and various modifications are possible. The disclosed subject matter, including the functional operations described in this specification, can be implemented in electronic circuitry, computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them, such as the structural means disclosed in this specification and structural equivalents thereof, including potentially a program operable to cause one or more data processing apparatus to perform the operations described (such as a program encoded in a computer-readable medium, which can be a memory device, a storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, or other physical, machine-readable medium, or a combination of one or more of them).

Other embodiments fall within the scope of the following claims.