Patent ID: 12262433

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various example embodiments of the present solution are described below with reference to the accompanying figures to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present solution. As would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present disclosure, various changes or modifications to the examples described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present solution. Thus, the present solution is not limited to the example embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Additionally, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely example approaches. Based upon design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes can be re-arranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or acts in a sample order, and the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless expressly stated otherwise.

FIG.1illustrates an example wireless communication network, and/or system,100in which techniques disclosed herein may be implemented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following discussion, the wireless communication network100may be any wireless network, such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of things (NB-IoT) network, and is herein referred to as “network100.” Such an example network100includes a base station102(also referred to as “communication point102” or “BS102” or “transmitting receiving point (TRP)”, or “communication node”) and a user equipment device104(hereinafter “UE104”) that can communicate with each other via a communication link110(e.g., a wireless communication channel), and a cluster of cells126,130,132,134,136,138and140overlaying a geographical area101. InFIG.1, the communication point102and UE104are contained within a respective geographic boundary of cell126. Each of the other cells130,132,134,136,138and140may include at least one base station operating at its allocated bandwidth to provide adequate radio coverage to its intended users.

For example, the communication point102may operate at an allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide adequate coverage to the UE104. The communication point102and the UE104may communicate via a downlink radio frame118, and an uplink radio frame124respectively. Each radio frame118/124may be further divided into sub-frames120/127which may include data symbols122/128. In the present disclosure, the communication point102and UE104are described herein as non-limiting examples of “communication nodes,” generally, which can practice the methods disclosed herein. Such communication nodes may be capable of wireless and/or wired communications, in accordance with various embodiments of the present solution.

FIG.2illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless communication system200for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals, e.g., orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)/orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) signals, in accordance with some embodiments of the present solution. The system200may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features that need not be described in detail herein. In one illustrative embodiment, system200can be used to communicate (e.g., transmit and receive) data symbols in a wireless communication environment such as the wireless communication environment100ofFIG.1, as described above.

System200generally includes a base station202(also referred to as “communication point202”) and a user equipment device204(hereinafter “UE204”). The communication point202includes a the communication point (base station) transceiver module210, a communication point antenna212, a communication point processor module214, a communication point memory module216, and a network communication module218, each module being coupled and interconnected with one another as necessary via a data communication bus220. The UE204includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module230, a UE antenna232, a UE memory module234, and a UE processor module236, each module being coupled and interconnected with one another as necessary via a data communication bus240. The communication point202communicates with the UE204via a communication channel250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for transmission of data as described herein.

As would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, system200may further include any number of modules other than the modules shown inFIG.2. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are described generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software can depend upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those familiar with the concepts described herein may implement such functionality in a suitable manner for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

In accordance with some embodiments, the UE transceiver230may be referred to herein as an “uplink” transceiver230that includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and a RF receiver each comprising circuitry that is coupled to the antenna232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in time duplex fashion. Similarly, in accordance with some embodiments, the communication point transceiver210may be referred to herein as a “downlink” transceiver210that includes a RF transmitter and a RF receiver each comprising circuity that is coupled to the antenna212. A downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to the downlink antenna212in time duplex fashion. The operations of the two transceiver modules210and230can be coordinated in time such that the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna232for reception of transmissions over the wireless transmission link250at the same time that the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna212. In some embodiments, there is close time synchronization with a minimal guard time between changes in duplex direction.

The UE transceiver230and the base station transceiver210are configured to communicate via the wireless data communication link250, and cooperate with a suitably configured RF antenna arrangement212/232that can support a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, the UE transceiver210and the base station transceiver210are configured to support industry standards such as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards, and the like. It is understood, however, that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited in application to a particular standard and associated protocols. Rather, the UE transceiver230and the base station transceiver210may be configured to support alternate, or additional, wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

In accordance with various embodiments, the communication point202may be an evolved node B (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femto station, or a pico station, for example. In some embodiments, the UE204may be embodied in various types of user devices such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, laptop computer, wearable computing device, etc. The processor modules214and236may be implemented, or realized, with a general purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, a processor may be realized as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or the like. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

Furthermore, the steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in firmware, in a software module executed by processor modules214and236, respectively, or in any practical combination thereof. The memory modules216and234may be realized as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules216and234may be coupled to the processor modules210and230, respectively, such that the processors modules210and230can read information from, and write information to, memory modules216and234, respectively. The memory modules216and234may also be integrated into their respective processor modules210and230. In some embodiments, the memory modules216and234may each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules210and230, respectively. Memory modules216and234may also each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by the processor modules210and230, respectively.

The network communication module218generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and/or other components of the base station202that enable bi-directional communication between base station transceiver210and other network components and communication nodes configured to communication with the base station202. For example, network communication module218may be configured to support internet or WiMAX traffic. In a typical deployment, without limitation, network communication module218provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface such that base station transceiver210can communicate with a conventional Ethernet based computer network. In this manner, the network communication module218may include a physical interface for connection to the computer network (e.g., Mobile Switching Center (MSC)). The terms “configured for,” “configured to” and conjugations thereof, as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, refer to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc., that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted and/or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

Having discussed aspects of a networking environment as well as devices that can be used to implement the systems, methods and apparatuses described herein, additional details shall follow.

In wireless networks, such as, for example, wireless local area networks (WLANs), devices that can connect to the wireless network are referred to as stations (STAs). Some stations can act as base stations and are referred to as access points (APs). A basic service set (BSS) is a set of all stations that can communicate with each other over a physical layer of the wireless network. For example, an AP can establish a BSS including an STA, where an STA can communicate with the AP and other STAs in the BSS. Generally, an STA is associated with a single AP at a time. The associated AP can store information related to the STA, such as, for example, an assigned association ID (AID) of the STA, a key, data packet sequence numbers, established traffic flow identifier, block acknowledgement protocol related information, etc. The STA can communicate with other STAs via the AP, or after establishing direct link communication with other STAs, can directly communicate with those STAs. For example, in some WLANs, such as independent BSS (IBSS), there is no AP, and the STAs can establish an ad hoc communication network.

As discussed herein, more than one AP can communicate with the same STA at a time. The multiple APs can communicate the same data to the STA, thereby improving the reliability of data transfer to the STA.

FIG.3shows an example communication system300including a first access point (“AP1”)302(also referred to as “a first wireless communication node”), a second access point (“AP2”)304(also referred to as “a second wireless communication node”), a first STA (“STA1”)306(also referred to as “a first wireless communication device” or “a wireless communication device”), and a second STA (“STA2”)308(also referred to as “a second wireless communication device” or “a wireless communication device”). In some embodiments, the AP1302and the AP2304can be base stations discussed above in relation toFIGS.1and2. In some embodiments, the STA1306and the STA2308can be UEs discussed above in relation toFIGS.1and2.

Unlike traditional communication systems, where each STA communicates with a single AP at a time, in the example communication system300shown inFIG.3, both the AP1302and the AP2304can communicate with any one of the STA1306or the STA2308at the same time. For example, both the AP1302and the AP2304can communicate data to the STA1306at the same time. Alternatively, both the AP1302and the AP2304can communicate data to the STA2308at the same time. To carry out communication in this manner, the AP1302and the AP2304can exchange information including, for example, the timing of the transmission from each of the AP1302and the AP2304such that the data transmitted from each access point reaches the STA1306(or the STA2308) at the same time. The exchange of information between the AP1302and the AP2304can be carried out by the AP1302and the AP304, or by a third entity that can provide the information to the AP1302and the AP2304.

FIG.4shows a first example scenario in which two access points can communicate with the same station and information exchange is carried out by the two access points. In particular,FIG.4shows the AP1302and the AP2304establishing communication with the same station, the STA1306. In this first example scenario, the AP1302and the AP2304can exchange information prior to communicating with the same station, the STA1306. For example, the AP1302can communicate transmission start time information to the AP2304via a notification frame402. The AP2304can then adjust its transmission timing based at least on the start time information provided by the AP1302and the estimated transmission time to the STA1306such that the transmissions from both the AP1302(first data transmission404) and the AP2304(second data transmission406) arrive at the STA1306at the same time. In some embodiments, the AP1302can also send to the AP2304the data to be transmitted to the STA1306prior to the start time of data transmission to the STA1306.

FIG.5shows a second example scenario in which two access points can communicate with the same station and timing information is provided by a control/management entity. In particular,FIG.5shows a control/management entity502in communication with the AP1302and the AP2304. The control/management entity502can send a first timing information504to the AP1302and a second timing information506to the AP2304. The first timing information502and the second timing information504includes the start times for transmission by the AP1302and the AP2304, respectively, to the STA1306. Upon receiving their respective timing information, the AP1302and the AP2304can start data transmission to the STA1306based on the received timing information such that the data arrives at the STA1306at the same time. In some embodiments, the control/management entity502can also provide the data to be transmitted to the STA1306in addition to the timing information to the AP1302and the AP2304. Alternatively, the AP1302can transmit to the AP2304the data to be transmitted to the STA1306prior to the start time of data transmission.

The AP1302can declare or specify its capability of supporting multi-node transmission. In particular, the AP1302can declare or specify at least a set of frequency bands or channels that supports multi-node transmission. Generally, multi-node transmission mode can include at least one of a joint transmission mode, a selective transmission mode, or a coordination transmission mode. Joint transmission mode includes at least two wireless communication nodes sending data to the same wireless communication device at the same time. In selective transmission mode, at a given time, only one of the communication nodes can transmit data to the same wireless communication device. In coordination transmission mode, coordinated orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) cooperative frequency multiplexing, or coordinated spatial reuse can be used to allow the wireless communication nodes to transmit data to the same wireless communication device at the same time, albeit, over different frequency bands or channels.

In some embodiments, the AP1302and the AP2304can negotiate a transmission mode for multi-node transmission to the STA1306. For example, the AP1302and the AP2304can exchange information regarding their respectively supported multi-node transmission mode (e.g., joint transmission mode, selective transmission mode, or coordination transmission mode). Thereafter, the AP1302and the AP2304can select a mutually agreeable multi-node transmission mode. The negotiation for selection of the multi-node transmission mode is carried out by the wireless communication nodes prior to the time for data transmission to the wireless communication device. As an example, the AP1302and the AP2304can set a period of time, prior to the data transmission to the STA1306, during which the AP1302and the AP2304can negotiate to select a multi-node transmission mode. In some embodiments, during negotiations, in addition to selecting the multi-node transmission mode, the AP1302and the AP2304can exchange the mutually agreeable frequency band or channel for data transmission to the STA1306.

In some embodiments, the AP2304, for example, can declare support for a joint transmission mode. In response, the AP1302can obtain from the AP2304joint transmission mode capability information. The capability information can include, for example, at least one of a data buffering capacity of the AP2304, an access category or priority of buffered data supported by the AP2304, or traffic identification information. As mentioned above, the AP1302can send data to the AP2304for multi-node transmission to the STA1306. Thus, the AP2304has to store or buffer the data prior to the transmission to the STA1306. The AP2304sends its data buffering capacity to the AP1302to enable AP1302to determine whether the AP2304is capable of storing and then subsequently transmitting the data to the STA1306. Access category or priority of buffered data can refer to the access categories that correspond to levels of priorities that the AP2304can support for transmitting data for the AP1302. The AP2304, for example, can announce that data related to two access categories (e.g. AC-VI and AC-VO) could be transmitted by AP2304. The AP1302can determine that the AP2304is capable of carrying out multi-node transmission if access category or priority of its data matches the access categories or priority information received from the AP2304. Traffic identification information can be used to classify a packet that carries data between the two wireless communication nodes. The AP1302can use the traffic identification information received from the AP2304to select data packets and transmit the data packets to the AP2304.

The AP1302, based on the joint transmission mode capability information received from the AP2304, can send data to the AP2304for eventual transmission to the STA1306. The AP1302also can send a notification frame to the AP2304, where the notification frame can include at least one of a start time, an identifier of the STA1306, one or more traffic identifier of the data packets to be transmitted, and sequence numbers of the data packets to be transmitted. The start time can specify the time when the AP1302will start transmitting data to the STA1306. In some embodiments, the start time can specify the start time at which the AP2304should start transmitting data to the STA1306. In some embodiments, the start times of the AP1302and the AP2304can differ based on the transmission delay between the respective AP1302and AP2304and the STA1306. The traffic identifier can identify a traffic flow, which has been established to transmit data related to a set of QoS parameters between two devices. The identifier of the STA1306can be, for example, a MAC address of the STA1302, or any other unique identifier associated with the STA1306. The sequence numbers can specify the sequence numbers of the data packets that the AP2should select from the buffer to be sent to the STA1306. The AP2304can utilize the information in the notification frame to select the data packets to be transmitted to the STA1306and transmit the data packets at the start time specified (or a start time derived from the start time specified) in the notification frame.

As mentioned above, the AP2can declare its capability of supporting multi-node transmission. Also, the AP2can declare or specify at least a set of frequency bands or channels that supports multi-node transmission. The AP2304can carry out negotiations with the AP1302to determine a mutually agreeable multi-node transmission mode. Once the mutually agreeable multi-node transmission mode is selected, the AP2304can transmit its capability information, discussed above, to the AP1302. The AP2can receive a notification frame and the data to be transmitted from the AP1302. Based on the information in the notification frame, and the data, the AP2304can select the data packets for transmission from its buffer, and transmit the data packets to the STA1306at the start time.

FIG.6shows a first example buffer configuration of the second wireless transmission node. In particular,FIG.6shows a buffer configuration in which the AP2304buffers data received from the AP1302into a joint transmission buffer602that includes separate queues for four separate access categories. In some embodiments, the AP2304can receive data from APs other than the AP1302. In such instances, the AP2304can include an identity of the source AP with the data when the data is stored in the joint transmission buffer602. With regard to the access categories, as an example, the joint transmission buffer602includes a first access category queue604, a second access category queue606, a third access category queue608and a fourth access category queue610. The AP2304also includes an associated station buffer612, which stores data to be transmitted to stations (e.g., STA2308,FIG.3) that are associated with the AP2304. The associated station buffer612can also include four access category queues, such as for example, a first access category queue614, a second access category queue616, a third access category queue618and a fourth access category queue620. Each access category queue also has a contention/congestion function. For example, the four access category queues of the joint transmission buffer602have four contention/congestion functions622,624,626, and628. Similarly, the four access category queues of associated station buffer612have four contention/congestion functions630,632,634, and636. In some embodiments, the contention/congestion function for the transmission buffer602may be invoked only when the AP2304implements a channel contention procedure before transmitting data to the STA1306.

Generally, a WLAN non-AP station or access point, such as for example, the AP2304maps incoming data packets to the appropriate access category queue based on the priority of the data packets. A station may have multiple traffic flows at the same time, and for different traffic flows, the data packets can have different priority attributes. The AP2304can map the incoming data packets to the appropriate access category queue based on the priority of the data packet. Each access category has an associated set of enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters. The station or access point uses these parameters for transmission media competition and data packet transmission. In particular, the transmission over the wireless medium is generally carried out based on carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) protocols. The contention/congestion functions of each access category queue determine whether the medium is idle to transmit the data packets in the associated queue.

The contention/congestion functions can employ at least the following EDCA parameters: AIFSN (arbitration interframe space number), TXOP (transmission opportunity) limit, CWmax (contention window-max), CWmin (contention window-min). AIFSN indicates the number of slots after a SIFS (short interframe space) a STA defers before either invoking a backoff or starting a transmission. The TXOP limit defines the maximum length of medium time that the transmission opportunity is occupied. CWmax and CWmin define the maximum and minimum size of the contention window before starting transmission. Contention parameters at least includes contention window and backoff counter. The contention window can be assigned an initial value of CWmin, and can be incremented each time a transmission fails, until the value of the contention window reaches CWmax. A value of backoff counter can be randomly selected between zero and the value of contention window. In instances where the parameters are employed, the contention/congestion function of each access category queue, after detecting the medium idle for an AIFS (arbitration interframe space) time period, starts decrementing its backoff counter. When the backoff counter reaches zero, the contention/congestion function can start transmission of data packets from the associated access category queue. Access categories with shorter AIFS have higher probability of transmission in the next transmission frame.

FIG.7shows a second example buffer configuration of the second wireless transmission node. In particular,FIG.7shows a buffer configuration in which the AP2304buffers data received from the AC1302into a joint transmission buffer702that includes a single access category queue704. In contrast with the joint transmission buffer602shown inFIG.6, the joint transmission buffer702inFIG.7utilizes a single access category queue704and a single contention/configuration function722associated with the access category queue702. This means that the data packets received from the AP1302are mapped into a single access category queue regardless of the traffic flow or priority associated with the data packets. In some embodiments, the AP2304can receive data from APs other than the AP1302. In such instances, the AP2304can include an identity of the source AP with the data when the data is stored in the joint transmission buffer702. In some embodiments, the data packets in the access category queue702are transmitted in a first-in-first-out manner. The contention/congestion function722functions in a manner similar to that discussed above in relation to the contention/congestion functions622,624,626, and628. Specifically, the contention/congestion function722can maintain EDCA parameters such as AIFSN, TXOP limit, CWmax and CWmin do determine when to transmit data packets in the access category queue704. The associated station buffer612is similar to that discussed above in relation toFIG.6In some embodiments, the contention/congestion function for the transmission buffer702may be invoked only when the AP2304implements a channel contention procedure before transmitting data to the STA1306.

After receiving notification frame from the AP1302, optionally, the AP2304senses the channel, which means the AP2304will perform transmission to the STA1306at the start time if the channel has been idle for predefined interval, such as PIFS (point coordination function interframe space) or AIFS of the corresponding access category of the data before the start time. In some embodiments, the AP2304can perform data transmission at the start time regardless of whether the channel's idle/busy status.

At the start of joint transmission, the AP2304can suspend the contention parameters associated with the four access category of its associated STAs at the beginning of the transmission of data to the STA1306. In particular, at the time of data transmission, based on the start time specified in the notification frame received from the AP1302, the AP2304can suspend the contention parameters associated with each of the first, second, third, and fourth queues614,616,618, and620of the transmission buffer612. Similarly, if the configuration shown inFIG.7is utilized, the AP2304can suspend the contention parameters associated with the four access category of its associated STAs at the beginning of the transmission of data to the STA1306. The aim to suspending the values of the contention parameters of the AP2304is to retain the current contention status of the AP2304during the joint transmission to the STA1306, which is not the associated STA of AP2.

FIG.8shows a timing diagram800of an example data transmission sequence of data transmitted by the second wireless communication node during joint transmission mode. In particular,FIG.8shows a timing diagram of an example data transmission sequence from the AP2304to the STA1306. The timing diagram800shows the transmission of three data packets, a first data packet802, a second data packet804, and a third data packet806from the AP2304to the STA1306. While the timing diagram800shows only three data packets, it is understood that this is not limiting, and that specific limitations can transmit fewer than or greater than the three data packets shown inFIG.8. The joint transmission of data from the AP2304begins at time t1. At this time, the AP2304begins the transmission of the first data packet802. At the end of the transmission of the first data packet at time t2, the AP2304introduces a time interval, short interframe space (SIFS), before the transmission of the second data packet804at time t3. Again, at the end of the transmission of the second data packet804at time t4, the AP2304introduces a time interval SIFS before beginning the transmission of the third data packet806at time t5. The joint data transmission ends with the completion of the transmission of the third data packet806at time t6. The SIFS can represent the time needed by the AP2304to process a received data packet and transmit the data packet over the physical medium. The magnitude of the SIFS time interval can be a function of a delay in the receiver, a delay in the transmitter, and a MAC processing delay, which depends on the physical layer used. As an example, the value of SIFS can be equal to 16 microseconds.

At time t1(the start time of joint data transmission), the AP2304suspends the contention parameters of the four AC of its associated STAs. For example, the AP2304can suspend the contention parameters such as the current value of CW, and the backoff counter associated with the four access categories. Specifically, taking one of access category in the associated station buffer612as an example, the contention function of the access category can be performing backoff before time t1. At time t1, the value of the contention window (CW) can be equal to m, and the value of the backoff counter can be equal to n. The AP2304can suspend or keep constant the values of CW and the backoff counter to the values at time t1throughout the duration of joint data transmission to the STA1306(i.e., until time t6). At the end of the joint data transmission, the AP2304can resume to decrement the backoff counter when AP2304detects that the physical channel is idle. As the contention parameters for the access categories in the associated station buffer612were suspended during the joint transmission, the contention status of the AP2304for the associated buffer612at the end of the joint transmission is the same as the contention status at the start time of the joint transmission. In this manner, the contention status of the AP2304is retained during the period of joint data transmission to the STA1306. It should be noted that AP2304does not reset the value of CW to CWmin or increment the value of CW at time t6, due to the success or failure of the data transmission to the STA1306.

The AP2304can transmit the first, second, and the third data packets802,804, and806with traffic flow identifiers and sequence numbers based on those received in the notification frame from the AP1302. For example, the AP2304receives an identifier of STA1306, and the traffic identifier TID1for both the first data packet802and the second data packet804, and the sequence numbers X and Y for the first data packet802and the second data packet804, respectively. Further, the AP2304receives the traffic identifier TID2and a sequence number X for the third data packet806. Thus, the AP2304selects from the joint transmission buffer (e.g., joint transmission buffer602or702) the data packets with the specified traffic identifiers and the specified sequence numbers, and transmits the first data packet802with the flow identifier TID1and sequence number X, the transmits the second data packet804with the flow identifier TID1and sequence number Y, and transmits the third data packet806with the flow identifier TID2and sequence number X. It should be noted that the flow identifiers and the sequence numbers shown inFIG.8are only examples, and that other implementations can have different flow identifiers and sequence numbers.

In some implementations, AP1302also transmits the first data packet302, the second data packet304, and the third data packet306with the same timing characteristics as those discussed above in relation to the AP2304. The AP1302may also transmit the data packets with the same flow identifiers and sequence numbers as those used by the AP2304. The content of the data packets transmitted by the AP1302can be the same as the content of the data packets transmitted by the AP2304. In this manner, the data transmitted by both the first AP1302and the second AP2304arrives at the STA1306at the same time. This improves the signal strength of the data received at the STA1306, and thereby improves the reliability of the data received at the STA1306.

While the above discussion shows joint data transmission using two access points, it is understood that more than two access points can be used to carry out joint transmissions. In such instances, the AP1302can negotiate the joint transmission mode with more than one other access points, and send notification frames to each of the more than one access points. The more than two access points (including the AP1302) can then begin joint data transmission at their respective start times such that the data from each of the more than two access points arrives at the STA1306at the same time.

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a second wireless communication node from a first wireless communication node, a notification frame. The method further includes performing joint transmission, by the second wireless communication node to a wireless communication device according to the notification frame received from the first wireless communication node. The method also includes suspending, by the second wireless communication node, contention parameters of the second wireless communication node at the beginning of the transmission to the wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, the method also includes before performing joint transmission, transmitting, by the second wireless communication node to at least the first wireless communication node, capability information of the second wireless communication node for joint transmission. In some embodiments, the method further includes, before transmitting capability information, transmitting, to the first wireless communication node, by the second wireless communication node, an indication that the second wireless communication node supports joint transmission. In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving, by the second wireless communication node, the data from the first wireless communication node responsive to the transmitted indication.

In some embodiments, the method further includes, before performing joint transmission, receiving, by the second wireless communication node from the first wireless communication node, data for the joint transmission to the wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the capability information comprises at least one of a data buffering capacity of the second wireless communication node, an access category or priority of buffered data supported by the second wireless communication node, or traffic identification information.

In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving, by the second wireless communication node from the first wireless communication node, an identification of a set of frequency bands or channels to support the joint transmission. In some embodiments, the method also includes negotiating, by the second wireless communication node with the first wireless communication node, a period during which the joint transmission is supported. In some embodiments, the method also includes receiving, by the second wireless communication node from the first wireless communication node, the notification frame including at least one of a transmission start time, an identifier of the wireless communication device, or a sequence number related to a traffic identifier associated with the data.

In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting, by the second wireless communication node, the data received from the first wireless communication node to the wireless communication device according to at least one of the transmission start time, an identifier of the wireless communication device, or a sequence number related to a traffic identifier received from the first wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the method further includes suspending, by the second wireless communication node, contention parameters of the second wireless communication node from the beginning of the transmission until an end of transmission of the data to the wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the method further includes resuming, by the second wireless communication node, the contention parameters of the second wireless communication node after transmission of the data to the wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, the contention parameters include at least one of a value of a contention window or a value of a back-off counter. In some embodiments, at least one of the first wireless communication node, the second wireless communication node, and the wireless communication device implements an IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network protocol. In some embodiments, the contention parameters are associated with an access category of data to be sent to an associated wireless communication device of the second wireless communication node. The associated wireless communication device can be different from the wireless communication device.

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a second wireless communication node from a first wireless communication node, a notification frame. The method further includes performing joint transmission, by the second wireless communication node to a wireless communication device according to the notification frame received from the first wireless communication node. The method also includes suspending, by the second wireless communication node, contention parameters of the second wireless communication node at the beginning of the transmission to the wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving, by the first wireless communication node from the second wireless communication node, before performing joint transmission, capability information of the second wireless communication node for joint transmission. In some embodiments, the capability information includes at least one of a data buffering capacity of the second wireless communication node, an access category or priority of buffered data supported by the second wireless communication node, or traffic identification information. In some embodiments, the notification frame includes at least one of a transmission start time, an identifier of the wireless communication device, or a sequence number related to a traffic identifier associated with the data. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting, by the first wireless communication node to the second wireless communication node, an identification of a set of frequency bands or channels to support the joint transmission.

While various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or configuration, which are provided to enable persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand example features and functions of the present solution. Such persons would understand, however, that the solution is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described illustrative embodiments.

It is also understood that any reference to an element herein using a designation such as “first,” “second,” and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations can be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.

Additionally, a person having ordinary skill in the art would understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits and symbols, for example, which may be referenced in the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, methods and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which can be referred to herein, for convenience, as “software” or a “software module), or any combination of these techniques. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware or software, or a combination of these techniques, depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans can implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not cause a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various illustrative logical blocks, modules, devices, components and circuits described herein can be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (IC) that can include a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logical blocks, modules, and circuits can further include antennas and/or transceivers to communicate with various components within the network or within the device. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein.

If implemented in software, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that can be enabled to transfer a computer program or code from one place to another. A storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

In this document, the term “module” as used herein, refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Additionally, for purpose of discussion, the various modules are described as discrete modules; however, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, two or more modules may be combined to form a single module that performs the associated functions according embodiments of the present solution.

Additionally, memory or other storage, as well as communication components, may be employed in embodiments of the present solution. It will be appreciated that, for clarity purposes, the above description has described embodiments of the present solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements or domains may be used without detracting from the present solution. For example, functionality illustrated to be performed by separate processing logic elements, or controllers, may be performed by the same processing logic element, or controller. Hence, references to specific functional units are only references to a suitable means for providing the described functionality, rather than indicative of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as recited in the claims below.