Uplink (UL) multi-user (MU) feedback using high-efficiency (HE) long training fields in a wireless local-area network

Apparatus, computer readable media, and methods for UL MU feedback using HE-LTFs in a wireless local-area network are disclosed. An apparatus of a station comprising memory and processing circuitry couple to the memory is disclosed. The processing circuitry may be configured to: decode a frame comprising one or more resource block identification (RBIDs), wherein each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information to a access point. Additionally, the processing circuitry may be configured to encode a response to the availability trigger frame in accordance with the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, in response to decoding an availability trigger frame from the access point. The processing circuitry may be configured to configure the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments relate to Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11. Some embodiments relate to high-efficiency (HE) wireless local-area networks. Some embodiments relate to IEEE 802.11ax. Some embodiments relate to methods and devices for querying and responding using short uplink (UL) multi-user (MU) feedback. Some embodiments relate to feedback from HE stations of a single bit using HE long training fields (HE-LTFs).

BACKGROUND

Efficient use of the resources of a wireless local-area network (WLAN) is important to provide bandwidth and acceptable response times to the users of the WLAN. One way to increase the efficiency of a WLAN is allocating a proper resource unit to a station. However, often allocating the proper resources to a station is difficult to determine. Moreover, wireless devices need to operate with both newer protocols and with legacy devices.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a WLAN100in accordance with some embodiments. The WLAN may comprise a basis service set (BSS)100that may include a master station102, which may be an AP, a plurality of high-efficiency (HE) (e.g., IEEE 802.11ax) stations (STA)s104and a plurality of legacy (e.g., IEEE 802.11n/ac) devices106.

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

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

The master station102may communicate with legacy devices106in accordance with legacy IEEE 802.11 communication techniques. In example embodiments, the master station102may also be configured to communicate with HE STAs104in accordance with legacy IEEE 802.11 communication techniques.

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

A HE frame may be configured for transmitting a number of spatial streams, which may be in accordance with MU-MIMO. In other embodiments, the master station102, HE STA104, and/or legacy device106may also implement different technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA)2000, CDMA 2000 1×, CDMA 2000 Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95 (IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), IEEE 802.16 (i.e., Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), BlueTooth®, or other technologies.

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

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

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

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

In example embodiments, the HE device104and/or the master station102are configured to perform the methods and functions herein described in conjunction withFIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 2illustrates resource allocations with resource block identifications (RBIDs) assigned to each of the resource allocations in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 2is RBID table251and P matrix table250. RBID table251includes columns resource unit (RU)202, spatial stream (SS)204, RBID206, and RU rows212. The RBID table251is divided into nine resource units (RU), RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4, RU5, RU6, RU7, RU8, and RU9. Each of the RUs are a subchannel of a channel in the frequency domain with a bandwidth. For example, each RU202may have a bandwidth of approximately 2 MHz (e.g.,2.03125) with exactly 26 or 52 data carriers as part of a 20 MHz channel. Each RU202may include a number of SSs204. In this case, four SSs204are illustrated, SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4. The RBIDs206are numbered sequentially based on the RUs202and the SSs204. There are 36 RBIDs206in this illustration. The channel may be a channel that a HE long-training field (HE-LTF) is transmitted on. The RUs202may each be part of an HE-LTF.

The P matrix table250includes P-matrix rows208and P-matrix columns210. The P matrix columns indicate the values of the P matrix for different SSs. Each P-matrix row208of the P matrix table250corresponds to a RU row212. For example, RU row212.1corresponds to P-matrix row208.1. In some embodiments, the RBID table251may be constructed with different RU bandwidths or a different number of SSs204. For example, in some embodiments, the master station102will allocate RUs two or more 20 MHz channels, which may include the primary channel.

FIG. 3illustrates an example300of stations transmitting responses322to a master station in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 3is STA1308.1, STA2308.2, STA3308.3, and STA4308.4simultaneously transmitting 312 responses322to receiver314. STA1608.1, STA2608.2, STA3308.3, and STA4308.4may be HE stations104. The master station310may be a master station102or a HE station104. The responses308may be HE-LTFs.

STA1308.1is transmitting a response322.1and STA2308.2is transmitting a response322.2. STA3308.3, and STA4308.4are illustrated with responses322.3and322.4, respectively, which may not be transmitted since no energy is actually being transmitted in the example illustrated. STA3308.3may be allocated the resource allocation indicated by RBID212.20. STA4308.4may be allocated the resource allocation indicated by RBID212.5. STA3308.3is not transmitting energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID212.20. STA4308.4is not transmitting energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID212.5.

STA1308.1is transmitting on a resource allocation indicated by RBID212.9(seeFIG. 2) and STA2308.2is transmitting on a resource allocation indicated by RBID212.24(seeFIG. 2). STA1308.1, STA2308.2, STA3308.3, and STA4308.4may have been assigned their respective RBIDs212based on reception of a packet from a master station102. In some embodiments, the STAs308may determine the RBIDs212based on a communication standard. In some embodiments, the STAs308may be assigned more than one RBID212. In some embodiments, there may be a range of RBIDs212for the STAs308to select from. The STAs308may be associated with the master station102. In some embodiments, STAs308may be associated with a neighbor access point of the master station102that responses322are being transmitted to.

As illustrated, the RBIDs212are being transmitted on a 20 MHz subchannel with four spatial streams. In some embodiments, multiple subchannels may be used or the subchannel may be smaller or larger. In some embodiments, the STAs308may transmit on more than one subchannel. In some embodiments, the STAs308may transmit on more than one subchannel where on each subchannel the same RBID212for the subchannel is used. STAs308may transmit using the RBIDs212in accordance with OFDMA and/or MU-MIMO.

The receiver314, which, as illustrated, is a master station102, receives the transmission on the resource indicated by RBID212.9from STA1308.1and the resource indicated by RBID212.24from STA2308.2at the same time. The STAs308may transmit simultaneously on the same subchannel. Each resource indicated by a RBID212may be a 1-bit response mechanism. In some embodiments, the RBIDs212indicate that the corresponding STA308would like UL resources to transmit packets to the master station102. For example, the master station102may transmit a UL OFDMA resource poll. The STAs308may transmit the responses322encoded with the resource allocation indicated by RBIDs212to indicate they would like resources to transmit packets (e.g., association requests) to the master station102.

FIG. 4illustrates a method400of MU feedback using HE-LTF in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 4is time406along a horizontal axis, transmitter or receiver432along a vertical axis, frequency404along the vertical axis, and a transmission opportunity (TXOP)412. As illustrated, each of the frequencies404.1,404.2,404.3, and404.4are the same 20 MHz channel, which may be a primary channel. The frequencies404may be different channels and different bandwidths. The TXOP412may include a phase1408and a phase2410. Operations450are illustrated along the top. STAs402may be HE stations104.

The method400begins at operation451with the master station102acquiring the wireless medium416. The method400continues at operation452with the master station102transmitting an availability trigger frame (TF). The availability TF424may include a type428and an RBID mapping430. The type428may indicate a type of query the availability TF424. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the type may be query as to whether the STAs402are available and/or want to receive an UL resource allocation from the master station102. The type may be an indication that the STA402should transmit an indication on each channel whether the STA402is available on that station and/or whether the STA402wants to receive an UL resource allocation from the master station102.

The STA402may determine their availability based on a clear channel assessment (CCA). The type428may be another type such as an indication that the STAs402should transmit on each RU202(seeFIG. 2). The type428may be another type such as an indication that the STAs402should transmit on the resource allocation indicated by the RBID to indicate the STAs402a CCA of the STA402is clear and the STA402can accept a downlink (DL) transmission. The type may be another type of query of the STAs402. In some embodiments the type428may be indicated by the type of frame, which may be availability TF424.

The mapping430may include an indication of an RBID212for one or more of the STAs402. For example, the mapping430may be a mapping from association identification (AIDs) of the STAs402to RBIDs212. In some embodiments the mapping430is not included in the availability TF424. In some embodiments the mapping430is transmitted in a different frame before the availability TF424.

The availability TF424may include a duration of the TXOP412. The method400continues at operation454with STAs402transmitting responses418. For example, STA1402.1transmits response418.1with energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID212.9. The CCA may be set on the STA1402.1such that it can transmit. STA2402.2may transmit response418.2with energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID212.24. The energy on the resource allocation may indicate availability and need for an UL resource allocation during the TXOP412. The energy on the resource allocation may indicate either a one or a zero. There may be only two values on the resource allocation indicated by the RBID212. STA3402.3may not transmit a response418.3to indicate that STA3402.3is not available and/or does not need an UL resource allocation. STA4402.4may not transmit a response418.4to indicate that STA3402.3is not available and/or does not need an UL resource allocation.

The responses418are transmitted simultaneously by the STA402and received by the master station102in a response419. The response419includes energy on each resource allocation that was transmitted by the STAs402(e.g., as illustrated on the resource allocations indicated by RBID212.9and212.24).

Phase1408may include operations451,452, and454. The method400continues at operation456with the master station102transmitting a UL MU TF. The UL MU TF426includes a resource allocation432that indicates a resource for STA1402.1and STA2402.2. The master station102may determine the resource allocation432based at least on the response419.

The method400continues at operation458with STA1402.1and STA2402.2transmitting UL frames412in accordance with the resource allocation432. The method400may continue at operation460with the master station102transmitting acknowledgements (ACKs) to STA1402.1and STA2402.2. Phase2410may include operations456,458, and460. The method400may end after operation460or may include one or more additional operations.

FIG. 5illustrates responses501to an availability trigger frame in accordance with some embodiments. The responses501include STAs502and bits504. The responses501include STA3transmitting 1 bit on the resource allocation indicated by RBID3, STA9transmitting 1 bit on the resource allocation indicated by RBID9, STA17transmitting 1 bit on the resource allocation indicated by RBID17, etc. The RBIDs may have been transmitted to the STAs502by a mapping428from the master station102. STAs502not illustrated may have determined not to transmit energy on the resource allocation indicated by the RBIDs.

FIG. 6illustrates a method600of MU feedback in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 6is time606along the horizontal axis, transmitter675along the horizontal axis, frequency604along the vertical axis, and a transmission opportunity (TXOP)612.

As illustrated, each of the frequencies604.1,604.2,604.3, and604.4are different 20 MHz channel. Frequency604.1may be a primary channel. In some embodiments, the frequencies604may be RUs202(seeFIG. 2) with a bandwidth size of approximately 2 MHz. In some embodiments, there may be more or fewer frequencies604. For example, there may be 8 or 16 frequencies604for 160 MHz or 320 MHz, respectively. As another example, if the frequencies604are RUs202there may be nine frequencies604to correspond to one frequency604for each RU202.

The TXOP612may include a phase1608and a phase2610. Operation650are illustrated along the top. STAs602may be HE stations104. Only two STAs602are illustrated; however, in some embodiments there may be one STA602or more than two STAs602. Each STA602may have different RBID assignments.

The method600may begin at operation651with the master station102acquiring the wireless medium616. The method400continues at operation652with the master station102transmitting an availability trigger frame (TF)624. The availability TF624may include a type628and an RBID mapping630. The type628may be the same or similar as the type428(seeFIG. 4). As illustrated, inFIG. 6, the type may be an indication that the STA602should transmit an indication on each channel whether the STA602is available on that station and/or whether the STA602wants to receive an UL resource allocation from the master station102. In some embodiments, the type628may be whether the each STA602is available for a DL resource allocation or transmission. The STA602may determine its availability based on a clear channel assessment (CCA). The mapping630may be the same or similar as the mapping430(seeFIG. 4).

The available TF624may include a duration that indicates a duration of the TXOP612. The method600may continue with STA602transmitting response618that indicate if STAs602would like an UL resource allocation on the corresponding frequency604.1. As illustrated, STA1602.1is transmitting energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID690.1on both frequency604.4and frequency604.1. As illustrated, STA2602.2is transmitting energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID690.2on both frequency604.3and frequency604.1.

STA1602.1and STA2602.2are transmitting simultaneously, although the illustration has the responses618side by side. Phase1may include operation652and654.

The method600continues at operation656with the master station102transmitting UL MU TF632. The UL MU TF632may include a resource allocation632that may include a resource allocation in frequency604.1for STA1602.1and a resource allocation in frequency604.3for STA2602.2. The master station102may determine the resource allocation632based on the responses618.

The method600continues at operation658with STA1602.1transmitting UL frame614.1in frequency604.1and STA2602.2transmitting UL frame614.2in frequency604.3. The STAs602transmit the UL frames in accordance with the resource allocation632.

The method600continues at operation660with the master station102transmitting ACK620to acknowledge receipt of UL frames614.1and614.2. In some embodiments the master station102may transmit ACKs in the frequency604that the master station102received the UL frame614. Phase2may include operations656,658, and660. The method600may end after operation660or may include one or more operations which may be part of the TXOP612.

FIG. 7illustrates an RBID assignment in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 7is an RBID assignment702and an HE station104. The RBID assignment702may include one or more RBIDs the HE station104is to use to respond to the master station102.

FIG. 8illustrates an AID to RBID mapping806in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 8is a master station102and AID to RBID mapping. The AID to RBID mapping takes an AID802and maps it to one or more RBIDs. The master station102may store the AID to RBID mapping and may determine the AID to RBID mapping.

FIG. 9illustrates a method900of MU feedback using HE-LTF in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 9is time906along a horizontal axis, transmitter or receiver932along a vertical axis, frequency904along the vertical axis, and a transmission opportunity (TXOP)912. As illustrated, each of the frequencies904.1,904.2,904.3, and904.4are the same 20 MHz channel, which may be a primary channel. The frequencies904may be different channels and different bandwidths. The TXOP912may include a phase1908and a phase2910. Operations950are illustrated along the top. STAs902may be HE stations104.

The method900begins at operation951with the master station102acquiring the wireless medium916. The method900continues at operation952with the master station102transmitting an availability trigger frame (TF). The availability TF924may include a type928and an RBID mapping930. The type928may indicate a type of query the availability TF924. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the type may be query as to whether the STAs902are available and/or want to receive an DL resource allocation from the master station102. The type may be an indication that the STA902should transmit an indication on each channel whether the STA902is available on that station and/or whether the STA902wants to receive (or can receive) an DL resource allocation from the master station102.

The STA902may determine their availability based on a clear channel assessment (CCA). The type928may be another type such as an indication that the STAs902should transmit on each RU202(seeFIG. 2). The type928may be another type which may include different duration indications and single user allocations. The type928may be another type of query of the STAs902. In some embodiments the type928may be indicated by the type of frame, which may be availability TF924.

The mapping930may include an indication of an RBID212for one or more of the STAs902. For example, the mapping930may be a mapping from association identification (AIDs) of the STAs902to RBIDs212. In some embodiments the mapping930is not included in the availability TF924. In some embodiments the mapping930is transmitted in a different frame before the availability TF924.

The availability TF924may include a duration of the TXOP912. The method900continues at operation954with STAs902transmitting responses918. For example, STA1902.1transmits response918.1with energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID212.9. The CCA may be set on the STA1902.1such that it can transmit. STA2902.2may transmit response918.2with energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID212.24. The energy on the resource allocation may indicate availability for a DL resource allocation during the TXOP912. The energy on the resource allocation may indicate either a one or a zero. There may be only two values on the resource allocation indicated by the RBID212. STA3902.3may not transmit a response918.3to indicate that STA3902.3is not available and/or does not need an UL resource allocation. STA4902.4may not transmit a response918.4to indicate that STA3902.3is not available.

The responses918are transmitted simultaneously by the STA902and received by the master station102in a response919. The response919includes energy on each resource allocation that was transmitted by the STAs902(e.g., as illustrated on the resource allocations indicated by RBID212.9and212.24).

Phase1908may include operations951,952, and954. The method900continues at operation956with the master station102transmitting a DL MU TF926. The DL MU TF926includes a resource allocation932that indicates a DL resource allocation for STA1902.1and STA2902.2. The DL resource allocations may be a portion of or the entire operating bandwidth of the master station102. The master station102may determine the DL resource allocation932based at least on the response919.

The method900continues at operation958with master station102transmitting DL frames912in accordance with the resource allocation932. The DL frame912.1may be transmitted to STA1902.1, and DL frame912.2may be transmitted to STA2902.2. The method900may continue at operation960with the STA1902.1and STA2902.2transmitting acknowledgements (ACKs)920to the master station102. Phase2910may include operations956,958, and960. The method900may end after operation960or may include one or more additional operations.

FIG. 10illustrates a method1000of MU feedback in accordance with some embodiments. Illustrated inFIG. 10is time1006along the horizontal axis, transmitter1075along the horizontal axis, frequency1004along the vertical axis, and a transmission opportunity (TXOP)1012.

As illustrated, each of the frequencies1004.1,1004.2,1004.3, and1004.4are different 20 MHz channel. Frequency1004.1may be a primary channel. In some embodiments, the frequencies1004may be RUs202(seeFIG. 2) with a bandwidth size of approximately 2 MHz. In some embodiments, there may be more or fewer frequencies1004. For example, there may be 8 or 16 frequencies1004for 160 MHz or 320 MHz, respectively. As another example, if the frequencies1004are RUs202there may be nine frequencies1004to correspond to one frequency1004for each RU202.

The TXOP1012may include a phase11008and a phase21010. Operations1050are illustrated along the top. STAs1002may be HE stations104. Only two STAs1002are illustrated; however, in some embodiments there may be one STA1002or more than two STAs1002. Each STA1002may have different RBID assignments.

The method1000may begin at operation1051with the master station102acquiring the wireless medium1016. The method1000continues at operation1052with the master station102transmitting an availability trigger frame (TF)1024. The availability TF1024may include a type1028and an RBID mapping1030. The type1028may be the same or similar as the type428(seeFIG. 4). As illustrated, inFIG. 10, the type may be an indication that the STA1002should transmit an indication on each channel whether the STA1002is available on that station for a DL resource allocation or transmission from the master station102. The STA1002may determine its availability based on a clear channel assessment (CCA). The mapping1030may be the same or similar as the mapping430(seeFIG. 4).

The available TF1024may include a duration that indicates a duration of the TXOP1012. The method1000may continue with STA1002transmitting response1018that indicate if STAs1002would like an UL resource allocation on the corresponding frequency1004.1. As illustrated, STA11002.1is transmitting energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID1090.1on both frequency1004.4and frequency1004.1. As illustrated, STA21002.2is transmitting energy on the resource allocation indicated by RBID1090.2on both frequency1004.3and frequency1004.1.

STA11002.1and STA21002.2are transmitting simultaneously, although the illustration has the responses1018side by side. Phase1may include operation1052and1054.

The method1000continues at operation1056with the master station102transmitting DL MU TF1032. The DL MU TF1032may include a resource allocation1032that may include an indication of a resource allocation in frequency1004.1for STA1602.1and a resource allocation in frequency1004.3for STA2602.2. The master station102may determine the resource allocation1032based on the responses1018.

The method1000continues at operation1058with master station102transmitting DL frame1014.1in frequency1004.1to STA11002.1and DL frame1014.2to STA21002.2in frequency1004.3. The master station102transmits the DL frames1014in accordance with the resource allocation1032.

The method1000continues at operation1060with STA11002.1transmitting ACK1020.1and STA21002.2transmitting ACK1002.2to the master station102. In some embodiments, the resource allocation to transmit the ACK1002is included in resource allocation1032. Phase2may include operations1056,1058, and1060. The method1000may end after operation1060or may include one or more operations which may be part of the TXOP1012.

FIG. 11illustrates a method1100of MU feedback in accordance with some embodiments. The method110may begin at operation1102with decoding a frame comprising one or more resource block identification (RBIDs), where each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information to a access point. For example, STAs402,602,902,1002may decode availability TF424,624,924,1024, as described in conjunction withFIGS. 4, 6, 9, and 10, respectively.

The method1110may continue at operation1104with in response to decoding an availability trigger frame from the access point, encoding a response to the availability trigger frame in accordance with the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs. For example, STAs402,602,902,1002may encode responses418,618,918,1018, as described in conjunction withFIGS. 4, 6, 9, and 10, respectively. The method1110may include a step of determining the response as disclosed in conjunction withFIGS. 1-13.

The method1110may continue at operation1106with configuring the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). For example, STAs402,602,902,1002may be configured to transmit responses418,618,918,1018, as described in conjunction withFIGS. 4, 6, 9, and 10, respectively. The method1110may continue with one or more additional steps as disclosed in conjunction withFIGS. 4, 6, 9, and 10.

FIG. 12illustrates a method1200of MU feedback in accordance with some embodiments. The method1200may begin at operation1202with determining a mapping of resource block identifications (RBIDs) to a plurality of stations, where each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information. For example, the master station102may determine RBID mapping430and928as disclosed in conjunction withFIGS. 4, 6, 9, and 10.

The method1200may continue at operation1204with encoding an availability trigger frame to the plurality of stations. For example, master station102or an apparatus of the master station102may encode availability TF424,624,924,1024, as described in conjunction withFIGS. 4, 6, 9, and 10, respectively.

The method1200may continue at operation1206with decoding responses to the availability trigger frame from one or more of the plurality of stations, where the responses are to be received simultaneously on the resource allocation indicated by the corresponding RBID for each of the one or more stations, and wherein the responses are to be received in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multi-access (OFDMA). For example, the master station102or apparatus of the master station102may decode response419,619,919, and1019, as described in conjunction withFIGS. 4, 6, 9, and 10, respectively

Machine (e.g., computer system)1300may include a hardware processor1302(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory1304and a static memory1306, some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interlink (e.g., bus)1308. The machine1300may further include a display unit1310, an alphanumeric input device1312(e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device1314(e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display unit1310, input device1312and UI navigation device1314may be a touch screen display. The machine1300may additionally include a storage device (e.g., drive unit)1316, a signal generation device1318(e.g., a speaker), a network interface device1320, and one or more sensors1321, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or other sensor. The machine1300may include an output controller1328, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared(IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.). In some embodiments the processor1302and/or instructions1324may comprise processing circuitry.

The storage device1316may include a machine readable medium1322on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions1324(e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions1324may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1304, within static memory1306, or within the hardware processor1302during execution thereof by the machine1300. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor1302, the main memory1304, the static memory1306, or the storage device1316may constitute machine readable media.

While the machine readable medium1322is illustrated as a single medium, the term “machine readable medium” may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) configured to store the one or more instructions1324.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments. Specifics in the examples may be used in one or more embodiments. Example 1 is an apparatus of a station comprising memory and processing circuitry couple to the memory, the processing circuitry configured to: decode a frame comprising one or more resource block identification (RBIDs), where each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information to a access point, in response to decoding an availability trigger frame from the access point, encode a response to the availability trigger frame in accordance with the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and configure the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include where the availability trigger frame is an uplink (UL) resource allocation request query, and wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine whether the station is to request an UL resource allocation, in response to decoding the availability trigger frame from the access point and determining that the station is to request the UL resource allocation, encode the response to the availability trigger frame to transmit energy on the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and decode a packet from the access point, where the packet indicates an UL resource allocation for the station.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 3 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine whether the station is to request the UL resource allocation based on at least one of the following group: a clear channel assessment (CCA) and network allocation vector (NAV).

In Example 4, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-3 can optionally include where the availability trigger frame is an uplink (UL) resource allocation request query, and where the station is allocated an RBID for each of one or more subchannels, where the processing circuitry is further configured to: in response to decoding the availability trigger frame from the access point, determine which of the one or more subchannels to request an UL resource allocation; and encode the response to the availability trigger frame with each subchannel determined to request the UL resource allocation with a value 1 in accordance with the corresponding RBID.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 can optionally include where the subchannels are each 20 MHz or exactly 26 data subcarriers.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 4 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to: configure the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 4 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to configure the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with OFDMA and multi-user multiply-input multiply-output (MU-MIMO).

In Example 8, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-7 can optionally include where each resource allocation indicates a frequency resource allocation and a spatial stream allocation.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 can optionally include where each resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs is one of thirty-six resource blocks per 20 MHz subchannel with nine frequency resource blocks in a frequency domain by four spatial streams in a spatial domain.

In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9 can optionally include where each of the nine frequency resource blocks in the frequency domain is exactly 26 data tones or exactly 52 data tones.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-10 can optionally include where the availability trigger frame is an (DL) resource allocation request query, and where the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine whether the station is available for a DL resource allocation, in response to decoding the availability trigger frame from the access point and determining that the station is available for the DL resource allocation, encode the response to the availability trigger frame to transmit energy on the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and decode a packet from the access point, where the packet indicates a DL resource allocation for the station.

In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 can optionally include where the processing circuitry is further configured to determine whether the station is available for the DL resource allocation based on at least one of the following group: a clear channel assessment (CCA) and a network allocation vector (NAV).

In Example 13, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-12 can optionally include where the response is a high-efficiency long training field (HE-LTF).

In Example 14, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-13 can optionally include where the frame is the availability trigger.

In Example 15, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-14 can optionally include where the station and the access point are each one from the following group: a master station, an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax access point, and an IEEE 802.11ax station.

In Example 16, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-15 can optionally include further comprising one or more antennas coupled to the processing circuitry.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Examples 16 can optionally include transceiver circuitry couple to the one or more antennas.

Example 18 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for execution by one or more processors. The instructions to configure the one or more processors to cause a station to: decode a frame comprising one or more resource block identification (RBIDs), where each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information to a access point, in response to decoding an availability trigger frame from the access point, encode a response to the availability trigger frame in accordance with the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and configure the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 19, the subject matter of Examples 19 can optionally include where the availability trigger frame is an uplink (UL) resource allocation request query, and where the instructions further configure the one or more processor to cause the station to: determine whether the station is to request an UL resource allocation, in response to decoding the availability trigger frame from the access point and determining that the station is to request the UL resource allocation, encode the response to the availability trigger frame to transmit energy on the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and decode a packet from the access point, where the packet indicates an UL resource allocation for the station.

Example 20 is a method performed by a station, the method including: decoding a frame comprising one or more resource block identification (RBIDs), where each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information to a access point, in response to decoding an availability trigger frame from the access point, encoding a response to the availability trigger frame in accordance with the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and configuring the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 20 can optionally include where the availability trigger frame is an uplink (UL) resource allocation request query, and the method further including: determining whether the station is to request an UL resource allocation, in response to decoding the availability trigger frame from the access point and determining that the station is to request the UL resource allocation, encoding the response to the availability trigger frame to transmit energy on the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and decoding a packet from the access point, where the packet indicates an UL resource allocation for the station.

Example 22 is an apparatus of an access point comprising transceiver circuitry and processing circuitry configured to: determine a mapping of resource block identifications (RBIDs) to a plurality of stations, wherein each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information, encode an availability trigger frame to the plurality of stations, and decode responses to the availability trigger frame from one or more of the plurality of stations, where the responses are to be received simultaneously on the resource allocation indicated by the corresponding RBID for each of the one or more stations, and where the responses are to be received in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multi-access (OFDMA).

In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 can optionally include where each resource allocation indicates a frequency resource allocation and a spatial stream resource allocation, and where the responses are to be received simultaneously in accordance with OFDMA and multi-user multiply-input multiply-output (MU-MIMO).

In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 can optionally include where each frequency resource allocation and spatial stream resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs are part of a high-efficiency long-training field (HE-LTF), and wherein the responses indicate either an availability for downlink (DL) transmission or uplink (UL) transmission.

In Example 25, the subject matter of any of Examples 22-24 can optionally include further comprising one or more antennas coupled to the processing circuitry.

Example 26 is an apparatus of a station. The apparatus comprising: means for decoding a frame comprising one or more resource block identification (RBIDs), wherein each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information to a access point, in response to decoding an availability trigger frame from the access point, means for encoding a response to the availability trigger frame in accordance with the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and means for configuring the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 can optionally include where the availability trigger frame is an uplink (UL) resource allocation request query, and further comprising means for determining whether the station is to request an UL resource allocation, in response to decoding the availability trigger frame from the access point and determining that the station is to request the UL resource allocation, means for encoding the response to the availability trigger frame to transmit energy on the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and means for decoding a packet from the access point, where the packet indicates an UL resource allocation for the station.

In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 26 can optionally include means for determining whether the station is to request the UL resource allocation based on at least one of the following group: a clear channel assessment (CCA) and network allocation vector (NAV).

In Example 29, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-28 can optionally include where the availability trigger frame is an uplink (UL) resource allocation request query, and where the station is allocated an RBID for each of one or more subchannels, and further comprising: in response to decoding the availability trigger frame from the access point, means for determining which of the one or more subchannels to request an UL resource allocation, and means for encoding the response to the availability trigger frame with each subchannel determined to request the UL resource allocation with a value 1 in accordance with the corresponding RBID.

In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 can optionally include where the subchannels are each 20 MHz or exactly 26 data subcarriers.

In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 29 can optionally include means for configuring the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA).

In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 29 can optionally include means for configuring the station to transmit the response to the access point in accordance with OFDMA and multi-user multiply-input multiply-output (MU-MIMO).

In Example 33, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-32 can optionally include where each resource allocation indicates a frequency resource allocation and a spatial stream allocation.

In Example 34, the subject matter of Example 33 can optionally include where each resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs is one of thirty-six resource blocks per 20 MHz subchannel with nine frequency resource blocks in a frequency domain by four spatial streams in a spatial domain.

In Example 35, the subject matter of Example 34 can optionally include where each of the nine frequency resource blocks in the frequency domain is exactly 26 data tones or exactly 52 data tones.

In Example 36, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-35 can optionally include where the availability trigger frame is an (DL) resource allocation request query, and further including: means for determining whether the station is available for a DL resource allocation, in response to decoding the availability trigger frame from the access point and determining that the station is available for the DL resource allocation, means for encoding the response to the availability trigger frame to transmit energy on the resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs, and means for decoding a packet from the access point, wherein the packet indicates a DL resource allocation for the station.

In Example 37, the subject matter of Example 36 can optionally include means for determining whether the station is available for the DL resource allocation based on at least one of the following group: a clear channel assessment (CCA) and a network allocation vector (NAV).

In Example 38, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-37 can optionally include where the response is a high-efficiency long training field (HE-LTF).

In Example 39, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-38 can optionally include where the frame is the availability trigger.

In Example 40, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-39 can optionally include where the station and the access point are each one from the following group: a master station, an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11ax access point, and an IEEE 802.11ax station.

In Example 41, the subject matter of any of Examples 26-40 can optionally include means for processing signals from one or more antennas.

In Example 42, the subject matter of Example 41 can optionally include means for transmitting and receiving radio signals.

Example 43 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for execution by one or more processors. The instructions to configure the one or more processors to cause an access point to: determine a mapping of resource block identifications (RBIDs) to a plurality of stations, where each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information, encode an availability trigger frame to the plurality of stations, and decode responses to the availability trigger frame from one or more of the plurality of stations, where the responses are to be received simultaneously on the resource allocation indicated by the corresponding RBID for each of the one or more stations, and where the responses are to be received in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multi-access (OFDMA).

In Example 44, the subject matter of Example 43 can optionally include where each resource allocation indicates a frequency resource allocation and a spatial stream resource allocation, and where the responses are to be received simultaneously in accordance with OFDMA and multi-user multiply-input multiply-output (MU-MIMO).

In Example 45, the subject matter of Example 44 can optionally include where each frequency resource allocation and spatial stream resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs are part of a high-efficiency long-training field (HE-LTF), and where the responses indicate either an availability for downlink (DL) transmission or uplink (UL) transmission.

Example 46 is a method performed by an access point, the method including determining a mapping of resource block identifications (RBIDs) to a plurality of stations, where each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information, encoding an availability trigger frame to the plurality of stations, and decoding responses to the availability trigger frame from one or more of the plurality of stations, where the responses are to be received simultaneously on the resource allocation indicated by the corresponding RBID for each of the one or more stations, and where the responses are to be received in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multi-access (OFDMA).

In Example 47, the subject matter of Example 46 can optionally include where each resource allocation indicates a frequency resource allocation and a spatial stream resource allocation, and where the responses are to be received simultaneously in accordance with OFDMA and multi-user multiply-input multiply-output (MU-MIMO).

In Example 48, the subject matter of Example 47 can optionally include where each frequency resource allocation and spatial stream resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs are part of a high-efficiency long-training field (HE-LTF), and wherein the responses indicate either an availability for downlink (DL) transmission or uplink (UL) transmission.

Example 49 is an apparatus of an access point, the apparatus including means for determining a mapping of resource block identifications (RBIDs) to a plurality of stations, where each RBID indicates a resource allocation to transmit one bit of information, means for encoding an availability trigger frame to the plurality of stations, and means for decoding responses to the availability trigger frame from one or more of the plurality of stations, where the responses are to be received simultaneously on the resource allocation indicated by the corresponding RBID for each of the one or more stations, and where the responses are to be received in accordance with orthogonal frequency division multi-access (OFDMA).

In Example 50, the subject matter of Example 49 can optionally include where each resource allocation indicates a frequency resource allocation and a spatial stream resource allocation, and wherein the responses are to be received simultaneously in accordance with OFDMA and multi-user multiply-input multiply-output (MU-MIMO).

In Example 51, the subject matter of Example 50 can optionally include where each frequency resource allocation and spatial stream resource allocation indicated by the one or more RBIDs are part of a high-efficiency long-training field (HE-LTF), and wherein the responses indicate either an availability for downlink (DL) transmission or uplink (UL) transmission.