DE112017008258T5 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMPROVING NETWORK THROUGHPUT IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and devices for improving network throughput in a wireless communication network are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a communication facilitator to set a network allocation vector (NAV) in response to the detection of a first request to send (RTS) from an access point (AP), the RTS being a first data transmission of corresponds to the AP to a first station (STA). an interface to send a second RTS to a second STA while tuning the NAV; and wherein the communication facilitator is operative, in response to detecting a second Clear To Send (CTS) from the second STA, to send secondary data to the STA during the first data transmission.

Description

FIELD OF REVELATION

This disclosure relates generally to Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) connectivity, and more particularly relates to methods and apparatus for improving network throughput in a wireless communications network.

BACKGROUND

Many locations offer Wi-Fi to connect Wi-Fi-enabled devices to networks such as the Internet. Wi-Fi enabled devices include personal computers, video game consoles, cell phones and devices, digital cameras, tablets, smart televisions, digital audio players, etc. Wi-Fi enables Wi-Fi enabled devices to access the Internet wirelessly over a wireless local area Network (WLAN). To provide Wi-Fi connectivity to a device, a Wi-Fi access point sends a high-frequency Wi-Fi signal to the Wi-Fi enabled device within signal range of the access point (e.g., a hotspot). Wi-Fi is implemented using a number of Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) specifications (such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol).

Figure list

• 1 Figure 3 is an illustration of an access point network used herein to improve network throughput.
• 2 FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an exemplary spatial reuse determiner of FIG 1 .
• 3-6 FIG. 12 are flow charts depicting example machine readable instructions that may be executed to perform the example spatial reuse determiner of FIG 1 and / or 2 to implement.
• 7th Figure 13 is a timing diagram for a wireless communication protocol that increases network throughput.
• 8th Figure 13 is a block diagram of a radio architecture according to some examples.
• 9 FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary front end module circuit for use in the radio architecture of FIG 8th according to some examples.
• 10 FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary radio integrated circuit for use in the radio architecture of FIG 8th according to some examples.
• 11 FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary baseband processing circuit for use in the radio architecture of FIG 8th according to some examples.
• 12th FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a processor platform structured to receive the exemplary machine readable instructions of FIG 3-6 to perform the spatial reuse determiner of the 1 and / or 2 to implement.

The numbers are not to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in or in the drawings and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Different locations (e.g., homes, offices, cafes, restaurants, parks, airports, etc.) may provide Wi-Fi-to-Wi-Fi-enabled devices (e.g., stations (STA)) to the Wi-Fi-enabled devices connect to the Internet or any other network with minimal effort. The locations can provide one or more Wi-Fi access points (APs) for outputting Wi-Fi signals to the Wi-Fi-enabled device within a transmission range of the Wi-Fi signals (e.g. a hotspot). A Wi-Fi AP is structured to wirelessly connect a Wi-Fi enabled device to the Internet over a wireless local area network (WLAN) using Wi-Fi protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11). The Wi-Fi protocol is the protocol that the AP uses to communicate with the STAs to access the Internet by sending uplink (UL) broadcast data and receiving downlink (DL) broadcast data to and from the Internet enable.

Some Wi-Fi protocols (e.g. 802.11) include a Request-to-Send (RTS) frame and a Clear-to-Send (CTS) frame to help mitigate a hidden node problem (e.g. an AP Device that is being prevented from sending packets to other STAs due to an ongoing data transmission from a neighboring AP). For example, if an AP is to send data to an STA, the AP wirelessly sends the RTS frame that corresponds to the STA. After receiving the RTS frame, the STA replies with a CTS frame and data transmission begins. In addition, other APs and / or STAs that have received the RTS from the AP set their Network Allocation Vector (NAV) according to the length of the data transmission based on information in the RTS (e.g. the persistent field of a header of the MAC Layer of the RTS). The setting of the NAV serves as an indicator of how connected devices long access to the wireless medium is to be postponed. In this way, if an AP detects an RTS from a neighboring node but does not recognize the corresponding CTS, it can conclude that it is an exposed node (for example, the data transmission of the AP has no influence on the current one corresponding to the RTS Transmission), and is allowed to send to other neighboring nodes. However, such conventional protocols do not fully solve the exposed node problem.

For example, there may be three APs communicating with three STAs (e.g., AP1 on STA1, AP2 on STA2, and AP3 on STA3) in three overlapping Basic Services Sets (BSSs). In one such example, when the APs are sending data to the appropriate STAs, the APs are competing for a wireless channel (e.g., the wireless medium). If AP1 wins the channel, AP1 sends an RTS frame to STA1 and AP2 and AP3 adjust their NAV to the end of the primary data transmission between AP1 and STA1 based on the RTS. With conventional protocols, AP2 and AP3 do not send any data to STA2 or STA3 after receiving the RTS frame from AP1. However, if STA2 and / or STA3 are outside the transmission range of AP1, they can receive data from AP2 or AP3 without being disturbed by the data transmission from AP1 to STA1. Examples disclosed herein increase network throughput by providing a protocol that enables secondary data transmission to be carried out simultaneously with ongoing (e.g. primary) data transmission without affecting the ongoing data transmission, thereby increasing network throughput.

1 illustrates an exemplary AP network 100 that uses protocols to improve network throughput. 1 contains exemplary APs 102 , 104 , 106 , exemplary AP transmission ranges 103 , 105 , 107 , exemplary STAs 108 , 110 , 112 , exemplary STA transmission ranges 109 , 111 , 113 , exemplary spatial reuse determiners 114a-c and an exemplary network 116 .

The exemplary APs 102 , 104 , 106 from 1 are devices that conform to the exemplary STAs 108 , 110 , 112 access to the exemplary network 116 (for example the Internet). The exemplary APs 102 , 104 , 106 may be routers, modem routers, and / or other devices that wirelessly connect to the exemplary network 116 enable. In one example, an AP 102 , 104 , 106 be a router that provides a wireless communication link to an STA (e.g., the exemplary STAs 108 , 110 , 112 ). The APs 102 , 104 , 106 access the network through a wired connection via a modem 116 to. A modem router combines the functionality of a modem and router. The APs 102 , 104 , 106 each contain the exemplary spatial reuse determiners 114a-c . The spatial reuse determiners 114a-c are described in more detail below.

The exemplary STAs 108 , 110 , 112 from 1 are Wi-Fi enabled computing devices. The exemplary STAs 108 , 110 , 112 can be, for example, computing devices, portable devices, mobile devices, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, game systems, digital cameras, digital video recorders, televisions, set-top boxes, e-book readers, and / or other Wi-Fi enabled devices. The exemplary STAs 108 , 110 , 112 communicate with the exemplary APs 102 , 104 , 106 to access the exemplary network 116 (for example the Internet).

The exemplary spatial reuse determiners 114a-c from 1 enable the secondary data transmission to be carried out simultaneously with the ongoing data transmission without affecting the ongoing data transmission. For example, if the exemplary AP1 102 if a data transmission contention for the wireless medium wins, the exemplary AP1 transmits 102 an RTS to the exemplary STA1 108 (e.g. an associated STA), and the exemplary STA1 108 answers with a CTS. Because the STA2 110 out of transmission range 103 of the exemplary AP1 102 it does not receive the RTS from the exemplary AP1 102 . Accordingly, the STA2 110 its NAV and is not used by the data transmission of the exemplary AP1 102 influenced. After the exemplary AP1 102 the data transmission with the exemplary STA1 108 begins, the spatial reuse determiner occurs 114b of the exemplary AP2 104 with the spatial reuse determiner 114c of the exemplary AP3 106 in competition for the wireless medium (for example, during the ongoing data transmission of the exemplary AP1 102 ). If the exemplary AP2 104 the competition wins, so the exemplary spatial reuse determiner enables 114b a transmission (e.g. using the components of the exemplary AP2 104 ) a secondary RTS during the primary data transmission of the exemplary AP1 102 to the exemplary STA1 108 to initiate a secondary data transfer in the medium during the primary data transfer (for example, if there is an STA whose NAV does not affect the transmission range 105 of the exemplary AP2 104 is set). Because the exemplary STA2 110 within the exemplary transmission range 105 and it has not set its NAV, the exemplary STA2 responds 110 with a CTS, and the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b initiates a secondary data transfer. The exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b is discussed below in conjunction with 2 described.

The exemplary network 116 from 1 is a system of interconnected systems that exchange data. The exemplary network 116 can be implemented using any type of public or private network, such as the Internet, a telephone network, a local area network (LAN), a cable network, and / or a wireless network. To communicate over the network 116 include the exemplary Wi-Fi APs 102 , 104 , 106 a communication interface that allows connection to an ethernet, digital subscriber line (DSL), telephone line, coaxial cable, or any wireless connection, etc.

2 Figure 13 is a block diagram of the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 1 . The exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b contains an exemplary AP component interface 200 , an exemplary data processor 202 , an exemplary channel account 204 and an exemplary communications facilitator 206 . Although the spatial reuse determiner 114b from 2 in connection with the exemplary AP2 104 from 1 is described, the spatial reuse determiner 114 also in connection with each of the spatial reuse determiners 114a-c of the exemplary AP 102 , 104 , 106 can be described in any network.

The exemplary AP component interface 200 from 2 provides a connection to components of the exemplary AP2 104 in order to send signals (e.g. data signals, control signals, etc.), receive signals and / or communication between the devices of 1 to recognize (for example the exemplary APs 104 , 106 and / or the exemplary STAs 108 , 110 , 112 ). For example, the AP component interface 200 the radio architecture of the AP2 104 (for example the exemplary radio architecture 800 from 8th ) based on instructions from the exemplary data processor 202 , the exemplary channel account 204 and / or the exemplary communication facilitator 206 instruct to send or detect AP-RTS frames, send DL data, determine RSSI values, set NAVs, and / or detect CTS frames.

The exemplary data processor 202 from 2 processes those from an antenna of the exemplary AP2 104 received data (for example via the exemplary AP component interface 200 ). In some examples, the data processor is processing 202 an RTS to determine the length and / or the end of the data transmission that corresponds to the RTS. In some examples, the data processor determines 202 the signal strength of an RTS based on the exemplary AP1 102 . For example, the data processor 202 the AP2 102 instruct to measure the RSSI of the data provided by the exemplary AP1 102 via the exemplary AP component interface 200 (e.g. the DL data and / or the RTS) to determine the signal strength. In addition, the exemplary data processor determines 202 whether a CTS was detected by establishing a connection with the components of the exemplary AP2 104 manufactures. In some examples, the data processor determines 202 whether a CTS was detected by processing a received CTS frame to verify whether the CTS frame corresponds to a transmitted RTS frame. In some examples, the data processor determines 202 whether a CTS was detected based on a change in the signal strength of a signal from the exemplary AP1 102 . In some examples, the data processor determines 202 whether a CTS was detected based on a cross-correlation or autocorrelation of the wireless medium.

The exemplary channel account 204 from 2 competes for the wireless medium. For example, the channel account 204 with the other exemplary APs 102 , 106 compete for the wireless medium to deliver data an associated STA (e.g. the exemplary STA2 110 ) to send. In some examples, the channel account tender is competing 204 to the wireless medium while another AP (for example AP1 102 ) uses the medium to send data to a connected STA (e.g. the exemplary STA1 108 ).

The exemplary communication facilitator 206 from 2 sends signals to AP components to enable communication with other devices (for example, the exemplary APs 102 , 106 and / or the exemplary STA2 110 from 1 ). In some examples, the communication facilitator provides 206 the NAV and maintains it. For example, when an RTS is received, the communication facilitator provides 206 enter the NAV based on a data transfer time recorded in the RTS by the data processor 202 is identified. In one such example, the communication facilitator ends 206 the NAV according to the data transmission time. In addition, the exemplary communication facilitator 206 the components of the exemplary AP2 104 an RTS and / or data (e.g. DL data) to a connected STA (e.g. the exemplary STA2 110 ) to send.

While one example way of implementing the example spatial reuse determiner 114b from 1 in 2 illustrated, one or more of the in 2 elements, processes and / or devices illustrated may be combined, shared, rearranged, omitted, eliminated and / or otherwise implemented. Furthermore, the exemplary AP component interface 200 , the exemplary data processor 202 , the exemplary channel account 204 , the exemplary communication facilitator 206 and / or, more generally, the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 2 and / or the exemplary application processor 810 from 8th be implemented by hardware, software, firmware and / or any combination of hardware, software and / or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the AP component interfaces 200 , the exemplary data processor 202 , the exemplary channel accountant 204 , the exemplary communication facilitator 206 and / or, more generally, the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 2 and / or the exemplary application processor 810 from 8th implemented by one or more analog or digital circuits, one or more logic circuits, one or more programmable processors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs) and / or one or more field programmable logic devices (FPLDs) will. If device or system claims of this patent are read to extend to a pure software and / or firmware implementation, at least one of the exemplary AP component interface 200 , the exemplary data processor 202 , the exemplary channel accountant 204 , the exemplary communication facilitator 206 and / or, more generally, the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 2 and / or the exemplary application processor 810 from 8th hereby expressly defined as including a non-transitory computer-readable storage device or storage disk, such as a memory, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a compact disk (CD), a Blu-ray disk etc., including the software and / or firmware, fall. Furthermore, the exemplary AP component interface 200 , the exemplary data processor 202 , the exemplary channel account 204 , the exemplary communication facilitator 206 and / or, more generally, the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 2 and / or the exemplary application processor 810 from 8th one or more elements, one or more processes and / or one or more devices in addition to, or instead of, in 2 illustrated elements, processes, and / or devices and / or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes, and devices.

Flowcharts related to the exemplary machine readable instructions for implementing the spatial reuse determiner 114b from 2 are representative are in the 3-6 shown. In this example, the machine readable instructions include a program for execution by a processor such as the processor 1212 that is related to in the below 12th discussed example processor platform 1200 is shown. The program can be embodied in software that is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk, or one with the processor 1212 connected memory is stored, but the entire program and / or parts thereof could alternatively be carried out by a device other than the processor 1212 executed and / or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Although the exemplary program with reference to the 3-6 As described in the illustrated flowchart, many other methods of implementing the spatial reuse determiner can alternatively be used 114b be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks can be changed and / or some of the blocks described can be changed, omitted or combined. Additionally or alternatively, any or all of the blocks can be replaced by one or more hardware circuits (for example discrete and / or integrated analog and / or digital circuits, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a comparator, an operational amplifier (Op-amp), a logic circuit, etc.) structured to perform the corresponding operation without executing any software or firmware.

As mentioned above, the exemplary processes of the 3-6 can be implemented using encoded instructions (e.g., computer and / or machine readable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer and / or machine readable medium such as a hard drive, flash memory, read-only memory, a Compact Disk, Digital Versatile Disk, Cache, Random Access Memory and / or other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration are stored (for example for longer periods of time, permanently, for short periods of time, for temporary buffering and / or for cache storage of the information). For the purposes of the present text, the term “non-transitory computer-readable medium” is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals and transmission media. The terms “contain” and “comprise” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used as open terms in the present text. Thus, if a claim says anything following a form of “contain” or “comprise” (e.g., “comprises”, “contains”, “comprising”, “containing”, etc.), it is to be understood that additional elements , Terms, etc. can be present without leaving the scope of the corresponding claim. If the term “at least” is used as a transitional term in the preamble of a claim, it is open for the purposes of the present text in the same way as the terms “comprise” and “contain” are open.

3 is an exemplary flow chart 300 which is representative of machine readable instructions generated by the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 1 can be implemented to improve network throughput in a wireless communication network. Although the exemplary flow chart 300 in connection with the spatial reuse determiner 114b of the exemplary AP2 104 as described, the instructions can be executed by any of the spatial reuse determiners of any AP in any network.

At block 302 the exemplary AP component interface recognizes an RTS frame from the AP components of the exemplary AP2 104. As described above, the RTS frame is from another AP (e.g., the exemplary AP1 102 ), the RTS contains data corresponding to the duration of the data transmission from the exemplary AP1 102 correspond to a connected STA (for example the exemplary STA1 102 ). At block 304 determines the exemplary data processor 202 the signal strength based on the RTS. For example, the data processor 202 the components of the exemplary AP2 104 instruct the signal strength to be determined based on an RSSI value measurement (for example via the exemplary AP component interface 200 ).

At block 305 determines the exemplary data processor 202 the data transmission length based on the RTS. For example, the data processor 202 process the header of the RTS to determine the data transmission length. In this way, the exemplary spatial reuse determiner knows 114b when an ongoing data transfer will end. At block 306 provides the exemplary communication facilitator 206 the NAV of the exemplary AP2 104 based on the data transmission length. At block 308 determines the exemplary data processor 202 whether a CTS was detected based on data received from the components of the exemplary AP2 104 be received (for example via the exemplary AP component interface 200 ).

If the exemplary data processor 202 determines that the CTS was detected (block 308 : YES), the exemplary communication facilitator is waiting 206 until the data transfer period ends (block 310 ), and the process continues with block 320 as described in more detail below. If the exemplary data processor 202 determines that the CTS was not detected (block 308 : NO), so adjusts the exemplary communication facilitator 206 the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) threshold based on the signal strength (e.g. the RTS or the ongoing data transmission of the exemplary AP1 102 ) (Block 312 ). The communication facilitator 206 adjusts the CCA threshold to ensure that the CCA threshold is higher than the RSSI of the RTS or data frame that is allowed to be sent on the medium to check whether there is a next to the RTS frame or the data frame over the channel ongoing data transfer takes place.

At block 314 The exemplary channel account tender competes 204 during the ongoing data transmission of the exemplary AP1 102 to the wireless medium. For example, the channel account 204 via the exemplary AP component interface 200 with the components of the exemplary AP2 104 connect to try to reserve the wireless medium for secondary transmission. At block 316 determined by the exemplary channel account 204 whether the competition was successful. If the exemplary channel account 204 determines that the competition was successful (block 316 : YES), the process continues with block A, as described below in connection with the 4-6 described. If the exemplary channel account 204 determines that the competition was unsuccessful (block 318 : NO), determines the exemplary communication facilitator 206 whether the data transfer was ended (block 318 ). The communication facilitator 206 determines, based on the determined transmission length, whether the data transmission has ended. If the communication facilitator 206 determines that the data transfer has not yet ended (block 318 : NO), the process returns to block 302 back. If the communication facilitator 206 determines that the data transfer has ended (block 318 : YES), so the communication facilitator ends 206 the NAV (block 320 ).

4th is an exemplary flow chart 400 which is representative of machine readable instructions generated by the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 1 can be implemented to improve network throughput in a wireless communication network. Although the exemplary flow chart 400 in connection with the spatial reuse determiner 114b of the exemplary AP2 104 as described, the instructions can be executed by any of the spatial reuse determiners of any AP in any network. The exemplary flow chart 400 begins in response to successfully competing for a secondary channel, as above in connection with Block 316 from 3 described.

At block 402 becomes the exemplary AP component interface 200 with the components of the exemplary AP2 104 connected to send an RTS to an associated STA (e.g. the exemplary STA2 110 from 1 ). At block 404 determines the exemplary communication facilitator 206 whether a CTS was received from the connected STA. For example, the communication facilitator 206 determine whether the AP components of the exemplary AP2 104 have detected a CTS (for example, by detecting the CTS in response to detecting a preamble). In such an example, the data processor 202 process the received CTS to determine if the CTS originated from the associated STA. For example, the data processor 202 process the data frames of the CTS to identify the source of the CTS.

Definitely the exemplary communication facilitator 206 that a CTS was received from the connected STA (block 404 : YES), this is how the exemplary communication facilitator connects 206 with the components of the exemplary AP2 104 to send data to the connected STA based on the data transfer length (block 406 ). For example, the communication facilitator 206 the end of the current transmission from the exemplary AP1 102 to the exemplary STA1 108 (for example according to block 305 from 3 ) and can, depending on the end of the current transmission, send data to the exemplary STA2 106 send. In this way, the ongoing data transfer (for example between the exemplary AP1 102 and the exemplary STA1 108 ) and the secondary data transfer (e.g. between the exemplary AP2 104 and the exemplary STA2 110 ) ended at about the same time. Definitely the exemplary communication facilitator 206 that no CTS was received from the connected STA (block 404 : NO), the exemplary communication facilitator is waiting 206 until the data transfer ends (e.g. due to the data transfer duration) (block 408 ). At block 410 exits the exemplary communication facilitator 206 the NAV.

5 is an exemplary flow chart 500 which is representative of machine readable instructions generated by the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 1 can be implemented to improve network throughput in a wireless communication network. Although the exemplary flow chart 600 in connection with the spatial reuse determiner 114b of the exemplary AP2 104 as described, the instructions can be executed by any of the spatial reuse determiners of any AP in any network. The exemplary flow chart 500 begins in response to successfully competing for a secondary channel, as above in connection with Block 316 from 3 described.

At block 502 becomes the exemplary AP component interface 200 with the components of the exemplary AP2 104 connected to send an RTS to an associated STA (e.g. the exemplary STA2 110 from 1 ). At block 504 determines the exemplary communication facilitator 206 whether the signal strength in the past period X was uniform. For example, the communication facilitator 206 determine the signal strength at a first and a second point in time and can determine whether the signal strength is uniform based on the comparison between the first and the second point in time. The communication facilitator 206 sets a significant change in signal strength in relation to the retrieval of a CTS, because a significant change in signal strength corresponds to the fact that a secondary CTS is sent while a transmission is in progress. For example, the AP2 104 the signal strength of the by the exemplary AP1 102 continuously monitor the operating channel used. In such an example, the communication facilitator 206 determine whether the AP components of the exemplary AP2 104 detected a change in the signal strength of the wireless medium. That way, the communication facilitator takes 206 on when the signal strength is constant and / or has no obvious change within the time period X that no CTS frame was received and prevents the exemplary AP2 102 Sends data to the STA corresponding to the RTS (for example the exemplary STA2 110 ). In some examples, the period X corresponds to a short interframe space (SIFS) + transmission time of the CTS frame (Transmission Time of the CTS frame, TCTS) + SIFS period.

If the exemplary communication facilitator 206 determines that the signal strength is not uniform over the elapsed time period X (block 504 : NO), the exemplary communication facilitator connects 206 with the components of the exemplary AP2 104 to send data to the connected STA based on the data transfer length (block 506 ). For example, the communication facilitator 206 the end of the current transmission from the exemplary AP1 102 to the exemplary STA1 108 (for example according to block 305 from 3 ) and can, depending on the end of the current transmission, send data to the exemplary STA2 106 send. In this way, the ongoing data transfer (for example between the exemplary AP1 102 and the exemplary STA1 108 ) and the secondary data transfer (e.g. between the exemplary AP2 104 and the exemplary STA2 110 ) ended at about the same time. If the exemplary communication facilitator 206 determines that the signal strength is uniform over the elapsed time period X (block 504 : YES), the exemplary communication facilitator is waiting 206 until the data transfer is finished (e.g. based on the data transfer duration) (block 508 ). At block 510 exits the exemplary communication facilitator 206 the NAV.

6th is an exemplary flow chart 600 which is representative of machine readable instructions generated by the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 1 can be implemented to improve network throughput in a wireless communication network. Although the exemplary flow chart 600 in connection with the spatial reuse determiner 114b of the exemplary AP2 104 as described, the instructions can be executed by any of the spatial reuse determiners of any AP in any network. The exemplary flow chart 600 begins in response to successfully competing for a secondary channel, as above in connection with Block 316 from 3 described.

At block 602 becomes the exemplary AP component interface 200 with the components of the exemplary AP2 104 connected to send an RTS to an associated STA (e.g. the exemplary STA2 110 from 1 ). At block 604 the exemplary communication facilitator leads 206 performed a cross-correlation to detect a CTS signal by using the components of the exemplary AP2 102 instructs to perform a cross-correlation function (e.g., an autocorrelation function) to detect a CTS. In this way, because the CTS is dependent on a connection within the current transmission, the communication facilitator detects 206 the CTS instead of trying to decode the possibly noisy CTS. Accordingly, such a cross-correlation-based CTS detection technique enables the exemplary AP2 104 to detect the CTS at a lower signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), which makes the AP2 104 Secondary data to the exemplary STA2 110 can send. Alternatively, the communication facilitator 206 perform an autocorrelation to detect the CTS signal.

At block 606 determines the exemplary communication facilitator 206 whether the CTS signal was detected using the cross-correlation technique or the autocorrelation technique. If the exemplary communication facilitator 206 determines that the CTS signal was detected using cross-correlation and / or autocorrelation (block 606 : YES), this is how the exemplary communication facilitator connects 206 with the components of the exemplary AP2 104 to send data to the connected STA based on the data transfer length (block 608 ). For example, the communication facilitator 206 the end of the current transmission from the exemplary AP1 102 to the exemplary STA1 108 (for example according to block 305 from 3 ) and can, depending on the end of the current transmission, send data to the exemplary STA2 106 send. In this way, the ongoing data transfer (for example between the exemplary AP1 102 and the exemplary STA1 108 ) and the secondary data transfer (e.g. between the exemplary AP2 104 and the exemplary STA2 110 ) ended at about the same time. If the exemplary communication facilitator 206 determines that the CTS signal was not detected by means of cross-correlation and / or autocorrelation (block 606 : NO), the exemplary communication facilitator is waiting 206 until the data transfer ends (e.g. based on the data transfer duration) (block 610 ). At block 612 exits the exemplary communication facilitator 206 the NAV.

7th is an exemplary timing diagram 700 a wireless communication protocol that increases network throughput. The exemplary timing diagram 700 illustrates the communication between the exemplary APs 102 , 104 , 106 and the exemplary STAs 108 , 110 , 112 from 1 . The exemplary timing diagram 700 includes an exemplary primary RTS 702 , an exemplary primary CTS 708 , exemplary NAVs 704 , 706 , exemplary primary data 710 , an exemplary secondary RTS 712 , an exemplary secondary CTS 714 , exemplary secondary data 716 and exemplary confirmations (ACKs) 718 , 720 .

The exemplary timing diagram 700 from 7th is used in conjunction with the exemplary AP network 100 from 1 described. The exemplary APs are located accordingly 102 , 104 , 106 mutually within their transmission ranges 103 , 105 , 107 . The exemplary STA2 110 but is outside the transmission range 103 , 107 , 109 , 113 of the exemplary APs / STAs 102 , 106 , 108 , 112 . Accordingly, the exemplary STA2 110 not through data transmission to or from the exemplary APs / STAs 102 , 106 , 108 , 112 impaired. In addition, the exemplary STA3 112 within the transmission ranges 103 , 107 , 109 of the exemplary APs / STAs 103 , 107 , 109 .

The exemplary AP1 102 first sends the exemplary primary RTS 702 to the exemplary STA1 108 (e.g. the associated STA) after winning the wireless medium competition. If the exemplary AP2 104 , the exemplary AP3 106 and the exemplary STA 3 112 the exemplary primary RTS 702 recognize (for example because the exemplary AP2 104 , the exemplary AP3 106 and the exemplary STA 3 112 within the exemplary transmission range 103 of the exemplary AP 102 are), the exemplary WP2 104 the first exemplary NAV 704 one, the exemplary AP1 106 represents the second exemplary NAV 706 one, and the exemplary STA 112 represents its NAV 707 one. As described above, the NAV is set in such a way that it reaches the end of the data transmission of the exemplary AP1 102 that corresponds to the processing of the exemplary primary RTS 702 can be determined. In addition, when the exemplary STA1 108 the primary exemplary RTS 702 recognizes, the exemplary STA1 replies 108 with the exemplary CTS 708 . Because the exemplary STA2 110 out of transmission range 103 of the exemplary AP1 102 and / or the exemplary STA1 108 is, the exemplary STA2 110 in the exemplary AP network 100 from 1 not their NAV. In addition, because the exemplary STA3 112 within the transmission range 103 and / or the exemplary STA1 108 is located, the exemplary STA 112 their NAV 707 one.

As soon as the exemplary AP1 102 the exemplary CTS 708 receives, the exemplary AP1 transmits 102 the exemplary primary data 710 to the exemplary STA1 108. As soon as the AP1 102 the data transmission to the exemplary STA1 108 initiated, compete the AP2 104 and the AP3 106 the wireless medium for secondary data transmission (e.g. during primary data transmission). In the exemplary timing diagram 700 the exemplary AP2 competes 104 successful and sends the exemplary secondary RTS 712 within the entire exemplary transmission range 105 of the exemplary APs 104 . Because the exemplary STA2 110 (for example the connected STA) within the exemplary transmission range 105 and has not yet set its NAV, the exemplary STA2 replies 110 with the exemplary secondary CTS 714 . In response to receiving the secondary CTS 714 from the exemplary STA2 110 sends the exemplary AP2 104 the exemplary secondary data 716 to the exemplary STA2 110 (for example during the exemplary first data 710 ). After the exemplary AP2 104 the exemplary secondary data 716 has sent, the exemplary AP3 106 , tertiary data to the exemplary STA3 112 to send. The exemplary AP3 sends accordingly 106 the third exemplary RTS 715 within the exemplary transmission range 107 . Because the exemplary STA 3 112 their NAV 707 has set, the exemplary STA3 answers 112 but not with a CTS. The exemplary AP3 sends accordingly 106 no tertiary data to the exemplary STA3 112. Once the primary data transfer 710 ends, the exemplary STA1 sends 108 the exemplary ACK 718 . In addition, the exemplary STA2 110 the exemplary ACK 718 as soon as the secondary data transfer 716 ends.

8th Figure 3 is a block diagram of a radio architecture 800 according to some embodiments included in the example APs 102 , 104 , 106 can be implemented. The radio architecture 800 can be a radio front-end module (FEM) circuit 804 , a radio integrated circuit 806 and a baseband processing circuit 808 contain. The radio architecture 800 as shown, includes both Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) functionality and Bluetooth (BT) functionality, although the embodiments are not limited thereto. In this disclosure, "WLAN" and "Wi-Fi" are used interchangeably.

The FEM circuit 804 can be a WLAN or Wi-Fi FEM circuit 804a and a Bluetooth (BT) FEM circuit 804b contain. The WLAN FEM circuit 804a may include a receive signal path that includes circuitry configured to process WLAN RF signals received from one or more antennas 801 are received to amplify the received signals and the amplified versions of the received signals into the WLAN radio integrated circuit 806a to be fed in for further processing. The BT-FEM circuit 804b may include a receive signal path that may include circuitry configured to process BT RF signals received from one or more antennas 801 were received to amplify the received signals and the amplified versions of the received signals into the BT radio integrated circuit 806b to be fed in for further processing. The FEM circuit 804a may also include a transmit signal path that may include circuitry configured to pass through the radio integrated circuit 806a WLAN signals provided for wireless transmission through one or more of the antennas 801 to reinforce. In addition, the FEM circuit 804b also include a transmit signal path that may include circuitry configured to pass through the radio integrated circuit 806b to amplify provided BT signals for wireless transmission through one or more antennas. In the embodiment of 8th are the FEM 804a and the FEM 804b although shown as being different from one another, the embodiments are not limited to this also include, within their scope, the use of an FEM (not shown) that contains a transmission path and / or a reception path for both WLAN and BT signals, or the use one or more FEM circuits, with at least some of the FEM circuits sharing transmission and / or reception signal paths for both WLAN and BT signals.

The radio IC circuit 806 in the form shown can the WLAN radio IC circuit 806a and the BT radio IC circuit 806b contain. The WLAN radio IC circuit 806a may include a received signal path that includes circuitry for downconverting that from the FEM circuit 804a received WLAN RF signals and for transmitting baseband signals to the WLAN baseband processing circuit 808a may contain. The BT radio IC circuit 806b in turn, may contain a received signal path which includes a circuit for down-converting the output from the FEM circuit 804b received BT RF signals and for transmitting baseband signals to the BT baseband processing circuit 808b may contain. The WLAN radio IC circuit 806a may also include a transmit signal path that includes circuitry for upconverting by the WLAN baseband processing circuitry 808a output WLAN baseband signals and for transmitting WLAN HF output signals to the FEM circuit 804a for subsequent wireless transmission through the one or more antennas 801 may contain. The BT radio IC circuit 806b may also include a transmit signal path that includes circuitry for upconverting the output from the BT baseband circuit 808b BT baseband signals output and for transmitting BT HF output signals to the FEM circuit 804b for subsequent wireless transmission through one or more antennas 801 may contain In the embodiment of 8th are the radio IC circuits 806a and 806b Although shown as being different from one another, the embodiments are not limited thereto and also include within their scope the use of a radio IC circuit (not shown) which has a transmission signal path and / or a reception signal path for both WLAN and BT signals contains, or the use of one or more radio IC circuits, wherein at least some of the radio IC circuits share transmit and / or receive signal paths for both WLAN and BT signals.

The baseband processing circuit 808 can be a WLAN baseband processing circuit 808a and a BT baseband processing circuit 808b contain. The WLAN baseband processing circuit 808a may include memory such as a set of RAM arrays in a Fast Fourier Transform or Inverse Fast Fourier Transform block (not shown) of the WLAN baseband processing circuitry 808a . Both the WLAN baseband circuit 808a as well as the BT baseband circuit 808b may further contain one or more processors and control logic to control those of the corresponding WLAN or BT receive signal path of the radio integrated circuit 806 to process received signals and also corresponding WLAN or BT baseband signals for the transmission signal path of the radio IC circuit 806 to generate. Each of the baseband processing circuits 808a and 808b may further contain physical layer (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layer circuits and may further communicate with the application processor 810 for generating and processing the baseband signals and for controlling operations of the radio integrated circuit 806 form.

We stay 8th . According to the embodiment shown, the WLAN BT coexistence circuit 813 contain logic that interfaces between the WLAN baseband circuit 808a and the BT baseband circuit 808b to enable use cases that require WLAN and BT to coexist. In addition, a switch can 803 between the WLAN FEM circuit 804a and the BT-FEM circuit 804b can be arranged to switch between the WLAN and BT radios depending on the application needs. Although the antennas 801 are shown so that they are connected to the WLAN FEM circuit 804a or the BT-FEM circuit 804b In addition, embodiments within their scope include sharing one or more antennas between the WLAN and BT FEMs or providing more than one antenna that is connected to the FEM 804a or the FEM 804b are connected.

In some embodiments, the front-end module circuit 804 who have favourited Radio IC Circuit 806 and the baseband processing circuit 808 be arranged on a single radio card, such as the wireless radio card 802 . In some other embodiments, the one or the multiple antennas 801 who have favourited FEM circuit 804 and the radio IC circuit 806 can be arranged on a single radio card. In some other embodiments, the radio integrated circuit 806 and the baseband processing circuit 808 on a single chip or an integrated circuit (IC) such as the IC 812 , to be ordered.

In some embodiments, the wireless card can 802 may include a WLAN radio card and can be configured for Wi-Fi communication, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. In some of these embodiments, the radio architecture 800 be configured to receive and transmit Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) communication signals over a multicarrier communication channel. The OFDM or OFDMA signals can contain several orthogonal subcarriers.

In some of these multi-carrier embodiments, the radio architecture 800 Be part of a Wi-Fi communication station (STA), such as a wireless access point (AP), base station, or a mobile device that includes a Wi-Fi device. In some of these embodiments, the radio architecture 800 be configured to send and receive signals according to specific communication standards and / or protocols, such as one of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards, including standards 802.11n-2009, IEEE 802.11-2012, IEEE 802.11-2016, 802.11n-2009, 802.11ac, 802.11ah, 802.11ad, 802.11ay and / or 802.11ax and / or proposed specifications for WLANs, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. The radio architecture 800 may also be suitable for sending and / or receiving communications according to other techniques and standards.

In some embodiments, the radio architecture 800 can be configured for high-efficiency Wi-Fi (HEW) communications according to the IEEE 802.11ax standard. In these embodiments, the radio architecture 800 be configured to communicate in accordance with an OFDMA technique, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard.

In some other embodiments, the radio architecture 800 be configured to send and receive signals generated using one or more other modulation techniques such as spread spectrum modulation (e.g. Direct Sequence Code Division Multiple Access (DS-CDMA) and / or Frequency Hopping Code Division Multiple Access (FH-CDMA) ), Time-division multiplexing (TDM) and / or frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) modulation, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard.

In some embodiments, as in 8th shown in more detail, the BT baseband circuit 808b be compliant with a Bluetooth (BT) connectivity standard such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth 9.0 or Bluetooth 8.0 or some other iteration of the Bluetooth standard. In embodiments that include BT functionality, as in 8th shown, the radio architecture 800 be configured to establish a BT Synchronous Connection Oriented (SCO) connection and / or a BT Low Energy (BT LE). In some of the embodiments that include functionality, the radio architecture 800 be configured to establish an extended SCO (eSCO) connection for BT communications, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. In some of these embodiments that include BT functionality, the radio architecture can be configured to enable BT Asynchronous Connection-Less (ACL) communication, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. In some embodiments, as in 8th shown, the functions of a BT radio card and a WLAN radio card can be combined on a single radio card, such as a single radio card 802 although the embodiments are not limited thereto and include discrete WLAN and BT radio cards within their scope.

In some embodiments, the radio architecture 800 contain other wireless cards, such as a cellular card configured for cellular communication (e.g. 5GPP, such as LTE, LTE-Advanced, or 7G).

In some IEEE 802.11 embodiments, the radio architecture may 800 Be configured to communicate over various channel bandwidths, including bandwidths with center frequencies of approximately 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and bandwidths of approximately 2 MHz, 4 MHz, 5 MHz, 5.5 MHz, 6 MHz, 8 MHz, 10 MHz, 40 MHz, 9 GHz, 46 GHz, 80 MHz, 100 MHz, 80 MHz (with contiguous bandwidths) or 80 + 80 MHz (160 MHz) (with non-contiguous bandwidths). In some embodiments, a channel bandwidth of 920 MHz can be used. However, the scope of the embodiments is not limited with respect to the above-mentioned center frequencies.

9 illustrates the FEM circuit 804 according to some embodiments. The FEM circuit 804 is an example of a circuit suitable for use as the WLAN and / or BT-FEM circuit 804a / 804b can be suitable ( 9 ), although other circuit configurations may be suitable.

In some embodiments, the FEM circuit 804 a TX / RX switch 902 included to switch between transmit mode and receive mode operation. The FEM circuit 804 may include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The received signal path of the FEM circuit 804 can use a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 906 included to the received RF signals 903 to amplify and the amplified received RF signals 907 to be provided as an output (for example to the radio integrated circuit 806 ( 8th )). The transmit signal path of the circuit 804 can use a power amplifier (PA) to amplify the RF input signals 909 (which for example by the radio IC circuit 806 provided) and one or more filters 912 such as band-pass filters (BPFs), low-pass filters (LPFs), or other types of filters used to generate RF signals 915 for subsequent transmission (for example through one or more of the antennas 901 ( 9 )) via an exemplary duplexer 914 contain.

In some dual mode embodiments for Wi-Fi communication, the FEM circuit may 804 configured to operate in either the 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum or the 9 GHz frequency spectrum. In these embodiments, the receive signal path of the FEM circuit 804 a receive signal path duplexer 904 to separate the signals from each spectrum and a separate LNA 906 included for each spectrum as shown. In these embodiments, the transmission signal path of the FEM circuit 804 also a power amplifier 910 and a filter 912 such as a BPF, an LPF or some other type of filter for each frequency spectrum as well as a transmit signal path duplexer 904 for providing the signals of one of the different spectra on a single transmission path for subsequent transmission through one or more of the antennas 901 contain ( 9 ). In some embodiments, the BT communication can use the 2.4 GHZ signal paths and can use the same FEM circuit 804 like the one used for wireless LAN communications.

10 illustrates the radio IC circuit 806 according to some embodiments. The radio IC circuit 806 is an example of a circuit suitable for use as the WLAN and / or BT radio IC circuit 806a / 806b can be suitable ( 8th ), although other circuit configurations may be suitable.

In some embodiments, the radio integrated circuit 806 contain a receive and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the radio IC circuit 806 can have at least one mixer circuit 1002 contain, such as a down-converter mixer circuit, an amplifier circuit 1006 and a filter circuit 1008 . The transmit signal path of the radio IC circuit 806 can have at least one filter circuit 1012 and a mixer circuit 1014 such as boost converter mixer circuits. The radio IC circuit 806 can also be a synthesizer circuit 1004 to synthesize a frequency 1005 for use by the mixer circuit 1002 and the mixer circuit 1014 contain. The mixer circuits 1002 and or 1014 may each, according to some embodiments, be configured to provide direct conversion functionality. The latter type of circuit represents a much simpler architecture compared to standard super heterodyne mixer circuits, and any flicker caused by them can be mitigated, for example, by using OFDM modulation. 10 Figure 10 illustrates only a simplified version of a radio integrated circuit and, although not shown, may include embodiments in which each of the circuits shown may include more than one component. For example, the mixer circuit 1014 each contain one or more mixers, and the filter circuits 1008 and or 1012 may each contain one or more filters, such as one or more BPFs and / or LPFs, depending on the application requirements. For example, if mixer circuits are of the direct conversion type, they may each include two or more mixers.

In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 1002 to be configured by the FEM circuit 804 ( 8th ) received RF signals 907 based on that provided by the synthesizer circuit 1004 synthesized frequency provided 1005 downconvert. The amplifier circuit 1006 can be configured to amplify the down-converted signals and the filter circuit 1008 may include an LPF configured to remove unwanted signals from the down-converted signals to output baseband signals 1007 to generate. The output baseband signals 1007 can be sent to the baseband processing circuit 808 ( 8th ) for further processing. In some embodiments, the output baseband signals 1007 Be zero frequency baseband signals, although this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 1002 Passive mixers include, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard.

In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 1014 be configured to receive input baseband signals 1011 based on that provided by the synthesizer circuit 1004 transmitted synthesized frequency 1005 upconverted to RF output signals 909 for the FEM circuit 804 to generate. The baseband signals 1011 can through the baseband processing circuit 808 can be provided by the filter circuit 1012 be filtered. The filter circuit 1012 may include an LPF or a BPF, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard.

In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 1002 and the mixer circuit 1014 each contain two or more mixers and can be used for quadrature down-conversion and / or up-conversion with the aid of the synthesizer 1004 be designed. In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 1002 and the mixer circuit 1014 each contain two or more mixers each configured for image suppression (e.g. Hartley image suppression). In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 1002 and the mixer circuit 1014 be designed for direct down-conversion and / or direct up-conversion. In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 1002 and the mixer circuit 1014 configured for super-heterodyne operation, although this is not a requirement.

The mixer circuit 1002 may, according to one embodiment, comprise quadrature passive mixers (for example for the in-phase (I) path and the quadrature-phase (Q) path). In such an embodiment, the RF input signal 907 from 10 down-converted to provide I and Q baseband output signals to be sent to the baseband processor.

Passive quadrature mixers can be driven by zero and ninety-degree time-varying LO switching signals transmitted by a quadrature circuit that can be configured to receive a LO frequency (fLO) from a local oscillator or synthesizer, such as the LO -Frequency 1005 of the synthesizer 1004 ( 10 ). In some embodiments, the LO frequency can be the carrier frequency, while in other embodiments the LO frequency can be a fraction of the carrier frequency (e.g., half the carrier frequency, one third the carrier frequency). In some embodiments, the zero and ninety degree time varying switching signals may be generated by the synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard.

In some embodiments, the LO signals may differ in duty cycle (the percentage of a single period that the LO signal is high) and / or offset (the difference between starting points of the period). In some embodiments, the LO signals can have a duty cycle of 105% and an offset of 100%. In some embodiments, each branch of the mixer circuit (e.g., the in-phase (I) and quadrature-phase (Q) paths) can operate with a duty cycle of 100%, which can result in a significant reduction in power consumption.

The RF input signal 907 ( 9 ) may contain a balanced signal, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. The I and Q baseband output signals can be fed to a low noise amplifier such as the amplifier circuit 1006 ( 10 ) or to the filter circuit 1008 ( 10 ).

In some embodiments, the output baseband signals 1007 and the input baseband signals 1011 be analog baseband signals, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. In some alternative embodiments, the output baseband signals 1007 and the input baseband signals 1011 be digital baseband signals. In these alternative embodiments, the radio integrated circuit may include analog-to-digital converters (ADC) and digital-to-analog converters (DAC).

In some dual mode implementations, a separate radio integrated circuit may be provided to process signals for each spectrum or for other spectra not mentioned herein, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard.

In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuit 1004 a fraction-N synthesizer or a fraction-N / N + 1 synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard, as other types of frequency synthesizers may be suitable. For example, the synthesizer circuit 1004 a delta-sigma synthesizer, a frequency multiplier or a synthesizer comprising a phase-locked loop with a frequency divider. According to some embodiments, the synthesizer circuit 1004 a digital one Synthesizer circuit included. An advantage of using a digital synthesizer circuit is that while it can still contain some analog components, its footprint can be much smaller than the footprint of an analog synthesizer circuit. In some embodiments, the frequency input to the synthesizer circuit 1004 by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), although this is not a requirement.

A divider control input can also be provided by either the baseband processing circuit 808 ( 8th ) or the application processor 810 ( 8th ) depending on the desired output frequency 1005 to be provided. In some embodiments, a splitter control input (e.g., N) can be checked against a look-up table (e.g., within a Wi-Fi card) based on a channel number and channel center frequency as determined by the application processor 810 determined or specified. The application processor 810 can use the exemplary spatial reuse determiner 114b from 1 and / or 2 included or otherwise associated with this.

In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuit 1004 be configured to use a carrier frequency as the output frequency 1005 while in other embodiments the output frequency 1005 may be a fraction of the carrier frequency (for example half the carrier frequency, one third the carrier frequency). In some embodiments, the output frequency can be 1005 be a LO frequency (fLO).

11 Figure 10 illustrates a functional block diagram of the baseband processing circuit 808 according to some embodiments. The baseband processing circuit 808 Figure 3 is an example of a circuit that is suitable for use as a baseband processing circuit 808 could be suitable ( 8th ), although other circuit configurations may be suitable. The baseband processing circuit 808 may have a receive baseband processor (RX BBP) 1102 for processing the information provided by the radio integrated circuit 806 ( 8th ) provided reception baseband signals 1009 and a transmit baseband processor (TX BBP) 1104 for generating transmit baseband signals 1011 for the radio IC circuit 806 contain. The baseband processing circuit 808 can also be a control logic 1106 to coordinate the operations of the baseband processing circuit 808 contain.

In some embodiments (for example, when analog baseband signals are between the baseband processing circuit 808 and the radio IC circuit 806 can be replaced) the baseband processing circuit 808 the ADW 1110 included to that of the radio integrated circuit IC 806 received analog baseband signals 1109 into digital baseband signals for processing by the RX BBP 1102 to convert. In these embodiments, the baseband processing circuit 808 also the DAW 1112 to convert the digital baseband signals from the TX BBP 1104 into analog baseband signals 1111 contain.

In some embodiments, transmitting OFDM signals or OFDMA signals, such as by the baseband processor 808a , the broadcast baseband processor can 1104 be configured to generate OFDM or OFDMA signals as needed for transmission by performing an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT). The receiving baseband processor 1102 can be configured to process received OFDM signals or OFDMA signals by performing an FFT. In some embodiments, the receive baseband processor 1102 be configured to detect the presence of an OFDM signal or OFDMA signal by performing autocorrelation to detect a preamble, such as a short preamble, and by performing cross-correlation or autocorrelation to detect a long preamble. The preambles can be part of a specified frame structure for Wi-Fi communication.

We return to 8th back. In some embodiments, the antennas 801 ( 8th ) each comprise one or more directional or omnidirectional antennas, including, for example, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, patch antennas, loop antennas, microstrip antennas, or other types of antennas suitable for transmitting RF signals. In some multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) embodiments, the antennas can be effectively separated to take advantage of spatial diversity and the resulting different channel characteristics. The antennas 801 may each include a set of phased array antennas, although the embodiments are not limited thereto.

Although the radio architecture 800 shown with multiple separate functional elements, one or more of the functional elements can be combined and implemented by combinations of software-configured elements, such as processing elements including digital signal processors (DSPs) and / or other hardware elements. For example, some elements may include one or more microprocessors, DSPs, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), and combinations various hardware and logic circuits for performing at least the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the functional elements may relate to one or more processes operating in one or more processing elements.

12th Figure 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary processor platform 1200 who is able to follow the instructions of the 3-6 to run the spatial reuse determiner 114b of the 1 and / or 2 to implement. The processor platform 1200 For example, it can be a server, personal computer, mobile device (e.g., cell phone, smartphone, tablet such as iPad ™), personal digital assistant (PDA), internet device, or any other type of computing device.

The processor platform 1200 of the illustrated example includes a processor 1212 . The processor 1212 of the illustrated example is hardware. The processor 1212 can be implemented, for example, by integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors, or controllers of any desired family or manufacturer.

The processor 1212 of the illustrated example includes local storage 1213 (for example a cache). The exemplary processor 1212 from 12th carries out the instructions of 4-6 to the exemplary AP component interface 200 , the exemplary data processor 202 , the exemplary channel account 20th and / or the exemplary communication facilitator 206 from 2 and / or the exemplary application processor 810 from 8th to implement. The processor 1212 of the illustrated example communicates over a bus 1218 with main memory including volatile memory 1214 and a non-volatile memory 1216 . The volatile memory 1214 can be implemented by a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a RAMBUS dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), and / or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatile memory 1216 can be implemented by flash memory and / or any other type of memory desired. Access to the main memory 1214 , 1216 is controlled by a clock controller.

The processor platform 1200 of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit 1220 . The interface circuit 1220 can be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and / or a PCI Express interface.

In the illustrated example, there are one or more input devices 1222 with the interface circuit 1220 connected. The one or more input devices 1222 allow a user to put data and commands into the processor 1212 to enter. The one or more input devices can be implemented, for example, by a sensor, a microphone, a camera (photo or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, a trackpad, a trackball, an isopoint and / or a voice recognition system will.

One or more dispensers 1224 are also with the interface circuit 1220 of the illustrated example. The output devices 1224 For example, may be implemented by display devices (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a touch screen, a tactile output device, and / or speakers). The interface circuit 1220 of the illustrated example thus typically includes a graphics driver card, graphics driver chip, or graphics driver processor.

The interface circuit 1220 The illustrated example also includes a communication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a modem, and / or a network interface card to facilitate data exchange with external machines (e.g., computer devices of all types) over a network 1226 (for example, an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a telephone line, a coaxial cable, a cellular telephone system, etc.).

The processor platform 1200 The illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage devices 1228 for storing software and / or data. Examples of such mass storage devices 1228 are floppy disk drives, hard drives, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, RAID systems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

The coded instructions 1232 of the 3-6 can in the mass storage device 1228 , in volatile memory 1214 , in the non-volatile memory 1216 and / or stored on an exchangeable, tangible, computer-readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

Example 1 is an apparatus for improving network throughput in a wireless communication network. Example 1 contains a communication facilitator to set a network allocation vector (NAV) in response to the detection of a first request to send (RTS) from an access point (AP), the RTS being a first data transmission from the AP corresponds to a first station (STA). Example 1 also contains an interface to send a second RTS to a second STA while the NAV is being set. Example 1 further includes the communication facilitator to send secondary data to the STA in response to the detection of a second Clear To Send (CTS) from the second STA during the first data transmission.

Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, which further includes a channel account to compete for a wireless medium used by the AP, the interface for sending the second RTS after the contention for the wireless medium is successful.

Example 3 includes the subject matter of Example 1, which further includes a data processor to determine an end of the first data transfer.

Example 4 contains the subject matter of Example 3, wherein the communication facilitator is to send the secondary data for a period of time that ends at a point in time corresponding to an end of the first data transmission.

Example 5 contains the subject matter of Example 1, where the interface is to send the second RTS to the second STA if no first CTS is received from the first STA.

Example 6 contains the subject matter of Example 1 wherein the communication facilitator is to recognize the second CTS by detecting a preamble of the second CTS and processing the second CTS.

Example 7 contains the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the communication facilitator is to recognize the second CTS based on a change in a signal strength of at least one of the first RTS and the first data transmission from a first and a second point in time.

Example 8 incorporates the subject matter of Example 7, wherein the communication facilitator determines that the second CTS has been detected if the change is more than a threshold amount.

Example 9 contains the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the communication facilitator is to recognize the second CTS based on at least one of a cross-correlation and an autocorrelation of a wireless medium.

Example 10 is a method for improving network throughput in a wireless communication network. Example 10 includes: in response to the detection of a first request to send (RTS) from an access point (AP), setting a network allocation vector (NAV), the RTS being a first data transmission from the AP corresponds to a first station (STA); while the NAV is set, send a second RTS to a second STA; and in response to detecting a second Clear To Send (CTS) from the second STA, sending secondary data to the STA during the first data transmission.

Example 11 includes the subject matter of Example 10, which further includes competing for a wireless medium used by the AP, the interface for sending the second RTS after the wireless medium is successfully competing.

Example 12 contains the subject matter of Example 10, which further includes determining the end of the first data transmission.

Example 13 contains the subject matter of Example 12, which further includes sending the secondary data for a period of time that ends at a point in time corresponding to an end of the first data transmission.

Example 14 includes the subject matter of Example 10, which further includes sending the second RTS to the second STA when a first RTS and CTS are not received from the first AP and the first STA.

Example 15 incorporates the subject matter of Example 10, wherein detecting the second CTS includes detecting a preamble of the second CTS and processing the second CTS.

Example 16 contains the subject matter of Example 10, wherein the detection of the second CTS is based on a change in a signal strength of at least one of the first RTS and the first data transmission from a first and a second point in time.

Example 17 includes the subject matter of Example 16, which further includes determining that the second CTS has been detected when the change is more than a threshold amount.

Example 18 contains the subject matter of Example 10, wherein the detection of the second CTS is based on at least one of a cross-correlation and an autocorrelation of a wireless medium.

Example 19 is a tangible computer readable storage medium that includes instructions that, when executed, cause a machine to set at least one network assignment vector (NAV) in response to detecting a first broadcast request (RTS) from an access point (AP), wherein the RTS corresponds to a first data transmission from the AP to a first station (STA); while the NAV is set to send a second RTS to a second STA; and in response to detecting a second Clear To Send (CTS) from the second STA to send secondary data to the STA during the first data transmission.

Example 20 contains the subject matter of Example 19, the instructions causing the machine to compete for a wireless medium used by the AP, the interface serving to send the second RTS after the contest for the wireless medium is successful.

Example 21 contains the subject matter of Example 19, the instructions causing the machine to determine an end to the first data transfer.

Example 22 contains the subject matter of Example 21, the instructions causing the machine to send the secondary data for a period of time ending at a point in time corresponding to the end of the first data transfer.

Example 23 contains the subject matter of Example 19, the instructions causing the machine to send the second RTS to the second STA if no first RTS and CTS are received from the first AP and the first STA.

Example 24 contains the subject matter of Example 19, the instructions causing the machine to recognize the second CTS by detecting a preamble of the second CTS and processing the second CTS.

Example 25 contains the subject matter of Example 19, the instructions causing the machine to recognize the second CTS based on a change in signal strength of at least one of the first RTS and the first data transmission from first and second times.

Example 26 contains the subject matter of Example 25, the instructions causing the machine to determine that the second CTS has been detected if the change is more than a threshold amount.

Example 27 contains the subject matter of Example 19, the instructions causing the machine to detect the second CTS based on at least one of a cross-correlation and an autocorrelation of a wireless medium.

Example 28 is an apparatus for improving network throughput in a wireless communication network. Example 28 contains a first means of setting a network allocation vector (NAV) in response to the detection of a first request to send (RTS) from an access point (AP), the RTS being a first data transmission of corresponds to the AP to a first station (STA); second means for sending a second RTS to a second STA while tuning the NAV; and wherein the first means is for responsive to detection of a second Clear To Send (CTS) from the second STA to send secondary data to the STA during the first data transmission.

Example 29 contains the subject matter of Example 28 which further includes a third means for competing for a wireless medium used by the AP, the means including means for transmitting the second RTS after the wireless medium is successfully competing for the wireless medium .

Example 30 contains the subject matter of Example 28, which further includes fourth means for determining the end of the first data transmission.

Example 31 contains the subject matter of Example 30, the first means including means for sending the secondary data for a period of time ending at a time corresponding to the end of the first data transmission.

Example 32 incorporates the subject matter of Example 28, wherein the second agent sends the second RTS to the second STA if a first CTS is not received from the first STA.

Example 33 contains the subject matter of Example 28, the first means including means for recognizing the second CTS by detecting a preamble of the second CTS and processing the second CTS.

Example 34 contains the subject matter of Example 28, wherein the first means includes means for detecting the second CTS based on a change in signal strength of at least one of the first RTS and the first data transmission from a first and a second point in time.

Example 35 includes the subject matter of Example 35, wherein the first means includes means for determining that the second CTS has been detected if the change is more than a threshold amount.

Example 36 includes the subject matter of Example 28, wherein the first means includes means for detecting the second CTS based on at least one of a cross-correlation and an autocorrelation of a wireless medium.

From what has been set forth above, it can be seen that the method, apparatus and products described above improve network throughput in a wireless communication network. The examples disclosed in the present text enable secondary, tertiary, etc. data communication for a second STA, which is otherwise not disturbed by the ongoing data transmission to a first STA. In this way, the network throughput can be increased without additional risk of network collisions.

While certain exemplary methods, devices, and products have been described herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent extends to all methods, devices and products that are reasonably within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims (25)

Apparatus for improving network throughput in a wireless communication network, the apparatus comprising: a communication facilitator to set a network allocation vector (NAV) in response to the detection of a first request to send (RTS) from an access point (AP), the RTS being a first data transmission from the AP to a corresponds to first station (STA); an interface to send a second RTS to a second STA while tuning the NAV; and wherein the communication facilitator is operable, in response to detecting a second Clear To Send (CTS) from the second STA, to send secondary data to the second STA during the first data transmission. Device according to Claim 1 which further includes a channel account to compete for a wireless medium used by the AP, the interface being for sending the second RTS after the contention for the wireless medium is successful. Device according to Claim 1 further including a data processor to determine an end of the first data transfer. Device according to Claim 3 wherein the communication facilitator is to send the secondary data for a period of time ending at a point in time corresponding to an end of the first data transmission. Device according to Claim 1 , the interface to send the second RTS to the second STA if no first CTS is received from the first STA. Device according to Claim 1 wherein the communication facilitator is to recognize the second CTS by detecting a preamble of the second CTS and processing the second CTS. Device according to Claim 1 wherein the communication facilitator is to recognize the second CTS based on a change in a signal strength of at least one of the first RTS and the first data transmission from a first and a second point in time. Device according to Claim 7 wherein the communication facilitator determines that the second CTS has been detected if the change is more than a threshold amount. Device according to Claim 1 wherein the communication facilitator is to identify the second CTS based on at least one of a cross-correlation and an autocorrelation of a wireless medium. A method for improving network throughput in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: in response to the detection of a first send request (Request To Send, RTS) from an access point (AP), setting of a network allocation vector (NAV), the RTS of a first data transmission from the AP to a first station ( STA); while the NAV is set, send a second RTS to a second STA; and in response to detection of a second Clear To Send (CTS) from the second STA, sending secondary data to the second STA during the first data transmission. Procedure according to Claim 10 which further includes competing for a wireless medium used by the AP, the interface serving to send the second RTS after the wireless medium contending is successful. Procedure according to Claim 10 which further includes determining an end of the first data transmission. Procedure according to Claim 12 that further includes sending the secondary data for a period ending at a point in time corresponding to an end of the first data transmission. Procedure according to Claim 10 which further includes sending the second RTS to the second STA when a first RTS and CTS are not received from the first AP and the first STA. Procedure according to Claim 10 wherein identifying the second CTS comprises detecting a preamble of the second CTS and processing the second CTS. Procedure according to Claim 10 wherein the detection of the second CTS is based on a change in a signal strength of at least one of the first RTS and the first data transmission from a first and a second point in time. Procedure according to Claim 16 that further includes determining that the second CTS has been detected if the change is more than a threshold amount. Procedure according to Claim 10 wherein the detection of the second CTS is based on at least one of a cross-correlation and an autocorrelation of a wireless medium. Tangible computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed, will at least cause a machine to: to set a network allocation vector (NAV) in response to the detection of a first send request (Request to Send, RTS) from an access point (AP), the RTS being a first data transmission from the AP to a first station (STA ) corresponds to; while the NAV is set to send a second RTS to a second STA; and in response to detecting a second Clear To Send (CTS) from the second STA, send secondary data to the second STA during the first data transmission. Computer-readable storage medium according to Claim 19 wherein the instructions cause the machine to compete for a wireless medium used by the AP, the interface serving to send the second RTS after the wireless medium contest is successful. Computer-readable storage medium according to Claim 19 wherein the instructions cause the machine to determine an end to the first data transfer. Computer-readable storage medium according to Claim 21 wherein the instructions cause the machine to send the secondary data for a period of time ending at a time corresponding to the end of the first data transfer. Computer-readable storage medium according to Claim 19 wherein the instructions cause the machine to send the second RTS to the second STA if a first RTS and CTS are not received from the first AP and the first STA. Computer-readable storage medium according to Claim 19 wherein the instructions cause the machine to recognize the second CTS by detecting a preamble of the second CTS and processing the second CTS. Computer-readable storage medium according to Claim 19 wherein the instructions cause the machine to recognize the second CTS based on a change in signal strength of at least one of the first RTS and the first data transmission at first and second times.

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