Patent Description:
A wireless communication network in a millimeter-wave band may provide high-speed data access for users of wireless communication devices.

A wireless communication station may communicate a grant frame, which may include fields and subfields configured for time allocation purposes. For example, the grant frame may be configured according to IEEE <NUM>. 11ad-<NUM> ("<NPL>).

However, the current definition of fields and subfields of the grant frame according to IEEE <NUM>. 11ad-<NUM> may not be applicable, efficient and/or sufficient, e.g., at least in some scenarios and/or use cases. "<NPL> describes modifications to the IEEE <NUM> physical layers and IEEE medium access control layer to enable operation in frequencies around <NUM> and capable of very high throughput.

The scope of protection is defined according to the independent claims. Additional advantageous embodiments are disclosed according to the appended dependent claims.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments 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.

Discussions herein utilizing terms such as, for example, "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "establishing", "analyzing", "checking", or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories or other information storage medium that may store instructions to perform operations and/or processes.

The terms "plurality" and "a plurality", as used herein, include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more". For example, "a plurality of items" includes two or more items.

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

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third" etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with various devices and systems, for example, a User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Device (MD), a wireless station (STA), a Personal Computer (PC), a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a sensor device, a server computer, a handheld computer, a handheld device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device, a handheld PDA device, an on-board device, an off-board device, a hybrid device, a vehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a mobile or portable device, a consumer device, a non-mobile or non-portable device, a wireless communication station, a wireless communication device, a wireless Access Point (AP), a wired or wireless router, a wired or wireless modem, a video device, an audio device, an audio-video (A/V) device, a wired or wireless network, a wireless area network, a Wireless Video Area Network (WVAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless LAN (WLAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Wireless PAN (WPAN), and the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing Wireless-Gigabit-Alliance (WGA) specifications (<NPL>) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing IEEE <NUM> standards (<NPL>; IEEE802.11ac-<NUM> ("<NPL>); IEEE <NUM>. 11ad ("<NPL>); IEEE-<NUM>. 11REVmc ("<NPL>"); IEEE802. <NUM>-ay (<NPL>)) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) Alliance (WFA) Peer-to-Peer (P2P) specifications (<NPL>) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing cellular specifications and/or protocols, e.g., 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, units and/or devices which are part of the above networks, and the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with one way and/or two-way radio communication systems, cellular radio-telephone communication systems, a mobile phone, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a Personal Communication Systems (PCS) device, a PDA device which incorporates a wireless communication device, a mobile or portable Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a device which incorporates a GPS receiver or transceiver or chip, a device which incorporates an RFID element or chip, a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transceiver or device, a Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) transceiver or device, a Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) transceiver or device, a device having one or more internal antennas and/or external antennas, Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) devices or systems, multistandard radio devices or systems, a wired or wireless handheld device, e.g., a Smartphone, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) device, or the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with one or more types of wireless communication signals and/or systems, for example, Radio Frequency (RF), Infra Red (IR), Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM), Orthogonal FDM (OFDM), Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), FDM Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM), Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), Spatial Division Multiple Access (SDMA), Extended TDMA (E-TDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), extended GPRS, Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), CDMA <NUM>, single-carrier CDMA, multi-carrier CDMA, Multi-Carrier Modulation (MDM), Discrete Multi-Tone (DMT), Bluetooth®, Global Positioning System (GPS), Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, ZigBee™, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, Fifth Generation (<NUM>), or Sixth Generation (<NUM>) mobile networks, 3GPP, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE advanced, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), or the like. Other embodiments may be used in various other devices, systems and/or networks.

The term "wireless device", as used herein, includes, for example, a device capable of wireless communication, a communication device capable of wireless communication, a communication station capable of wireless communication, a portable or non-portable device capable of wireless communication, or the like. In some demonstrative embodiments, a wireless device may be or may include a peripheral that is integrated with a computer, or a peripheral that is attached to a computer. In some demonstrative embodiments, the term "wireless device" may optionally include a wireless service.

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.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be used in conjunction with a WLAN, e.g., a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network. Other embodiments 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 embodiments may be used in conjunction with a wireless communication network communicating over a frequency band of <NUM>. However, other alternative embodiments, not falling within the literal scope of the claims, may be implemented utilizing any other suitable wireless communication frequency bands, for example, an Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band (the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band), e.g., a frequency band within the frequency band of between <NUM> and <NUM>, a frequency band below <NUM>, e.g., a Sub <NUM> (S1G) band, a <NUM> band, a <NUM> band, a WLAN frequency band, a WPAN frequency band, a frequency band according to the WGA specification, and the like. The embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, are implemented utilizing a frequency band above <NUM>.

The term "antenna", as used herein, may include any suitable configuration, structure and/or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies and/or arrays. In some embodiments, the antenna may implement transmit and receive functionalities using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In some embodiments, the antenna may implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and/or integrated transmit/receive elements. The antenna may include, for example, a phased array antenna, a single element antenna, a set of switched beam antennas, and/or the like.

The phrases "directional multi-gigabit (DMG)" and "directional band" (DBand), as used herein, may relate to a frequency band wherein the Channel starting frequency is above <NUM>. In one example, DMG communications may involve one or more directional links to communicate at a rate of multiple gigabits per second, for example, at least <NUM> Gigabit per second, e.g., <NUM> Gigabit per second, or any other rate.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be implemented by a DMG STA (also referred to as a "mmWave STA (mSTA)"), which may include for example, a STA having a radio transmitter, which is capable of operating on a channel that is within the DMG band. The DMG STA may perform other additional or alternative functionality. Other embodiments may be implemented by any other apparatus, device and/or station.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a system <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

As shown in <FIG>, in some demonstrative embodiments, system <NUM> may include one or more wireless communication devices. For example, system <NUM> may include a first wireless communication device <NUM>, and/or a second wireless communication device <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include a mobile device or a non-mobile, e.g., a static, device.

For example, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include, for example, a UE, an MD, a STA, an AP, 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 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 Blu-ray disc (BD) player, a BD recorder, a Digital Video Disc (DVD) player, a High Definition (HD) DVD player, a DVD recorder, a HD DVD recorder, a Personal Video Recorder (PVR), a broadcast HD receiver, a video source, an audio source, a video sink, an audio sink, a stereo tuner, a broadcast radio receiver, a flat panel display, a Personal Media Player (PMP), a digital video camera (DVC), a digital audio player, a speaker, an audio receiver, an audio amplifier, a gaming device, a data source, a data sink, a Digital Still camera (DSC), a media player, a Smartphone, a television, a music player, or the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device <NUM> may include, for example, one or more of a processor <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, a memory unit <NUM>, and/or a storage unit <NUM>; and/or device <NUM> may include, for example, one or more of a processor <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, a memory unit <NUM>, and/or a storage unit <NUM>. Devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may optionally include other suitable hardware components and/or software components. In some demonstrative embodiments, some or all of the components of one or more of devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may 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 embodiments, components of one or more of devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be distributed among multiple or separate devices.

Processor <NUM> and/or processor <NUM> includes, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), one or more processor cores, a single-core processor, a dual-core processor, a multiple-core processor, a microprocessor, a host processor, a controller, a plurality of processors or controllers, a chip, a microchip, one or more circuits, circuitry, a logic unit, an Integrated Circuit (IC), an Application-Specific IC (ASIC), or any other suitable multipurpose or specific processor or controller. Processor <NUM> executes instructions, for example, of an Operating System (OS) of device <NUM> and/or of one or more suitable applications. Processor <NUM> executes instructions, for example, of an Operating System (OS) of device <NUM> and/or of one or more suitable applications.

Input unit <NUM> and/or input unit <NUM> includes, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch-screen, a touch-pad, a track-ball, a stylus, a microphone, or other suitable pointing device or input device. Output unit <NUM> and/or output unit <NUM> includes, for example, a monitor, a screen, a touch-screen, a flat panel display, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display unit, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) display unit, a plasma display unit, one or more audio speakers or earphones, or other suitable output devices.

Memory unit <NUM> and/or memory unit <NUM> includes, 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 unit <NUM> and/or storage unit <NUM> includes, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a Compact Disk (CD) drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or other suitable removable or non-removable storage units. Memory unit <NUM> and/or storage unit <NUM>, for example, may store data processed by device <NUM>. Memory unit <NUM> and/or storage unit <NUM>, for example, may store data processed by device <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be capable of communicating content, data, information and/or signals via a wireless medium (WM) <NUM>. In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless medium <NUM> may include, for example, a radio channel, a cellular channel, an RF channel, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) channel, an IR channel, a Bluetooth (BT) channel, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Channel, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, WM <NUM> may include a directional channel. For example, WM <NUM> may include a millimeter-wave (mmWave) wireless communication channel.

In some demonstrative embodiments, WM <NUM> may include a DMG channel. In other embodiments, WM <NUM> may include any other additional or alternative directional channel.

In other embodiments, WM <NUM> may include any other type of channel over any other frequency band.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may perform the functionality of one or more wireless stations, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may perform the functionality of one or more DMG stations.

In other embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may perform the functionality of any other wireless device and/or station, e.g., a WLAN STA, a WiFi STA, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include one or more radios including circuitry and/or logic to perform wireless communication between devices <NUM>, <NUM> and/or one or more other wireless communication devices. For example, device <NUM> may include a radio <NUM>, and/or device <NUM> may include a radio <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> may 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, radio <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>, and/or radio <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include one or more wireless transmitters (Tx) including circuitry and/or logic to send wireless communication signals, RF signals, frames, blocks, transmission streams, packets, messages, data items, and/or data. For example, radio <NUM> may include a transmitter <NUM>, and/or radio <NUM> may include a transmitter <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include circuitry, logic, modulation elements, demodulation elements, amplifiers, analog to digital and digital to analog converters, filters, and/or the like. For example, radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include or may be implemented as part of a wireless Network Interface Card (NIC), and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radios <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include, or may be associated with, one or more antennas <NUM> and/or <NUM>, respectively.

In one example, device <NUM> may include a single antenna <NUM>. In other example, device <NUM> may include two or more antennas <NUM>.

Antennas <NUM> and/or <NUM> may 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, antennas <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include any suitable configuration, structure and/or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies and/or arrays. Antennas <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include, for example, antennas suitable for directional communication, e.g., using beamforming techniques. For example, antennas <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include a phased array antenna, a multiple element antenna, a set of switched beam antennas, and/or the like. In some embodiments, antennas <NUM> and/or <NUM> may implement transmit and receive functionalities using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In some embodiments, antennas <NUM> and/or <NUM> may implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and/or integrated transmit/receive elements.

In some demonstrative embodiments, antennas <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include a directional antenna, which may be steered to a plurality of beam directions.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device <NUM> may include a controller <NUM>, and/or device <NUM> may include a controller <NUM>. Controllers <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to perform one or more communications, may generate and/or communicate one or more messages and/or transmissions, and/or may perform one or more functionalities, operations and/or procedures between devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> and/or one or more other devices, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controllers <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include 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, and/or any other circuitry and/or logic, configured to perform the functionality of controllers <NUM> and/or <NUM>, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of controllers <NUM> and/or <NUM> may 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, controller <NUM> may include circuitry and/or logic, for example, one or more processors including circuitry and/or logic, to cause a wireless device, e.g., device <NUM>, and/or a wireless station, e.g., a wireless STA implemented by device <NUM>, to perform one or more operations, communications and/or functionalities, e.g., as described herein.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device <NUM> may include a message processor <NUM> configured to generate, process and/or access one or messages communicated by device <NUM>.

In one example, message processor <NUM> may be configured to generate one or more messages to be transmitted by device <NUM>, and/or message processor <NUM> may be configured to access and/or to process one or more messages received by device <NUM>, e.g., as described below. In one example, message processor <NUM> may be configured to process transmission of one or more messages from a wireless station, e.g., a wireless STA implemented by device <NUM>; and/or message processor <NUM> may be configured to process reception of one or more messages by a wireless station, e.g., a wireless STA implemented by device <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, message processors <NUM> and/or <NUM> may include circuitry, e.g., processor circuitry, memory circuitry, Media-Access Control (MAC) circuitry, Physical Layer (PHY) circuitry, and/or any other circuitry, configured to perform the functionality of message processors <NUM> and/or <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of message processors <NUM> and/or <NUM> may 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 embodiments, at least part of the functionality of message processor <NUM> may be implemented as part of radio <NUM>, and/or at least part of the functionality of message processor <NUM> may be implemented as part of radio <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least part of the functionality of message processor <NUM> may be implemented as part of controller <NUM>, and/or at least part of the functionality of message processor <NUM> may be implemented as part of controller <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the functionality of message processor <NUM> may be implemented as part of any other element of device <NUM>, and/or the functionality of message processor <NUM> may be implemented as part of any other element of device <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least part of the functionality of controller <NUM> and/or message processor <NUM> may be implemented by an integrated circuit, for example, a chip, e.g., a System in Chip (SoC). In one example, the chip or SoC may be configured to perform one or more functionalities of radio <NUM>. For example, the chip or SoC may include one or more elements of controller <NUM>, one or more elements of message processor <NUM>, and/or one or more elements of radio <NUM>. In one example, controller <NUM>, message processor <NUM>, and radio <NUM> may be implemented as part of the chip or SoC.

In other embodiments, controller <NUM>, message processor <NUM> and/or radio <NUM> may be implemented by one or more additional or alternative elements of device <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least part of the functionality of controller <NUM> and/or message processor <NUM> may be implemented by an integrated circuit, for example, a chip, e.g., a SoC. In one example, the chip or SoC may be configured to perform one or more functionalities of radio <NUM>. For example, the chip or SoC may include one or more elements of controller <NUM>, one or more elements of message processor <NUM>, and/or one or more elements of radio <NUM>. In one example, controller <NUM>, message processor <NUM>, and radio <NUM> may be implemented as part of the chip or SoC.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to perform the functionality of an access point (AP), e.g., a DMG AP, and/or a personal basic service set (PBSS) control point (PCP), e.g., a DMG PCP, for example, an AP/PCP STA, e.g., a DMG AP/PCP STA.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to perform the functionality of a non-AP STA, e.g., a DMG non-AP STA, and/or a non-PCP STA, e.g., a DMG non-PCP STA, for example, a non-AP/PCP STA, e.g., a DMG non-AP/PCP STA.

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 personal basic service set (PBSS) control point (PCP) may include an entity that contains a STA, e.g., one station (STA), and coordinates access to the wireless medium (WM) by STAs that are members of a PBSS. The PCP may perform any other additional or alternative functionality.

In one example, a PBSS may include a directional multi-gigabit (DMG) basic service set (BSS) that includes, for example, one PBSS control point (PCP). For example, access to a distribution system (DS) may not be present, but, for example, an intra-PBSS forwarding service may optionally be present.

In one example, a PCP/AP STA may include a station (STA) that is at least one of a PCP or an AP. The PCP/AP STA 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 one example, a non-PCP STA may include a STA that is not a PCP. The non-PCP STA may perform any other additional or alternative functionality.

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

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to perform operations of dynamical scheduling and/or allocation, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to perform dynamic allocation of a service period (SP), for example, to provide a solution to allocate channel time during scheduled service periods (SPs), during different types of contention based access periods (CBAPs), and/or any other periods.

In some demonstrative embodiments, dynamic scheduling of an allocated time may be provided to a station, for example, using a grant frame, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may cause radio <NUM> to generate, process and/or transmit a grant frame, e.g., to device <NUM> and/or to one or more other devices, for example, to dynamically allocate a time period, e.g., to device <NUM> and/or to one or more other devices, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radio <NUM> may receive the grant frame, and controller <NUM> may process the grant frame, and may perform one or more operations according to the contents of the grant frame. For example, controller <NUM> may control communications by device <NUM> according to the allocated time period allocated by the grant frame. In one example, controller <NUM> may cause device <NUM> to communicate during the allocated time period, for example, if the allocated time period is to be allocated for communications by device <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the grant frame may be generated and/or transmitted by an AP, a PCP, an AP/PCP STA, a non-AP STA, a non-PCP STA, and/or a non-AP/PCP STA.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the grant frame may be addressed to, received by, and/or processed by, an AP, a PCP, an AP/PCP STA, a non-AP STA, a non-PCP STA, and/or a non-AP/PCP STA.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the Grant frame may include fields and/or subfields, which may be configured for time allocation and/or scheduling purposes.

In one example, configuring fields and/or subfields of a grant frame according to a conventional grant frame format, for example, a grant frame format in accordance with an IEEE <NUM> Standard, for example, IEEE <NUM>. 11ad-<NUM> ("<NPL>), may not be applicable, efficient and/or sufficient, for example, to cover all cases and/or scenarios the grant frame may be used for.

In one example, configuring fields and/or subfields of a grant frame according to a conventional grant frame format, for example, a grant frame format in accordance with IEEE <NUM>. 11ad-<NUM>, may not be sufficient and/or efficient to enable using the grant frame, for example, when exchanging the grant frame between peer stations ("peers") in condition of multiple accesses, e.g., during a Contention based Access Period (CBAP). No solution is known to enable such an exchange, e.g., in accordance with the frame format defined by IEEE <NUM>. 11ad-<NUM>. This is only one example, and there may be additional scenarios and/or use cases, in which the conventional format of the grant frame may not be applicable, sufficient and/or efficient.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a field in the grant frame, for example, a field of an allocation duration or any other field in the grant frame, may be defined and/or used, for example, depending on one or more attributes of a scheduling to be performed by the grant frame, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a field in the grant frame, for example, a field of an allocation duration or any other field in the grant frame, may be defined and/or used, for example, depending on whether the grant frame is to be used for scheduling purposes by an AP STA or PCP STA, or whether the grant frame is to be used to communicate in advance access between peers, for example, non-AP/PCP STAs, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a device transmitting the grant frame, e.g., device <NUM>, may be configured to indicate a use of the allocation duration field in the grant frame, for example, to a receiver of the grant frame, e.g., device <NUM>, as described below.

In one example, the device transmitting the grant frame, e.g., device <NUM>, may be configured to indicate the use of the allocation duration field in the grant frame, for example, in a manner, which may enable a stateless interpretation of the field, e.g., by the receiver of the grant frame.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be implemented, for example, to allow using the same format of the grant frame, for example, even with respect to different types of access allocations, and/or may allow delivering information relevant for a specific access type, for example, a service period, an allocated CBAP, a "CBAP only" allocation, and/or any other access period, e.g., even if not supported by a conventional solution.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a grant frame <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the grant frame <NUM> may be transmitted by a device, e.g., device <NUM> (<FIG>), and received by a device, e.g., device <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, grant frame <NUM> may include a Frame Control (FC) field <NUM>, for example, including <NUM> octets, e.g., <NUM> bits.

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, grant frame <NUM> includes a Duration/ID field <NUM>, for example, following FC field <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> octets, e.g., <NUM> bits.

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, Duration/ID field <NUM> includes a duration value, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, grant frame <NUM> may include a Receive Address (RA) field <NUM>, for example, following duration field <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> octets, e.g., <NUM> bits. In one example RA field <NUM> may include, for example, an address, e.g., a Media Access Control (MAC) address, of a STA to receive grant frame <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, grant frame <NUM> may include a Transmit Address (TA) field <NUM>, for example, following RA field <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> octets, e.g., <NUM> bits. In one example TA field <NUM> may include, for example, an address, e.g., a MAC address, of a STA to transmit grant frame <NUM>.

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, grant frame <NUM> includes a Dynamic Allocation Info field <NUM>, for example, following TA field <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> octets, e.g., <NUM> bits.

In some demonstrative embodiments, grant frame <NUM> may include a Beamforming (BF) control field <NUM>, for example, following Dynamic Allocation Info field <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> octets, e.g., <NUM> bits.

In some demonstrative embodiments, grant frame <NUM> may include a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) field <NUM>, for example, following BF control field <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> octets, e.g., <NUM> bits.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a dynamic allocation information field <NUM>, in accordance with the demonstrative embodiments. The grant frame <NUM> of <FIG> includes the dynamic allocation information field <NUM> of <FIG>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, dynamic allocation information field <NUM> may include a Traffic Identifier (TID) subfield <NUM>, e.g., including <NUM> bits.

In some demonstrative embodiments, dynamic allocation information field <NUM> may include an Allocation type subfield <NUM>, for example, following TID subfield <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> bits.

In some demonstrative embodiments, dynamic allocation information field <NUM> may include a Source Association Identifier (AID) subfield <NUM>, for example, following Allocation type subfield <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> bits.

In some demonstrative embodiments, dynamic allocation information field <NUM> may include a Destination AID subfield <NUM>, for example, following Source AID subfield <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> bits.

In the demonstrative embodiments, dynamic allocation information field <NUM> includes an allocation duration subfield <NUM>, for example, following Destination AID subfield <NUM>, and including, for example, <NUM> bits.

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, dynamic allocation information field <NUM> includes an access mode indication subfield <NUM>, which is configured to indicate an access mode of an allocation according to a grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes dynamic allocation information field <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, access mode subfield <NUM> may have a size of one bit.

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, as shown in <FIG>, access mode subfield <NUM> may be included as part of, or instead of, a reserved subfield <NUM> of dynamic allocation information field <NUM>. In other embodiments, access mode subfield <NUM> may be included in the form of, as part of, or instead of, any other subfield of dynamic allocation information field <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, some settings of the fields and/or subfields of the grant frame, for example, in accordance with an IEEE <NUM> Standard, e.g., according to IEEE <NUM>. 11ad-<NUM>, may be suitable for only some scenarios. In the scenario, encompassed in the wording of the claims, the Allocation Duration subfield <NUM> of the Dynamic Allocation Info field <NUM> is set to include a granted duration of a SP or CBAP allocation, e.g., in microseconds, and duration field <NUM> (<FIG>) of the Grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) is defined to cover a time to transmit remaining Grant frame(s), a related inter frame spacing (IFS), and the Allocation Duration carried in the Dynamic Allocation Info field <NUM> (<FIG>).

For example, such settings may be best suited, for example, to a specific scenario of delivering SP and/or CBAP allocations, for example, by an AP STA or a PCP STA, for example, to one or more non-AP and/or non-PCP STAs.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>) may be configured to be able to use the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or dynamic allocation information field <NUM> with respect to one or more additional or alternative implementations, situations, procedures, operations, and/or scenarios, which may not be limited to only this specific scenario.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>) may be configured to use one or more fields and/or subfields of the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or dynamic allocation information field <NUM>, for example, to allocate and/or schedule one or more additional and/or alternative types of access periods, and/or to enable using the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) by one or more other types of devices and/or stations, and/or for one or more other purposes, use cases, and/or scenarios, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a transmitter of grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., device <NUM> (<FIG>), may be configured to generate and/or set access mode subfield <NUM> to encode an indication of one or more conditions to interpret the one or more fields of grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or one or more subfields of dynamic allocation information field <NUM>, e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a subfield of the dynamic allocation info field <NUM>, for example, the reserved subfield <NUM>, may be configured to include access mode subfield <NUM>, for example, to encode an indication of one or more conditions to interpret the Allocation Duration subfield <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In other embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>) may use any other subfield of the dynamic allocation info field <NUM> to encode an indication of one or more conditions to interpret the allocation duration subfield <NUM>. In one example, a new, e.g., additional, subfield may be added to the dynamic allocation info field <NUM>, for example, subsequent to the allocation duration subfield <NUM>, or in any other location.

Referring back to <FIG>, in some demonstrative embodiments, a device, e.g., device <NUM> (<FIG>), transmitting a grant frame, e.g., the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), may be configured to set a value of the access mode subfield of the dynamic allocation info field <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), to indicate how one or more subfields of the grant frame are to be interpreted and/or used, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a device receiving the grant frame, e.g., device <NUM> (<FIG>), may be configured to process the value of the access mode subfield of the dynamic allocation info field, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, to determine the access mode and/or type to be allocated and/or scheduled by the grant frame, e.g., as described below.

In the demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> is configured to cause a wireless station, for example, a wireless station implemented by device <NUM>, to generate a grant frame, for example, grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including a duration field, e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), and a dynamic allocation info field, e.g., dynamic allocation info field <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause a wireless station to generate the dynamic allocation info field, e.g., dynamic allocation info field <NUM> (<FIG>), including an allocation duration subfield, e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), and an access mode subfield, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to generate the access mode subfield, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM>, to indicate an access mode of an allocation according to the grant frame, for example, an access mode to be allocated by grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to transmit the grant frame. For example, controller <NUM> may cause radio <NUM> to process transmission the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to transmit the grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, as a non-AP/PCP station (STA).

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to transmit the grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, as an AP/PCP station (STA).

In other embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to transmit the grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, as any other DMG STA or any other STA.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to transmit the grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, during a Contention-Based Access period (CBAP).

In other embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to transmit the grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, during any other allocation, period, and/or mode.

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to set the access mode subfield, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), to a predefined value, which may be configured to indicate that the grant frame is to indicate a time of an attempt to obtain a future TxOP, for example, between a first STA and a second STA. The first STA may include a STA transmitting the grant frame, for example, a STA having an address indicated by TA field <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., the STA implemented by device <NUM>; and/or the second STA may include, for example, a STA having an address indicated by the RA field <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., the STA implemented by device <NUM>.

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to set the access mode subfield, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), to a predefined value, which may be configured to indicate that a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP is to be determined based on a sum of a value in the allocation duration subfield, e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), and a value in the duration field, e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative examples, the predefined value may be "<NUM>". For example, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to set the access mode subfield, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), to the value of "<NUM>", to indicate that a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP is to be determined based on a sum of a value in the allocation duration subfield, e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), and a value in the duration field, e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>).

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, the start time of the attempt to obtain the TxOP is determined based on the sum of the value in allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), and the value in duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), and based on a Physical Layer (PHY) Transmit end (PHY. TXEND) indication, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to generate and/or set the access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, as follows:.

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to generate and/or set the access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, to indicate a use of the allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, as described below. In other embodiments, any additional or alternative use may be defined.

In some demonstrative examples, when the Dynamic Allocation Info subfield is transmitted within a Grant frame with the access mode subfield equal to <NUM>, for example, by an AP or PCP STA, e.g., during a Grant period (GP) and/or an announcement transmission interval (ATI), the Allocation Duration subfield may contain the granted duration of SP or CBAP allocations.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station implemented by device <NUM> to perform the functionality of an AP or PCP STA, and to generate and transmit a grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, during a Grant period (GP) and/or an announcement transmission interval (ATI), for example, to allocate a SP or CBAP allocation.

According to these embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station implemented by device <NUM> to set the allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>) to include a value representing the granted duration of the SP or CBAP allocation.

According to these embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station implemented by device <NUM> to set access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, to the value of "<NUM>", e.g., to indicate that the allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>) is to include the granted duration of the SP or CBAP allocation.

In the demonstrative examples, covered by the claimed invention, the Dynamic Allocation Info subfield is transmitted within a Grant frame with the Access Mode subfield equal to <NUM>, by a STA, e.g., to indicate a time the STA is attempting to obtain a Transmit Opportunity (TXOP). According to these embodiments, when the Access Mode subfield equal to <NUM>, the sum of the value in the Allocation Duration field plus a value in the Duration field of the grant frame, indicates the time in relation to a PHY-TXEND. indication primitive of the Grant frame.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station implemented by device <NUM> to perform the functionality of a STA, e.g., a PCP/AP STA or a non-PCP/AP STA; and to generate and transmit a grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, to indicate a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP.

According to these embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station implemented by device <NUM> to set the allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or duration field <NUM> (<FIG>) to include values representing an offset to be used in calculation of a start time of the attempt to obtain the TxOP.

According to these examples, controller <NUM> is configured to cause the wireless station implemented by device <NUM> to set access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, to the value of "<NUM>", to indicate that the start time of the attempt to obtain the TxOP in relation to the PHY-TXEND. indication primitive of the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), is to be determined based on the sum of the value in the allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>) and the value in the duration field <NUM> (<FIG>).

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, controller <NUM> is configured to cause a wireless station, for example, a wireless station implemented by device <NUM>, to process reception of a grant frame ("the received grant frame"). For example, controller <NUM> may cause radio <NUM> and/or message processor <NUM> to process reception of the frame.

In one example, the received grant frame may include the frame transmitted by device <NUM>.

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention controller <NUM> is configured to cause a wireless station, for example, a wireless station implemented by device <NUM>, to process reception of a received grant frame, for example, grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including a duration field, e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), and a Dynamic Allocation Info field, e.g., dynamic allocation info field <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to process the dynamic allocation info field, e.g., dynamic allocation info field <NUM> (<FIG>), including an allocation duration subfield, e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), and an access mode subfield, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<NUM>).

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to process the received grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, as a non-AP/PCP station (STA).

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to process the received grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, as an AP/PCP station (STA).

In other examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to process the received grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, as any other DMG STA or any other STA.

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to process the received grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, during a Contention-Based Access period (CBAP).

In other examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to process the received grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including dynamic allocation info subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), which includes access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, during any other allocation, period, and/or mode.

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to process the access mode subfield, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), to determine an access mode of an allocation according to the grant frame, for example, an access mode to be allocated and/or scheduled by grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

In the demonstrative examples, covered by the claimed invention, controller <NUM> is configured to cause the wireless station to operate according to the access mode indicated by the access mode subfield.

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, controller <NUM> is configured to cause the wireless station to determine a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP when the access mode subfield, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), includes a predefined value, e.g., the value "<NUM>".

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, controller <NUM> is configured to cause the wireless station to determine the start time of the attempt to obtain the TxOP based on a sum of a value in the allocation duration subfield, e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), and a value in the duration field, e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), when the access mode subfield, e.g., access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), includes the predefined value, e.g., the value "<NUM>".

In some demonstrative embodiments, not falling within the literal scope of the claims, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to determine the start time of the attempt to obtain the TxOP, for example, in relation to the PHY-TXEND. indication primitive of the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>).

In the demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, controller <NUM> is configured to cause the wireless station to determine the start time of the attempt to obtain the TxOP based on the sum of the value in allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), and the value in duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), in relation to the PHY. TXEND indication of the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative examples, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to process the received grant frame based on the access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, in accordance with Table <NUM>.

In some demonstrative examples, covered by the claimed invention, devices <NUM> may be configured to generate and/or set access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>) to encode an indication of one or more conditions to interpret the one or more fields of grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or one or more subfields of dynamic allocation information field <NUM>, e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM>; and/or device <NUM> may be configured to process one or more fields of grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or one or more subfields of dynamic allocation information field <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, based on access mode subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

In some demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to use another manner, for example, instead of, or in addition to, the Access Mode indication <NUM> (<FIG>), of indicating the one or more conditions to interpret and/or process one or more fields of grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or one or more subfields of dynamic allocation information field <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, not falling within the literal scope of the claims, device <NUM> may be configured to set a combination of at least first and second fields and/or subfields of a grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), to indicate that the grant frame is to indicate a start time of a future attempt to obtain a TxOP, for example, between a first STA, e.g., the STA implemented by device <NUM>, and a second STA, e.g., the STA implemented by device <NUM>, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, not falling within the literal scope of the claims, device <NUM> may be configured to determine that a grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), is to indicate an attempt to obtain a future TxOP, for example, between a first STA, e.g., the STA implemented by device <NUM>, and a second STA, e.g., the STA implemented by device <NUM>, for example, based on a combination of at least first and second fields and/or subfields of the grant frame, e.g., as described below.

The below demonstrative embodiments do not fall within the literal scope of the claims, but provide useful information for understanding the inventive concepts.

In some demonstrative examples, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to use a predefined combination and/or relationship of a Source AID, e.g., Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), and a Destination AID, e.g., Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), in a grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, to indicate that the grant frame is to allocate and/or schedule a future TxOP.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be configured to use a predefined combination and/or relationship of a Source AID, e.g., Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), and a Destination AID, e.g., Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), in a grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, to indicate that the time a STA attempts to obtain a future TXOP may be defined, for example, based on the sum of the value in the Allocation Duration field plus a value in the Duration field. For example, the start time of the attempt to obtain the TxOP may be defined in relation to the PHY-TXEND. indication primitive of the grant frame.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause a STA implemented by device <NUM> to set a combination of the Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) and the Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) in a grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), to indicate that the grant frame is to allocate and/or schedule a future TxOP, for example, between a STA having an address indicated by TA field <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., the STA implemented by device <NUM>, and a receiver of the grant frame, e.g., a STA having an address indicated by RA field <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause a STA implemented by device <NUM> to determine that a grant frame, e.g., grant frame <NUM>, is to indicate a start time of an attempt to obtain a future TxOP, for example, between the STA implemented by device <NUM>, e.g., a STA having the address indicated by RA field <NUM> (<FIG>) and a STA having an address indicated by TA field <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, if the Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) and the Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) of the grant frame are set to a predefined combination of values.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a STA sending the grant frame, e.g., device <NUM>, may set a value of the Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) to be equal to a broadcast AID, and a value in the Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) to be equal to an AID of the STA that sends the grant frame, e.g., the STA implemented by device <NUM>, for example, to indicate the case of obtaining the TxOP, e.g., as follows:.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the STA sending the grant frame, e.g., device <NUM>, may set a value of the Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or a value in the Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) to one or more other combinations of values, e.g., according to Table <NUM>, to indicate one or more other types of allocations and/or interpretations of one or more fields and/or subfields of the grant frame.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause a wireless station, for example, a wireless station implemented by device <NUM>, to generate a grant frame, for example, grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including a Source AID field, e.g., Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), a Destination AID field, e.g., Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), a duration field, e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), and a Dynamic Allocation Info field, e.g., Dynamic Allocation Info field <NUM> (<FIG>), including an allocation duration subfield, e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to set the Source AID field and the Destination AID field to indicate that a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP is to be determined based on a sum of a value of the allocation duration subfield and a value of the duration field, e.g., according to Table <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to set the Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) to a unicast AID of the wireless station implemented by device <NUM>, and to set the Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) to a broadcast AID, e.g., to indicate that the start time of the attempt to obtain the TxOP is to be determined based on the sum of the value of the allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>) and a value of the duration field <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, a device receiving the grant frame, e.g., device <NUM>, may process the grant frame according to the relationship between the Source AID and Destination AID, e.g., according to Table <NUM>.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause a wireless station, for example, a wireless station implemented by device <NUM>, to process a received grant frame, for example, grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), including a Source AID field, e.g., Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), a Destination AID field, e.g., Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), a duration field, e.g., duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), and a Dynamic Allocation Info field, e.g., Dynamic Allocation Info field <NUM> (<FIG>), including an allocation duration subfield, e.g., allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>).

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to determine a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP based on a sum of a value of the allocation duration subfield and a value of the duration field, for example, when the Source AID field and the Destination AID field have a predefined setting.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller <NUM> may be configured to cause the wireless station to determine the start time of the attempt to obtain the TxOP, for example, based on the sum of the value of the allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>) and the value of the duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, when the Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) includes a unicast AID of the wireless station from which the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) is received, and the Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) includes a broadcast AID.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a method of dynamic allocation using a grant frame, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention. For example, one or more of the operations of the method of <FIG> may be performed by one or more elements of a system, e.g., system <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, one or more wireless devices, e.g., device <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or device <NUM> (<FIG>), a controller, e.g., controller <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or controller <NUM> (<FIG>), a radio, e.g., radio <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or radio <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or a message processor, e.g., message processor <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or message processor <NUM> (<FIG>).

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method includes generating a grant frame including a duration field and a Dynamic Allocation Info field, the Dynamic Allocation Info field including an allocation duration subfield and an access mode subfield, the access mode subfield to indicate an access mode of an allocation according to the grant frame. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may cause message processor <NUM> (<FIG>) to generate grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) including dynamic allocation info field <NUM> (<FIG>), which may include access mode indication <NUM> (<FIG>) to indicate the access mode of an allocation according to grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at bock <NUM>, the method includes setting the access mode subfield to a predefined value to indicate that a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP is to be determined based on a sum of a value in the allocation duration subfield and a value in the duration field. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may cause message processor <NUM> (<FIG>) to set access mode indication <NUM> (<FIG>) to the value "<NUM>", e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method includes transmitting the grant frame. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may cause radio <NUM> (<FIG>) to transmit the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method includes processing a received grant frame including a duration field and a Dynamic Allocation Info field, the Dynamic Allocation Info field including an allocation duration subfield and an access mode subfield, the access mode subfield to indicate an access mode of an allocation according to the grant frame. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may control message processor <NUM> (<FIG>) to process reception of grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) including dynamic allocation info field <NUM> (<FIG>), which may include access mode indication <NUM> (<FIG>) to indicate the access mode of an allocation according to grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method includes operating according to the access mode. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may control one or more operations of device <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, based on the access mode indicated by access mode indication <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a method of dynamic allocation using a grant frame, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments not falling within the literal scope of the claims. For example, one or more of the operations of the method of <FIG> may be performed by one or more elements of a system, e.g., system <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, one or more wireless devices, e.g., device <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or device <NUM> (<FIG>), a controller, e.g., controller <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or controller <NUM> (<FIG>), a radio, e.g., radio <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or radio <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or a message processor, e.g., message processor <NUM> (<FIG>) and/or message processor <NUM> (<FIG>).

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include generating a grant frame including a Source AID field, a Destination AID field, a duration field, and a Dynamic Allocation Info field, the Dynamic Allocation Info field including an allocation duration subfield, the Source AID field and the Destination AID field set to indicate that a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP is to be determined based on a sum of a value of the allocation duration subfield and a value of the duration field. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may cause message processor <NUM> (<FIG>) to generate grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) including dynamic allocation info field <NUM> (<FIG>), which may include Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) and Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) set to indicate that a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP is to be determined based on a sum of a value of the allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>), and a value of the duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at bock <NUM>, the method may include setting the Source AID field to a unicast AID of a wireless station to transmit the grant frame, and setting the Destination AID field to a broadcast AID, for example, to indicate that the start time of the attempt to obtain a TxOP is to be determined based on the sum of the value of the allocation duration subfield and the value of the duration field. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may cause message processor <NUM> (<FIG>) to set Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) to a unicast AID of the STA of device <NUM> (<FIG>) to transmit the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), and to set the Destination address field <NUM> (<FIG>) to a broadcast AID, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include transmitting the grant frame. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may cause radio <NUM> (<FIG>) to transmit the grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include processing a received grant frame including a Source AID field, a Destination AID field, a duration field, and a Dynamic Allocation Info field, the Dynamic Allocation Info field including an allocation duration subfield. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may control message processor <NUM> (<FIG>) to process reception of grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) including dynamic allocation info field <NUM> (<FIG>), which may include Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) and Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block <NUM>, the method may include, when the Source AID field and the Destination AID field have a predefined setting, determining a start time of a TxOP based on a sum of a value of the allocation duration subfield and a value of the duration field. For example, controller <NUM> (<FIG>) may determine a start time of an attempt to obtain a TxOP based on a sum of a value of the allocation duration subfield <NUM> (<FIG>) and a value of the duration field <NUM> (<FIG>), for example, when the Source AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) is set to the unicast AID of a sender of grant frame <NUM> (<FIG>) and the Destination AID field <NUM> (<FIG>) is set to a broadcast AID, e.g., as described above.

Reference is made to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a product of manufacture <NUM>, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments, covered by the claimed invention. Product <NUM> may include a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium <NUM> to store logic <NUM>, which may be used, for example, to perform at least part of the functionality of devices <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>), transmitters <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>), receivers <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>), controllers <NUM> and/or <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or to perform one or more operations of the methods of <FIG> and/or <NUM>. The phrase "non-transitory machine-readable medium" is directed to include all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory propagating signal.

In some demonstrative embodiments, product <NUM> and/or machine-readable storage medium <NUM> may 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 medium <NUM> may 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), Compact Disk ROM (CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable (CD-RW), 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 disk, a floppy disk, a hard drive, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a card, a magnetic card, an optical card, a tape, a cassette, 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.

In some demonstrative embodiments, logic <NUM> may include instructions, data, and/or code, which, if executed by a machine, may cause the machine to perform a method, process and/or operations as described herein. The machine may include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, and the like.

Claim 1:
A method to be performed by a first wireless communication station (<NUM>), STA, the method comprising:
setting (<NUM>) both a value of an allocation duration field (<NUM>) and a value of a duration field (<NUM>) to be transmitted within a grant frame (<NUM>), wherein a sum of the value of the allocation duration field (<NUM>) and the value of the duration field (<NUM>) is to indicate a start time of an attempt to obtain a transmission opportunity, TxOP, in relation to a Physical layer transmit end, PHY-TXEND, indication primitive of the grant frame, when (<NUM>) a subfield of a dynamic allocation information field (<NUM>) of the grant frame is set to a predefined value;
wherein the allocation duration field (<NUM>) indicates a granted duration of a service period or a contention based access period allocation and the duration field (<NUM>) indicates a time to transmit remaining grant frame(s), a related inter frame spacing and an allocation duration carried in the allocation duration field (<NUM>); and
transmitting (<NUM>) the grant frame (<NUM>) to a second STA (<NUM>) in a frequency band above <NUM> Gigahertz, GHz, the grant frame (<NUM>) comprising the duration field (<NUM>) and the dynamic allocation information field (<NUM>, <NUM>), the dynamic allocation information field (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising the allocation duration field (<NUM>).