JP2014526854A - Method and system for relay start / relay release operation in a wireless communication network - Google Patents

Abstract

  Relay start and relay release operations in a wireless communication network are provided. In one embodiment, selecting one radio relay among a plurality of candidate radio relays, setting relay operation using the selected radio relay for radio communication between the radio stations through the selected radio relay. including. The selected wireless relay provides a relay operation for wireless communication to communicate wirelessly between wireless stations through the selected wireless relay. Initiated relay operation ends with the selected wireless relay.

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless network, and more particularly to cancellation of relay operation in a wireless network.

  In a wireless network that includes wireless stations, the 60 GHz frequency band provides a data communication rate between wireless communication stations that is approximately ten times that of the data rate according to the IEEE 802.11 standard. The increased data rate in the 60 GHz band results in a reduced communication range and increased system complexity. Furthermore, the 60 GHz band is accompanied by fairly high directivity transmission / reception direct connection (Line of Light: LOS) transmission characteristics between wireless stations.

  The present invention provides a method and system for relay start / relay release operations in a wireless communication network.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for termination of relay collaboration of a relay station, wherein the relay station activates relay provision termination of relay communication between wireless stations.

  One embodiment of the present invention selects one radio relay from among a plurality of candidate radio relays, and performs relay operation using the radio relay for radio communication between radio stations through the selected radio relay. Set. The selected wireless relay provides an operation for wireless communication between wireless stations through the selected wireless relay. Termination of the relay operation is caused by the selected radio relay.

  The features, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be understood with reference to the following detailed description, claims and drawings.

  One embodiment of the present invention provides the capability for communication through a wireless communication relay station to increase the robustness and usability of a 60 GHz band wireless network.

1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system implementing relay discovery and selection according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relay search response frame including operation information for a candidate radio relay station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relay performance station (STA) information field (Info Field) including operation information for a candidate radio relay station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating a guided process of a source radio station for relay discovery and selection according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating a guided process of a coordinator radio station for relay discovery and selection according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process for termination of relay collaboration by a relay station, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a local area network implementing relay discovery and selection according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system including a useful computer system for implementing an embodiment of the present invention.

  The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method and system for relay start / relay release operations in a wireless communication network.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a process for radio station discovery and selection among multiple candidate radio relay stations to set up relay operation within a radio network. In one embodiment, the relay operation parameters of a plurality of candidate radio relay stations are evaluated, and one radio relay station is selected from the plurality of candidate radio relay stations based on the evaluation, and the radio relay station through a radio communication medium is selected. Start transmission of wireless communication.

  One embodiment of the present invention provides the ability to communicate through a wireless relay station to increase the robustness and practicality of a 60 GHz band wireless network. As an example, the present invention may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) including a plurality of wireless stations capable of communicating through a wireless medium such as a 60 GHz frequency (Radio Frequency: RF) band. Provided are methods and systems for discovery and selection of candidate radio relay stations (eg, relay STAs) for effective relay function within a wireless network.

  One embodiment of the present invention provides termination (eg, tear down) of a relay operation (relay operation) in progress by a relay station. Participation of relay stations within relay operation is non-binding, and relay stations provide greater flexibility and incentives for collaboration within relay operation and relay at any time at the discretion of the relay station The operation can be stopped.

  The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol. FIG. 1 illustrates a PBSS (Personal Basic Service Set) control point (PBSS Control Point: PCP) or access point (eg, AP) station 102 and multiple wireless stations 104 (eg, STA1,...) According to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a wireless communication system 100 that includes multiple wireless stations, such as STAn). Stations 102 and 104 include transceivers capable of transmitting and receiving information over a wireless channel.

  The relay is a source relay-enabled wireless station (Reusable Wireless Station: RUS) that is assisted by other wireless stations called Relay-Supportable Wireless Stations (RSUS) to send information frames to the destination RUS. Enable transmission. When a direct link between a source RUS (source radio station) and a destination RUS (destination radio station) is obstructed, a relay by RSUS (eg, a radio relay station) performs radio communication (eg, Millimeter-Wave). : MmWave) band)).

  The wireless network 100 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention implements relay station discovery and selection operations. At least one wireless station in the wireless network 100 includes RSUS. At least two wireless stations (eg, source wireless station and destination wireless station) in wireless network 100 include a RUS.

  After coupling with a relay supporting the wireless network, an RUS, such as an initiator radio station, discovers and evaluates a radio relay communication link with at least one candidate radio relay station (eg, at least one RSUS radio station). This makes it possible to access the relay performance of the candidate radio relay stations and to determine operational parameters including their relay performance and the presence period of the candidate radio relay station and the multi-band condition. These parameters are used in the relay information to limit the physical / functional performance of each radio relay station and assist in radio relay selection.

  In this specification, the responder indicates the responder of the relay selection process requested by the initiator. The responder is a radio relay station or a destination radio station. In one embodiment, the responder radio station recognizes the relay selection process by signaling. As will be described in more detail below, the relay selection process includes beamforming (BF) training and channel measurement of a wireless communication link between wireless stations, and the responder of the relay selection process includes beamforming training and channel At the end of the measurement phase, relevant information is collected and the results are fed back to the initiator of the relay selection process.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, an initiator such as a source radio station and / or PCP / AP discovers, measures and selects candidate radio relay stations along with a destination radio station. The selected relay station wirelessly relays communication from the source radio station to the responder radio station, such as the destination radio station. The selected relay radio station wirelessly relays communication from the destination radio station to the source radio station. The relay discovery and selection process according to one embodiment of the present invention is described below.

<Evaluation of fast discovery and candidate relay links>
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the source radio station requests transmission from the PCP / AP for a list of candidate radio relay stations and their relay capabilities. In response, the PCP / AP transmits a list of candidate radio relay stations and their relay capabilities to the source radio station. Such information is also provided to the destination wireless station.

  Thus, if the source radio station desires to set up a relay communication link with the radio relay station, the PCP / AP transmits their relay capabilities along with the list of candidate radio relay stations to the source radio station, and the source radio station Allows the candidate radio stations to be blocked in advance. FIG. 2 shows a relay search response frame 110 from a PCP / AP according to an embodiment of the present invention. Operational information elements (IEs) or parameters are included in the relay performance station information field 120 in frame 110 shown in FIG. 3 for each candidate relay radio station.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the source and destination radio stations perform directional transmissions such as beamforming (BF) transmissions. If the source or destination radio station does not have an active communication link, or has not recently performed beamforming training with a candidate radio relay station, the source and / or destination radio station may It is necessary to perform beam forming training with the station.

  For effective discovery and beamforming training with candidate radio relay stations, specific action and candidate radio relay station status information is useful for fast processing of the process.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a source radio station or PCP / AP with a process for each candidate radio relay station's communication capabilities, operating parameters, including wake-up schedules, awake windows, and multiband information elements. Embodiments of the present invention further provide relay selection process signaling to the destination and candidate radio relay stations by source or induced PCP / AP induced by the relay selection process, where the radio station is entrained within the selection process. Is called.

  In one embodiment, the relay discovery and selection process includes transmitting PCP / AP related operation and status information information in a relay capability STA information field frame. In one embodiment, such associated operation and status information includes wake-up schedule information elements, awake window information elements, multi-band information elements, etc. for the source and destination radio stations of the candidate radio relay station. FIG. 3 shows a frame format 120 of a relay performance station information field including a wake-up schedule information element, an awake window information element, and a multiband information element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  While the source and destination radio stations attempt to acquire a transmission opportunity (TXOP) or service period (SP) for beamforming training and / or radio channel measurements with candidate radio relay stations In addition, the information is used to determine the existence period and operation band information of the candidate radio relay station.

  In addition, the operational and status information of each candidate radio relay station can be used to determine the preference and suitability of candidate radio relay stations that act as relays before and during the discovery / training process. The discovery of candidate radio relay stations based on the relayable list from the PCP / AP need not be complete.

<Relay selection procedure>
In one embodiment, the relay selection process begins with the source radio station transmitting a relay search request frame to the PCP / AP, where the source radio station is a candidate relay station directional radio link (eg, by beamforming over a radio channel). This is done by collecting radio channel measurement results over the provided directional radio link) and selecting a relay radio station. Examples of directional radio links include a directional radio link between a relay station and a destination radio station (relay destination link) or a directional radio link between a relay station and a source radio station (relay source link). .

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a responder-aware relay selection process for setup and progress through relay selection among source radio station, destination radio station, relay radio station and PCP / AP. In one embodiment, the responder informs (eg, through a message) a relay selection process that includes beamforming training and relay link measurements specifically for relay selection. In this way, the responder of the relay selection process collects relevant information for the relay selection process and feeds back (reports) it to the last source (initiator) of the end of beamforming training and the last of the relay communication link measurement phase. . In one embodiment, a radio channel (eg, through beamforming) for directional communication between a relay station and a source radio station or between a relay station and a destination radio station is a relay (relay) communication link. Indicates.

<Procedure for selecting source induction relay>
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the decision maker and central hub of the relay selection process are source radio stations. An example source inductive relay selection process 200 is shown in FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the invention. The relay selection process is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4, and various changes are inferred. For example, a corresponding PCP / AP inductive relay selection process is inferred by one embodiment of the present invention, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

  Referring to FIG. 4, if a source radio station (ie, source STA) does not know at least one candidate radio relay station (ie, relay candidate STA) in a basic service set (BSS) in the network. Otherwise, at process block 201, the source wireless station begins the relay selection process by sending a relay search request to the PCP / AP (ie, PCP or AP). In process block 202, the PCP / AP may receive a relay search response frame that includes a list of candidate radio relay stations along with relay performance and operational status information corresponding to the candidate radio relay stations, as described above with respect to FIGS. Reply with. If the source radio station has sufficient knowledge about available candidate radio relay stations in the BSS, the source radio station skips the relay search request process blocks 201 and 202.

  The given state and performance information can be used at the source radio station, which partitions and selects a preferred subset of candidate radio relay stations. The state and performance information may be local, such as information received from the PCP / AP in process block 202 or information for having a relay communication link maintained between the candidate radio relay station and the source radio station. Contains information.

  In process block 203, the source radio station sends a relay selection request frame that includes a list of the preferred candidate radio relay stations to the destination radio station (ie, the destination STA) so that the destination radio station can consider, thereby selecting a relay. Start a request. The relay selection request frame includes source status (Status) and capability information of a subset usable by the source wireless station (subset information in the relay search response frame provided from the PCP / AP to the source wireless station). Like).

  If the source and destination radio stations have already performed beamforming training on each other for directional communication between them, the source radio station can transmit a relay selection request frame directly to the destination station and receive a response from it . In other cases, the source wireless station transmits a relay selection request frame to the destination wireless station through the PCP / AP, and the destination wireless station gets back a response to the source wireless station through the PCP / AP.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, in process block 204, the destination wireless station informs that it has received a relay selection request frame (ACK), or contains a specific status code or reason code (Reason Code). A response frame is transmitted that rejects a subset or all preferred candidate radio relay stations. In this way, the source and destination radio stations cooperate to select a suitable relay radio station for both the source and destination radio stations. The relay selection request frame and the response exchange are performed directly between the source and destination wireless stations or via the PCP / AP.

  At process block 204, if the destination STA receives at least one preferred candidate radio relay station, at process block 205 the source radio station and each received radio relay station and the required beamforming training and / or Perform the channel measurement process. Similarly, at process block 206, the destination wireless station performs the necessary beamforming training and / or channel measurement process with each received relay station. Such beamforming training is performed during a competition-based period (CBP) or by requesting an SP from a PCP / AP using a well-known beamforming protocol. An SP is a channel time block obtained by using a well-known channel time reservation mechanism.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, prior to beamforming training with each received radio relay station, the source radio station or PCP / AP may be in an unsolicited relay search response and / or an extended schedule element. Transmitting beamforming training scheduling information to the radio station informs each radio relay station about the relay selection process. Since the relay station has recognized about the relay selection process, each radio relay station will not be able to communicate with the source radio station, not only the beamforming training and / or channel measurements that exist between the relay station and the source radio station, but also the relay station and destination radio. The beamforming training and / or channel measurement results existing between the stations are fed back.

  In other embodiments, the source radio station need not select a candidate radio relay station for the preferred relay station. In this case, the relay selection request and response between the source radio station and the destination radio station are replaced by a similar procedure between the PCP / AP and the destination radio station. Specifically, the PCP / AP transmits a relay search request and a relay selection request together with a list of candidate radio relay stations to the destination radio station, and the destination radio station sends a response or ACK to provide to the source radio station, The received relay station (Accepted Relay Station) is sent to the PCP / AP.

  In another embodiment, the PCP / AP communicates or transmits a list of candidate radio relay stations and an unsolicited relay selection response to the destination radio station (hereinafter PCP / AP sends to the source radio station), The destination wireless station does not need to send a relay selection response or ACK to the PCP / AP.

  Referring to FIG. 4, at process block 205, the source radio station performs the required beamforming for the radio communication link between each received relay station and the source radio station (ie, relay source link or relay initiator link). Perform training and channel measurements and collect information about results for beamforming training and channel measurements for each received relay source link.

  At process block 206, the destination radio station performs the necessary beamforming training and channel measurements for the radio communication link between each received relay station and the destination radio station (ie, relay destination link or relay responder link), Collect information about beamforming training and channel measurement results for each received relay destination link.

  When the destination radio station completes the necessary beamforming training and channel measurements for each received relay destination link, at process block 207, the destination radio station sends a plurality of relay channel measurement reports to the source radio station, and the process block At 208, an ACK frame sent from the source wireless station to the destination wireless station follows. The multiple relay channel measurement reports include beamforming training and channel measurement results for each relay destination link.

  In another embodiment, the source wireless station sends channel measurement requests to the destination station to the plurality of relay stations, and the destination wireless station retrieves the plurality of relay channel measurement reports back to the wireless station.

  In process block 209, the source radio station, along with the source radio station's own information for each relay source link, along with the source radio station's own information for each relay source link to select the preferred relay radio station received by the destination radio station. Use information in multiple relay channel measurement reports for each relay destination link. The source radio station then sends the selected radio relay station information to the destination radio station to set up the selected radio relay station and relay link.

  As another embodiment, the present invention provides a destination radio station inductive relay selection process that is equivalent to the source radio station inductive relay selection process described above.

  After a relay station is selected, the source and destination radio stations set up the selected relay station and relay procedure and send data (eg, audio / video data) through the selected relay station and through the directional radio link. connect.

<PCP / AP guidance relay selection procedure>
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a PCP / AP (PCP or AP) guided relay discovery and selection process, where the decision maker and central hub of the relay selection process is a PCP / AP. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an example source inductive relay selection process 250 is shown in FIG. 5 and described below.

  If the source radio station (source STA) does not know or recognize at least one candidate radio relay station (ie, relay candidate STA), at process block 251, the source radio station sends a relay search request to the PCP. Start the relay selection process by sending to / AP (ie PCP or AP). At process block 252, the PCP / AP responds to a relay search response frame that includes a list of candidate radio relay stations, along with relay performance and operational status information corresponding to the candidate radio relay stations (further relating to FIGS. 2-3 above). Explained). If the source radio station has sufficient knowledge about available candidate radio relay stations in the BSS, the source radio station omits the relay search request process blocks 251 and 252.

  The given state and performance information can be used at the source radio station (received information and / or local, such as information for having a link maintained between the candidate radio relay station and the source radio station). Source information), the source radio station partitions and selects a subset of preferred radio relay stations.

  At process block 253, the source radio station sends a selection request frame to the PCP / AP taking into account the preferred candidate relay station. The relay selection request frame includes local information regarding a relay link that can be used only by the source wireless station. After receiving the relay selection request, the PCP / AP confirms receipt of the request at process block 254 and at process block 255 communicates the relay selection request frame to the destination wireless station along with a list of preferred relay stations. At process block 256, the destination wireless station responds with a relay selection ACK frame. The PCP / AP proceeds block 257 to allocate time for beamforming training and / or channel measurements between the source-relay and relay destination links, or the source and destination stations are in the CBP, Block 258 proceeds to request that the preferred candidate relay station perform beamforming training and / or channel measurements.

  In another embodiment, the source radio station does not need to select a candidate radio relay station for the preferred relay station, and the relay search request and relay selection request may be a relay selection request between the source radio station and the PCP / AP. And ACK so that there is no ACK.

  Similar to process block 205 and block 206 of FIG. 4, in process blocks 259 and 260 of FIG. 5, the source and destination wireless stations are configured to receive the relay destination link and the candidate relay station for the candidate relay station received by the destination relay station in process block 256 and Complete the necessary beamforming training and channel measurements at the relay source link.

  At process block 261, the destination wireless station transmits a plurality of relay channel measurement reports to the PCP / AP, followed by an ACK frame sent by the PCP / AP to the destination wireless station at process block 262. Similar to process block 263, the source radio station transmits a plurality of relay channel measurement reports to the PCP / AP, followed by an ACK frame transmitted by the PCP / AP to the source radio station in process block 263.

  In another embodiment, the PCP / AP schedules channel time to perform the necessary training and measurements with the relay stations received by the source and destination stations, and the PCP / AP transmits multiple relays from the source and destination radio stations. Requesting a channel measurement report, the source and destination wireless stations each retrieve a plurality of relay channel measurement reports including relay source, relay destination beamforming training and channel measurement results from the PCP / AP.

  In another embodiment, the source wireless station sends multiple relay channel measurement requests to the destination wireless station, and then the destination wireless station sends multiple relay channel measurement reports to the PCP / AP.

  At process block 265, the PCP / AP then uses the plurality of relay channel measurement reports received from the source and destination wireless stations to select one of the received relay stations. The PCP / AP also sends information about the selected relay station to the source and destination wireless stations when the relay link is set up. In other embodiments, the PCP / AP is also selected as a relay station based on channel measurement results.

  After the relay station is selected, the source and destination radio stations set up the relay procedure with the selected relay station and communication data (eg, audio / video data) through the selected relay station and through the directional radio link. .

<End of relay collaboration by relay station>
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the selected relay station participates in the relay operation and provides relay services to the source and / or destination stations through the relay link setup process (described above). The relay station's status and activity then changes (eg, if it does not want to act as a relay, or if it is no longer an option that can be implemented as a relay station). End (suspend). In this way, the relay station can relay to a source and / or destination and / or PCP / AP such as an end action frame (eg, a relay release frame) to inform the relay station that it will end the relay service. By transmitting the end signal, participation in the relay operation is interrupted. This provides a higher incentive for relayable stations to provide relay service operation.

  FIG. 6 illustrates an example process 350 for the termination of a relay collaboration triggered by a relay station according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the process block 351, the relay station (Relay STA) transmits a relay release frame to the PCP / AP in order to inform the PCP / AP of the relay operation end by the relay station in relation to the source STA, the PCP / AP, and the destination STA. (Ie PCP or AP). In the first scenario, at process block 352, the PCP / AP transmits an ACK to the relay station. In process block 353, the relay station transmits a relay release frame to the source station to inform the source STA that the relay operation by the relay station has ended.

  At process block 354, the source STA transmits an ACK signal to the relay station. In process block 355, the relay station transmits a relay release frame to the destination STA to inform the destination STA of the end of the relay operation by the relay station. At process block 356, the destination STA retrieves the ACK signal back to the relay station (Back). In this way, the relay station cancels the related operation in relation to the source STA, PCP / AP, and destination STA.

  In the second scenario, after the process block 352, process blocks 357 to 360 are implemented instead of the processor blocks 353 to 356. In the process block 357, the PCP / AP sends the end of the relay operation by the relay station to the source STA. A relay release frame is transmitted to the source STA for notification. In process block 358, the source station again transmits an ACK signal to the PCP / AP. Further, at process block 359, the PCP / AP transmits a relay release frame to the destination STA to inform the destination STA of the end of the relay operation by the relay station. At process block 360, the destination STA again transmits an ACK signal to the PCP / AP. In this way, the relay station cancels the related operation in relation to the source STA, PCP / AP, and destination STA.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, instead of completely canceling the relay setting between the source STA and the destination STA as in the above two scenarios, the source STA and the destination STA Different relay stations are selected based on beamforming training and / or channel measurement results. If the source STA determines that the current relay station will cease participating in the relay operation for the source STA and the destination STA while the relay operation continues, the source STA will always have a backup relay station to replace the current relay station. maintain.

  FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an implementation of a wireless communication system 300 that provides relay station discovery and selection according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 300 includes a wireless PCP / AP 102 and a source wireless station (source STA) 104S, a destination wireless station (destination STA) 104D, and a wireless station 104 (eg, FIG. 1 STA1,..., STAn).

  In one embodiment, the network 300 implements a frame structure for wireless communication between wireless devices / stations in the network. The frame structure is used for packet transmission in a media access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer. Each wireless station includes a MAC layer and a PHY layer. The MAC layer receives a data packet including data payload data and adds a MAC header to form a MAC protocol data unit (MPDU). The MAC header includes information such as a source address (Source Address: SA) and a destination address (Destination Address: DA). The MPDU is a part of the PHY Service Data Unit (PSDU), and is used to add a PHY header (for example, PHY preamble) and constitutes a PHY Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). In order to do so, it is transmitted to the PHY layer in the AP. The PHY header includes parameters for defining a transmission scheme including a coding / modulation scheme.

  Specifically, the source STA 104S includes a PHY layer 301 and a MAC layer 302. The MAC layer 302 includes a relay selection module 303 that implements relay discovery and selection at the source STA 104S in accordance with embodiments of the invention described herein.

  The destination STA 104D includes a PHY layer 311 and a MAC layer 312. The MAC layer 312 includes a relay selection module 313 that implements relay discovery and selection at the source STA 104D according to embodiments of the invention described herein.

  Each relay STA 104R includes a PHY layer 321 and a MAC layer 322. The MAC layer 322 includes a relay module 323 that implements relay operations including relay start and relay release operations according to embodiments of the invention described herein.

  The PCP / AP 102 includes a PHY layer 331 and a MAC layer 332. The MAC layer 332 includes a control module 323 that embodies typical functions of PCP / AP during other operations. The MAC layer 332 further includes a relay discovery and selection module 334 that implements relay discovery and selection at the PCP / AP according to embodiments of the invention described herein.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the relevant function and operation information of each candidate relay station in the network 300 is distributed between the source, destination, and PCP / AP stations prior to the relay setup phase, thus relating to the relay selection process. Inefficiencies and overhead can be avoided. The relay candidate discovery and selection processor is guided by the source STA 104S, destination STA 104D or PCP / AP 102 in order to more flexibly utilize the existing local information. Embodiments of the present invention are useful whether or not the source and destination STAs 104S and 104D have relay links and beamformed trained direct links prior to the relay selection process. Embodiments of the present invention are also useful when source and destination stations 104S and 104D do not communicate directly with each other.

  Participation of the selected relay STA 104R in the relay operation between the source STA 104S and the destination STA 104D is non-binding, and the selected relay STA 104R is selected at the discretion of the selected relay station. The relay function can be interrupted. This provides even greater flexibility and incentive when working with relay stations. In one embodiment, the backup relay radio station is always maintained for the source radio station and the destination radio station when the currently selected relay station leaves.

  In one embodiment, a source radio station desiring to select a relay station for relay operation uses information (parameters) that includes the buffering capabilities of each candidate relay radio station before proceeding with the setup process. These parameters serve not only as determinants of the relay selection process, but also as operational parameters to avoid erroneous operations such as buffer overflow at the selected radio relay station.

  The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to the IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocol. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in wireless networks such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), millimeter wave (mmWave), an IEEE 802.11ad wireless network, a wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig) wireless network, and the like. Useful. In one embodiment, the wireless station in FIG. 7 (and FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention is capable of performing directional communication with antenna training and beamforming (eg, 60 GHz RF band).

  FIG. 8 is a high-level block diagram illustrating an information processing system that includes a computer system 10 useful in implementing an embodiment of the present invention.

  The computer system 10 includes at least one processor 11 and further includes an electrical display device 12 (for displaying graphics, text and other data), a main memory 13 (eg, RAM), a storage device 14 (eg, Hard disk drive), removable storage device 15 (eg, removable storage drive, removable memory module, magnetic tape drive, optical disk drive, computer software and / or computer readable record in which data is stored) Medium), user interface 16 (eg, keyboard, touch screen, keypad, pointing device), and communication interface 17 (eg, modem, network interface). Over scan (Ethernet (registered trademark) card, etc.), communication port or a personal computer memory card international association: further comprising a (Personal Computer Memory Card Association PCMCIA) slot and card). The communication interface 17 transmits software and data between the computer system and an external device. The system 10 includes a communication infrastructure 18 (eg, communication bus, cross-over bar or network) to which the devices / modules 11-17 described above are coupled.

  Information transmitted through the communication interface 17 carries signals and is electrically and electromagnetically through communication links embodied using wired or cable, optical fiber, telephone lines, cellular telephone links, frequency links and / or other communication channels. In the form of a signal, such as optical, optical, or other signal received by the communication interface 17. The computer program instructions that represent the block diagrams and / or flowcharts herein are loaded onto a computer, a programmable data processing device, or a processing device that causes a series of operations to produce a computer-implemented process. .

  Embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. Each block of the drawing / diagram, or a combination thereof, is embodied by a computer program directive. Computer program instructions are provided to produce machine instructions, and such instructions are executed through the processor to generate means for implementing the specified functions / operations in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. . The flowchart / block diagram may be illustrated as hardware and / or software modules or logic that embody embodiments of the invention. As an alternative embodiment, the functions known within the block occur differently or simultaneously in the order of the drawings.

  The terms computer program medium, computer usable medium, computer readable medium, and computer program product generally refer to a main memory, a second memory, a removable drive, a hard disk provided in a hard disk drive, and a signal Show media like. Such a computer program product is a means for providing software to a computer system. A computer readable medium allows a computer system to read data, instructions, messages or message packets and other computer readable information from a computer readable medium. For example, computer readable recording media include non-volatile memory such as floppy disks, ROM (Read Only Memory) flash memory, disk drive memory, CD-ROM and other permanent storage devices. . For example, it is useful for carrying information such as data and computer directives between computer systems. The computer program directive generates a product that includes a flowchart and / or block diagram block or a directive that embodies the function / operation specified in the block, such that a computer readable recording medium stores the directive. Stored in a computer readable medium, which can point to a computer, other programmable data processing device or other device for a special type of function.

  The computer program (ie computer control logic) is stored in the main memory and / or the second memory. A computer program is also received through the communication interface. Such computer programs, when executed, allow the computer system to perform the features described herein. In particular, when the computer program is executed, it allows a processor or multi-core processor to perform the features of the computer system. Such a computer program is represented as a controller of a computer system.

  As is well known in the art, the exemplary structures described herein above in accordance with the present invention are computer program products that are program instructions, software modules, microcode, computer readable media to be executed by a processor, It can be implemented in various ways in a wireless device, a wireless transmitter / receiver, a wireless network, etc., such as a logic circuit, an application specific integrated circuit, firmware, and home appliances. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are embodiments that include entirely hardware, embodiments that are entirely software, or that include both hardware and software components.

Even though the present invention has been described with reference to a particular version, other versions are possible. Accordingly, the scope of the claims is not limited by the preferred version of the specification contained in the specification.
(Appendix 1)
In a wireless communication method through a wireless communication medium using a wireless relay,
Relaying communication between wireless stations using a wireless relay;
Terminating the relay of communication between the radio stations (Terminating),
The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless relay causes a relay end of communication between wireless communication stations (Trigger).
(Appendix 2)
The step of terminating the communication relay includes:
The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless relay includes a step of transmitting a relay end signal to notify at least one wireless station of the end of the relay operation by the wireless relay.
(Appendix 3)
Further including an initiator radio station and a responder radio station communicating wirelessly through a radio relay;
The wireless communication method according to appendix 2, wherein the wireless relay relays communication between the initiator wireless station and the responder wireless station.
(Appendix 4)
Ending the relay communication includes
The wireless relay transmitting a relay end signal to the initiator wireless station;
The wireless communication method according to supplementary note 3, further comprising the step of the wireless relay transmitting a relay end signal to the responder wireless station.
(Appendix 5)
Ending the relay communication includes
The wireless relay transmits a relay termination signal to a coordinator wireless station;
In response to a relay end signal, the coordinator radio station further includes transmitting a relay end signal to the initiator radio station, and the coordinator radio station transmitting a relay end signal to the responder radio station. The wireless communication method according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the wireless communication method is characterized.
(Appendix 6)
The initiator radio station includes a source radio station;
The wireless communication method according to appendix 3, wherein the responder wireless station includes a destination wireless station (Destination Wireless Station).
(Appendix 7)
The wireless communication method according to supplementary note 3, wherein the wireless relay, the source wireless station, and the destination wireless station operate in a millimeter-wave frequency band wireless network.
(Appendix 8)
The wireless communication method according to appendix 6, wherein the wireless relay includes a relayable wireless station.
(Appendix 9)
Maintaining a backup relay;
The method further includes using the backup relay to wirelessly relay communication between the source wireless station and the destination wireless station after the end of the relay operation by the wireless relay. 4. The wireless communication method according to 3.
(Appendix 10)
The stage of relaying information between radio stations
Selecting one of the plurality of candidate radio relays;
Setting a relay operation using the selected wireless relay for wireless communication between wireless stations through the selected wireless relay;
The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of starting transmission of wireless communication to the selected wireless relay through a production communication medium for wireless communication between wireless stations.
(Appendix 11)
The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the selected wireless relay has a relay operation parameter including a wakeup schedule, an awake window, and multiband information.
(Appendix 12)
In a wireless communication station
A relay module that relays communication between wireless stations;
A physical (PHY) communication layer for communicating information through a wireless communication medium,
The relay module terminates the communication relay between the wireless stations by causing the communication relay termination.
(Appendix 13)
13. The wireless communication according to appendix 12, wherein the relay module terminates communication relay by transmitting a relay termination signal to notify at least one wireless station of termination of relay operation by the wireless relay. station.
(Appendix 14)
The initiator radio station and responder radio station communicate wirelessly through a radio relay,
14. The wireless communication station according to appendix 13, wherein the relay module of the wireless relay relays communication between the initiator wireless station and the responder wireless station.
(Appendix 15)
15. The wireless communication station according to appendix 14, wherein the relay module ends a relay of communication by transmitting a relay end signal to the initiator wireless station and transmitting a relay end signal to the responder wireless station.
(Appendix 16)
The relay module ends the communication relay.
Transmitting a relay end signal to the coordinator radio station to respond to the relay end signal;
The coordinator radio station transmits a relay end signal to the initiator radio station,
15. The radio communication station according to appendix 14, wherein the coordinator radio station transmits a relay end signal to the responder radio station.
(Appendix 17)
15. The wireless communication station according to appendix 14, wherein the wireless communication station, the initiator wireless station, and the responder wireless station operate within a millimeter wave frequency band wireless network.
(Appendix 18)
13. The wireless communication station according to appendix 12, wherein the wireless communication station includes a relayable wireless station.
(Appendix 19)
The wireless communication station according to appendix 12, wherein the wireless communication station has relay operation parameters including a wake-up schedule, an awake window, and multiband information.
(Appendix 20)
In a wireless communication system,
Multiple wireless stations,
A relay module that relays communication between wireless stations;
A wireless relay station including a physical (PHY) communication layer for communicating information through a wireless communication medium,
The wireless communication system, wherein the relay module terminates the relay of communication between the wireless stations by causing the relay of the communication to end.
(Appendix 21)
The wireless communication according to appendix 20, wherein the relay module terminates a relay of communication by transmitting a relay termination signal in order to notify at least one wireless station that the relay operation by the relay module is terminated. system.
(Appendix 22)
The initiator radio station and the responder radio station communicate wirelessly through the radio relay station,
The wireless communication system according to appendix 21, wherein the relay module of the wireless relay station relays communication between the initiator wireless station and the responder wireless station.
(Appendix 23)
The relay module transmits a relay end signal to the initiator radio station;
23. The wireless communication system according to appendix 22, wherein the relay module ends a relay of communication by transmitting a relay end signal to the responder wireless station.
(Appendix 24)
The relay module ends the communication relay.
Transmitting a relay end signal to the coordinator radio station to respond to the relay end signal;
The coordinator radio station transmits a relay end signal to the initiator radio station,
The wireless communication system according to appendix 22, wherein the coordinator wireless station transmits a relay end signal to the responder wireless station.
(Appendix 25)
The wireless communication station according to appendix 22, wherein the wireless relay station, the initiator wireless station, and the responder wireless station operate within a millimeter-wave frequency band wireless network.
(Appendix 26)
The wireless communication system according to appendix 22, wherein the relay wireless station includes a wireless station capable of relaying.
(Appendix 27)
The wireless communication system according to appendix 20, wherein the wireless relay station has relay operation parameters including a wakeup schedule, an awake window, and multiband information.
(Appendix 28)
The supplementary note 20, further comprising a backup wireless relay station so as to wirelessly relay subsequent communication between the initiator wireless station and the responder wireless station after completion of the relay operation by the wireless relay. Wireless communication system.

Claims (15)

In a wireless communication method through a wireless communication medium using a wireless relay,
Relaying communication between wireless stations using a wireless relay;
Terminating the relay of communication between the radio stations (Terminating),
The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless relay causes a relay end of communication between wireless communication stations (Trigger). The step of terminating the communication relay includes:
The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless relay includes a step of transmitting a relay end signal to notify at least one wireless station of the end of relay operation by the wireless relay. Further including an initiator radio station and a responder radio station communicating wirelessly through a radio relay;
The wireless communication method according to claim 2, wherein the wireless relay relays communication between the initiator wireless station and the responder wireless station. Ending the relay communication includes
The wireless relay transmitting a relay end signal to the initiator wireless station;
The wireless communication method according to claim 3, further comprising: the wireless relay transmitting a relay end signal to the responder wireless station. Ending the relay communication includes
The wireless relay transmits a relay termination signal to a coordinator wireless station;
In response to a relay end signal, the coordinator radio station further includes transmitting a relay end signal to the initiator radio station, and the coordinator radio station transmitting a relay end signal to the responder radio station. The wireless communication method according to claim 3, wherein: The initiator radio station includes a source radio station;
The wireless communication method according to claim 3, wherein the responder wireless station includes a destination wireless station (Destination Wireless Station). The wireless relay, the source wireless station and the destination wireless station operate in a millimeter-wave frequency band wireless network;
The wireless communication method according to claim 6, wherein the wireless relay includes a relayable wireless station. Maintaining a backup relay;
The method further comprises using the backup relay to wirelessly relay communications between the source wireless station and the destination wireless station after completion of the relay operation by the wireless relay. Item 4. The wireless communication method according to Item 3. The stage of relaying information between radio stations
Selecting one of the plurality of candidate radio relays;
Setting a relay operation using the selected wireless relay for wireless communication between wireless stations through the selected wireless relay;
The wireless communication method according to claim 1, further comprising: starting transmission of wireless communication to the selected wireless relay through a non-production communication medium for wireless communication between wireless stations.   The wireless communication method of claim 1, wherein the selected wireless relay has relay operation parameters including a wakeup schedule, an awake window, and multiband information. In a wireless communication station
A relay module that relays communication between wireless stations;
A physical (PHY) communication layer for communicating information through a wireless communication medium,
The relay module terminates the communication relay between the wireless stations by causing the communication relay termination.   The wireless relay according to claim 11, wherein the relay module terminates communication relay by transmitting a relay termination signal to notify at least one wireless station of termination of relay operation by the wireless relay. Communication station. The initiator radio station and responder radio station communicate wirelessly through a radio relay,
The wireless communication station according to claim 12, wherein the relay module of the wireless relay relays communication between the initiator wireless station and the responder wireless station.   The wireless communication station according to claim 13, wherein the relay module transmits a relay end signal to the initiator wireless station, and transmits a relay end signal to the responder wireless station to end communication relay. . The relay module ends the communication relay.
Transmitting a relay end signal to the coordinator radio station to respond to the relay end signal;
The coordinator radio station transmits a relay end signal to the initiator radio station,
The wireless communication station according to claim 13, wherein the coordinator wireless station transmits a relay end signal to the responder wireless station.