RU2816508C2 - COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION METHOD FOR COORDINATING 6 GHz FREQUENCY BAND - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electrical communication equipment.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to communication. For this purpose, a communication apparatus is proposed, comprising: a receiver which, during operation, receives information identifying an access point (AP) working channel, in a channel which is different from the working channel, wherein this information further indicates, whether transmission of the probe request frame is allowed before receiving the enabling signal in the working channel; and a circuit which, during operation, determines, based on said information, whether a probe request frame should be generated for transmission before receiving an enabling signal in the working channel; and wherein the circuit is further configured to scan in the working channel to receive the enabling signal without transmitting the probe request frame based on the determination that transmission of the probe request frame before receiving the enabling signal in the working channel is not allowed, characterized by that the enabling signal is a Trigger frame transmitted over the working channel.

EFFECT: elimination of interference based on control of transmission permission.

8 cl, 17 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention relates to communication apparatuses and methods for frequency coordination, and more particularly, to communications apparatuses and methods for coordination of the 6 GHz frequency band.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[2] The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently opened the 6 GHz band to unlicensed use. The 6 GHz band will play an important role in providing the required throughput for future wireless standards such as IEEE 802.11ax (HE), IEEE 802.11be (ENT), 3GPP 5G, etc.

[3] To protect existing users, in its latest Notice for Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the FCC provided guidelines for the operation of unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band. In particular, the following aspects of the NPRM are relevant to this disclosure:

- The U-NII-5 sub-band (5.925-6.425 GHz) and the U-NII-7 sub-band (6.525-6.875 GHz) are widely used for point-to-point microwave links, including links that must have a high level of availability. Thus, in these subbands, “standard power access points” can operate, which use the power levels of the U-NII-1 and U-NII-3 bands to operate on frequencies determined by the Automated Frequency Coordination system. Frequency Coordination (AFC). U-NII is an unlicensed national information infrastructure.

- The U-NII-6 and U-NII-8 subbands are used by mobile stations in locations where it is difficult to locate existing receivers from available databases, making AFC difficult to use. Thus, these subbands may only allow indoor "low-power access point" operation using lower power levels in the U-NII-2 bands.

- Client devices can be allowed to operate in the entire 6 GHz band under the control of either a standard power AP or a low power AP.

[4] However, communication devices and frequency coordination methods in the 6 GHz band have not previously been considered.

[5] Thus, there is a need for communication devices and methods that can provide feasible technical solutions for frequency coordination in the 6 GHz band. In addition, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the presented prior art of the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[6] Based on non-limiting and exemplary embodiments, communication apparatuses and communication methods for coordinating the 6 GHz frequency band are proposed.

[7] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a communications apparatus, comprising: a receiver that, in operation, receives information identifying an operating channel of an access point (AP) on a channel that is different from the operating channel, which information further indicates , whether the transmission of a probe request frame is allowed before receiving an enable signal in the working channel; and a circuit that, in operation, determines, based on the specified information, whether to generate a probe request frame for transmission before receiving the enable signal on the operating channel; and wherein the circuitry is further configured to scan the enable signal on the operating channel without transmitting a probe request frame based on a determination that transmission of the probe request frame prior to receiving the enable signal on the operating channel is not permitted.

[8] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an access point (AP) configured to advertise information about its operating channel on a channel that is different from the specified operating channel, the AP comprising: circuitry that, during operation, generates a signal containing the information indicating whether the transmission of probe request frames is allowed before receiving an enable signal on the working channel; and a transmitter that, in operation, transmits the generated signal to one or more communication devices in the channel.

[9] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a communication method is provided, including: receiving information identifying a working channel of an access point (AP) on a channel that is different from a specified working channel, the information further indicating whether transmission of a probe request frame is allowed before receiving enabling signal in the working channel; determining, based on the information, whether to generate a probe request frame for transmission before receiving the enable signal on the operating channel; and scanning to detect an enable signal on the operating channel without transmitting a probe request frame based on determining that transmission of the probe request frame is not permitted before receiving the enable signal on the operating channel.

[10] It should be noted that general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, storage medium, or any selected combination thereof.

[11] Additional advantages and disadvantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the description and drawings. Such features and/or advantages may be separately obtained by various embodiments and features of the specification and drawings, all of which need not be present to obtain one or more of such features and/or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[12] Embodiments of the present invention will be better understood and will become more apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following written description, by way of example only, in conjunction with the drawings, in which the following are illustrated.

[13] In FIG. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the AFC system architecture.

[14] In FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a start frequency availability request and a start frequency availability registration between the AP/AP controller and the AFC system.

[15] In FIG. 3 shows an example of an AFC enable signal according to various embodiments.

[16] In FIG. 4 shows the format of the Transmit Power Envelope element according to various embodiments.

[17] In FIG. 5 illustrates a Trigger frame format for use as an AFC enable signal according to various embodiments.

[18] In FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram for a resolution state machine according to various embodiments.

[19] In FIG. 7 shows the format of the 6 GHz Operation Information field used to advertise AFC-related information according to various embodiments.

[20] In FIG. 8 illustrates the format of the Abbreviated Neighbor Report element used to indicate whether active scanning is enabled in the 6 GHz band, according to various embodiments.

[21] In FIG. 9 illustrates the format of a Neighbor Report element used to indicate whether active scanning is enabled in the 6 GHz band, according to various embodiments.

[22] In FIG. 10 illustrates a FILS Detection (Fast Initial Link Setup) frame format used to indicate whether active scanning is enabled in the 6 GHz band, according to various embodiments.

[23] In FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a mechanism for eliminating interference in the 6 GHz band, according to various embodiments.

[24] In FIG. 12 illustrates the format of a Transmission Termination Control frame used to eliminate interference, according to various embodiments.

[25] In FIG. 13 illustrates the format of a Transmission Stop element used to eliminate interference, according to various embodiments.

[26] In FIG. 14 is a schematic example of a communication apparatus according to various embodiments. The communication apparatus may be implemented as an AP or a station (STA) and is configured to coordinate the 6 GHz frequency band according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[27] In FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a communication method according to various embodiments.

[28] In FIG. 16 shows the configuration of a communication device, such as a communications apparatus or station (STA), according to various embodiments.

[29] In FIG. 17 shows the configuration of a communication device, such as an AP, according to various embodiments.

[30] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size of some of the elements in the illustrations, block diagrams, or flow diagrams may be exaggerated relative to other elements to ensure an accurate understanding of the present embodiments.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[31] Next, by way of example only, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Like reference numbers and symbols shown in the drawings refer to like items or equivalents.

[32] The following paragraphs explain some exemplary embodiments with reference to an access point (AP) and a station (STA) for performing enhanced forward link communications.

[33] In the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technologies, a station, interchangeably referred to as an STA, is a communications apparatus configured to use the 802.11 protocol. Based on the definition in IEEE 802.11-2016, an STA can be any device that contains an IEEE 802.11 compliant media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface to a wireless medium (WM). .

[34] For example, an STA may be a laptop, desktop personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), access point, or Wi-Fi-enabled telephone in a wireless local area network (WLAN) environment. ). An STA can be fixed or mobile. In a WLAN environment, the terms "STA", "wireless client", "user", "user device" and "node" are often used interchangeably.

[35] Similarly, an access point, which may be interchangeably referred to as a wireless access point (WAP), in the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technologies, is a communications apparatus through which an STA on a wireless network can connect to wired network. The AP is usually connected to a router (via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be built into or used within a router.

[36] As mentioned above, in another case, an STA in a WLAN can act as an AP and vice versa. This is due to the fact that communication devices in the context of IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) technologies may include both STA hardware components and AP hardware components. Thus, communication devices can be configured to switch between the STA mode and the AP mode depending on the actual conditions and/or requirements of the WLAN.

[37] The Notice for Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) [2] proposes changes to the rules in Title 47, Part 15, Chapter E of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) [7] ( Operation of U-NII devices in the 5 GHz band), some of the relevant rules are given below:

- The AFC system is a system that automatically identifies and provides lists of frequencies available for use by access points in the U-NII-5 sub-band (5.925-6.425 GHz) and U-NII-7 sub-band (6.525-6.875 GHz).

- The client device is a U-NII device whose transmissions are typically controlled by the access point and is not capable of network initiation.

- Access points operating in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands must access the AFC system before transmitting to determine the available frequencies in their geographic coordinates. Access points can only transmit on frequencies designated as available by the AFC system.

- The use of access points in the 6 GHz band is prohibited in moving vehicles such as cars, trains and aircraft.

- Their use in the 6 GHz band is prohibited for communication with or control of unmanned aircraft systems.

[38] In addition, the FCC also determines whether client devices should be allowed to actively scan channels in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands before receiving a “permit signal.”

[39] Likewise, regulators in other regions, such as ETSI in Europe, are also actively planning to open up some portion of the 6 GHz band to unlicensed use and may propose similar regulations in their respective geographic regions.

[40] Accordingly, the present invention proposes procedures for operating an 802.11 Basic Service Set (BSS) under the control of an AFC system in the 6 GHz band, which focuses on the operation of the 802.11 BSS with respect to the interaction between APs and AFC systems, and also interactions between AP and STA.

[41] When operating in parts of the 6 GHz band (such as the U-NII-5 or U-NII-7 subbands), an unlicensed user, such as an IEEE 802.11 access point, must contact the AFC system to obtain permission to operate on the wireless network . In fig. 1 is a schematic diagram 100 illustrating an example of wireless networks operating under the control of an AFC system:

- the central AFC database 102 contains information about all existing licensed users. The AFC database 102 may be a centralized or distributed database that stores records of all licensed users in a geographic region, including transmitter and receiver information of existing users such as location, altitude, azimuth, elevation (tilt), assigned frequency, antenna size, etc., and may be supported by government regulators (eg FCC).

- one or more AFC systems, for example, 104 and 106. The AFC system is configured to determine and provide lists of frequencies available for use by the 802.11 BSS (eg, based on calculations of the potential interference of BSSs located in the vicinity of an existing user). To do this, the AFC system may use information such as information about existing receivers from the AFC database 102, as well as 802.11 AP information such as location, altitude, maximum transmit power, and other similar information. The AFC system is also configured to record frequencies used by the 802.11 BSS when selected by the BSS, and may also have a connection to an existing user's system (eg, to receive interference reports, etc.). The AFC system can be used by private companies.

- In the simplest case, a single access point, such as AP 110, can directly connect to the AFC system (eg, via the Internet) to query the availability of frequency resources and obtain permission to use the wireless network on authorized frequencies.

- In more complex cases (eg, enterprise networks or managed networks), multiple access points, such as APs 112 and 114, can operate through a proxy device (eg, AP controller 108) to connect to the AFC system. The AP controller 108 may be a physical device or may also be a logical controller such as a cloud-based AP manager, etc. AP controller 108 may negotiate with AFC system 104 on behalf of one or more 802.11 BSS systems 116 and 118, and may represent multiple access points, such as APs 112 and 114, in interaction with AFC system 104. IEEE 802.11 wireless network and access points are shown in the drawing as an example of unlicensed users. Another example of unlicensed users would be cellular networks with a base station acting as an access point and communicating with the AFC system.

[42] An important difference between the AFC system in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands and other similar database-based systems such as TV White Space (TVWS) systems is that that in TVWS spectrum the database only stores information about licensed transmitters (eg television broadcast stations) and not about receivers. Since these receivers are passive receivers (such as televisions), it is not possible to record information about them. Thus, in TVWS, if a licensed transmitter operates in a geographic area in a certain frequency range, all areas in which the transmission signal could potentially be received are considered unsuitable for TVWS devices/networks, regardless of the actual presence of receiving devices. Such a system can be considered as an overly secure system. However, in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands, licensed users are primarily fixed-point systems (eg fixed-line microwave systems) and the AFC database can store details of all licensed receivers. This means that by providing information about the access point (such as antenna location, antenna height, transmit power, etc.), the AFC system can be configured to accurately calculate whether the access point (and its client devices) will cause harmful interference to licensed receivers. For example, if an unlicensed network is within the antenna range of a licensed receiver and is sufficiently close to the receiving antenna, the AFC system may determine that the unlicensed network will cause interference to a licensed user in the frequency band allocated to the licensed user. The AFC system can even use topographic information (such as terrain, presence of tall buildings or trees, etc.) to make even more accurate interference predictions for licensed users. Although such details are still being discussed, it is likely that AFC systems will need to have much greater interference calculation capabilities than earlier systems (such as TVWS). This means that much greater spectrum reuse can be expected in the 6 GHz band. On the other hand, this also implies a higher risk of unintentional interference to the licensed user and will require additional measures to be implemented in the AFC system to protect existing users in the event of unintentional interference, such as the ability to notify existing users of the interference and the AFC system must comply with the ability to quickly identify the unlicensed network causing the interference and instruct it to stop interfering with transmissions.

[43] In FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 illustrating a method that an access point (AP) can use to provide a wireless network (also referred to as a Basic Service Set (BSS) or, more generally, a Radio Local Area Network , RLAN)) in the regulated sub-band of the 6 GHz band (such as the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 sub-bands).

[44] At step 202, the AP may transmit a first message (eg, a frequency availability request) to the AFC system to request the availability of the required frequency range. This message may include AP identification data (e.g., a regulatory-provided identifier such as FCC ID or ETSI ID, WLAN MAC address, etc.), AP geographic location data (latitude, longitude, altitude), AP antenna (elevation angle, beam width, maximum output power) and the required frequency range.

[45] At step 204, based on the AP information, the AFC system may check whether the AP is allowed to operate in that area and may also calculate whether the AP or any of the client devices under the AP's control will interfere with any existing receivers in the base. AFC data. The AFC system may transmit a second message (eg, a frequency availability response) to the AP to notify the result of the determination. This message may include information about available frequency bands that can be used by the AP for RLAN, and information about the corresponding maximum transmit power that can be used in the frequency range.

[46] At step 206, the AP may select a channel (frequency subset) for its own BSS from the frequency range provided in the frequency availability response and transmit a third message (eg, an AP registration request) to the AFC system to register the unlicensed use of the frequency subset. This message may include information about the AP's identification and the selected subset of frequencies. This information can be used by the AFC system to identify the source of interference if the interference is reported by any licensed user.

[47] At step 208, the AFC system may write AP information to the system (identification, selected frequency subset) and transmit a fourth message (eg, AP registration response) to the AP. This message may indicate the status of the registration request and, where appropriate, may include re-registration timeout information. The re-registration timeout may be a dynamic value determined by the AFC system, or may also be a fixed value set by the regulatory authority (eg, 24 hours). The AP may need to re-register before the timeout value is reached to continue using the selected frequency. The AFC system may also indicate whether active scanning is allowed on a selected subset of frequencies (ie, whether client devices are allowed to transmit a probe request frame before receiving an indication from the AP that the channel can be used for transmissions). Alternatively, more generally, the AFC system may indicate whether initial transmission from client devices is permitted before receiving an indication from the AP that the channel can be used for transmissions.

[48] At step 210, after receiving the AP registration response with a successful status, the AP may proceed to launch a BSS or RLAN on the selected channel.

[49] After an AP has launched a BSS on a channel in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands, the AP may need to periodically transmit a signal on the BSS operating channel to notify its associated STAs or potential client devices that it is possible to safely use the channel for wireless communication with the AP. This signal may be known as an enable signal or an acknowledgment signal, etc. Although any frame periodically transmitted from an AP on the BSS operating channel can be considered an enable signal, for security reasons, the Beacon frames transmitted by the AP may contain an explicitly specified signal, for example, a one-bit value called the In-Band Permit AFC. . In fig. 3 shows an example of "AFC Enable Signal 300" according to various embodiments. If the "AFC Enable Signal 300" bit has a value of 1, this may indicate that the frame containing the "AFC Enable Signal" is an AFC Enable Signal.

[50] As will be further explained below, it is also possible that other frames, such as Probe Response frames, FILS Detect frames, or even a Trigger frame, may also serve as an enable signal, including the Enable signal 300 AFC." Any of these frames that includes "In-band enable signal 300 AFC" that is set to 1 may be considered an enable signal by the receiving client device. Regulators may mandate that client devices are not permitted to transmit any data, including request frames such as Probe Request frames, in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands until a valid grant signal is received.

[51] In addition to advertising the grant signal, the AP may advertise a limit on the transmit power applied on the BSS operating channel, for example, by including a Transmit Power Envelope element in the Beacon and Probe Response frames. In fig. 4 shows the format of Transmit Power Envelope element 400 according to various embodiments. Transmit Power Envelope element 400 may include an Element ID field, a Length field, a Transmit Power Information field, a 20 MHz Local Maximum Transmit Power field, a 40 MHz Local Maximum Transmit Power field. ", the "Local maximum transmit power for 80 MHz" field, the "Local maximum transmit power for 160/80+80 MHz" field, the "Local maximum transmit power for 240/80+160 MHz" field and the "Local maximum transmit power for 320/160+160 MHz" (or may consist of the specified fields). In addition, the Transmit Power Information field may include a Local Maximum Transmit Power Counter field, a Local Maximum Transmit Power Block Interpretation field, and a reserved field (or may consist of these fields).

[52] Transmit Power Envelope element 400 may indicate the local maximum transmit power for all applicable channel bandwidths, including the 240 MHz or 160+80 MHz channel and the 320 MHz or 160+160 MHz channels that are considered in the 802.11be task group. . The Local Maximum Transmit Power Count field can indicate the number of Local Maximum Transmit Power fields included in the element. For example, the value n may indicate the presence of n+1 fields, and the value of n may be as indicated in the table in FIG. 4. Each local maximum transmit power for an X MHz field can be encoded as an 8-bit signed integer represented in two's complement binary code ranging from -64 dBm to 63 dBm in 0.5 dB steps. The value 63.5 dBm may indicate values of 63.5 dBm or higher (ie, no local maximum transmit power limitation). A client station may not be permitted to transmit at a power greater than the value specified in each corresponding field of the Transmit Power Envelope element.

[53] In FIG. 5 illustrates the format of a "Trigger" frame 500 for use as an "In-Band Enable AFC" according to various embodiments. The Trigger frame 500 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field, a TA field, a General Information field, one or more User Information fields, a Padding field. and the "FCS" field (or may consist of the specified fields). The Frame Control field may include a Protocol Version field, a Type (Control) field, a Subtype field, a To DS (0) field, a From DS (0) field, and a More Frames field. . (0)", the "Repeat (0)" field, the "In-Band AFC Enable Signal" field, the "More Data" field, the "Protected Frame (0)" field, and the "+NTS (0)" field (or may consist of these fields). All Trigger frames transmitted in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands may be treated as an AFC enable signal for addressed STAs, or the Trigger frames may explicitly include an "In-band AFC enable signal" as shown by the In-Band Enable AFC field in frame 500 Trigger. As an example, an unused bit such as B12 (Power Control) of the Frame Control field of the Trigger frame may be redefined as In-Band Enable AFC. In addition, trigger frames with the In-Band AFC Enable bit set to 1 can be treated as a special enable signal and allow the corresponding STA to remain in the AFC Enabled state without the need to periodically receive Beacon frames.

[54] In FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for a resolution state machine 600 according to various embodiments. Grant status machine 600 may have a state that a non-AP STA can maintain to track its AFC grant status in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands, and may have at least a state of 602 "Not Granted" and state 604 "Allowed". A non-AP STA in the Not Enabled state 602 shall not transmit any frames on the channel in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands, except for probe request frames if active scanning is enabled by the AFC system. Alternatively, more generally, if the AFC system indicates that a certain category of initial transmission from client devices is allowed in the 602 Not Allowed state, the client device may be allowed to transmit frames of the selected category, such as public universal service "Activated" frames advertisements (generic advertisement service, GAS), etc. These frames are pre-association frames used by client devices to discover AP capabilities or to discover services provided by the server system to which the AP is connected, etc. Upon receiving an enable signal, such as an in-band enable AFC signal contained in a Beacon frame, a Probe Response frame, a FILS Detection frame, or a Trigger frame, the non-AP station may enter state 604 " Allowed." In addition, the non-AP station may reset the AFC enable validity timer 606 to a value equal to the AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD value each time it receives an “In-Band AFC Enable Signal”. In one embodiment, the AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD value may be received via a signal from the associated AP, wherein the AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD value is determined by the AP. In yet another embodiment, AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD may be a fixed value that may be defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[55] In state 604 Allowed, a non-AP STA may revert to state 602 Not Allowed if, for example:

- The non-AP STA accepts an instruction to stop transmitting

- The non-AP STA receives an (Extended) Channel Handoff Announcement element with the Channel Mode field set to 1

- The non-AP STA failed to receive the “In-Band AFC Enable Signal” for a period equal to AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD. This may also apply to STAs in power saving mode that are in the sleep state for the AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD period or longer. The non-AP STA may return to the AFC Enabled state after receiving a Trigger frame including the In-Band AFC Enable Signal. The Trigger frame may have the Trigger frame format 500 shown in FIG. 5.

[56] In the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands, a client device, eg a non-AP STA, may be required to receive an enable signal at regular intervals to remain in the AFC enabled state. If a device fails to receive a valid enable signal within a specified period, such as longer than AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD, it will enter the Not Enabled state, in which it is prohibited from making any transmissions. For devices operating in active mode (i.e., not in power-saving mode), this is not a problem since they can expect to receive Beacon frames on a periodic basis. However, in some power saving modes, non-AP STAs may remain in a sleep state without receiving any frame from the AP for long periods of time to save battery power. They can only be activated after receiving an indication of buffered frames from the AP. In some other power saving modes, such as when operating during a triggered Target Wake Time (TWT), a non-AP STA wakes up only in predefined windows and waits to receive a Trigger frame from the AP at the start of the TWT window. If the AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD is short, then a non-AP STA operating in power-saving mode may be forced to wake up much more frequently to receive an enable signal (eg, Beacon frames) and therefore lose power. To allow non-AP STAs in power-saving mode to remain in an enabled AFC state without having to be activated to receive Beacon frames, Trigger frames can also be considered an enable signal for associated non-AP STAs. Either all Trigger frames may be considered a default enable signal, or the Trigger frames may explicitly include an In-Band Enable AFC, for example, in the Frame Control field of Trigger frame 500, as shown in FIG. 5. If, after activating and receiving the Trigger frame, the non-AP STA is still in the AFC Enabled state, it may reset its AFC Enable Validity Timer for the AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD period or, if it has already entered the Not Enabled state. , it may return to the AFC Enabled state and begin transmitting uplink frames in response to the received Trigger frame.

[57] By default, transmission of any frames, including detection frames such as Probe Request frames, is prohibited until the AFC Allow signal is received. Transmission of Probe Request frames prior to receipt of AFC Enable Signal is only permitted on channels that explicitly enable active scanning. The AP may indicate whether active scanning is allowed before receiving the AFC enable signal, for example, in the 6 GHz Operation Information field in the NOT Operation element contained in a Beacon frame or a Probe Response frame. transmitted in the 6 GHz band. Alternatively, more generally, the AP may indicate that a certain category of initial transmission (eg, public General Advertising Service (GAS) Activated frames, probe request frames) is allowed for client devices prior to receiving the AFC grant.

[58] In FIG. 7 shows the format of the 6 GHz Operation Information field 700 used to advertise AFC-related information, according to various embodiments. The 6 GHz Operation Information field 700 may include a Primary Channel field, a Control field, a Channel Center Frequency Segment 0 field, a Channel Center Frequency Segment 1 field, a Minimum Rate field, and AFC Information field (or may consist of the specified fields). The Control field may include a Channel Width field, an AFC Information Presence field indicating whether the AFC Information field is present, and a Reserved field (or may consist of such fields). The AFC Information field may include an AFC Activation Period field and an Active Scan Allowed field (or may consist of these fields). For example, a value of "0" in the "Active Scan Enabled" field may indicate that active scanning is not enabled on the specified channel until an AFC enable signal is received, while a value of "1" may indicate that active scanning is not enabled on the specified channel. scanning is allowed until the AFC enable signal is received.

[59] The AP may decide whether active scanning is allowed based on an explicit indication from the AFC system during AP registration; or the AP may also make the decision implicitly, for example based on the maximum transmit power allowed on the channel. If the maximum transmit power is below a certain threshold, the AP may infer that an existing receiver may be located nearby and thus decide to disable active scanning until an enable signal is received.

[60] When operating in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 subbands, in addition to other operational parameters, the AP may also advertise information related to AFC operation in Beacon frames, Probe Response frames transmitted in the 6 GHz band, for example, by including the “AFC Information” field in the “6 GHz Operation Information” field in the “NOT Operation” element or the “UNT Operation” element, etc. Such a 6 GHz Operation Information field may have the same format as the 6 GHz Operation Information field 700 shown in FIG. 7. The presence of the AFC Information field implicitly indicates that the channel operation specified in the 6 GHz Operation Information field is subject to control by the AFC system, and the operation of the non-AP STA in the BSS is controlled such APs must depend on the AFC state machine, as described previously and shown in FIG. 6. Among other parameters, the AFC Information field may include an AFC Activation Period field, which specifies the value AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD, and an Active Scanning Enabled field, which specifies whether active scanning is enabled (i.e. whether non-AP STAs are allowed to transmit probe request frames before receiving an enable signal) on the BSS operating channel. For example, a value of "0" in the "Active Scan Enabled" field may indicate that active scanning is not enabled on the specified channel until an AFC enable signal is received, while a value of "1" may indicate that active scanning is not enabled on the specified channel. scanning is allowed until the AFC enable signal is received. The active scan information may also be used by neighboring APs to compile their in-band or out-of-band Neighbor Report element or Abbreviated Neighbor Report element, etc.

[61] Possible formats for the Abbreviated Neighbor Report element and the Neighbor Report element are shown, respectively, in FIG. 8 and 9. In FIG. 8 illustrates the format of the Abbreviated Neighbor Report element used to indicate whether active scanning is enabled in the 6 GHz band, according to various embodiments. The Abbreviated Neighbor Report element may include an Element Identifier field, a Length field, a TVTT Information Header field, a Functioning Class field, a Channel Number field, and a TVTT Information Set field ( or may consist of specified fields). The "TVTT Information Set" field may include the "Neighbor AP TVTT Offset" field, the "BSSID" field (optional), the "Short SSID" field (optional) and the "BSS Parameters" field (optional) (or may consist of the following fields). In addition, the BSS Parameters field (optional) may include a Recommended OCT field, a Cooperative ESS Member field, a Activate 20 TU Trial Response field, and an Active Scan Allowed field (or may consist of specified fields).

[62] In FIG. 9 illustrates the format of Neighbor Report element 900 used to indicate whether active scanning is enabled in the 6 GHz band, according to various embodiments. Neighbor Report element 900 may include an Item ID field, a Length field, a BSSID field, a BSSID Information field, a Functioning Class field, a Channel Number field, and a PHY Type field. " and the "Additional subelements" field (or may consist of the specified fields). The BSSID Information Set field may include an AP Reachability field, a Co-located AP field, a 20 TU Probe Response Activation field, and an Active Scanning Enabled field (or may consist of such fields).

[63] The 6 GHz band is a newly opened spectrum for unlicensed use and there are currently no unlicensed users in this band. In addition, due to potential regulatory restrictions, attempts are being made to reduce the transmission of control frames in this band, particularly frames associated with initial acquisition, such as Probe Request frames. Probe frames are control frames used by non-AP STAs to detect the presence of APs operating on the channel. The IEEE 802.11ax standard has introduced various mechanisms to reduce the amount of control frame transmission associated with initial AP detection. One such mechanism is the out-of-band announcement of a co-AP. Typically, an AP infrastructure device simultaneously operates as multiple access points in multiple frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band; such ARs are known as combined ARs. An AP operating in the 2.4 GHz band or 5 GHz band may advertise that the AP is also operating in the 6 GHz band by including information about the 6 GHz co-AP in the Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) element. ) or into the “Neighbor Report” element in the “Beacon”, “Response to Test Request” frames, etc. The Abbreviated Neighbor Report element may have the same format as the Abbreviated Neighbor Report element 800 shown in FIG. 8, and the Neighbor Report element may have the same format as the Neighbor Report element 900 shown in FIG. 9.

[64] In addition to the 6 GHz co-AP operating parameters, the Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) element and the Neighbor Report element may also indicate whether active scanning is enabled on the 6 GHz co-AP operating channel BSS, e.g., by indicating values in the Active Scanning Allowed field as shown in Abbreviated Neighbor Report item 800 and Neighbor Report item 900. For example, a value of "0" may indicate that active scanning is not permitted on the specified channel until the AFC enable signal is received, while a value of "1" may indicate that active scanning is permitted on the specified channel until the AFC enable signal is received. . A non-AP STA may receive information about 6 GHz co-APs via Beacon frames in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, or a non-AP STA may also request such information by transmitting a Probe Request frame on 6 GHz AR in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band using the channel tunneling protocol (On-Channel Tunneling, OST). An AP may also advertise information about neighboring APs (i.e., non-co-located APs) that operate in the 6 GHz band in the RNR element or in the Neighbor Report element.

[65] Another mechanism that was introduced into the IEEE 802.11ax standard to reduce the amount of control frame transmission associated with initial AP detection is the introduction of preferred scanning channels (PSC) in the 6 GHz band. PSCs are 20 MHz channels that are created at 80 MHz intervals in the 6 GHz band, and the 6 GHz AP can transmit "Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) detection" frames on the PSC at regular intervals to announce its operation in the 6 GHz band. In fig. 10 shows the format of a FILS Detection frame 1000 according to various embodiments. The FILS Discovery frame 1000 may include a FILS Discovery Frame Control field, a Timestamp field, a Beacon Interval field, an SSID/SSID Short field, a Length field, an FD Capability field, a Functioning Class, Primary Channel field, and Mobility Domain field (or may consist of these fields). The FD Capability field may include an ANO Presence Indicator field, a Primary Channel Presence Indicator field, an MD Presence Indicator field, and an Active Scan Enabled field (or may consist of these fields).

[66] The FILS Detection frame resembles a shortened version of the Beacon or Probe Response frames, but is transmitted much more frequently, such as once every 20 Time Unit (TU); one TU is equal to 1024 microseconds. This allows a non-AP STA to perform fast passive scanning in the 6 GHz band, concentrating its passive scanning on the PSC. The PSC may be the same as the AP's 6 GHz operating channel, but if it is different, the AP may also advertise whether active scanning is allowed on its operating channel by including an "Active Scanning Enabled" field in "FILS Discovery" frames, e.g. "Active Scan Enabled" in "FILS Detection" frame 1000 shown in FIG. 10. For example, a value of "0" in the Active Scan Enabled field may indicate that active scanning is not permitted on the specified channel until an AFC enable signal is received, while a value of "1" may indicate that on the specified channel channel, active scanning is allowed until the AFC enable signal is received.

[67] When a non-AP STA receives active scan information on a channel that is different from the AP's operating channel in the 6 GHz band, the non-AP STA shall not transmit any data (including Probe Request frames) on an operating channel in the 6 GHz band, if the Active Scan Allowed field indicates that active scanning is not allowed, but must perform passive scanning to wait for an enabling signal (eg, Beacon frames) to arrive on that channel. A non-AP STA may transmit Probe Request frames on a 6 GHz operating channel only if the Active Scanning Enabled field indicates that active scanning is enabled on the channel.

[68] It is likely that AFC systems will need to have much greater interference calculation capabilities than earlier systems (such as TVWS) and therefore can expect much greater reuse of frequency spectrum in the 6 GHz band. However, this also means that the risk of unintentional interference to a licensed user may be higher, and the AFC system will need to implement additional measures to protect existing users in the event of unintentional interference, such as capabilities for reporting interference to existing users, and the AFC system should be configured to quickly identify the unlicensed network causing the interference and instruct it to stop interfering with transmissions.

[69] One example of a mechanism for such interference mitigation is described in FIG. 11, which is a block diagram 1100 illustrating a mechanism for eliminating interference in the 6 GHz band, according to various embodiments. At step 1102, an existing user detects an interference condition and sends an interference report to its associated AFC system. At step 1104, the AFC system identifies the interfering AP and transmits an abort instruction to the AP, optionally including an alternate frequency for use at the AP. At step 1106, upon receiving the shutdown instruction, the AP immediately stops all transmissions on its BSS and, if an alternative frequency has been provided, moves the BSS to a new channel on the alternative frequency. However, if an alternative frequency has not been provided by the AFC system and the AP cannot immediately identify another candidate channel, the AP may instruct associated non-AP STAs to cease all transmissions to the BSS by transmitting a Transmit Stop frame.

[70] The Transmit Stop frame may, for example, have the format of the Transmit Stop Control frame 1200 shown in FIG. 12, or may be a frame that includes an element in the format of Transmission Termination element 1300 (ie, contained in control frames) shown in FIG. 13. Transmission Termination Control frame 1200 may include a Frame Control field, a Duration field, an RA field identifying a receiver address, a TA field identifying a transmitter address, a BSSID field identifying a BSS, a “Next Action” field and an “FCS” field (or may consist of these fields). The Stop Transmission element 1300 may include an Item Identifier field, a Length field, an Extended Item Identifier field, a BSSID field identifying the BSS, and a Next Action field (or may consist of these fields). .

[71] In various embodiments, upon receiving an instruction to stop transmitting from its associated AP, the non-AP STA must immediately stop all transmissions on the channel and proceed to the next step in accordance with the instructions from the AP. The next step may be indicated in the Next Action field that is present in the Transmission Termination Control frame 1200 shown in FIG. 12, and the Stop Transmission element 1300 shown in FIG. 13. Examples of possible next steps are shown in Table 1 below.

[72] For example, if the Next Action field indicates that a channel switch announcement is pending, the non-AP STA must wait for further instructions from the AP to move to the new channel provided in the channel switch indicating frames or extended channel switching. However, if the Next Action field is set to "Seek Alternate Connections", the non-AP STA may consider itself disassociated from the current BSS and may search for an alternative BSS on other channels (in band 6 GHz or even in other bands). During this time, the non-AP STA shall not transmit any data on the existing operating channel.

[73] In FIG. 14 is a schematic, partially exploded view of a communications apparatus 1400 according to various embodiments. The communications apparatus 1400 may be implemented as an AP or an STA according to various embodiments.

[74] As shown in FIG. 14, communications apparatus 1400 may include circuitry 1414, at least one radio transmitter 1402, at least one radio receiver 1404, and at least one antenna 1412 (for simplicity, only one antenna is depicted in FIG. 14 for illustrative purposes). Circuitry 1414 may include at least one controller 1406 for use in performing tasks in software and hardware, wherein at least one controller 1406 is configured to perform those tasks including controlling communications with one or more other communications devices. on a wireless network. Circuitry 1414 may also include at least one transmit signal generator 1408 and at least one processor 1410 for processing the receive signal. At least one controller 1406 may control at least one transmit signal generator 1408 to generate frames (e.g., probe request frames if communications apparatus 1400 is an STA, and, for example, an Abbreviated Neighbor Report element 1410, a Neighbors", FILS Detection frames, Beacon frames, Probe Response frames, Transmission Stop frames, and Trigger frames if the communications apparatus 1400 is an AP) to be sent by at least one radio transmitter 1402 on one or more other communications devices, and at least one receive signal processor 1410 to process frames (e.g., Abbreviated Neighbor Report element, Neighbor Report element, FILS Detection frames, Beacon frames, frames "Probe Response", Transmission Stop frames and "Trigger" frames if the communication device 1400 is an STA, and, for example, Probe Request frames if the communication device 1400 is an AP) received by at least one radio receiver 1404 from one or more other communication devices under the control of at least one controller 1406. The at least one transmit signal generator 1408 and the at least one receive signal processor 1410 may be stand-alone modules of the communication devices 1400 that communicate with at least one controller 1406 to perform the above functions, as shown in FIG. 14. Alternatively, at least one transmit signal generator 1408 and at least one receive signal processor 1410 may be included in at least one controller 1406. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the arrangement of said functional modules is flexible and can vary greatly depending on practical needs and/or requirements. Means for processing, data storage and other related apparatus for control may be provided on suitable printed circuit board and/or chipsets. In various embodiments, the at least one radio transmitter 1402, the at least one radio receiver 1404, and the at least one antenna 1412 may be controlled by at least one controller 1406 during operation.

[75] The communications apparatus 1400, during operation, provides the functions required for 6 GHz frequency coordination. For example, communications apparatus 1400 may be an STA, and radio receiver 1404 may, in operation, receive information identifying a working channel of an access point (AP) on a channel that is different from the working channel, which information further indicates whether transmission of a probe request frame is permitted. before receiving the enabling signal in the working channel. Circuit 1414 is configured to, at operation time, determine, based on the specified information, whether to generate a probe request frame for transmission before receiving the enable signal on the operating channel; wherein the circuit 1414 is further configured to scan the enable signal on the operating channel without transmitting a probe request frame based on a determination that transmission of the probe request frame prior to receiving the enable signal on the operating channel is not permitted. Alternatively, more generally, the information from the AP may indicate that a certain category of initial transmission (eg, public General Advertising Service (GAS) "Activated" frames, probe request frames) from client devices is allowed prior to receiving the enable signal. Circuit 1414 is configured to determine at runtime, based on the information, whether to generate an enabled frame for transmission to the AP or perform passive scanning to receive an enable signal.

[76] This information may be conveyed in an Abbreviated Neighbor Report element, in a Neighbor Report element, or in a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) Discovery frame. The enable signal may be a Beacon frame, a Probe Response frame, a Fast Initial Link Setup (FILS) detection frame, or a Trigger frame transmitted on the operating channel.

[77] The communications apparatus 1400 may also be configured to operate an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) state machine for an operating channel that enters or remains in an enabled state after receiving the enable signal.

[78] In addition, the communication apparatus 1400 may be configured to start an enable timer upon receiving the enable signal, wherein the enable timer is set to an initial value equal to the AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD value, and the AFC state machine continues to operate in the enabled state for a period of time, based on the resolution timer value.

[79] The radio receiver 1404 may also be configured to receive a signal indicating an AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD value from an AP, wherein the AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD value is determined by the AP.

[80] Radio transmitter 1402 may be configured to transmit one or more frames on an operating channel when the AFC state machine is in an enabled state.

[81] The AFC state machine may enter an unauthorized state upon expiration of the enable timer period or if the receiver 1404 receives an instruction to stop transmitting from the AP, and the transmitter 1402 may also be configured to not transmit on the operating channel when the AFC state machine is in an unresolved state.

[82] For example, communications apparatus 1400 may be an AP configured to advertise information about its operating channel on a channel that is different from the operating channel, and circuitry 1414 may, in operation, generate a signal containing information indicating whether frame transmission is enabled test request before receiving an enabling signal in the working channel. The transmitter 1402, during operation, can transmit the generated signal to one or more communication devices on the channel.

[83] This signal may contain information indicating the AFC parameters of the other AP.

[84] The information may include an "Active Scan Enabled" field, wherein the "Active Scan Enabled" field indicates, based on the value of the "Active Scan Enabled" field, whether the transmission of probe request frames is permitted before receiving an enable signal on the operating channel, wherein the receiver 1404 during operation, takes the value of the "Active Scan Allowed" field for the operating channel from the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system. The specified signal may also contain information indicating the value of the AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD parameter.

[85] The communications apparatus 1400 may be further configured to determine the value of the Active Scan Allowed field based on the maximum transmit power value for the operating channel received from the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system such that transmission of probe request frames is not allowed if The maximum transmit power is below the threshold.

[86] In addition, the circuitry may also be configured to generate a stop transmission instruction, where transmitter 1402 may also be configured to transmit a stop transmission instruction to associated AP STAs to stop transmissions on the operating channel.

[87] In FIG. 15 is a block diagram 1500 illustrating a communication method according to various embodiments. At step 1502, information identifying a working channel of an access point (AP) on a channel that is different from the working channel may be received, which information further indicates whether transmission of a probe request frame is permitted prior to receiving an enable signal on the working channel. At step 1504, based on this information, it can be determined whether a probe request frame should be generated for transmission before receiving an enable signal on the operating channel. At step 1506, scanning for a grant signal on the work channel may be initiated without transmitting a probe request frame based on a determination that transmission of the probe request frame is not permitted until the grant signal is received on the work channel.

[88] In FIG. 16 shows the configuration of a communications device 1600, such as a communications apparatus, such as an STA, according to various embodiments. Similar to the schematic exemplary communication apparatus shown in FIG. 14 is a schematic exemplary communication apparatus 1600 shown in FIG. 16 includes at least one antenna 1602 with at least one radio transmitter and at least one radio receiver (for simplicity, the radio transmitter and receiver are not shown in FIG. 16), and circuitry 1604. Circuitry 1604 may include at least at least one controller or CPU 1606 for use in software and hardware that perform tasks, where the CPU 1606 is configured to perform those tasks, including control of communication with other communication devices, such as another STA or AP.

[89] Circuit 1602 may also include a location module 1608 that performs the function of determining the location of communication device 1600, which may include latitude and longitude information about its geographic location. In some regulatory areas, location information may be used by the AFC system to decide which frequency channels can be used by the STAs for wireless communications. Circuitry 1602 may also include an AFC utilization module 1610 that maintains various parameters associated with AFC operation, such as AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD, maximum transmit power limits. This module may also monitor the AFC enable timer and ensure that the STA receives enable signals until the timer expires. Circuitry 1702 may also include an AFC enable state module 1612 that maintains the AFC enable state when operating on channels that involve AFC.

[90] In FIG. 17 shows the configuration of a communications device 1700, such as an AP, according to various embodiments. Similar to the schematic exemplary communication apparatus shown in FIG. 14 is a schematic, exemplary communication apparatus 1700 shown in FIG. 17 includes at least one antenna 1702 with at least one radio transmitter and at least one receiver (for simplicity, the radio transmitter and receiver are not shown in FIG. 17), and circuitry 1704. Circuitry 1704 may include at least one controller or CPU 1706 for use in software and hardware that perform tasks, where the CPU 1706 is configured to perform those tasks, including controlling communication with communication devices, such as an STA or other AP.

[91] Circuitry 1702 may also include an AFC system interface module 1712 that stores information required to communicate with the AFC system and functions as a gateway for the AFC system and the AFC database. The actual communication with the AFC system may occur through a wired interface. Circuitry 1802 may also include a location module 1708 that performs the function of determining the location of the AP device, which may include information about the latitude and longitude of the AP's geographic location, as well as the AP's height relative to the ground. The location information may be used by the AFC system to decide on frequency channels that may be used by the AP and STAs associated with the AP. Circuitry 1702 may also include an AFC utilization module 1710 for maintaining various parameters related to AFC operation, such as AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD, maximum transmit power limits. This module may also provide control of channels used by STAs associated with the AP, as well as transmission of channel enable signals, transmission of AFC parameters, transmission of transmission termination instructions, etc.

[92] As described above, embodiments of the present invention provide an improved communication system, communication methods, and communication apparatus that enable 6 GHz frequency coordination.

[93] The present invention may be implemented by software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each embodiment presented above may be partially or completely implemented by a large integrated circuit (LSI) such as an integrated circuit, and each process described in each embodiment may be partially or completely controlled by one and the same LSI or combination of LSI. The LSI may be formed individually as dies, or a single die may be formed to include part or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may include data input and output coupled thereto. LSI in the present case may be referred to as integrated circuit, system LSI, super-LSI or super-LSI depending on the degree of integration. However, the implementation method of an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI and can be implemented using an application-specific circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a application-specific processor. In addition, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be used, which can be programmed after the LSI has been manufactured or a reconfigurable processor in which the wiring and settings of the circuit cells located within the LSI can be changed. The present invention can be implemented as digital data processing or analog data processing. If future integrated circuit technology replaces LSI as a result of developments in semiconductor technology or other derivative technology, the functional blocks may be integrated using the future integrated circuit technology. In addition, biotechnology can be applied.

[94] The present invention can be implemented using any type of apparatus, device or system having a communication function, which is called a communication device.

[95] The communication apparatus may include a transceiver and processing/control circuitry. The transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter and/or function as a receiver and a transmitter. The transmitter-receiver transceiver may include a radio frequency (RF) module including amplifiers, RF modulators/demodulators, and the like, and one or more antennas.

[96] Non-limiting examples of such communication devices include telephone (e.g., cell phone, smartphone), tablet, personal computer (PC) (e.g., laptop, desktop, netbook), camera (e.g., digital camera/ video camera), digital player (digital audio/video player), wearable device (e.g. wearable camera, smart watch, tracking device), game console, digital book reader, remote diagnostic and treatment device/telemedicine (remote diagnosis) health and medical services) and a vehicle having communication functionality (for example, a car, an aircraft, a ship), as well as various combinations thereof.

[97] A communication apparatus is not limited to a portable or wearable apparatus and may also include any type of apparatus, device, or system that is not portable or stationary, such as a smart home device (e.g., an appliance, lighting, smart meter, control panel), vending machine and any other “physical objects” in the “Internet of Things (IoT)” network.

[98] Communications may include the exchange of data through, for example, a cellular system, a wireless LAN system, a satellite system, etc., as well as various combinations thereof.

[99] The communication apparatus may include a device, such as a controller or sensor, that is connected to a communication device performing the communication function described in the present invention. For example, the communication device may include a controller or sensor that generates control signals or data signals used by the communication device performing the communication function of the communication device.

[100] A communications apparatus may also include an infrastructure entity such as a base station, an access point, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls apparatuses, such as those mentioned in the above non-limiting examples.

[101] It should be understood that while certain properties of the various embodiments have been described with reference to the apparatus, corresponding properties also apply to the methods of the various embodiments and vice versa.

[102] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention, as illustrated in specific embodiments, may be subject to numerous changes and/or modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is described in a broad sense. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-limiting.

Claims (15)

1. Communication device containing: a receiver that, in operation, receives information identifying a working channel of an access point (AP) on a channel that is different from the working channel, which information further indicates whether transmission of a probe request frame is permitted before receiving an enable signal on the working channel; And a circuit that, in operation, determines, based on the specified information, whether to generate a probe request frame for transmission before receiving an enable signal on the operating channel; And wherein the circuit is further configured to scan in the operating channel to receive an enabling signal without transmitting a probe request frame based on the determination that transmission of a probe request frame prior to receiving the enable signal in the operating channel is not permitted, characterized in that the enable signal is a "frame" Trigger" transmitted over the working channel. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, in which the information is transmitted in the “Abbreviated Neighbor Report” element, in the “Neighbor Report” element or in the “Fast Initial Link Setup Discovery (FILS Discovery)” frame . 3. The communication device according to claim 1, which is also configured to provide operation of an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) state machine for the operating channel, which enters the enabled state or continues to be in the enabled state after receiving the enabling signal. 4. The communication apparatus according to claim 3, which is also configured to start an enable timer after receiving the enable signal, wherein said enable timer is set to an initial value equal to the value of AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD, and the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) state machine continues to be in the enabled state. state for a period of time based on the value of the enable timer. 5. The communication apparatus of claim 4, wherein the receiver is also configured to receive a signal indicating the value of AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD from an access point (AP), wherein the value of AFC_ENABLEMENT_PERIOD is determined by the access point (AP). 6. The communications apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a transmitter that, in operation, transmits one or more frames on an operating channel when the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) state machine is in an enabled state. 7. The communications apparatus of claim 6, wherein the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) state machine is configured to enter an unauthorized state upon expiration of the enable timer period or upon receipt by the receiver of an instruction to stop transmitting from an access point (AP), wherein the transmitter is also configured to not transmit on the operating channel when the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) state machine is in an unauthorized state. 8. Communication method, including: receiving information identifying a working channel of an access point (AP) on a channel that is different from the working channel, the information further indicating whether transmission of a probe request frame is permitted before receiving an enable signal on the working channel; determining, based on the information, whether to generate a probe request frame for transmission before receiving the enable signal on the operating channel; And scanning on the work channel to receive an enable signal without transmitting a probe request frame based on a determination that transmission of the probe request frame is not permitted until the permission signal is received on the work channel, characterized in that the enabling signal is a “Trigger” frame transmitted over the working channel.

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