Determining multi-user or single user transmission for access point acknowledgement in a multi-user environment

In aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission, a wireless network system includes an access point that can communicate a downlink multi-user transmission soliciting acknowledgement from one or more station devices. The access point can receive an association request or an operation mode change request frame from one or more of the station devices, and determine an acknowledgement option for each of the station devices that communicate the request to the access point. The access point can then use a multi-user transmission mode or a single user transmission mode for each of the station devices based on the acknowledgement option determined for each of the respective station devices.

BACKGROUND

Computing devices, such as mobile phones, tablet devices, laptop computers and any other communication-enabled devices wirelessly communicate with access points, such as implemented in a Wi-Fi network. A mobile computing device is commonly referred to as a client device or “station” in a Wi-Fi network. Generally, a station may be any portable, mobile, or fixed computing device designed to be IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi) compliant with a media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface for wireless communication. A station communicates with an access point that is within communication range in the Wi-Fi network.

Generally, an access point, such as may be implemented in a router device, provides network connectivity for a Wi-Fi compliant device, such as a fixed or mobile computing device. Additionally, access points typically have a greater communication range than do the stations, which may vary in power-level capabilities, some being high-end stations with more of a communication range and others being low-end stations with less of a communication range. However, all of the stations need to be able to associate and communicate with an access point to enable wireless communication on the Wi-Fi network.

An access point may implement the single user (SU) sequential polled acknowledgement technique as provided for in IEEE 802.11ac, where multiple stations that receive a downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission from the access point respond to the access point in sequential order. For sequential acknowledgement, only one of the multiple stations that is the recipient of the DL MU PPDU (PLCP (PHY Layer Convergence Procedure) Protocol Data Unit) from the access point can solicit an acknowledgement (ACK). The data frame for one station will set its acknowledgement policy (the AMPDU (Aggregated-MAC Packet Data Unit)) as an immediate ACK while the data frames for other stations will be set as a block acknowledgement (BA) (i.e., AckPolicy “11” in QoS control field). In other words, each of the other stations will respond to a BlockACK Request (BAR) frame in sequential order.

Alternatively, an access point may implement a multi-user (MU) acknowledgement technique, such as provided for in the new IEEE 802.11ax protocol for High Efficiency WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) (HEW). The access point can communicate a downlink high efficiency multi-user (HE MU) PPDU, soliciting an acknowledgement from multiple stations that support uplink OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), such as in the new IEEE 802.11ax protocol. Communication efficiencies are improved with this association technique that provides parallel transmission for multiple stations. More than one station can solicit an immediate acknowledgement (i.e., each AMPDU has an QoS AckPolicy “01” in QoS control field), and each ACK/BA from the recipient stations is transmitted in independent resource units (RU).

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces concepts of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission, and the concepts are further described below in the Detailed Description and shown in the Figures. Accordingly, this Summary should not be considered to describe essential features nor used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an aspect of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission, an access point is implemented for wireless communication, and includes a transmitter component that communicates a downlink multi-user transmission soliciting acknowledgement from one or more station devices. A receiver component of the access point can then receive an association request from one or more of the station devices. A management entity of the access point can determine an acknowledgement option for each of the station devices that communicate packets to the access point. The management entity can then determine a multi-user transmission mode or a single user transmission mode for each of the station devices based on the acknowledgement option determined for each of the station devices.

A method implemented by an access point in a wireless communication network is described for acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission. The method includes communicating a downlink multi-user transmission soliciting acknowledgement from one or more station devices, and receiving an association request from one or more of the station devices. The method also includes determining an acknowledgement option for each of the or more station devices that communicate an association request or operation mode change request to the access point. The method further includes determining a multi-user transmission mode or a single user transmission mode for each of the station devices based on the acknowledgement option determined for each of the station devices.

In another aspect of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission, a wireless network system includes a station device that is implemented to detect a downlink multi-user transmission soliciting acknowledgement that is communicated in the wireless network system, and the station device communicates an association request to join the wireless network system. The wireless network system also includes an access point that is implemented to determine an acknowledgement option for the station device, and determine a multi-user transmission mode or a single user transmission mode for the station device based on the acknowledgement option determined for the station device.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques for acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission provide a mechanism for station devices to associate and communicate with an access point using a selected option to transmit acknowledgement. In particular, the described techniques provide multiple options for acknowledgement of HE MU PPDU (high efficiency multi-user PLCP (PHY Layer Convergence Procedure) Protocol Data Unit). The multiple options to acknowledge a downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission can be utilized for different station devices, such as when legacy polled single user (SU) acknowledgement is not an available option and for station devices that do not support uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission.

In implementations, an access point can communicate a downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission soliciting acknowledgement from station devices, where the DL MU transmission is communicated as a HE MU PPDU. The access point can previously receive association requests from different station devices that are within communication range of the access point and responding to the downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission. The access point is implemented to determine an acknowledgement option for each of the station devices that communicate an association request to the access point.

The access point can then use either a multi-user transmission mode or a single user transmission mode for each of the different station devices based on the acknowledgement option determined for each of the respective station devices. For example, the access point can use the multi-user transmission mode for a station device that supports uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission, where the multi-user transmission mode uses polled uplink single user (UL SU) transmission mode with MU BAR (multi-user block acknowledgement request) to solicit the acknowledgement in an uplink OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) message. Alternatively, the access point can use the single user transmission mode for a station device that does not support uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission, where the single user transmission mode is a polled uplink single user (UL SU) sequential transmission mode used to acknowledge the access point.

While features and concepts of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission can be implemented in any number of different devices, systems, environments, and/or configurations, aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission are described in the context of the following example devices, systems, and methods.

FIG. 1illustrates an example system100in which aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission can be implemented. In particular, the described techniques provide options for acknowledgement of HE MU PPDU (high efficiency multi-user PLCP (PHY Layer Convergence Procedure) Protocol Data Unit). The example system100includes an access point102, such as a router device implemented in a Wi-Fi network for wireless communications within a communication range104of the access point. Station devices106can associate and wirelessly communicate with the access point102when located within the communication range104of the access point. A mobile phone, tablet device, or laptop computer are examples of computing devices that may be commonly referred to as a client device or “station” in a Wi-Fi network. Generally, a station device106may be any IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi) compliant portable, mobile, or fixed computing device with a media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface for wireless communication. Although only two station devices are shown in the example system100, any number of station devices106may be included in the examples and implementations described herein.

In this example system100, the access point102can be implemented to support a multi-user (MU) acknowledgement association technique, such as uplink OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) provided for in the new IEEE 802.11ax protocol for High Efficiency WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) (HEW). However, some station devices106that associate and wirelessly communicate with the access point102may not support uplink multi-user (UL-MU) operation. Additionally, some of the station devices106may only have low-power capabilities and/or do not have enough range to communicate with the access point.

For a station device106that is implemented for single user (SU) sequential acknowledgement, such as provided for in IEEE 802.11ac, the current multi-user (MU) acknowledgement protocol is not changed to facilitate aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission as described herein. The access point102can limit the use cases in which HE MU PPDU carries more than one MAC Packet Data Unit (MPDU) requesting an acknowledgement (ACK). However, as noted above for some extended range communications, a station device106operating in the single user (SU) mode may not have the communication range to reach the access point102.

For a station device106that is implemented for immediate acknowledgement using high efficiency trigger (HE TR) PPDU, the access point102can schedule the uplink OFDMA transmission, and the station device106selects a frequency portion of the downlink frame by which to reply to the access point102, such as a 2 MHz bandwidth of the 20 MHz downlink frame. Initially, the station device106can detect a downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission communicated from the access point102as the 20 MHz downlink frame when the station device106is located within or coming into the communication range104of the access point. The station device106can detect and then randomly select the frequency portion of the downlink frame by which to reply to the access point102, which provides an extended communication range for a low-end station device that may have less power and a limited communication range to reach the access point.

In a station device106implemented for immediate acknowledgement, HE MU PPDU contains multiple MPDUs intended for multiple station devices106that solicit for acknowledgement (ACK), but a BA (Block ACK) session has not yet been established between the access point102and the station devices. In implementations of the IEEE 802.11ac protocol, the access point102and the station devices106already have the BA (Block ACK) session, so the access point102can communicate aggregated MPDUs to a station device106and request a block acknowledgement. However, this may not be the implementation in the next generation protocol IEEE 802.11ax because there is a single MPDU, rather than a block acknowledgement (Block ACK) session, and the access point102cannot send a block acknowledgement request (BAR). The uplink multi-user (UL MU) operation is optional, but if supported by a station device106, mandating association acknowledgement using HE TR PPDU would be the better communication protocol choice over the single user (SU) sequential acknowledgement protocol.

In a wireless network system (e.g., the example system100), a station device106may not support uplink multi-user (UL MU) operation, and as noted above, a station device106operating in a legacy single user (SU) mode may not have the communication range to reach the access point102. A communication sequence108is shown to illustrate the communications between the access point102and the station devices106in implementations of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission. Initially, the access point communicates a downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission110soliciting acknowledgement from one or more of the station devices106. A station device106receives the DL MU transmission110that is communicated from the access point102, and can then communicate an association request112back to the access point. The association request112may be communicated in an uplink OFDMA mode to the access point102at the selected frequency (e.g., in the selected portion of the 20 MHz downlink frame).

The access point102receives the association request112from one or more of the station devices106. During association, the access point102can determine whether a particular station device106can support uplink MU operation. If the station device does support uplink MU operation, then the access point102can schedule the acknowledgement using uplink multi-user (UL MU) OFDMA operation for the station device. If the station device106does not support uplink MU operation, then the access point102can use a polled single user (SU) operation similar to block acknowledgement request and acknowledgement response. The access point102can then communicate an association response114as an acknowledgement (ACK)116back to station devices106that have communicated an association request112to the access point.

During the association operation, a particular station device106can notify the access point102that it would be better to communicate with each other using a triggered uplink single user (UL SU) operation. For example, the device106may be within close communication range when initially connected (i.e., communicatively linked for wireless communication) with the access point102, but then move and change transmission modes as the communication range between the two devices increases. The access point102can solicit ACK/BA accordingly based on the capability and operation mode of the station device106. Accordingly, for QoS Data frames, the AckPolicy can be selected for the operation and the BA/ACK determined based on whether trigger-based UL SU mode is used. Additionally, the access point102can group different ones of the station devices106together to request acknowledgement.

FIG. 2illustrates an example200of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission using a polled uplink single user sequential transmission mode. The example200includes a timeline202that shows the access point102implemented for HE MU PPDU204(high efficiency multi-user PLCP (PHY Layer Convergence Procedure) Protocol Data Unit). Three of the four different station devices106, STA1, STA3, and STA4 do not support uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission, in which case the polled uplink single user sequential transmission mode is used to communicate the acknowledgement116to the three station devices106. As noted above, these three station devices106and STA2 may not have enough range to communicate with the access point102, yet are requesting block acknowledgement (BA) using narrow band transmission. Additionally, the trigger frame (TF)208soliciting the ACK could be aggregated with the MPDU in HE MU PPDU204.

FIG. 3illustrates examples300of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission with variations using the polled uplink single user sequential transmission mode shown inFIG. 2. The examples300include a timeline302that shows the access point102implemented for HE MU PPDU304and two station devices106, STA1 and STA2 that do not support uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission and are low-power station devices. For triggered uplink single user (UL SU) used to collect the ACK/BA, the trigger frame (TF)306can be transmitted after the Short Interframe Space (SIFS) time of the previous ACK/BA or HE MU PPDU. Additionally, the first trigger frame (TF)306may be aggregated with the MPDU(s) in HE MU PPDU304. The examples300also include a timeline308that shows the access point102implemented for HE MU PPDU310and two station devices106, STA1 and STA2 that do not support uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission and are low-power station devices. In this variation, all of the trigger frames (e.g., that indicate which station device to send back an acknowledgement) for triggered UL SU can be aggregated with the MPDU(s) in HE MU PPDU, where each ACK in an UL SU will be SIFS apart.

FIG. 4illustrates an example400of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission using polled uplink single user (UL SU) transmission mode with MU BAR (multi-user block acknowledgement request). The example400includes a timeline402that shows the access point102implemented for HE MU PPDU404and a station device106, STA2 that does not support uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission and is a low-power station device (or at an extended communication range away from the access point). Generally, the station device106, STA1 is implemented for single user (SU) sequential acknowledgement. The station devices106, STA3 and STA4 support uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission, in which case multi-user block acknowledgement request (MU-BAR)406can be used to solicit simultaneous BA/ACKs, such as in an uplink OFDMA message (OFDMA PPDU multi-user packet). This MU-BAR is a hybrid mode used to manage the different station devices106, combining sequential acknowledgement and MU mode with defined block acknowledgement request frames use to indicate the solicitation of ACK, such as by using one of the reserved options in B1-B3of the BAR control filed to signal an ACK request.

FIG. 5illustrates an example computing device500in which aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission can be implemented. The example computing device500is representative of a computing device implemented for communication in a Wi-Fi network system, such as the station devices106, or as the access point102, as shown and described with reference toFIG. 1. The example device500may be implemented as any one or combination of a tablet computer, computing device, communication, entertainment, gaming, navigation, and/or other type of electronic or computing device. The computing device500can be implemented with various components, such as a processing system (e.g., the processor502), memory504, a power source (e.g., a battery for mobile devices) to power device components, and with any number and combination of different components as further described with reference to the example device shown inFIG. 8. The memory504can be implemented as any suitable memory device or electronic data storage in the computing device to store device and application data, as well as device applications, such as an operating system of the computing device.

As a communication-enabled device, the computing device500can include radio systems506implemented for data and voice communication. The different radio systems506may include, but are not limited to, a Wi-Fi system508, Bluetooth™, Mobile Broadband, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Near Field Communication (NFC), or any other wired or wireless communication system or format, configured for communication via respective LANs, WANs, and wireless networks. The Wi-Fi system508includes a receiver510and a transmitter512, both of which may be implemented as integrated components of a transceiver514.

Generally, the computing device500is implemented for IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) compliance, such as for the new IEEE 802.11ax protocol for High Efficiency WLAN, with a media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface for wireless communication. The MAC includes a management entity516that assigns the association identifier (AID)518for the association communications520, such as between the access point102and the station devices106.

The management entity516can be implemented as a software application or module, such as computer-executable software instructions that are executable with the processor502(or with a processing system) to implement aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission as described herein. The management entity516can be stored on computer-readable storage memory (e.g., the device memory504), such as any suitable memory device or electronic data storage implemented in the computing device. Although shown as a separate module or component in memory504, the management entity516may be integrated as a module or component of the Wi-Fi system508, or with any computer applications, such as an operating system of the computing device.

As noted above, the access point102as shown and described with reference toFIG. 1, may be implemented as the computing device500for wireless communication in a Wi-Fi network system. The transmitter512(e.g., a transmitter component of the transceiver514of the Wi-Fi system508) can communicate the downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission110soliciting acknowledgement from one or more of the station devices106, such as shown and described with reference toFIG. 1. The DL MU transmission110can be communicated as a HE MU PPDU soliciting the acknowledgement from the one or more station devices. The receiver510(e.g., a receiver component of the transceiver514of the Wi-Fi system508) can then receive association requests112from one or more of the station devices106that are within the communication range104of the access point102and respond to the downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission110.

The management entity516(e.g., of the access point102) can determine an acknowledgement option for each of the station devices106that communicate an association request112to the access point102, and then determine either a multi-user transmission mode522or a single user transmission mode524for each of the different station devices106based on the acknowledgement option determined for each of the respective station devices. For example, the management entity516can use the multi-user transmission mode522for a station device106that supports uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission, where the multi-user transmission mode522uses polled uplink single user (UL SU) transmission mode with MU BAR (multi-user block acknowledgement request) to solicit the acknowledgement in an uplink OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) message. Alternatively, the management entity516can use the single user transmission mode524for a station device106that does not support uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission, where the single user transmission mode524is a polled uplink single user (UL SU) sequential transmission mode used to acknowledge the access point. The transmitter512can then communicate a corresponding QoS Ack Policy in a downlink data frame, and optionally in a polling frame, to each of the station devices106based on the determined acknowledgement option for each of the respective station devices.

In other aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission, the management entity516(e.g., of the access point102) can receive an indication from a station device as to which transmission mode the station device can utilize. For example, the receiver510can receive a notification from a station device106as to whether the station device can acknowledge the downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission110using the multi-user transmission mode522or the single user transmission mode524. The management entity516can then determine the acknowledgement option for the station device106based on the notification received from the station device. The management entity516may also allocate one of the multi-user transmission mode522or the single user transmission mode524to a station device106and, then based on communication range between the station device106and the access point102, switch the transmission mode for the station device, such as to maximize bandwidth usage for an extended range of communication to maintain the communication link between the devices.

Generally, the Wi-Fi system508and the management entity516may be implemented and/or described in the general context of software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuitry), applications, modules, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, any of the components of the computing device500, such as the processor502, the memory504, and the radio systems506may be implemented as a system-on-chip (SoC) in the computing device500, such as described with reference to the example SoC shown inFIG. 6. Further, although the memory504is shown as a separate component in the computing device500, the processor502(e.g., a microcontroller) can include the memory as a memory and processing system.

FIG. 6illustrates an example system-on-chip (SoC)600, which can implement various aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission. The example SoC may be implemented in any type of computing device, such as the computing device500described with reference toFIG. 5that can be any type of computer, a tablet device, mobile phone, multimedia device, printer, or other computing and/or electronic device. The SoC500can be integrated with electronic circuitry, a microprocessor, memory, input-output (I/O) logic control, communication interfaces and components, as well as other hardware, firmware, and/or software to implement the computing device500.

In this example, the SoC600is integrated with a microprocessor602(e.g., any of a microcontroller or digital signal processor) and input-output (I/O) logic control604(e.g., to include electronic circuitry). The SoC600includes a memory device controller606and a memory device608, such as any type of a nonvolatile memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage device. The SoC600can also include various firmware and/or software, such as an operating system610and a management entity612that are maintained by the memory device608and executed by the microprocessor. The SoC600can also include a dynamic memory, which along with the microprocessor602, can be implemented as a microcontroller on the SoC.

The SoC600includes a device interface614to interface with a device or other peripheral component, such as when installed in the computing device500as described herein. In this example, the SoC600also includes one or more radio systems616, such as the radio systems506that are shown and described with reference to the computing device500inFIG. 5, to include a Wi-Fi system618. Alternatively, the radio systems616can be implemented as hardware, in firmware, as fixed logic circuitry, or as any combination thereof that is implemented in connection with the I/O logic control604and/or other processing and control circuits of the SoC600. The SoC600also includes an integrated data bus620that couples the various components of the SoC for data communication between the components. The data bus in the SoC may also be implemented as any one or a combination of different bus structures and/or bus architectures.

Example method700is described with reference toFIG. 7in accordance with one or more aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission. Generally, any of the components, modules, methods, and operations described herein can be implemented using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuitry), manual processing, or any combination thereof. Some operations of the example methods may be described in the general context of executable instructions stored on computer-readable storage memory that is local and/or remote to a computer processing system, and some implementations can include software applications, programs, functions, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, any of the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components, such as, and without limitation, Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SoCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and the like.

FIG. 7illustrates example method(s)700of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission, and is generally described with reference to the example system shown and described with reference toFIG. 1. The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method operations can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternate method.

At702, an association request is received from one or more of the station devices. For example, the access point102receives an association request112from one or more of the station devices106that are within the communication range104of the access point102and respond to the downlink multi-user (DL MU) transmission110.

At704, an acknowledgement option is determined for each of the station devices that communicate an association request or an operation mode change request to the access point. For example, the management entity516implemented by the access point102determines an acknowledgement option for each of the station devices106that communicate an association request112or an operation mode change request to the access point.

At706, an indication is received from a station device as to which transmission mode the station device can utilize. For example, the management entity516implemented by the access point102receives an indication from a station device106as to which transmission mode the station device can utilize, such as the multi-user transmission mode522or the single user transmission mode524. The management entity516of the access point102can receive a notification from a station device106as to whether the station device can acknowledge the downlink multi-user transmission110using the multi-user transmission mode522or the single user transmission mode524. The management entity516can then determine the acknowledgement option for the station device106based on the notification received from the station device.

At708, a multi-user transmission mode or a single user transmission mode is used for each of the station devices based on the acknowledgement option determined for each of the respective station devices. Alternatively or in addition, the multi-user transmission mode or the single user transmission mode is determined for a station device that communicates an indication as to which transmission mode the station device can utilize (i.e., block708). For example, the management entity516implemented by the access point102determines the multi-user transmission mode522or the single user transmission mode524for each of the station devices106based on the acknowledgement option determined for each of the respective station devices.

The multi-user transmission mode522is used for a station device106that supports uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission, where the multi-user transmission mode522uses polled uplink single user (UL SU) transmission mode with MU BAR (multi-user block acknowledgement request) to solicit the acknowledgement in an uplink OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) message. Alternatively, the single user transmission mode524is used for a station device106that does not support uplink multi-user (UL MU) transmission, where the single user transmission mode524is a polled uplink single user sequential transmission mode used to acknowledge the access point.

At710, a corresponding QoS ACK Policy is communicated in a downlink data frame and/or in a polling frame to each of the station devices based on the determined acknowledgement option for each of the respective station devices. For example, the access point102communicates a corresponding QoS ACK Policy in a downlink data frame and/or in a polling frame to each of the station devices106based on the determined acknowledgement option for each of the respective station devices.

At712, the transmission mode for a station device is switched based on the communication range between the station device and the access point. For example, the management entity516uses the multi-user transmission mode522or the single user transmission mode524for a station device106and, based on the communication range between the station device and the access point, the transmission mode for the station device is switched. In an implementation, the transmission mode can be switched from the multi-user transmission mode522to the single user transmission mode524to maintain the communication link between the access point102and the station device106.

At714, a downlink multi-user transmission is communicated soliciting acknowledgement from one or more station devices. For example, the access point102communicates the downlink multi-user transmission110soliciting acknowledgement from one or more of the station devices106. The downlink multi-user transmission110is communicated as a high efficiency multi-user (HE MU) PPDU (PLCP (PHY Layer Convergence Procedure) Protocol Data Unit) soliciting the acknowledgement from the one or more station devices106.

FIG. 8illustrates various components of an example device800that can be implemented as any of the devices or systems described with reference to the previousFIGS. 1-7, such as any type of a computing device500as described with reference toFIG. 5. The device800may also be implemented to include the example system-on-chip (SoC) described with reference toFIG. 6. The device800may be associated with a user (i.e., a person) and/or an entity that operates the device such that a device describes logical devices that include software, firmware, hardware, and/or a combination of devices.

The device800includes communication devices802that enable wired and/or wireless communication of device data804, such as received data, data that is communicated between devices, data packets of the data, etc. The device800also includes one or more data inputs806via which any type of data, media content, and/or inputs can be received, such as user-selectable inputs and any other type of audio, video, and/or image data received from any content and/or data source. The data inputs806may include USB ports, coaxial cable, and other serial or parallel connectors (including internal connectors) for flash memory, DVDs, CDs, and the like. The data inputs can be used to couple the device to internal and/or external components, peripherals, and accessories, such as keyboards, microphones, cameras, and any other types of devices.

The device800also includes communication interfaces808, such as any one or more of a serial, parallel, network, or wireless interface. The communication interfaces provide a connection and/or communication links between the device and a network by which other electronic, computing, and communication devices communicate data with the device. Although not shown, the device800can include a system bus or data transfer system that couples the various components within the device. A system bus can include any one or combination of different bus structures, such as a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a processor or local bus that utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures.

The device800includes one or more processors810(e.g., any of microprocessors, controllers, and the like), or a processor and memory system (e.g., implemented in an SoC), which processes computer-executable instructions to control the operation of the device. Alternatively or in addition, the device800can be implemented with any one or combination of software, hardware, firmware, or fixed logic circuitry that is implemented in connection with processing and control circuits which are generally identified at812.

The device800also includes one or more memory devices814(e.g., computer-readable storage memory) that enables data storage, such as random access memory (RAM), nonvolatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), and a disk storage device. The memory devices814can be accessed by a computing device, and provide persistent storage of data and executable instructions (e.g., software applications, modules, programs, functions, and the like). A disk storage device may be implemented as any type of magnetic or optical storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a recordable and/or rewriteable disc, and the like. The device may also include a mass storage media device. Computer-readable storage memory can be any suitable electronic data storage in various memory device configurations that are accessed by a computing device.

A memory device814provides data storage to store the device data804, other types of information and/or data, and device applications816. For example, an operating system818can be maintained as a software application with the memory device and executed by a processor810. The device applications may also include a device manager or controller, such as any form of a control application, software application, signal processing and control module, code that is native to a particular device, a hardware abstraction layer for a particular device, and so on. In this example, the device800also includes a management entity820of a Wi-Fi system, such as when the device800is implemented as the access point102or as the station device106, as shown and described with reference to the previousFIGS. 1-7.

The device800may also include an audio and/or video processing system822that generates audio data for an audio system824and/or generates display data for a display system826. The audio system and/or the display system may include any devices that process, display, and/or otherwise render audio, video, display, and/or image data. In implementations, the audio system and/or the display system are external components to the device. Alternatively, the audio system and/or the display system are integrated components of the example device.

Further aspects of the present invention relate to one or more of the following clauses. An access point implemented for wireless communication comprises a transmitter component configured to communicate a downlink multi-user transmission soliciting acknowledgement from one or more station devices; a receiver component configured to receive an association request from one or more of the station devices; a management entity configured to: determine an acknowledgement option for each of the one or more station devices that communicate packets to the access point; and determine a multi-user transmission mode or a single user transmission mode for each of the one or more station devices based on the acknowledgement option determined for each of the one or more station devices.

The downlink multi-user transmission is a high efficiency multi-user (HE MU) PPDU (PLCP (PHY Layer Convergence Procedure) Protocol Data Unit) soliciting the acknowledgement from the one or more station devices. The management entity is configured to allocate a resource unit to a station device that supports uplink multi-user transmission, and the multi-user transmission mode uses polled uplink single user transmission mode with MU BAR (multi-user block acknowledgement request) to solicit the acknowledgement in an uplink OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) message. The management entity is configured to communicate in the single user transmission mode to a station device that does not support uplink multi-user transmission, and the single user transmission mode is a polled uplink single user sequential transmission mode used to acknowledge the access point. The management entity receives an indication from a station device as to which transmission mode the station device can utilize. The receiver component is configured to receive a notification from a station device as to whether the station device can acknowledge the downlink multi-user transmission using the multi-user transmission mode or the single user transmission mode; and the management entity is configured to determine the acknowledgement option for the station device based on the notification received from the station device. The transmitter component is configured to communicate a corresponding QoS Ack Policy in at least one of a downlink data frame and a polling frame to each of the one or more station devices based on the determined acknowledgement option for each of the respective station devices. The management entity is configured to use one of the multi-user transmission mode or the single user transmission mode for a station device and, based on communication range between the station device and the access point, switch the transmission mode for the station device to transmit the acknowledgement.

A method is implemented by an access point in a wireless communication network, the method comprising communicating a downlink multi-user transmission soliciting acknowledgement from one or more station devices; receiving an association request from one or more of the station devices; determining an acknowledgement option for each of the one or more station devices that communicate an association request or an operation mode change request to the access point; and determining a multi-user transmission mode or a single user transmission mode for each of the one or more station devices based on the acknowledgement option determined for each of the one or more station devices.

The communicating the downlink multi-user transmission is a high efficiency multi-user (HE MU) PPDU (PLCP (PHY Layer Convergence Procedure) Protocol Data Unit) soliciting the acknowledgement from the one or more station devices. The method further comprises using the multi-user transmission mode for a station device that supports uplink multi-user transmission, to include the multi-user transmission mode using polled uplink single user transmission mode with MU BAR (multi-user block acknowledgement request) to solicit the acknowledgement in an uplink OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) message. The method further comprises using the single user transmission mode for to a station device that does not support uplink multi-user transmission, to include the single user transmission mode being a polled uplink single user sequential transmission mode used to acknowledge the access point. The method further comprising receiving an indication from a station device as to which transmission mode the station device can utilize. The method further comprising receiving a notification from a station device as to whether the station device can acknowledge the downlink multi-user transmission using the multi-user transmission mode or the single user transmission mode; and determining the acknowledgement option for the station device based on the notification received from the station device. The method further comprising communicating a corresponding QoS ACK Policy in at least one of a downlink data frame and a polling frame to each of the one or more station devices based on the determined acknowledgement option for each of the respective station devices, and using one of the multi-user transmission mode or the single user transmission mode for a station device and, based on communication range between the station device and the access point, switching the transmission mode for the station device.

A wireless network system comprises a station device configured to: detect a downlink multi-user transmission soliciting acknowledgement that is communicated in the wireless network system; and communicate an association request to join the wireless network system. The wireless network system also comprises an access point configured to: determine an acknowledgement option for the station device; and determine a multi-user transmission mode or a single user transmission mode for the station device based on the acknowledgement option determined for the station device.

The access point is configured to one of: use the multi-user transmission mode for the station device to transmit back the acknowledgement simultaneously if the station device supports uplink multi-user transmission, the multi-user transmission mode using polled uplink single user transmission mode with MU BAR (multi-user block acknowledgement request) to solicit the acknowledgement in an uplink OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) message; or use the single user transmission mode for the station device if the station device does not support uplink multi-user transmission, the single user transmission mode being a polled uplink single user sequential transmission mode used to acknowledge the access point.

Although aspects of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission have been described in language specific to features and/or methods, the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather the specific features and methods are disclosed as example implementations of acknowledgement options for downlink multi-user transmission, and other equivalent features and methods are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Further, various different aspects are described and it is to be appreciated that each described aspect can be implemented independently or in connection with one or more other described aspects.