APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DURING A TRANSMIT OPPORTUNITY (TXOP)

For example, a wireless communication device may be configured to transmit a reservation frame to reserve a wireless communication medium for a Transmit Opportunity (TxOP). For example, the TxOP may be configured to cover a first reserved duration and a second reserved duration. For example, the first reserved duration may be configured for at least one self-transmission of the STA, and the second reserved duration may be configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the STA. For example, the wireless communication device may be configured to transmit the at least one self-transmission during the first duration. For example, the self-transmission may be configured for transmission from a transmitter of the STA to a receiver of the STA.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects described herein generally relate to wireless communication during a Transmit Opportunity (TxOP).

BACKGROUND

A wireless communication device may communicate one or more self-transmissions.

A self-transmission may include, for example, a transmission from a transmitter of the wireless communication device to a receiver of the wireless communication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some aspects. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that some aspects may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.

References to “one aspect”, “an aspect”, “demonstrative aspect”, “various aspects” etc., indicate that the aspect(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every aspect necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one aspect” does not necessarily refer to the same aspect, although it may.

Some aspects may be used in conjunction with devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing IEEE 802.11 standards (including IEEE 802.11-2020 (IEEE802.11-2020, IEEE Standard for Information Technology—Telecommunications and Information Exchange between Systems Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Specific Requirements; Part11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control(MAC)and Physical Layer(PHY)Specifications, December, 2020)) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing cellular specifications and/or protocols, and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, units and/or devices which are part of the above networks, and the like.

The term “communicating” as used herein with respect to a communication signal includes transmitting the communication signal and/or receiving the communication signal. For example, a communication unit, which is capable of communicating a communication signal, may include a transmitter to transmit the communication signal to at least one other communication unit, and/or a communication receiver to receive the communication signal from at least one other communication unit. The verb communicating may be used to refer to the action of transmitting or the action of receiving. In one example, the phrase “communicating a signal” may refer to the action of transmitting the signal by a first device, and may not necessarily include the action of receiving the signal by a second device. In another example, the phrase “communicating a signal” may refer to the action of receiving the signal by a first device, and may not necessarily include the action of transmitting the signal by a second device. The communication signal may be transmitted and/or received, for example, in the form of Radio Frequency (RF) communication signals, and/or any other type of signal.

Some demonstrative aspects may be used in conjunction with a WLAN, e.g., a WiFi network. Other aspects may be used in conjunction with any other suitable wireless communication network, for example, a wireless area network, a “piconet”, a WPAN, a WVAN and the like.

Some demonstrative aspects may be used in conjunction with a wireless communication network communicating over a sub-10 Gigahertz (GHz) frequency band, for example, a 2.4 GHz frequency band, a 5 GHz frequency band, a 6 GHz frequency band, and/or any other frequency band below 10 GHz.

Some demonstrative aspects may be used in conjunction with a wireless communication network communicating over an Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band (also referred to as the “millimeter wave (mmWave)” frequency band), for example, a frequency band within the frequency band of between 20 Ghz and 300 GHz, for example, a frequency band above 45 GHz, e.g., a 60 GHz frequency band, and/or any other mmWave frequency band.

Some demonstrative aspects may be used in conjunction with a wireless communication network communicating over the sub-10 GHz frequency band and/or the mmWave frequency band, e.g., as described below. However, other aspects may be implemented utilizing any other suitable wireless communication frequency bands, for example, a 5G frequency band, a frequency band below 20 GHz, a Sub 1 GHz (SIG) band, a WLAN frequency band, a WPAN frequency band, and the like.

Reference is made toFIG.1, which schematically illustrates a system100, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects.

As shown inFIG.1, in some demonstrative aspects, system100may include one or more wireless communication devices. For example, system100may include a wireless communication device102, a wireless communication device140, a wireless communication device160, and/or one more other devices.

In some demonstrative aspects, devices102,140, and/or160may include a mobile device or a non-mobile, e.g., a static, device.

For example, devices102,140, and/or160may include, for example, a UE, an MD, a STA, an AP, a Smartphone, a PC, a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, an Ultrabook™ computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, an Internet of Things (IOT) device, a sensor device, a handheld device, a wearable device, a PDA device, a handheld PDA device, an on-board device, an off-board device, a hybrid device (e.g., combining cellular phone functionalities with PDA device functionalities), a consumer device, a vehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a mobile or portable device, a non-mobile or non-portable device, a mobile phone, a cellular telephone, a PCS device, a PDA device which incorporates a wireless communication device, a mobile or portable GPS device, a DVB device, a relatively small computing device, a non-desktop computer, a “Carry Small Live Large” (CSLL) device, an Ultra Mobile Device (UMD), an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), a Mobile Internet Device (MID), an “Origami” device or computing device, a device that supports Dynamically Composable Computing (DCC), a context-aware device, a video device, an audio device, an A/V device, a Set-Top-Box (STB), a video source, an audio source, a video sink, an audio sink, a stereo tuner, a broadcast radio receiver, a digital audio player, a speaker, an audio receiver, an audio amplifier, a gaming device, a data source, a data sink, a media player, a television, a music player, a smart device such as, for example, lamps, climate control, car components, household components, appliances, and the like.

In some demonstrative aspects, device102may include, for example, one or more of a processor191, an input unit192, an output unit193, a memory unit194, and/or a storage unit195; and/or device140may include, for example, one or more of a processor181, an input unit182, an output unit183, a memory unit184, and/or a storage unit185. Devices102and/or140may optionally include other suitable hardware components and/or software components. In some demonstrative aspects, some or all of the components of one or more of devices102and/or140may be enclosed in a common housing or packaging, and may be interconnected or operably associated using one or more wired or wireless links. In other aspects, components of one or more of devices102and/or140may be distributed among multiple or separate devices.

In some demonstrative aspects, memory unit194and/or memory unit184includes, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SD-RAM), a flash memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a cache memory, a buffer, a short term memory unit, a long term memory unit, or other suitable memory units. Storage unit195and/or storage unit185may include, for example, a hard disk drive, a disk drive, a solid-state drive (SSD), and/or other suitable removable or non-removable storage units. Memory unit194and/or storage unit195, for example, may store data processed by device102. Memory unit184and/or storage unit185, for example, may store data processed by device140.

In some demonstrative aspects, wireless communication devices102,140, and/or160may be capable of communicating content, data, information and/or signals via a wireless medium (WM)103. In some demonstrative aspects, wireless medium103may include, for example, a radio channel, a cellular channel, an RF channel, a Wi-Fi channel, a 5G channel, an IR channel, a Bluetooth (BT) channel, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Channel, and the like.

In some demonstrative aspects, WM103may include one or more wireless communication frequency bands and/or channels. For example, WM103may include one or more channels in a sub-10 Ghz wireless communication frequency band, for example, one or more channels in a 2.4 GHz wireless communication frequency band, one or more channels in a 5 GHz wireless communication frequency band, and/or one or more channels in a 6 GHz wireless communication frequency band. For example, WM103may additionally or alternatively include one or more channels in a mmWave wireless communication frequency band. In other aspects, WM103may include any other type of channel over any other frequency band.

In some demonstrative aspects, device102, device140, and/or device160may include one or more radios including circuitry and/or logic to perform wireless communication between devices102,140,160, and/or one or more other wireless communication devices. For example, device102may include at least one radio114, and/or device140may include at least one radio144.

In some demonstrative aspects, radio114and/or radio144may include one or more wireless receivers (Rx) including circuitry and/or logic to receive wireless communication signals, RF signals, frames, blocks, transmission streams, packets, messages, data items, and/or data. For example, radio114may include at least one receiver116, and/or radio144may include at least one receiver146.

In some demonstrative aspects, radio114and/or radio144may include one or more wireless transmitters (Tx) including circuitry and/or logic to transmit wireless communication signals, RF signals, frames, blocks, transmission streams, packets, messages, data items, and/or data. For example, radio114may include at least one transmitter118, and/or radio144may include at least one transmitter148.

In some demonstrative aspects, radios114and/or144may be configured to communicate over a 2.4 GHz band, a 5 GHz band, a 6 GHz band, a mmWave band, and/or any other band, for example, a 5G band, an S1G band, and/or any other band.

In some demonstrative aspects, radios114and/or144may include, or may be associated with one or more antennas.

In some demonstrative aspects, device102may include one or more, e.g., a single antenna or a plurality of, antennas107, and/or device140may include on or more, e.g., a single antenna or-a plurality of, antennas147.

Antennas107and/or147may include any type of antennas suitable for transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals, blocks, frames, transmission streams, packets, messages and/or data. For example, antennas107and/or147may include any suitable configuration, structure and/or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies and/or arrays. Antennas107and/or147may include, for example, antennas suitable for directional communication, e.g., using beamforming techniques. For example, antennas107and/or147may include a single antenna, a plurality of antennas, a phased array antenna, a multiple element antenna, a set of switched beam antennas, and/or the like. In some aspects, antennas107and/or147may implement transmit and receive functionalities using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In some aspects, antennas107and/or147may implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and/or integrated transmit/receive elements.

In some demonstrative aspects, antennas107and/or antennas147may be connected to, and/or associated with, one or more Radio Frequency (RF) chains.

In some demonstrative aspects, device102may include a controller124, and/or device140may include a controller154. Controller124may be configured to perform and/or to trigger, cause, instruct and/or control device102to perform, one or more communications, to generate and/or communicate one or more messages and/or transmissions, and/or to perform one or more functionalities, operations and/or procedures between devices102,140,160and/or one or more other devices; and/or controller154may be configured to perform, and/or to trigger, cause, instruct and/or control device140to perform, one or more communications, to generate and/or communicate one or more messages and/or transmissions, and/or to perform one or more functionalities, operations and/or procedures between devices102,140,160and/or one or more other devices, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controllers124and/or154may include, or may be implemented, partially or entirely, by circuitry and/or logic, e.g., one or more processors including circuitry and/or logic, memory circuitry and/or logic, Media-Access Control (MAC) circuitry and/or logic, Physical Layer (PHY) circuitry and/or logic, baseband (BB) circuitry and/or logic, a BB processor, a BB memory, Application Processor (AP) circuitry and/or logic, an AP processor, an AP memory, and/or any other circuitry and/or logic, configured to perform the functionality of controllers124and/or154, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of controllers124and/or154may be implemented by logic, which may be executed by a machine and/or one or more processors, e.g., as described below.

In one example, controller124may include circuitry and/or logic, for example, one or more processors including circuitry and/or logic, to cause, trigger and/or control a wireless device, e.g., device102, and/or a wireless station, e.g., a wireless STA implemented by device102, to perform one or more operations, communications and/or functionalities, e.g., as described herein. In one example, controller124may include at least one memory, e.g., coupled to the one or more processors, which may be configured, for example, to store, e.g., at least temporarily, at least some of the information processed by the one or more processors and/or circuitry, and/or which may be configured to store logic to be utilized by the processors and/or circuitry.

In one example, controller154may include circuitry and/or logic, for example, one or more processors including circuitry and/or logic, to cause, trigger and/or control a wireless device, e.g., device140, and/or a wireless station, e.g., a wireless STA implemented by device140, to perform one or more operations, communications and/or functionalities, e.g., as described herein. In one example, controller154may include at least one memory, e.g., coupled to the one or more processors, which may be configured, for example, to store, e.g., at least temporarily, at least some of the information processed by the one or more processors and/or circuitry, and/or which may be configured to store logic to be utilized by the processors and/or circuitry.

In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of controller124may be implemented as part of one or more elements of radio114, and/or at least part of the functionality of controller154may be implemented as part of one or more elements of radio144.

In other aspects, the functionality of controller124may be implemented as part of any other element of device102, and/or the functionality of controller154may be implemented as part of any other element of device140.

In some demonstrative aspects, device102may include a message processor128configured to generate, process and/or access one or messages communicated by device102.

In one example, message processor128may be configured to generate one or more messages to be transmitted by device102, and/or message processor128may be configured to access and/or to process one or more messages received by device102, e.g., as described below.

In one example, message processor128may include at least one first component configured to generate a message, for example, in the form of a frame, field, information element and/or protocol data unit, for example, a MAC Protocol Data Unit (MPDU); at least one second component configured to convert the message into a PHY Protocol Data Unit (PPDU), for example, by processing the message generated by the at least one first component, e.g., by encoding the message, modulating the message and/or performing any other additional or alternative processing of the message; and/or at least one third component configured to cause transmission of the message over a wireless communication medium, e.g., over a wireless communication channel in a wireless communication frequency band, for example, by applying to one or more fields of the PPDU one or more transmit waveforms. In other aspects, message processor128may be configured to perform any other additional or alternative functionality and/or may include any other additional or alternative components to generate and/or process a message to be transmitted.

In some demonstrative aspects, device140may include a message processor158configured to generate, process and/or access one or messages communicated by device140.

In one example, message processor158may be configured to generate one or more messages to be transmitted by device140, and/or message processor158may be configured to access and/or to process one or more messages received by device140, e.g., as described below.

In one example, message processor158may include at least one first component configured to generate a message, for example, in the form of a frame, field, information element and/or protocol data unit, for example, an MPDU; at least one second component configured to convert the message into a PPDU, for example, by processing the message generated by the at least one first component, e.g., by encoding the message, modulating the message and/or performing any other additional or alternative processing of the message; and/or at least one third component configured to cause transmission of the message over a wireless communication medium, e.g., over a wireless communication channel in a wireless communication frequency band, for example, by applying to one or more fields of the PPDU one or more transmit waveforms. In other aspects, message processor158may be configured to perform any other additional or alternative functionality and/or may include any other additional or alternative components to generate and/or process a message to be transmitted.

In some demonstrative aspects, message processors128and/or158may include, or may be implemented, partially or entirely, by circuitry and/or logic, e.g., one or more processors including circuitry and/or logic, memory circuitry and/or logic, Media-Access Control (MAC) circuitry and/or logic, Physical Layer (PHY) circuitry and/or logic, BB circuitry and/or logic, a BB processor, a BB memory, AP circuitry and/or logic, an AP processor, an AP memory, and/or any other circuitry and/or logic, configured to perform the functionality of message processors128and/or158, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of message processors128and/or158may be implemented by logic, which may be executed by a machine and/or one or more processors, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of message processor128may be implemented as part of radio114, and/or at least part of the functionality of message processor158may be implemented as part of radio144.

In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of message processor128may be implemented as part of controller124, and/or at least part of the functionality of message processor158may be implemented as part of controller154.

In other aspects, the functionality of message processor128may be implemented as part of any other element of device102, and/or the functionality of message processor158may be implemented as part of any other element of device140.

In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of controller124and/or message processor128may be implemented by an integrated circuit, for example, a chip, e.g., a System on Chip (SoC). In one example, the chip or SoC may be configured to perform one or more functionalities of radio114. For example, the chip or SoC may include one or more elements of controller124, one or more elements of message processor128, and/or one or more elements of radio114. In one example, controller124, message processor128, and radio114may be implemented as part of the chip or SoC.

In other aspects, controller124, message processor128and/or radio114may be implemented by one or more additional or alternative elements of device102.

In some demonstrative aspects, at least part of the functionality of controller154and/or message processor158may be implemented by an integrated circuit, for example, a chip, e.g., a System on Chip (SoC). In one example, the chip or SoC may be configured to perform one or more functionalities of radio144. For example, the chip or SoC may include one or more elements of controller154, one or more elements of message processor158, and/or one or more elements of radio144. In one example, controller154, message processor158, and radio144may be implemented as part of the chip or SoC.

In other aspects, controller154, message processor158and/or radio144may be implemented by one or more additional or alternative elements of device140.

In some demonstrative aspects, device102, device140, and/or device160may include, operate as, perform the role of, and/or perform one or more functionalities of, one or more STAs. For example, device102may include at least one STA, device140may include at least one STA, and/or device160may include at least one STA.

In other aspects, devices102,140and/or160may include, operate as, perform the role of, and/or perform one or more functionalities of, any other wireless device and/or station, e.g., a WLAN STA, a Wi-Fi STA, and the like.

In some demonstrative aspects, device102, device140, and/or device160may be configured operate as, perform the role of, and/or perform one or more functionalities of, an access point (AP).

In some demonstrative aspects, device102, device140, and/or device160may be configured to operate as, perform the role of, and/or perform one or more functionalities of, a non-AP STA.

In other aspects, device102, device140, and/or device160may operate as, perform the role of, and/or perform one or more functionalities of, any other additional or alternative device and/or station.

In one example, a station (STA) may include a logical entity that is a singly addressable instance of a medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface to the wireless medium (WM). The STA may perform any other additional or alternative functionality.

In one example, an AP may include an entity that contains a station (STA), e.g., one STA, and provides access to distribution services, via the wireless medium (WM) for associated STAs. The AP may perform any other additional or alternative functionality.

In one example, a non-AP STA may include a STA that is not contained within an AP. The non-AP STA may perform any other additional or alternative functionality.

In some demonstrative aspects, devices102,140and/or160may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more Specifications, for example, including one or more IEEE 802.11 Specifications, e.g., an IEEE 802.11-2020 Specification and/or any other specification and/or protocol.

In some demonstrative aspects, device140may include, operate as, perform a role of, and/or perform the functionality of, an AP STA.

In some demonstrative aspects, device102, and/or device160may include, operate as, perform a role of, and/or perform the functionality of, one or more non-AP STAs. For example, device102may include, operate as, perform a role of, and/or perform the functionality of, at least one non-AP STA, and/or device160may include, operate as, perform a role of, and/or perform the functionality of, at least one non-AP STA.

In some demonstrative aspects, device102, device140, and/or device160may be configured to support, perform, participate in, and/or communicate one or more self-transmissions and/or one or more non-self-transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform a self-transmission, which may include a transmission from a transmitter of the wireless communication device to a receiver of the wireless communication device, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, may be configured to use a receiver of the wireless communication device, e.g., receiver116, for example, to receive and/or process one or more self-transmissions transmitted by the transmitter of the wireless communication device, e.g., transmitter118.

For example, device102may be configured to perform a self-transmission, which may include, for example, a transmission from transmitter118of wireless communication device102to receiver116of wireless communication device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform a self-transmission, which may include, for example, one or more Null Data Packets (NDPs), e.g., as described below.

In other aspects, the self-transmission may be configured to include any other additional or alternative types of packets.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform a self-transmission, which may be configured for one or more self-transmission-based operations and/or activities (also referred to as “auxiliary activities”), e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform a self-transmission, which may include a proximity sensing transmission, which may be configured for proximity sensing, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform a self-transmission, which may include, for example, an active proximity sensing transmission, which may be configured for active proximity sensing, e.g., as described below.

In one example, the active proximity sensing may be based on a Tx to Rx (Tx-Rx) loopback, e.g., between a transmitter and a receiver of a wireless communication device, for example, using a first antenna and a second antenna. In one example, the transmitter may send a radio signal from the first antenna, and the receiver may use the second antenna to receive the transmitted radio signal. For example, the radio signal may be reflected from nearby objects and may be monitored over time. This implementation may allow the wireless communication device to detect motion, proximity, and/or presence, for example, of the nearby devices.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform a self-transmission, which may include, for example, a channel-sounding transmission, which may be configured for channel-sounding-based measurements, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform a self-transmission, which may include, for example, a calibration transmission, which may be configured for calibration of one or more elements of the wireless communication device. For example, the self-transmission may be configured for calibration, e.g., an active calibration and/or an active self-measurement, of a transmitter and/or a receiver of the wireless communication device, e.g., as described below.

In one example, the active self-measurement and/or the active calibration may be based, for example, on an internal Tx to Rx post-Power Amplifier (PA) loopback, e.g., between a transmitter and a receiver of a wireless communication device. For example, the transmitter may transmit a modulated signal, and the receiver may capture the modulated signal in a memory, for example, for post processing by one or more algorithms, which may be configured to mitigate radio impairments, e.g., over time and/or temperature.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform a self-transmission, which may include, for example, one or more built-in testing transmissions. For example, the built-in testing transmissions may be configured for a built-in test of the wireless communication device, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform one or more self-transmissions, which may include, for example, one or more auxiliary transmissions, which may be configured for one or more auxiliary operations at the wireless communication device, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform one or more self-transmissions, which may include, for example, a burst of frames, which may not serve a network activity of the wireless communication device, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform one or more self-transmissions, which may include, for example, one or more unbounded transmissions, which may be unbounded by transmit limitations applied to non-self transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the unbounded transmissions may not be required to, and/or may not be bounded by, WiFi requirements and/or limitations.

In some demonstrative aspects, the unbounded transmissions may include any suitable type of transmissions, for example, radar transmissions, sensing transmissions, calibration transmissions, or the like.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to control one or more parameters, properties and/or attributes of a self-transmission, e.g., a packet of a self-transmission. In one example, the wireless communication device, e.g., device102, may be configured to control one or more parameters, properties and/or attributes of each packet of a self-transmission, for example, in the form of an unbounded transmission, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the unbounded transmission may be performed, for example, during an auxiliary activity period.

In some demonstrative aspects, the unbounded transmission may include transmission of a burst of frames, e.g., including frames that do not serve network activity.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to control a duration of a packet in a self-transmission, e.g., an unbounded transmission, a Bandwidth (BW) of the packet in the self-transmission, a format of the packet in the self-transmission, a waveform of the packet in the self-transmission, a Tx power of the packet in the self-transmission, e.g., under regulation limitations, and/or any other additional and/or alternative parameters, properties and/or attributes of the packet in the self-transmission.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, may be configured to use a receiver of the wireless communication device, e.g., receiver116, for example, to receive and/or process the one or more self-transmissions, e.g., of an unbounded transmission activity.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform one or more non-self-transmissions, which may include transmissions from a transmitter of the wireless communication device to an other wireless communication device, e.g., as described below.

For example, a STA implemented by device102may be configured to perform one or more non-self-transmissions from transmitter118of wireless communication device102to one or more other STAs, e.g., a STA implemented by wireless communication device140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform one or more non-self-transmissions, which may include one or more MAC frames to be communicated between the wireless communication device and one or more other wireless communication devices, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a wireless communication device, e.g., device102, device140, and/or device160, may be configured to perform one or more non-self-transmissions, which may include one or more data frames to be communicated between the wireless communication device and one or more other wireless communication devices, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a STA in a wireless communication network may be required to gain medium access of a wireless medium in order to perform one or more transmissions, e.g., self-transmissions and/or non-self transmissions.

In some demonstrative aspects, the STA may be required to gain medium access to perform one or more self-transmissions, e.g., internal auxiliary activity, for example, on a same channel the STA may be operating with an associated AP, for example, for non-self-transmissions.

In some demonstrative aspects, there may be a need to provide a technical solution, which may support medium access efficiency on a wireless medium, which may be used by a STA for one or more self-transmissions and one or more non-self-transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, there may be a need to provide a technical solution for scheduling auxiliary activities of a STA, e.g., using one or more self-transmissions, for example, in a way, which may reduce an overhead of the auxiliary activities of the STA on a Wi-Fi network and/or connectivity Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), for example, while maintaining connectivity KPIs of the auxiliary activity. For example, such a scheduling of the auxiliary activities of a STA may provide a technical solution to ensure sufficient overall user experience.

In some demonstrative aspects, for example, in some use cases, scenarios, and/or implementations, there may be one or more disadvantages, inefficiencies, and/or technical problems in implementations using a dedicated Transmit Opportunity (TxOP), which is dedicated to reserve a wireless medium for only self-transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In one example, a STA may reserve a wireless communication medium for one or more self-transmissions using a dedicated TxOP, e.g., in a similar manner to reserving the wireless communication medium for non-self-transmissions. For example, the STA may initiate and transmit a Clear To Send (CTS) to Self (CTS-to-Self) frame, for example, as a Network Allocation Vector (NAV) distribution mechanism to reserve the medium for a reserved time period, during which the STA is to transmit one or more self-transmissions. For example, the STA may transmit self-transmissions, for example, in the form of a burst of Tx packets with a Short Inter-Frame Space (SIFS) apart, e.g., after the CTS-to-Self frame. For example, the STA may define a duration value in the CTS-to-Self frame to define the reserved time period to cover a burst length, which may be defined as needed, e.g., for a specific use case. For example, during the reserved time period, a receiver of the STA may be busy with processing the self-transmissions and may not able to receive Wi-Fi network traffic, e.g., from an associated AP.

In one example, implementing the dedicated TxOP for the self-transmissions may increase overhead on a wireless network, which, in turn, may impact a user experience and/or one or more network and/or connectivity KPIs.

In one example, implementing the dedicated TxOP for the self-transmissions may reduce station throughput of the STA and/or may cause higher latency jitter, for example, over a wireless network, e.g., a WiFi network.

In another example, implementing the dedicated TxOP for the self-transmissions may not be efficient. For example, implementing the dedicated TxOP for the self-transmission may impact network efficiency and/or a medium load, and/or it may be hard for the STA to “re-gain” medium access.

In another example, an implementation using the dedicated TxOP for the self-transmissions may not be scalable. For example, the wireless medium may be blocked, for example, if multiple stations use dedicated TxOPs for self-transmissions.

In some demonstrative aspects, devices102,140, and/or160may be configured to implement a TxOP scheduling mechanism, which may be configured, for example, to support self-transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, devices102,140, and/or160may be configured to implement a combined TxOP, for example, to support self-transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the combined TxOP may be configured to support a combination of one or more first periods for communication of one or more self-transmissions, and one or more second periods for communication of non-self-transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the combined TxOP may provide a technical solution, which may reduce overhead of auxiliary activities, for example, on a wireless network and/or connectivity KPIs, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the combined TxOP may be configured based on existing capabilities of one or more protocols, e.g., in compliance with the IEEE 802.11 Standards. For example, the combined TxOP may be configured to provide a technical solution, which may leverage existing or planed Tx opportunities, for example, to include both non-self-transmissions, e.g., of data-path activities, as well as self-transmissions, e.g., of auxiliary activities.

In some demonstrative aspects, the combined TxOP may be scheduled based on a combined TxOP approach, which may schedule a first time allocation and a second time allocation in a same “combined” TxOP. For example, the first time allocation may be scheduled based on a time required for non-self-transmissions, e.g., of the data transfers. For example, the second time allocation may be scheduled based on a time, e.g., a short time allocation, which may be required for self-transmissions, e.g., of the auxiliary activities, as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the second time allocation, which is scheduled for the self-transmissions, e.g., of the auxiliary activities, may be before or after the first time allocation, which is scheduled for the non-self-transmissions, e.g., of the data transfers, as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the combined TxOP may be configured to include more than one first time allocation, which is scheduled for the non-self-transmissions, and/or more than one second time allocation, which is scheduled for the self-transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the combined TxOP may be initiated by a STA or an AP, for example, based on a fact that a STA or AP that obtains a TxOP may be allowed to transmit one or more transmissions over the wireless medium during the obtained TxOP, e.g., as a single transmission or as a burst of back-to-back frames.

In some demonstrative aspects, the combined TxOP may be implemented to provide a technical solution, which may reduce an overall overhead and impact of the auxiliary activities on a wireless network.

In some demonstrative aspects, the combined TxOP may be implemented to provide a technical solution, which may improve an overall user experience and KPIs. For example, the combined TxOP may be implemented to allow additional services, which may require medium access, e.g., active proximity sensing, vital sign monitoring, and/or the like.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger a STA implemented by device102to transmit a reservation frame to reserve wireless communication medium103for a TxOP, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the TxOP may be configured to cover a first reserved duration and a second reserved duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the first reserved duration may be configured for at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the second reserved duration may be configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102to transmit the at least one self-transmission during the first duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the self-transmission may be configured for transmission from transmitter118of the STA implemented by device102to receiver116of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102to communicate the at least one non-self-transmission with an other STA, e.g., a STA implemented by device140, during the second reserved duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one non-self-transmission may include a non-self transmitted frame transmitted from transmitter118of the STA implemented by device102to the other STA, and/or a non-self received frame received from the other STA at the receiver116of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the non-self-transmission may include at least one non-self MAC frame, which may be communicated between the STA implemented by device102and the other STA, for example, device140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102to determine a duration of the TxOP, for example, based on a duration of the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102and the at least one non-self-transmission by the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102to set a duration field in the reservation frame to indicate the duration of the TxOP, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the second reserved duration may be equal to or longer than a duration of a MAC frame, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the first reserved duration may be after the second reserved duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the first reserved duration may be before the second reserved duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the TxOP may be configured to cover a plurality of reserved durations configured for a plurality of self transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, two reserved durations configured for self-transmissions may be, for example, separated by a one or more reserved durations configured for non-self transmissions, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the first reserved duration may be configured for at least one first self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the second reserved duration may be after the first reserved duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the second reserved duration may be configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the TxOP may be configured to cover a third reserved duration after the second reserved duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the third reserved duration may be configured for at least one second self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In other aspects, the TxOP may be configured to include any other count of reserved durations for self-transmissions, any other count of reserved durations for non-self-transmissions, and/or any other order of the reserved durations for self-transmission and/or the reserved durations for non-self-transmissions.

In some demonstrative aspects, the reservation frame may include a reservation frame from a non-AP STA, e.g., implemented by device102, to an AP STA, e.g., implemented by device140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one non-self-transmission may include an Uplink (UL) frame from the non-AP STA to the AP STA, e.g., from the non-AP STA implemented by device102to the AP implemented by device140, and an Acknowledgement (ACK) from the AP STA to the non-AP STA, for example, from the AP implemented by device140to the non-AP STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the reservation frame may include a Request to Send (RTS), e.g., as described below.

In other aspects, the reservation frame may include any other additional or alternative type of frame.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102to initiate the TxOP, for example, based on receipt of a Clear to Send (CTS) in response to the RTS, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102may include a burst of frames, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102may include a Null Data Packet (NDP), e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102may include an unbounded transmission, which may be unbounded by transmit limitations applied to the at least one non-self-transmission, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102may include a self-measurement transmission, which may be configured for a self-measurement at the STA implemented by device102, for example, based on reception of the self-transmission at the receiver116of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102may include a proximity sensing transmission configured for proximity sensing at the STA implemented by device102, for example, based on reception of the self-transmission at the receiver116of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102may include a channel-sounding transmission configured for a channel-sounding-based measurement at the STA implemented by device102, for example, based on reception of the self-transmission at the receiver116of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102may include a calibration transmission configured for calibration of the transmitter118of the STA implemented by device102or the receiver116of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102may include a built-in testing transmission configured for a built-in test at the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one self-transmission of the STA implemented by device102may include an auxiliary transmission configured for one or more auxiliary operations at the STA implemented by device102, for example, based on reception of the auxiliary transmission at the receiver of the STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a combined TxOP may be reserved by a non-AP STA, e.g., the non-AP STA implemented by device102, to reserve the wireless communication medium for at least a first duration for self-transmissions of the non-AP STA and a second duration for non-self-transmissions of the non-AP STA, e.g., as described above.

In some demonstrative aspects, a combined TxOP may be reserved by an AP STA, e.g., an AP STA implemented by device140, to reserve the wireless communication medium for at least a first duration for self-transmissions of the AP STA and a second duration for non-self-transmissions of the AP STA, e.g., in a similar manner to the combined TxOP for the non-AP STA described above.

In some demonstrative aspects, the TxOP to reserve wireless communication medium103may be triggered by an AP, for example, by an AP implemented by device140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a non-AP STA, e.g., a non-AP STA implemented by device102, may request the AP to trigger the TxOP, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the non-AP STA implemented by device102to request a time allocation from an AP STA, for example, the AP implemented by device140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the time allocation may be configured to cover a first reserved duration and a second reserved duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the first reserved duration may be configured for at least one self-transmission of the non-AP STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the second reserved duration may be configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the non-AP STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the non-AP STA implemented by device102to process a reservation frame from the AP STA, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the reservation frame may be configured to reserve the wireless communication medium103for a TxOP, for example, based on the time allocation requested by the non-AP STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the reservation frame may include an RTS, e.g., as described below.

In other aspects, the reservation frame may include any other additional or alternative type of frame.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the non-AP STA implemented by device102to transmit a CTS in response to the RTS, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the non-AP STA implemented by device102to transmit the at least one self-transmission during the first duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the non-AP STA implemented by device102to communicate the at least one non-self-transmission during the second reserved duration, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one non-self-transmission may include a triggered Peer to Peer (P2P) transmission between the non-AP STA implemented by device102, and another non-AP STA, for example, a non-AP STA implemented by device160, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one non-self-transmission may include an UL triggered P2P transmission from the non-AP STA to the other non-AP STA. For example, the at least one non-self-transmission may include an UL triggered P2P transmission from the non-AP STA implemented by device102to the non-AP STA implemented by device160.

In some demonstrative aspects, the at least one non-self-transmission may include a DL triggered P2P transmission from the other non-AP STA to the non-AP STA implemented by device102. For example, the at least one non-self-transmission may include a DL triggered P2P transmission from the non-AP STA implemented by device160to the non-AP STA implemented by device102.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the non-AP STA implemented by device102to determine a duration of the time allocation requested by the non-AP STA implemented by device102, for example, based on a duration of the at least one self-transmission of the non-AP STA implemented by device102and the at least one non-self-transmission by the non-AP STA implemented by device102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the non-AP STA implemented by device102to initiate the first reserved duration, for example, based on a first trigger frame from the AP STA, for example, from the AP implemented by device140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, controller124may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the non-AP STA implemented by device102to initiate the second reserved duration, for example, based on a second trigger frame from the AP STA, for example, from the AP implemented by device140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, a combined TxOP may be configured to include at least one reserved period for self-transmissions, and at least one reserved period for non-self-transmissions, e.g., as described above.

In some demonstrative aspects, the combined TxOP may be implemented to provide a technical solution to reduce overhead over a wireless communication network, e.g., as described below.

In one example, a wireless communication network may have the following attributes:Network includes 10 stationsEach station requires 50 auxiliary activities per secondAverage TxOP overhead ˜81 microseconds (us)CTS to self period=40 us2 slots=18 usAverage random backoff for Access Category Video (AC_VI)=23 us

According to this example, the combined TxOP may be implemented to provide a duration of a network medium load saving per second of about 40.5 ms, e.g., 10×50×81 us=40.5 ms. This may provide a saving of about 4% of the network medium load, for example, compared to a network medium load of a dedicated TxOP, which is dedicated only to self-transmissions.

Reference is made toFIG.2, which schematically illustrates a communication scheme200including communications performed by a STA202and an AP240, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects. For example, device102(FIG.1) may include STA202, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of STA202; and/or device140(FIG.1) may include AP240, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of AP240.

In one example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102(FIG.1) to perform one or more operations of STA202according to communication scheme200, for example, to transmit one or more self-transmissions during a TxOP.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, STA202may transmit an RTS frame212to reserve a wireless communication medium for a TxOP230, e.g., a combined TxOP.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, TxOP230may be initiated by the STA202, for example, by transmission of RTS212.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, the STA202may initiate the TxOP230, for example, based on receipt of a Clear to Send (CTS) frame214, e.g., in response to the RTS frame212.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, the TxOP230may cover a first reserved duration232, and a second reserved duration234.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, the first reserved duration232may be after the second reserved duration234.

In other aspects, the first reserved duration232may be before the second reserved duration234.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, the first reserved duration232may be configured for a self-transmission224, e.g., including at least one Tx auxiliary frame, of the STA202.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, self-transmission224may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, the STA202may transmit the self-transmission224, for example, during the first reserved duration232.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, the second reserved duration234may be configured for communication of non-self-transmissions219by the STA202.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, the STA202may communicate the non-self-transmissions219with the AP240, for example, during the second reserved duration234.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, non-self-transmissions219may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, non-self-transmissions219may include, for example, an Uplink (UL) frame216, e.g., a data frame, which may be transmitted from STA202to the AP240.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.2, non-self-transmissions219may include a Downlink (DL) frame, for example, an Acknowledgement (ACK) frame218, e.g., a Block ACK (BA) frame, which may be transmitted from the AP240to the STA202, e.g., to acknowledge the UL frame216.

Reference is made toFIG.3, which schematically illustrates a communication scheme300including communications performed by a STA302and an AP340, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects. For example, device102(FIG.1) may include STA302, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of STA302; and/or device140(FIG.1) may include AP340, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of AP340.

In one example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102(FIG.1) to perform one or more operations of STA302according to communication scheme300, for example, to transmit one or more self-transmissions during a TxOP.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, STA302may process an RTS frame312, e.g., a Multi-User (MU) RTS, to reserve a wireless communication medium for a TxOP330, e.g., a combined TxOP.

In some demonstrative aspects, TxOP330may be based, for example, on a time allocation requested by the STA302from the AP340.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, TxOP330may be initiated and/or triggered by the AP340, for example, by transmission of MU RTS frame312.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, the STA302may transmit a CTS frame314, e.g., in response to the RTS frame312.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, the time allocation in TxOP330may be configured to cover a first reserved duration332, and a second reserved duration334.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, the first reserved duration332may be after the second reserved duration334.

In other aspects, the first reserved duration332may be before the second reserved duration334.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, the first reserved duration332may be configured for a self-transmission324, e.g., including at least one Tx auxiliary frame, of the STA302.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, self-transmission324may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, the STA302may transmit the self-transmission324, for example, during the first reserved duration332.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, the second reserved duration334may be configured for communication of non-self-transmissions319by the STA302.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, non-self-transmissions319may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, the STA302may communicate the non-self-transmissions319with the AP340, for example, during the second reserved duration334.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, non-self-transmissions319may include an UL frame316, e.g., a data frame, which may be transmitted from STA302to the AP340.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.3, non-self-transmissions319may include an ACK frame318, e.g., a BA frame, which may be transmitted from the AP340to the STA302, e.g., to acknowledge the UL frame316.

Reference is made toFIG.4, which schematically illustrates a communication scheme400including communications performed by a STA402and an AP, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects. For example, device102(FIG.1) may include STA402, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of STA402; and/or device140(FIG.1) may include the AP, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of the AP.

In one example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102(FIG.1) to perform one or more operations of STA402according to communication scheme400, for example, to transmit one or more self-transmissions during a TxOP.

In some demonstrative aspects, STA402may be configured to reserve a wireless communication medium for a TxOP430, e.g., a combined TxOP430, as described below.

In one example, the STA402may initiate the TxOP430, for example, according to one or more suitable Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) rules and/or Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) rules, for example, once the wireless communication medium is free.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, STA402may transmit an RTS frame412to reserve the wireless communication medium for the TxOP430, e.g., the combined TxOP430.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, TxOP430may be initiated by the STA402, for example, by transmission of RTS412.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, the STA402may initiate the TxOP430, for example, based on receipt of a CTS frame414, e.g., in response to the RTS frame412.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, communication scheme400may include an RTS/CTS protection mechanism, e.g., including exchanging of RTS frame412and CTS frame414between STA402and AP440, for example, to reserve a total duration required for TxOP430.

In other aspects, the TxOP430may be reserved according to any other additional or alternative protection mechanism, e.g., using any other additional or alternative type of reservation frames.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, the TxOP430may cover a first reserved duration432, and a second reserved duration434.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, the first reserved duration432may be after the second reserved duration434.

In other aspects, the first reserved duration432may be before the second reserved duration434.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, the first reserved duration432may be configured for a self-transmission424, e.g., including at least one Tx auxiliary frame, of the STA402.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, self-transmission424may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, the STA402may transmit the self-transmission424, for example, during the first reserved duration432.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, the second reserved duration434may be configured for communication of non-self-transmissions419by the STA402.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, non-self-transmissions419may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, the STA402may communicate the non-self-transmissions419with the AP440, for example, during the second reserved duration434.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, non-self-transmissions419may include, for example, an UL frame416, which may be transmitted from STA402to the AP440.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, UL frame416may include an UL Aggregate MAC Protocol Data Unit (A-MPDU), or an UL Aggregate MAC Service Data Unit (A-MSDU).

In other aspects, UL frame416may include any other additional and/or alternative type of frame.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, non-self-transmissions419may include, for example, a DL transmission, e.g., an ACK frame418, e.g., a Downlink (DN) BA frame, which may be transmitted from the AP440to the STA402, e.g., to acknowledge the UL frame416.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, the STA402may transmit the non-self-transmissions419, for example, a burst of uplink aggregations, e.g., including A-MPDUs and/or A-MSDUs, which may be responded by an immediate downlink BA, e.g., the DN BA418, for example, after the RTS/CTS frames.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.4, the STA402may use a reminder allocation of the TxOP430, e.g., the reserved period432, after the DN BA418, for example, for auxiliary activities, for example, for transmission of the self-transmission424, e.g., including the burst of self-transmitted frames.

Reference is made toFIG.5, which schematically illustrates a communication scheme500including communications performed by a STA502and an AP, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects. For example, device102(FIG.1) may include STA502, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of STA502; and/or device140(FIG.1) may include the AP, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of the AP.

In one example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102(FIG.1) to perform one or more operations of STA502according to communication scheme500, for example, to transmit one or more self-transmissions during a TxOP.

In some demonstrative aspects, STA502may be configured to reserve a wireless communication medium for a TxOP530, e.g., a combined TxOP530, as described below.

In one example, the STA502may initiate the TxOP530, for example, according to CCA rules and/or EDCA rules, for example, once the wireless communication medium is free.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, STA502may transmit an RTS frame512to reserve the wireless communication medium for the TxOP530, e.g., a combined TxOP530.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, TxOP530may be initiated by the STA502, for example, by transmission of RTS512.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, the STA502may initiate the TxOP530, for example, based on receipt of a CTS frame514, e.g., in response to the RTS frame512.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, communication scheme500may include an RTS/CTS protection mechanism, e.g., including the exchanging of RTS frame512and CTS frame514between STA502and AP540, for example, to reserve a total duration required for TxOP530.

In other aspects, the TxOP530may be reserved according to any other additional or alternative protection mechanism, e.g., using any other additional or alternative type of reservation frames.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, the TxOP530may cover a first reserved duration532, and a second reserved duration534.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, the first reserved duration532may be before the second reserved duration534.

In other aspects, the first reserved duration532may be after the second reserved duration534.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, the first reserved duration532may be configured for a self-transmission524, e.g., including at least one Tx auxiliary frame, of the STA502.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, self-transmission524may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, the STA502may transmit the self-transmission524, for example, during the first reserved duration532.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, the STA502may transmit the self-transmission524, e.g., the burst of frames, for example, after the exchange of the RTS/CTS frames.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, the second reserved duration534may be configured for communication of non-self-transmissions519by the STA502.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, non-self-transmissions519may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, the STA502may communicate the non-self-transmissions519with the AP540, for example, during the second reserved duration534.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, non-self-transmissions519may include an UL frame516, e.g., an A-MPDU, an A-MSDU and/or any other frame, from STA502to the AP540.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, non-self-transmissions519may include, for example, a DL transmission, e.g., an ACK frame518, e.g., a DN BA frame, which may be transmitted from the AP540to the STA502, e.g., to acknowledge the UL frame516.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.5, the STA502may transmit the non-self-transmissions519, for example, a burst of uplink aggregations, e.g., the A-MPDU or the A-MSDU, which may be responded by an immediate downlink BA, e.g., the DN BA518, for example, during a remainder allocation of the TxOP530, e.g., after the self-transmission524.

Reference is made toFIG.6, which schematically illustrates a communication scheme600including communications performed by an AP and a plurality of STAs602, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects. For example, device102(FIG.1) may include a STA602, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of the STA602; and/or device140(FIG.1) may include the AP, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of AP.

In one example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102(FIG.1) to perform one or more operations of a STA602according to communication scheme600, for example, to transmit one or more self-transmissions during a TxOP.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, a TxOP630may be initiated and/or triggered by the AP.

In some demonstrative aspects, the AP may determine a duration and/or a timing of the TxOP630, for example, based on one or more time allocation requests from the one or more STAs602, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative aspects, the one or more stations602may negotiate with the AP, for example, to request a required time allocation range, e.g., in the form of a (min, max) capability for one or more requested TxOPs.

In some demonstrative aspects, some of the requested TxOPs may be combined into a combined TxOP, e.g., TxOP630, for example, according to needs of the one or more stations602.

In one example, the AP may be configured to find a most suitable time, for example, to schedule the multiple stations602to perform their auxiliary transmissions, for example, simultaneously, e.g., during TxOP630.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, communication scheme600may include an RTS/CTS protection mechanism, e.g., including an exchange of RTS and CTS frames between the AP and the STAs602, for example, to reserve a total duration required for TxOP630.

In other aspects, the TxOP630may be reserved according to any other additional or alternative protection mechanism, e.g., using any other additional or alternative type of reservation frames.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the AP may transmit an RTS frame612, which may be configured to reserve a wireless communication medium for the TxOP630, for example, based on the one or more time allocation requests, which may be requested by one or more of the plurality of STAs602from the AP.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, a STA602may process the RTS frame612from the AP, and may transmit a CTS frame614, e.g., in response to the RTS frame612.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the TxOP630may be configured to cover a first reserved duration632, and a second reserved duration634.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the first reserved duration632may be after the second reserved duration634.

In other aspects, the first reserved duration632may be before the second reserved duration634.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the first reserved duration632may be configured for self-transmissions624, e.g., including Tx auxiliary frames, from the one or more STAs602.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the first reserved duration632may be initiated, for example, based on a first trigger frame615from the AP to the plurality of STAs602.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the AP may transmit the trigger frame615to indicate a start and/or a duration of the first reserved duration632, which may be allocated for the self-transmissions624, e.g., for multi stations auxiliary activity.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, a self-transmission624may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the STA602may transmit the self-transmission624, for example, during the first reserved duration632.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the second reserved duration634may be configured for communication of non-self-transmissions619by the one or more STAs602.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, a non-self-transmission619may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the STA602may communicate the non-self-transmission619with the AP, for example, during the second reserved duration634.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the non-self-transmission619may include, for example, an UL frame616, e.g., a data frame, which may be transmitted from a STA602to the AP.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the non-self-transmission619may include, for example, a DL transmission, an ACK frame618, e.g., a DN BA frame, which may be transmitted from the AP to the STA602, e.g., to acknowledge the UL frame616.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the second reserved duration634may be initiated, for example, based on a second trigger frame617from the AP to the plurality of STAs602.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the AP may transmit the trigger frame617to solicit a multi station burst of uplink aggregations, for example, after the RTS/CTS exchange. For example, the multi station burst of uplink aggregations may include UL frames619, e.g., A-MPDUs and/or A-MSDUs, which may be responded by an immediate downlink BA, e.g., a DN BA618. In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.6, the AP may transmit the trigger frame615, for example, after the reserved duration634, for example, to indicate to the STAs602the start and/or duration of the reserved period632, which may be allocated for multi-station auxiliary activity.

Reference is made toFIG.7, which schematically illustrates a communication scheme700including communications performed by a STA702and an AP, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects. For example, device102(FIG.1) may include STA702, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of STA702; and/or device140(FIG.1) may include the AP, and/or may perform one or more operations and/or functionalities of the AP.

In one example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to control, cause and/or trigger the STA implemented by device102(FIG.1) to perform one or more operations of STA702according to communication scheme700, for example, to transmit one or more self-transmissions during a TxOP.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, communication scheme700may include an RTS/CTS protection mechanism, e.g., including an exchange of RTS/CTS frames between the AP and STA702, for example, to reserve a total duration required for TxOP730, e.g., as described below.

In other aspects, the TxOP730may be reserved according to any other additional or alternative protection mechanism, e.g., using any other additional or alternative type of reservation frames.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, STA702may process an RTS frame712, e.g., an MU RTS from the AP, to reserve a wireless communication medium for a TxOP730, e.g., a combined TxOP730.

In some demonstrative aspects, TxOP730may be based, for example, on a time allocation requested by the STA702from the AP.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, TxOP730may be initiated and/or triggered by the AP, for example, by transmission of MU RTS frame712.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, the STA702may transmit a CTS frame714, e.g., in response to the RTS frame712.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, the time allocation of TxOP730may be configured to cover a first reserved duration732, and a second reserved duration734.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, the first reserved duration732may be after the second reserved duration734.

In other aspects, the first reserved duration732may be before the second reserved duration734.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, the first reserved duration732may be configured for a self-transmission727, e.g., including at least one Tx auxiliary frame, of the STA702.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, self-transmission727may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, the STA702may transmit the self-transmission727, for example, during the first reserved duration732.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, the second reserved duration734may be configured for communication of non-self-transmissions729by the STA702.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, non-self-transmissions729may include a burst of frames, e.g., including N bursts.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, the STA702may communicate the non-self-transmissions729with the AP, for example, during the second reserved duration734.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, non-self-transmissions729may include an UL frame716, e.g., an UL A-MPDU or an UL A-MSDU, from STA702to the AP.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, non-self-transmissions729may include a DL transmission, for example, an ACK frame718, e.g., a DN BA frame, which may be transmitted from the AP to the STA702, e.g., to acknowledge the UL frame716.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, the STA702may transmit the non-self-transmission729, for example, including a burst of uplink aggregations, for example, after the RTS/CTS exchange. For example, the burst of uplink aggregations may include UL frames716, e.g., A-MPDU and/or an A-MSDU, which may be responded by an immediate downlink BA, e.g., DN BA718.

In some demonstrative aspects, as shown inFIG.7, the STA702may transmit the self-transmissions727, e.g., including the burst of frames, for example, during a remainder allocation of the TxOP730, e.g., after the non-self-transmissions729.

Reference is made toFIG.8, which schematically illustrates a method of wireless communication during a TxOP, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects. For example, one or more of the operations of the method ofFIG.8may be performed by one or more elements of a system, e.g., system100(FIG.1), for example, one or more wireless devices, e.g., device102(FIG.1), device140(FIG.1), and/or device160(FIG.1), a controller, e.g., controller124(FIG.1) and/or controller154(FIG.1), a radio, e.g., radio114(FIG.1) and/or radio144(FIG.1), and/or a message processor, e.g., message processor128(FIG.1) and/or message processor158(FIG.1).

As indicated at block802, the method may include transmitting from a STA a reservation frame to reserve a wireless communication medium for a TxOP. For example, the TxOP may be configured to cover a first reserved duration, and a second reserved duration. For example, the first reserved duration may be configured for at least one self-transmission of the STA, and the second reserved duration may be configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the STA. For example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to cause, trigger, and/or control device102(FIG.1) to transmit the reservation frame to reserve the wireless communication medium for the TxOP configured to cover the first reserved duration and the second reserved duration, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block804, the method may include transmitting the at least one self-transmission during the first duration, the self-transmission configured for transmission from a transmitter of the STA to a receiver of the STA. For example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to cause, trigger, and/or control device102(FIG.1) to transmit the at least one self-transmission during the first duration. For example, the self-transmission may be configured for transmission from the transmitter118(FIG.1) to the receiver116(FIG.1), e.g., as described above.

Reference is made toFIG.9, which schematically illustrates a method of wireless communication during a TxOP, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects. For example, one or more of the operations of the method ofFIG.9may be performed by one or more elements of a system, e.g., system100(FIG.1), for example, one or more wireless devices, e.g., device102(FIG.1), device140(FIG.1), and/or device160(FIG.1), a controller, e.g., controller124(FIG.1) and/or controller154(FIG.1), a radio, e.g., radio114(FIG.1) and/or radio144(FIG.1), and/or a message processor, e.g., message processor128(FIG.1) and/or message processor158(FIG.1).

As indicated at block902, the method may include requesting, by a non-AP STA, a time allocation from an AP STA, the time allocation configured to cover a first reserved duration and a second reserved duration. For example, the first reserved duration may be configured for at least one self-transmission of the non-AP STA, and the second reserved duration may be configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the non-AP STA. For example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to cause, trigger, and/or control device102(FIG.1) to request from device140(FIG.1) the time allocation, which may be configured to cover the first reserved duration and the second reserved duration, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block904, the method may include processing a reservation frame from the AP STA, the reservation frame to reserve a wireless communication medium for a TxOP based on the time allocation requested by the non-AP STA. For example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to cause, trigger, and/or control the non-AP STA implemented by device102(FIG.1) to process the reservation frame from the AP STA, the reservation frame to reserve the wireless communication medium for the TxOP based on the time allocation requested by the non-AP STA implemented by device102(FIG.1), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block906, the method may include transmitting the at least one self-transmission during the first duration, the self-transmission configured for transmission from a transmitter of the non-AP STA to a receiver of the non-AP STA. For example, controller124(FIG.1) may be configured to cause, trigger, and/or control device102(FIG.1) to transmit the at least one self-transmission during the first duration. For example, the self-transmission may be configured for transmission from the transmitter118(FIG.1) to the receiver116(FIG.1), e.g., as described above.

Reference is made toFIG.10, which schematically illustrates a product of manufacture1000, in accordance with some demonstrative aspects. Product1000may include one or more tangible computer-readable (“machine-readable”) non-transitory storage media1002, which may include computer-executable instructions, e.g., implemented by logic1004, operable to, when executed by at least one computer processor, enable the at least one computer processor to implement one or more operations at device102(FIG.1), device140(FIG.1), device160(FIG.1), controller124(FIG.1), controller154(FIG.1), message processor128(FIG.1), message processor158(FIG.1), radio114(FIG.1), radio144(FIG.1), transmitter118(FIG.1), transmitter148(FIG.1), receiver116(FIG.1), and/or receiver146(FIG.1); to cause device102(FIG.1), device140(FIG.1), device160(FIG.1), controller124(FIG.1), controller154(FIG.1), message processor128(FIG.1), message processor158(FIG.1), radio114(FIG.1), radio144(FIG.1), transmitter118(FIG.1), transmitter148(FIG.1), receiver116(FIG.1), and/or receiver146(FIG.1) to perform, trigger and/or implement one or more operations and/or functionalities; and/or to perform, trigger and/or implement one or more operations and/or functionalities described with reference to theFIGS.1-9, and/or one or more operations described herein. The phrases “non-transitory machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable non-transitory storage media” may be directed to include all machine and/or computer readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory propagating signal.

In some demonstrative aspects, product1000and/or machine readable storage media1002may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing data, including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and the like. For example, machine readable storage media1002may include, RAM, DRAM, Double-Data-Rate DRAM (DDR-DRAM), SDRAM, static RAM (SRAM), ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., NOR or NAND flash memory), content addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory, phase-change memory, ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, a hard drive, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, and the like. The computer-readable storage media may include any suitable media involved with downloading or transferring a computer program from a remote computer to a requesting computer carried by data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium through a communication link, e.g., a modem, radio or network connection.

EXAMPLES

The following examples pertain to further aspects.

Example 1 includes an apparatus comprising logic and circuitry configured to cause a wireless communication station (STA) to transmit a reservation frame to reserve a wireless communication medium for a Transmit Opportunity (TxOP), wherein the TxOP is configured to cover a first reserved duration and a second reserved duration, wherein the first reserved duration is configured for at least one self-transmission of the STA, wherein the second reserved duration is configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the STA; and transmit the at least one self-transmission during the first duration, the self-transmission configured for transmission from a transmitter of the STA to a receiver of the STA.

Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the STA to communicate the at least one non-self-transmission with an other STA during the second reserved duration.

Example 3 includes the subject matter of Example 2, and optionally, wherein the at least one non-self-transmission comprises at least one of a non-self transmitted frame transmitted from the transmitter of the STA to the other STA, or a non-self received frame received from the other STA at the receiver of the STA.

Example 4 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-3, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the STA to determine a duration of the TxOP based on a duration of the at least one self-transmission of the STA and the at least one non-self-transmission by the STA, and to set a duration field in the reservation frame to indicate the duration of the TxOP.

Example 5 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-4, and optionally, wherein the first reserved duration is after the second reserved duration.

Example 6 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-4, and optionally, wherein the first reserved duration is before the second reserved duration.

Example 7 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-4, and optionally, wherein the first reserved duration is configured for at least one first self-transmission of the STA, wherein the second reserved duration is after the first reserved duration, the second reserved duration configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the STA, and wherein the TxOP is configured to cover a third reserved duration after the second reserved duration, the third reserved duration is configured for at least one second self-transmission of the STA.

Example 8 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-7, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a self-measurement transmission, which is configured for a self-measurement at the STA based on reception of the self-transmission at the receiver of the STA.

Example 9 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-8, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a proximity sensing transmission configured for proximity sensing at the STA based on reception of the self-transmission at the receiver of the STA.

Example 10 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-9, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a channel-sounding transmission configured for a channel-sounding-based measurement at the STA based on reception of the self-transmission at the receiver of the STA.

Example 11 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-10, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a Null Data Packet (NDP).

Example 12 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-11, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a calibration transmission configured for calibration of at least one of the transmitter of the STA or the receiver of the STA.

Example 13 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-12, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises an unbounded transmission, which is unbounded by transmit limitations applied to the at least one non-self-transmission.

Example 14 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-13, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a built-in testing transmission configured for a built-in test at the STA.

Example 15 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-14, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises an auxiliary transmission configured for one or more auxiliary operations at the STA based on reception of the auxiliary transmission at the receiver of the STA.

Example 16 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-15, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a burst of frames.

Example 17 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-16, and optionally, wherein the second reserved duration is equal to or longer than a duration of a Media Access Control (MAC) frame.

Example 18 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-17, and optionally, wherein the non-self-transmission comprises at least one non-self Media Access Control (MAC) frame, which is communicated between the STA and an other STA.

Example 19 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-18, and optionally, wherein the reservation frame comprises a Request to Send (RTS).

Example 20 includes the subject matter of Example 19, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the STA to initiate the TxOP based on receipt of a Clear to Send (CTS) in response to the RTS.

Example 21 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-20, and optionally, wherein the STA comprises a non Access Point (AP) (non-AP) STA, wherein the reservation frame comprises a reservation frame from the non-AP STA to an AP STA, wherein the at least one non-self-transmission comprises an Uplink (UL) frame from the non-AP STA to the AP STA and an Acknowledgement (ACK) from the AP STA to the non-AP STA.

Example 22 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-21, and optionally, wherein the STA comprises an Access Point (AP) STA.

Example 23 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-22, and optionally, comprising at least one radio comprising the transmitter of the STA and the receiver of the STA.

Example 24 includes the subject matter of Example 23, and optionally, comprising one or more antennas connected to the radio, and a processor to execute instructions of an operating system of the STA.

Example 25 includes an apparatus comprising logic and circuitry configured to cause a non Access Point (AP) (non-AP) wireless communication station (STA) to request a time allocation from an AP STA, the time allocation configured to cover a first reserved duration and a second reserved duration, wherein the first reserved duration is configured for at least one self-transmission of the non-AP STA, wherein the second reserved duration is configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the non-AP STA; process a reservation frame from the AP STA, the reservation frame to reserve a wireless communication medium for a Transmit Opportunity (TxOP) based on the time allocation requested by the non-AP STA; and transmit the at least one self-transmission during the first duration, the self-transmission configured for transmission from a transmitter of the non-AP STA to a receiver of the non-AP STA.

Example 26 includes the subject matter of Example 25, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the non-AP STA to communicate the at least one non-self-transmission during the second reserved duration.

Example 27 includes the subject matter of Example 25 or 26, and optionally, wherein the at least one non-self-transmission comprises a triggered Peer to Peer (P2P) transmission between the non-AP STA and another non-AP STA.

Example 28 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-27, and optionally, wherein the at least one non-self-transmission comprises an Uplink (UL) non-self frame from the transmitter of the non-AP STA to the AP STA, and an Acknowledgement (ACK) from the non-AP STA to the AP STA.

Example 29 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-28, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the non-AP STA to determine a duration of the time allocation requested by the non-AP STA based on a duration of the at least one self-transmission of the non-AP STA and the at least one non-self-transmission by the non-AP STA.

Example 30 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-29, and optionally, wherein the first reserved duration is after the second reserved duration.

Example 31 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-29, and optionally, wherein the first reserved duration is before the second reserved duration.

Example 32 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-29, and optionally, wherein the first reserved duration is configured for at least one first self-transmission of the non-AP STA, wherein the second reserved duration is after the first reserved duration, the second reserved duration configured for communication of at least one non-self-transmission by the non-AP STA, and wherein the time allocation is configured to cover a third reserved duration after the second reserved duration, the third reserved duration is configured for at least one second self-transmission of the non-AP STA.

Example 33 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-32, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a self-measurement transmission, which is configured for a self-measurement at the non-AP STA based on reception of the self-transmission at the receiver of the non-AP STA.

Example 34 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-33, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a proximity sensing transmission configured for proximity sensing at the non-AP STA based on reception of the self-transmission at the receiver of the non-AP STA.

Example 35 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-34, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a channel-sounding transmission configured for a channel-sounding-based measurement at the non-AP STA based on reception of the self-transmission at the receiver of the non-AP STA.

Example 36 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-35, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a Null Data Packet (NDP).

Example 37 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-36, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a calibration transmission configured for calibration of at least one of the transmitter of the non-AP STA or the receiver of the non-AP STA.

Example 38 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-37, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises an unbounded transmission, which is unbounded by transmit limitations applied to the at least one non-self-transmission.

Example 39 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-38, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a built-in testing transmission configured for a built-in test at the non-AP STA.

Example 40 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-39, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises an auxiliary transmission configured for one or more auxiliary operations at the non-AP STA based on reception of the auxiliary transmission at the receiver of the non-AP STA.

Example 41 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-40, and optionally, wherein the at least one self-transmission comprises a burst of frames.

Example 42 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-41, and optionally, wherein the second reserved duration is equal to or longer than a duration of a Media Access Control (MAC) frame.

Example 43 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-42, and optionally, wherein the non-self-transmission comprises at least one non-self Media Access Control (MAC) frame, which is communicated between the non-AP STA and the AP STA.

Example 44 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-43, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the non-AP STA to initiate the first reserved duration based on a first trigger frame from the AP STA, and to initiate the second duration based on a second trigger frame from the AP STA.

Example 45 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-44, and optionally, wherein the reservation frame comprises a Request to Send (RTS).

Example 46 includes the subject matter of Example 45, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the non-AP STA to transmit a Clear to Send (CTS) in response to the RTS.

Example 47 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 25-46, and optionally, comprising at least one radio comprising the transmitter of the non-AP STA and the receiver of the non-AP STA.

Example 48 includes the subject matter of Example 47, and optionally, comprising one or more antennas connected to the radio, and a processor to execute instructions of an operating system of the non-AP STA.

Example 49 comprises a wireless communication device comprising the apparatus of any of Examples 1-48.

Example 50 comprises an apparatus comprising means for executing any of the described operations of any of Examples 1-48.

Example 51 comprises a product comprising one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media comprising instructions operable to, when executed by at least one processor, enable the at least one processor to cause a wireless communication device to perform any of the described operations of any of Examples 1-48.

Example 52 comprises an apparatus comprising: a memory interface; and processing circuitry configured to: perform any of the described operations of any of Examples 1-48.

Example 53 comprises a method comprising any of the described operations of any of Examples 1-48.

Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more aspects, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other aspects, or vice versa.