SENSING AND DEFERRAL FOR ORTHOGONAL FREQUENCY DIVISIONAL MULTIPLE ACCESS IN A WIRELESS NETWORK

Apparatus, computer readable medium, and method for sensing and deferral for orthogonal frequency division multiple access in a wireless local-area networks are disclosed. An apparatus of an access point is disclosed. The apparatus comprising memory and processing circuitry coupled to the memory. The processing circuitry may configured to configure the access point to sense a plurality of channels of a bandwidth, and determine a resource allocation for one or more stations for an uplink (UL) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) transmission opportunity. The resource allocation may include one or more channels of the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy. The processing circuitry may be further configured to encode a trigger frame comprising the resource allocation to initiate the UL OFDMA transmission opportunity and configure the access point to transmit the trigger fame to the one or more stations.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments pertain to wireless networks and wireless communications. Some embodiments relate to wireless local area networks (WLANs) including networks operating in accordance with the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards. Some embodiments relate to IEEE 802.11ax. Some embodiments relate to computer readable media, apparatuses, and methods for sensing and deferral for orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) in wireless networks. Some embodiments relate to downlink (DL) and/or uplink (UL) transmission opportunities.

BACKGROUND

Efficient use of the resources of a WLAN is important to provide bandwidth and acceptable response times to the users of the WLAN. However, often there are many devices trying to share the same resources and some devices may be limited by the communication protocol they use or by their hardware bandwidth. Moreover, wireless devices may need to operate with both newer protocols and with legacy device protocols.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a WLAN in accordance with some embodiments. The WLAN may comprise a basis service set (BSS)100that may include a master station102, which may be an AP, a plurality of (e.g., IEEE 802.11) high-efficiency (HE) stations104, a plurality of IoT device108, and a plurality of legacy (e.g., IEEE 802.11) devices106.

The master station102may be an AP using the IEEE 802.11 to transmit and receive. The master station102may be a base station. The master station102may use other communications protocols as well as the IEEE 802.11 protocol. The IEEE 802.11 protocol may be IEEE 802.11ax. The IEEE 802.11 protocol may include using orthogonal frequency division multiple-access (OFDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), and/or code division multiple access (CDMA). The IEEE 802.11 protocol may include a multiple access technique. For example, the IEEE 802.11 protocol may include space-division multiple access (SDMA) and/or multiple-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO).

The legacy devices106may operate in accordance with one or more of IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ad/af/ah/aj, or another legacy wireless communication standard. The legacy devices106may be STAs or IEEE STAs. The STAs104may be wireless transmit and receive devices such as cellular telephone, smart telephone, handheld wireless device, wireless glasses, wireless watch, wireless personal device, tablet, or another device that may be transmitting and receiving using the IEEE 802.11 protocol such as IEEE 802.11ax or another wireless protocol.

The master station102may communicate with legacy devices106. HE stations104, and IoT device108in accordance with legacy IEEE 802.11 communication techniques. The HE stations104may be a newer (chronologically) version of an IEEE standard than the legacy device104.

In some embodiments, a frame may be configurable to have the same bandwidth as a subchannel. The bandwidth of a subchannel may be 20 MHz. 40 MHz, or 80 MHz, 160 MHz. 320 MHz contiguous bandwidths or an 80+80 MHz (160 MHz) non-contiguous bandwidth. In some embodiments, the bandwidth of a subchannel may be 1 MHz, 1.25 MHz, 2.03 MHz, 2.5 MHz, 4.06 MHz, 5 MHz and 10 MHz, or a combination thereof or another bandwidth that is less or equal to the available bandwidth may also be used. In some embodiments the bandwidth of the subchannels may be based on a number of active subcarriers. In some embodiments the bandwidth of the subchannels are multiples of 26 (e.g., 26, 52, 104, etc.) active subcarriers or tones that are spaced by 20 MHz. In some embodiments the bandwidth of the subchannels is 256 tones spaced by 20 MHz. In some embodiments the subchannels are multiple of 26 tones or a multiple of 20 MHz. In some embodiments a 20 MHz subchannel may comprise 256 tones for a 256 point Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).

A HE frame may be configured for transmitting a number of spatial streams, which may be in accordance with MU-MIMO. In other embodiments, the master station102, HE station104, and/or legacy device106may also implement different technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA) 2000, CDMA 2000 1×, CDMA 2000 Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), BlueTooth®, IoT related technologies, or other technologies.

The HE station104may be configured with applications that may be retrieved from remote servers (not illustrated). The IoT devices108may be simple devices. The IoT devices108may be low power devices. The IoT devices108may not include an interface for a user to access some functions that are settable of the IoT devices108. The IoT device108may be low cost devices for controlling operations in a residential or business setting. In some embodiments the IoT devices108may be environmental reporting devices such as security devices and temperature devices.

The IoT devices108may include representations of information such as universal product codes (UPC), radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, quick response (QR) codes, near-field communication (NFC), or any other suitable codes. The information may include an identification of the IoT device108and may include information regarding the capabilities of the IoT device108. Examples of IoT devices108include sensors like a door sensor, a smart light bulb, a thermometer sensor, a television controller or sensor, a home automation camera and/or microphone, etc. The IoT devices108may be configured with an initial configuration at manufacturing time. In some embodiments, the IoT devices108may be securely connected to the master station102and/or HE station104using the transmitter of the IoT device108so that a different form of configuration such as UPC, RFIF, QR, or NFC is may not be needed. The IoT device108may include embedded security parameters. In some embodiments, a user cannot interact with the IoT devices108manually to configure the IoT devices108.

In some embodiments, the HE stations104may act as sensor hubs. In some embodiments the master station102may act as an access gateway. The master station102may be in communication with the Internet and one or more devices such as an access service, which may store a master password.

The HE station104may include one or more mobile device applications (apps). The mobile device apps may be downloaded from an external server (not illustrated) or preloaded on the HE station104. The mobile device apps may have their own security that is in addition to the security of the HE stations104.

Some embodiments relate to HE communications. In accordance with some IEEE 802.11ax embodiments, a master station102may operate as a master station which may be arranged to contend for a wireless medium (e.g., during a contention period) to receive exclusive control of the medium for an HEW control period. In some embodiments, the HEW control period may be termed a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The master station102may transmit a HE master-sync transmission, which may be a resource allocate element (e.g., a trigger frame for uplink or an HE SIG-B for downlink) or HE control and schedule transmission at the beginning of the HE control period. The schedule transmission may be for a short (current transmission) and/or a long term. The master station102may transmit a duration of the TXOP and sub-channel information. During the HE control period. HE STAs104may communicate with the master station102in accordance with a non-contention based simultaneous multiple access technique such as OFDMA or MU-MIMO. This is unlike conventional WLAN communications in which devices communicate in accordance with a contention-based communication technique, rather than a multiple access technique. During the HE control period, the master station102may communicate with one or more HE stations104using one or more HE frames. During the HE control period, the HE STAs104may operate on one or more sub-channels smaller than the operating range of the master station102. During the HE control period, legacy stations refrain from communicating.

In accordance with some embodiments, during the master-sync transmission the HE STAs104may contend for the wireless medium with the legacy devices106being excluded from contending for the wireless medium during the master-sync transmission. In some embodiments the resource allocate element (for example trigger frame) may indicate an uplink (UL) UL-MU-MIMO and/or UL OFDMA control period.

In some embodiments, the simultaneous multiple-access technique used during the HE control period may be a scheduled OFDMA technique, although this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the simultaneous multiple access technique may be a time-division multiple access (TDMA) technique or a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) technique. In some embodiments, the simultaneous multiple access technique may be a space-division multiple access (SDMA) technique.

The master station102may also communicate with legacy stations106and/or HE stations104in accordance with legacy IEEE 802.11 communication techniques. In some embodiments, the master station102may also be configurable to communicate with HE stations104outside the HE control period in accordance with legacy IEEE 802.11 communication techniques, although this is not a requirement.

In example embodiments, the HE stations104, the master station102, and/or IoT devices108are configured to perform the methods and functions herein described in conjunction withFIG. 1-xxx.

FIG. 2illustrates an access point determining a larger channel is busy based on a transmission on a part of the channel in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 2is AP202, STA1204, AP2206, and a transmission zone208. AP1202and AP2206may be master stations102. AP1202and AP2206may be configured to transmit in accordance with OFDMA and/or MU-MIMO. STA1204may be a HE station104or legacy station108. The transmission zone208may indicate a transmission reach of transmission210. Transmission210may be on a sub-channel. The sub-channel may have a bandwidth of 2.03 MHz or another bandwidth that is 20 MHz or less. In some embodiments the channel may be 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 320 MHz. The AP2206receives transmission210at214. AP2206may determine that a wider channel than the sub-channel of transmission210is busy. For example, in some embodiments, AP2206may receive transmission on a sub-channel212of 2.03 MHz and determine not to use a 20 MHz channel. As another example, AP2206may receive transmission on a sub-channel212of 20 MHz and determine not to use an 80 MHz channel.

FIG. 3illustrates interference from a station on a portion of a bandwidth in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 3is STA1304, STA2306, STA3312, and STA4308each of which may be HE stations104and/or legacy stations108. Also illustrated inFIG. 3is AP1302and AP2310which may be master stations102. Transmission zone314may indicate a transmission reach of AP1302. Transmission zone316may indicate a transmission reach of AP2310.

STA4308may be associated with AP2310. Transmission320from STA4308may interfere with AP1302since STA4308is within the transmission zone314. AP1302may receive transmission320from STA4308on a sub-channel (e.g., 2.03 MHz or 20 MHz) and not use a larger channel (e.g., 80 MHz) because of the reception of transmission320from STA4308. For example, AP1302may defer until transmission320is over.

Moreover, STA4308may receive transmission318from AP1302and defer until transmission318is over. AP2310may not be aware that STA4308is deferring for transmission318from AP1302, and may schedule STA4308for uplink transmissions in a transmission opportunity, which STA4308may not use because it is deferring for transmission318from AP1302.

FIG. 4illustrates a method for sensing and sending DL data in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 4is time404along a horizontal axis, sub-channels402along a vertical axis, operations450along the top, and a transmitter460along the bottom.

The sub-channels402may be a portion of a operating bandwidth401. For example, the operating bandwidth401may be 80 MHz, and the sub-channels402may be 20 MHz sub-channels. In some embodiments, the operating bandwidth may be 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, or another suitable bandwidth. In some embodiments the sub-channels402may be 2.03 MHz, 4.06 MHz, a multiple of 2.03 MHz, 20 MHz, or another bandwidth less or equal to the operating bandwidth401.

The method400may begin at operation452with one or more HE stations104transmitting feedback (FB)407to the master station102. The FB407may be transmitted on a sub-channel402.1such as a primary channel or, in some embodiments, the FB407may be transmitted on separate channels as part of a transmission opportunity (see FIG. xxx). In some embodiments, the FB407is not transmitted to the master station102.

The FB407may be based on one or more of the following. The FB407may be based on the HE stations104sensing an energy level on one or more of the sub-channels402. The FB407may also be based on energy levels of neighboring sub-channels402. The FB407may also be based on one or more network allocation vector (NAV) settings of the HE station104. The FB407may be based on a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of received signals on the sub-channels402by the HE station104. The FB407may be based on interference levels. In some embodiments, the FB407may be a requested sub-channel402. In some embodiments the FB407may be sent to the master station102in another way. For example, the HE station104may transmit the FB407as part of another frame such as a buffer status frame. In some embodiments, there may be a field to indicate available sub-channel402in the FB407, e.g. a bit for each sub-channel402to indicate whether the HE station104recommends that it can receive or transmit on this sub-channel402.

The method400may continue at operation454with the master station102sensing406one or more of the sub-channels402. For example, the master station102may measure an energy level on the sub-channels402. The master station102may also measure interference on the sub-channels402. In some embodiments, the sensing506may be performed sequentially rather than simultaneously as illustrated.

The method400may continue at operation456with the master station102determining a resource allocation (not illustrated) for HE stations104based on one or more of the following: the sensing406, the FB407, acknowledgments, negative acknowledgements, and other activity on the sub-channels402. The resource allocation may be of sub-channels402that are smaller than the sensed sub-channels402. For example, the sensed sub-channels402may be 20 MHz and the resource allocation may include sub-channels402of 2.03 MHz or a multiple of 2.03 MHz. The master station102may generate a resource allocation that indicates sub-channels402and durations for the downlink (DL) data410.

The master station102may determine the resource allocation based on interference from adjacent sub-channels402. In some embodiments, the master station102may add an analog filter design or a digital filter for receiving signals to mitigate interference from overlapping basic service set (OBSS) transmissions which may be on adjacent sub-channels402or on the sub-channel402. In some embodiments, the master station102may determine not to use some sub-channels402based on the sensing406and/or FB407. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the master station102does not allocate sub-channel402.2. In some embodiments, the master station102may allocate sub-channels402based on determining which sub-channels402are may be best for a HE station104. In some embodiments, the master station102may determine the resource allocation based on previous sub-channel402behavior. For example, the master station102may have received negative acknowledgements and acknowledgements from the HE stations104and maintained a record of the negative acknowledgments and acknowledgments. In some embodiments, the master station102may maintain a record of other activity on the sub-channels402such as on which sub-channels402and for what duration the master station102has had to defer.

The method400may continue at operation458with the master station102transmitting the physical (PHY)408header(s) and DL data410. The PHY408header(s) bandwidth may be the same bandwidth (2.03 or 20 MHz) as the DL data410or a bandwidth (e.g., 20, 40, 80, 160, or 320 MHz) that covers the operating bandwidth401, in accordance with some embodiments. The PHY408header may include the resource allocation. In some embodiments, the HE stations104may add a digital filter design or an analog filter design to mitigate the interference from OBSS adjacent channels. The method400may continue with additional operations such as receiving acknowledgments (not illustrated) from the HE station104. In some embodiments, operation452may be performed after operation454.

FIG. 5illustrates a method for sensing and UL data in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 5is time504along a horizontal axis, sub-channels502along a vertical axis, operations550along the top, and a transmitter560along the bottom.

The sub-channels502may be a portion of an operating bandwidth501. For example, the operating bandwidth501may be 80 MHz. and the sub-channels402may be 20 MHz sub-channels. In some embodiments, the operating bandwidth may be 20 MHz, 40 MHz. 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz. or another suitable bandwidth. In some embodiments the sub-channels402may be 2.03 MHz, 4.06 MHz, a multiple of 2.03 MHz, 20 MHz, or another bandwidth less or equal to the operating bandwidth501.

The method500may begin at operation552with one or more HE stations104transmitting feedback (FB)407to the master station102. The FB407may be transmitted on a sub-channel502.1such as a primary channel or, in some embodiments, the FB407may be transmitted on separate channels as part of a transmission opportunity (seeFIG. 6). In some embodiments, the FB407is not transmitted to the master station102. The FB407may be the same or similar as disclosed in conjunction withFIG. 4.

The method500may continue at operation554with the master station102sensing406one or more of the sub-channels502. The sensing406may be the same or similar as disclosed in conjunction withFIG. 4.

The method500may continue at operation556with the master station102determining a resource allocation511for HE stations104based on one or more of the following: the sensing406, the FB407, acknowledgments, negative acknowledgements, and other activity on the sub-channels502. The master station102may generate a resource allocation511that indicates sub-channels502, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), and durations for the UL data510. The sub-channels502in the resource allocation511may be a different bandwidth than the sub-channels502of the sensing454or the FB407. For example, the sub-channels202of the sensing554may be 20 MHz and some of the sub-channels202of the resource allocation511may be 2.03 MHz or a multiple of 2.03 MHz. The master station102may determine the resource allocation511based on interference from adjacent sub-channels502. In some embodiments, the master station102may add an analog filter design or a digital filter for receiving signals to mitigate interference from overlapping basic service set (OBSS) transmissions which may be on adjacent sub-channels502or on the sub-channel502.

In some embodiments, the master station102may determine not to use some sub-channels502based on the sensing406and/or FB407. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the master station102does not allocate sub-channel502.2. In some embodiments, the master station102may allocate sub-channels502based on determining which sub-channels502may be best for a HE station104. In some embodiments, the master station102may determine the resource allocation511based on previous sub-channel502behavior. For example, the master station102may have received negative acknowledgements and acknowledgements from the HE stations104and maintained a record of the negative acknowledgments and acknowledgments. In some embodiments, the master station102may maintain a record of other activity on the sub-channels502such as on which sub-channels502and for what duration the master station102has had to defer.

The method500may continue at operation558with the master station102transmitting the trigger frame (TF)509. The TF509may comprise the resource allocation511. In some embodiments, the TF509may be transmitted on a primary channel, which may be sub-channel502.1.

The method500may continue at operation560with the HE stations104transmitting UL data510. For example, HE station104.1may transmit UL data510.1; HE station104.2may transmit UL data510.3, and HE station104.3may transmit UL data510.N. As illustrated sub-channel502.2was not included in the resource allocation511. The method500may continue with additional operations (not illustrated). In some embodiments, operation552may be performed after operation554.

FIG. 6illustrates a method600for polling for feedback (FB) in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 6is time604along a horizontal axis, sub-channels602along a vertical axis, operations650along the top, and a transmitter660along the bottom.

The sub-channels602may be a portion of an operating bandwidth601. For example, the operating bandwidth601may be 80 MHz, and the sub-channels402may be 20 MHz sub-channels. In some embodiments, the operating bandwidth may be 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, or another suitable bandwidth. In some embodiments the sub-channels602may be 2.03 MHz, 4.06 MHz, a multiple of 2.03 MHz, 20 MHz, or another bandwidth less or equal to the operating bandwidth601.

The method600may begin at operation652with one or more HE stations104sensing606one or more of the sub-channels602. For example, the HE stations104may measure an energy level on the sub-channels602. The HE stations104may also measure interference on the sub-channels602. In some embodiments, the sensing606may be performed sequentially rather than simultaneously as illustrated.

The method600may continue at operation654with the master station102transmitting a poll609frame with a resource allocation611. The resource allocation611may indicate which HE station104are to transmit FB607and how to transmit the FB607, e.g., a sub-channel602, MCS, and duration. The poll609may be frame that indicates the master station102is requesting FB607from the HE stations104.

The method600may continue at operation656with the HE stations104transmitting FB607. In some embodiments, operation652is performed after the HE stations104receive the poll609frame. In some embodiments, the HE stations104may transmit the FB607sequentially based on one or more poll609frames.

The FB607may be based on one or more of the following. The FB607may be based on the HE stations104sensing an energy level on one or more of the sub-channels602. The FB607may also be based on energy levels of neighboring sub-channels602. The FB607may also be based on one or more network allocation vector (NAV) settings of the HE station104. The FB607may be based on a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of received signals on the sub-channels602by the HE station104. The FB607may be based on interference levels. In some embodiments, the FB607may be a requested sub-channel602.

The method600may continue at operation657with the master station102determining a resource allocation622for HE stations104based on one or more of the following: the master station102sending (not illustrated), the FB607, acknowledgments, negative acknowledgements, and other activity on the sub-channels602. The resource allocation622may be of sub-channels602that are smaller than the sensed sub-channels602or sub-channels that may be in the FB607. For example, the sensed sub-channels602may be 20 MHz and the resource allocation622may include sub-channels602of 2.03 MHz or a multiple of 2.03 MHz. The master station102may generate a resource allocation622that indicates sub-channels602. MCS, and durations for the UL data610.

The master station102may determine the resource allocation622based on interference from adjacent sub-channels602. In some embodiments, the master station102may add an analog filter design or a digital filter for receiving signals to mitigate interference from overlapping basic service set (OBSS) transmissions which may be on adjacent sub-channels602or on the sub-channel602. In some embodiments, the master station102may determine not to use some sub-channels602based on the sensing and/or FB607. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the master station102does not allocate sub-channel602.2. In some embodiments, the master station102may allocate sub-channels602based on determining which sub-channels602are may be best for a HE station104. In some embodiments, the master station102may determine the resource allocation622based on previous sub-channel602behavior. For example, the master station102may have received negative acknowledgements and acknowledgements from the HE stations104and maintained a record of the negative acknowledgments and acknowledgments. In some embodiments, the master station102may maintain a record of other activity on the sub-channels602such as on which sub-channels602and for what duration the master station102has had to defer.

The method600may continue at operation658with the master station102transmitting the trigger frame (TF)620. The TF620may comprise the resource allocation622. In some embodiments, the TF620may be transmitted on a primary channel, which may be sub-channel602.1. In some embodiments, the master station102may be configured to sense the sub-channels602before generating the trigger frame620and to only use sub-channels602determined to be not busy by the master station102.

The method600may continue at operation660with the HE stations104transmitting UL data610. For example, HE station104.1may transmit UL data610.1; HE station104.2may transmit UL data610.3, and HE station104.3may transmit UL data610.N. As illustrated sub-channel602.2was not included in the resource allocation622. The method600may continue with additional operations (not illustrated).

FIG. 7illustrates a method700for station sensing in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 7is time704along a horizontal axis, sub-channels702along a vertical axis, operations750along the top, and a transmitter760along the bottom.

The sub-channels702may be a portion of an operating bandwidth701. For example, the operating bandwidth701may be 80 MHz, and the sub-channels702may be 20 MHz sub-channels. In some embodiments, the operating bandwidth may be 20 MHz. 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, 320 MHz, or another suitable bandwidth. In some embodiments the sub-channels702may be 2.03 MHz, 4.06 MHz, a multiple of 2.03 MHz, 20 MHz, or another bandwidth less or equal to the operating bandwidth701.

The method700may optionally begin at operation752with one or more HE stations104sensing706one or more of the sub-channels702. For example, the HE stations104may measure an energy level on the sub-channels702. The HE stations104may also measure interference on the sub-channels702. In some embodiments, the sensing706may be performed sequentially rather than simultaneously as illustrated.

The method700may continue at operation754with the master station102transmitting the trigger frame (TF)720. The TF720may comprise the resource allocation722. In some embodiments, the TF720may be transmitted on a primary channel, which may be sub-channel702.1. In some embodiments, the master station102may be configured to sense the sub-channels702before generating the trigger frame620and to only use sub-channels702determined to be not busy by the master station102.

The method700may optionally continue at operation756with one or more HE stations104sensing707one or more of the sub-channels702. For example, the HE stations104may measure an energy level on the sub-channels702. The HE stations104may also measure interference on the sub-channels702. In some embodiments, the sensing706may be performed sequentially rather than simultaneously as illustrated. The HE stations104may sense either before the TF720or after the TF720or both.

The method continues at operation758with the HE stations104transmitting UL data710in accordance with the resource allocation722. The HE stations104may before transmitting the UL data710determine whether to transmit in accordance with the resource allocation722. For example, as illustrated, a HE station104determined not to transmit on sub-channel702.3with no transmission710.3, and master station102determined not to allocate sub-channel702.2with not allocated710.2. As an example, a HE station104may receive a resource allocation722on a sub-channel702and based on the sensing at operation752and/or756determine whether to transmit on the allocated sub-channel702based on the energy level on the sub-channel702. For example, if the energy level is above a threshold, then the HE station104may determine not to transmit. In some embodiments, the HE station104may base the determination of whether to transmit on a sub-channel702(e.g., sub-channel702.3) based on sensing neighboring sub-channels (e.g., sub-channels702.1and sub-channel702.4). For example, if an energy level of sub-channel702.1and/or sub-channel702.4is above a threshold, then the HE station104may determine not to transmit on sub-channel702.2. The reason for the HE station104not to transmit is that the HE station104may know there is a close by HE station104performing OFDMA transmissions on the same sub-channel702.2, which may be detected on neighboring sub-channels702.1and702.3.

The sensing of operations752and756may be in accordance with CCA (ED) sensing and may be in accordance with parameters set by the master station102. In some embodiments, the HE station104may not transmit on the sub-channel702unless the energy detect CCA is idle for a specific period of time such as Point Coordination Function (PCF) inter-frame space (PIFS). The HE station104may measure the before or after the TF720. Moreover, the HE station104may determine not to transmit or to defer if a NAV of the HE station104is set.

If the resource allocation722indicates a wider channel than sensed706at operation752and/or756, then the HE station104may combine the results of the senses706. For example, the HE station104may sense70620 MHz sub-channels702and be allocated a 40 MHz sub-channel702. The HE station104may also stop transmitting a UL data710if in the middle of transmitting the UL data710the HE station104determines the sub-channel702is busy.

FIG. 8illustrates a method800for sensing and deferral for OFDMA in accordance with some embodiments. The method800may begin at operation802with configuring the access point to sense a plurality of channels of a bandwidth. For example, the master station102may be configured to sense the sub-channels402,502at operations454,554as disclosed in conjunction withFIG. 4,FIG. 5, respectively. Moreover, the master station102may be configured to sense the sub-channels602prior to generating the TFs620as disclosed in conjunction withFIG. 6.

The method800may optionally continue at operation804with decoding FB from the one or more stations, the FB indicates a status of the one or more stations. For example, master station102may decode FB407,607as disclosed in conjunction withFIG. 4andFIG. 6, respectively. Operations802and804may be reversed in order.

The method800may continue at operation806with determining a resource allocation for one or more stations for an UL or DL OFDMA transmission opportunity, the resource allocation comprising one or more sub-channels, and the one or more sub-channels being within the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy. In the embodiments with operation804the master station102may determine the resource allocation further based on the feedback from the one or more stations. For example, the master station102determine the resource allocation before transmitting DL data410inFIG. 4based on the FB407and/or sensing406. As another example, the master station102determines TF509based on the FB407and/or the sensing406. The master station102determines TF620based on FB607and optionally sensing of the sub-channels602(not illustrated) by the master station102.

FIG. 9illustrates a method900for station sensing in accordance with some embodiments. The method900begins at operation902with decoding a trigger frame comprising a resource allocation for the station. For example, the HE stations104may receive TF720.

The method900continues at operation904with determining whether to respond to the trigger frame based on energy levels sensed on one or more channels of a bandwidth. For example, HE stations104may sense sub-channels702either before receiving the TF720or after receiving the TF720as disclosed in conjunction withFIG. 7. The order of operations902and904may be reversed.

The method900may continue at operation906with in response to determining to respond to the trigger frame, encoding a frame and configure the station to transmit the frame in accordance with the resource allocation and in accordance with OFDMA. For example, HE stations104determine whether to transmit UL data710or not based on the sensing706and/or sensing707.

Some embodiments of the methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses disclosed for sensing and deferral for orthogonal frequency divisional multiple access in a wireless network may solve the problem of when and how to defer.

Machine (e.g., computer system)1000may include a hardware processor1002(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory1004and a static memory1006, some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interlink (e.g., bus)1008. The machine1000may further include a display unit1010, an alphanumeric input device1012(e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device1014(e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display unit1010, input device1012and UI navigation device1014may be a touch screen display. The machine1000may additionally include a storage device (e.g., drive unit)1016, a signal generation device1018(e.g., a speaker), a network interface device1020, and one or more sensors1021, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or other sensor. The machine1000may include an output controller1028, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared(IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.). In some embodiments the processor1002and/or instructions1024may comprise processing circuitry.

The storage device1016may include a machine readable medium1022on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions1024(e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions1024may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1004, within static memory1006, or within the hardware processor1002during execution thereof by the machine1000. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor1002, the main memory1004, the static memory1006, or the storage device1016may constitute machine readable media.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments. Example 1 is an apparatus of an access point. The apparatus may include memory, and processing circuitry coupled to the memory, the processing circuitry may be configured to: configure the access point to sense a plurality of channels of a bandwidth; and determine a resource allocation for one or more stations for an uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) transmission opportunity, wherein the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels, wherein the one or more sub-channels are within the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to: encode a trigger frame comprising the resource allocation to initiate the UL OFDMA transmission opportunity; and configure the access point to transmit the trigger frame to the one or more stations.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1 or 2 can optionally include where the one or more channels are 20 MHz channels and the bandwidth is one from the following group: 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 can optionally include where the one or more sub-channels each are one from the following group: a multiple of 2.03 MHz, a multiple of exactly 26 data sub-carriers, and 20 MHz.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-4 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to: configure the access point to sense the one or more channels of the bandwidth in accordance with a clear channel assessment in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to: configure the access point to sense the one or more channels of the bandwidth with a second bandwidth that is smaller than a third bandwidth of the one or more channels.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-6 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to: encode a physical header of the resource allocation frame, wherein a bandwidth of the physical header is one from the following group: the bandwidth of the one or more channels of the resource allocation or the bandwidth of the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-7 can optionally include where the resource allocation further comprises a multi-user multiple input and multiple output (MU-MIMO) resource allocation, wherein the MU-MIMO resource allocation comprises one or more spatial streams for a station of the one or more stations.

In Example 9, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-8 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to: decode feedback (FB) from the one or more stations, wherein the FB indicates a status of the one or more stations; and determine the resource allocation for the one or more stations for the DL or UL OFDMA transmission opportunity, wherein the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels, wherein the one or more sub-channels are within the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy, and wherein the resource allocation is based on the FB from the one or more stations.

In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9 can optionally include where the FB from the one or more stations indicates one of the following group: one or more preferred channels of the plurality of channels and whether one or more channels of the plurality of channels is busy.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 11 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine a modulation and coding scheme for the one or more sub-channels based on the FB from the one or more stations.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-11 can optionally include where the wireless device and plurality of stations are each at least one from the following group: a high-efficiency wireless local-area network (HEW) station, an access point, an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax access point, and an IEEE 802.11ax station.

In Example 13, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-12 can optionally include transceiver circuitry coupled to the memory.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 can optionally include one or more antennas coupled to the transceiver circuitry.

Example 15 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for execution by one or more processors. The instructions configure the one or more processors to cause a wireless device to: configure the access point to sense a plurality of channels of a bandwidth; and determine a resource allocation for one or more stations for an uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) transmission opportunity, wherein the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels, wherein the one or more sub-channels are within the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 can optionally include where the instructions further configure the one or more processors to cause the wireless device to: configure the access point to sense the one or more channels of the bandwidth in accordance with a clear channel assessment in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.

Example 17 is a method performed by an access point. The method including configuring the access point to sense a plurality of channels of a bandwidth; and determining a resource allocation for one or more stations for an uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) transmission opportunity, where the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels, wherein the one or more sub-channels are within the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy.

In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 can optionally include configuring the access point to sense the one or more channels of the bandwidth in accordance with a clear channel assessment in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.

In Example 19 is an apparatus of a station. The apparatus including memory; and processing circuitry coupled to the memory, the processing circuitry may be configured to: decode a trigger frame comprising a resource allocation for the station; determine whether to respond to the trigger frame based on energy levels sensed on one or more channels of a bandwidth; and in response to determining to respond to the trigger frame, encode a frame and configure the station to transmit the frame in accordance with the resource allocation and in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 can optionally include where the one or more channels are 20 MHz channels or less and the bandwidth is one from the following group: 20 MHz, 40 Mhz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz.

In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 can optionally include where the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels each are one from the following group: a multiple of 2.03 MHz, a multiple of exactly 26 data sub-carriers, and 20 MHz.

In Example 22, the subject matter of any of Examples 19-21 can optionally include where the resource allocation indicates a sub-channel allocated to the station, and wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: determine to respond to the trigger frame if energy levels sensed on the sub-channel are below a threshold for a pre-determined duration.

In Example 23, the subject matter of any of Examples 19-22 can optionally include where the resource allocation indicates a sub-channel allocated to the station, and wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: determine to respond to the trigger frame if first energy levels sensed on the sub-channel are below a first threshold for a pre-determined duration and second energy levels sensed on neighboring sub-channels are below a second threshold for a second predetermined time.

In Example 24, the subject matter of any of Examples 19-23 can optionally include transceiver circuitry coupled to the memory.

In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 24 can optionally include one or more antennas coupled to the transceiver circuitry.

Example 26 is an apparatus of an access point comprising: means for configuring the access point to sense a plurality of channels of a bandwidth: and means for determining a resource allocation for one or more stations for an uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) transmission opportunity, wherein the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels, wherein the one or more sub-channels are within the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy.

In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 can optionally include means for encoding a trigger frame comprising the resource allocation to initiate the UL OFDMA transmission opportunity; and means for configuring the access point to transmit the trigger frame to the one or more stations.

In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 26 can optionally include where the one or more channels are 20 MHz channels and the bandwidth is one from the following group: 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz. and 320 MHz.

In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 28 can optionally include where the one or more sub-channels each are one from the following group: a multiple of 2.03 MHz, a multiple of exactly 26 data sub-carriers, and 20 MHz.

In Example 30, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-29 can optionally include means for configuring the access point to sense the one or more channels of the bandwidth in accordance with a clear channel assessment in accordance with Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11.

In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 can optionally include means for configuring the access point to sense the one or more channels of the bandwidth with a second bandwidth that is smaller than a third bandwidth of the one or more channels.

In Example 32, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-31 can optionally include means for encoding a physical header of the resource allocation frame, wherein a bandwidth of the physical header is one from the following group: the bandwidth of the one or more channels of the resource allocation or the bandwidth of the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy.

In Example 33, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-32 can optionally include where the resource allocation further comprises a multi-user multiple input and multiple output (MU-MIMO) resource allocation, wherein the MU-MIMO resource allocation comprises one or more spatial streams for a station of the one or more stations.

In Example 34, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-33 can optionally include means for decoding feedback (FB) from the one or more stations, wherein the FB indicates a status of the one or more stations; and means for determining the resource allocation for the one or more stations for the DL or UL OFDMA transmission opportunity, wherein the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels, wherein the one or more sub-channels are within the plurality of channels that are sensed as not being busy, and wherein the resource allocation is based on the FB from the one or more stations.

In Example 35, the subject matter of Example 34 can optionally include where the FB from the one or more stations indicates one of the following group: one or more preferred channels of the plurality of channels and whether one or more channels of the plurality of channels is busy.

In Example 36, the subject matter of Example 35 can optionally include means for determining a modulation and coding scheme for the one or more sub-channels based on the FB from the one or more stations.

In Example 37, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-36 can optionally include where the wireless device and plurality of stations are each at least one from the following group: a high-efficiency wireless local-area network (HEW) station, an access point, an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax access point, and an IEEE 802.11ax station.

In Example 38, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-37 can optionally include means for performing transceiver functions coupled to means for retrieving and storing information.

In Example 39, the subject matter of Example 38 can optionally include means for transmitting and receiving radio waves.

Example 40 is an apparatus of a station comprising: means for decoding a trigger frame comprising a resource allocation for the station; means for determining whether to respond to the trigger frame based on energy levels sensed on one or more channels of a bandwidth; and in response to determining to respond to the trigger frame, means for encoding a frame and configure the station to transmit the frame in accordance with the resource allocation and in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 41, the subject matter of Example 40 can optionally include where the one or more channels are 20 MHz channels or less and the bandwidth is one from the following group: 20 MHz, 40 Mhz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz. and 320 MHz.

In Example 42, the subject matter of Examples 41 can optionally include where the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels each are one from the following group: a multiple of 2.03 MHz, a multiple of exactly 26 data sub-carriers, and 20 MHz.

In Example 43, the subject matter of any of Examples 40-42 can optionally include where the resource allocation indicates a sub-channel allocated to the station, and further comprising: means for determining to respond to the trigger frame if energy levels sensed on the sub-channel are below a threshold for a pre-determined duration.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any of Examples 40-43 can optionally include wherein the resource allocation indicates a sub-channel allocated to the station, and further comprising: means for determining to respond to the trigger frame if first energy levels sensed on the sub-channel are below a first threshold for a pre-determined duration and second energy levels sensed on neighboring sub-channels are below a second threshold for a second predetermined time.

In Example 45, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-37 can optionally include means for performing transceiver functions coupled to means for retrieving and storing information.

In Example 46, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-37 can optionally include means for transmitting and receiving radio waves.

Example 47 is a method performed by a station. The method may include decoding a trigger frame comprising a resource allocation for the station; determining whether to respond to the trigger frame based on energy levels sensed on one or more channels of a bandwidth; and in response to determining to respond to the trigger frame, encoding a frame and configure the station to transmit the frame in accordance with the resource allocation and in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 48, the subject matter of Example 47 can optionally include wherein the one or more channels are 20 MHz channels or less and the bandwidth is one from the following group: 20 MHz, 40 Mhz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz.

In Example 49, the subject matter of Example 48 can optionally include wherein the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels each are one from the following group: a multiple of 2.03 MHz, a multiple of exactly 26 data sub-carriers, and 20 MHz.

In Example 50, the subject matter of any of Examples 47-49 can optionally include wherein the resource allocation indicates a sub-channel allocated to the station, and further comprising: determining to respond to the trigger frame if energy levels sensed on the sub-channel are below a threshold for a pre-determined duration.

In Example 51, the subject matter of any of Examples 47-50 can optionally include wherein the resource allocation indicates a sub-channel allocated to the station, and further comprising: determining to respond to the trigger frame if first energy levels sensed on the sub-channel are below a first threshold for a pre-determined duration and second energy levels sensed on neighboring sub-channels are below a second threshold for a second predetermined time.

In Example 52, the subject matter of any of Examples 47-51 can optionally include performing transceiver functions coupled to means for retrieving and storing information.

In Example 53, the subject matter of Example 52 can optionally include transmitting and receiving radio waves.

Example 54 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for execution by one or more processors. The instructions are to configure the one or more processors to cause a wireless device to: decode a trigger frame comprising a resource allocation for the station; determine whether to respond to the trigger frame based on energy levels sensed on one or more channels of a bandwidth; and in response to determining to respond to the trigger frame, encode a frame and configure the station to transmit the frame in accordance with the resource allocation and in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 55, the subject matter of Examples 54 can optionally include wherein the one or more channels are 20 MHz channels or less and the bandwidth is one from the following group: 20 MHz, 40 Mhz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz.

In Example 56, the subject matter of Examples 54 can optionally include wherein the resource allocation comprises one or more sub-channels each are one from the following group: a multiple of 2.03 MHz, a multiple of exactly 26 data sub-carriers, and 20 MHz.

In Example 57, the subject matter of any of Examples 54-56 can optionally include wherein the resource allocation indicates a sub-channel allocated to the station, and wherein the instructions further configure the one or more processors to cause the wireless device to: determine to respond to the trigger frame if energy levels sensed on the sub-channel are below a threshold for a pre-determined duration.

In Example 58, the subject matter of any of Examples 54-57 can optionally include wherein the resource allocation indicates a sub-channel allocated to the station, and wherein the instructions further configure the one or more processors to cause the wireless device to: determine to respond to the trigger frame if first energy levels sensed on the sub-channel are below a first threshold for a pre-determined duration and second energy levels sensed on neighboring sub-channels are below a second threshold for a second predetermined time.