RU2803784C2 - Communication device and communication method for multi-band operation - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: communication equipment.

SUBSTANCE: multiband communication device includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter in operation transmits an "Association Request" frame in the wireless network to the multiband access point device indicating a plurality of frequency bands requested for multiband tuning. The plurality of frequency bands includes the said one frequency band and at least one other frequency band that the multiband communications device desires to use for transmission. The receiver in operation receives the “Association Response” frame in the wireless network from the multiband access point device on the specified one frequency band. The "Association Response" frame indicates the band or bands that have been successfully received or that have been successfully received by the multiband access point unit. The multiband access point unit stores a single association record that is applicable to the said one frequency band and to the said at least one other frequency band.

EFFECT: reduction in the time required for tuning and management of the corresponding association states for multiple frequency bands using a single entry.

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Description

1. FIELD OF TECHNICAL

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a multi-band communication apparatus, a multi-band access point and communication methods for multi-band operation, and more particularly relates to multi-band communication devices that operate in multiple frequency bands in a wireless network.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0002] In wireless networks that enable multiband communications, electronic devices can communicate over many different frequency bands. Such networks have advantages over other wireless networks in which wireless communication is limited to a single frequency band.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One non-limiting embodiment facilitates communication across multiple frequency bands between electronic devices in a wireless network. By way of example, this communication includes authenticating and/or associating, using a single frequency band, multi-band communication devices in a plurality of different frequency bands.

[0004] In one general aspect, the methods disclosed herein include the use of a multi-band communications apparatus that includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter, in operation, transmits in a frequency band in a wireless network to multiband communication devices frames that include activities related to the specified frequency band and at least one other frequency band in which the multiband communication device transmits. The receiver, in operation, receives in a specified frequency band in a wireless network from multiband communication devices frames that include actions related to the specified frequency band and to the specified at least one other frequency band in which the multiband communication device receives.

[0005] It should be noted that general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, storage medium, or any selected combination thereof.

[0006] Additional advantages and disadvantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the description and drawings. Such features and/or advantages may be separately obtained by various embodiments and features of the specification and drawings, all of which need not be present to obtain one or more of such features and/or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements in separate illustrations and which, together with the detailed description provided below, are included in and form a part of the present invention, serve to illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with the present embodiments.

[0008] In FIG. 1 shows a multi-band wireless network in which a wireless transmitter/receiver operates in many different frequency bands with multi-band communication devices.

[0009] In FIG. 2 shows a multi-band wireless network in which a wireless transmitter/receiver operates in many different frequency bands with multi-band communication devices.

[0010] In FIG. 3 shows an element announcing the possibility of working in multiple bands.

[0011] In FIG. 4 shows an element that advertises the multi-band capabilities of neighboring access points.

[0012] In FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing that a non-access point station authenticates and/or associates with all core service sets of a co-located very high throughput access point by exchanging a single Authentication frame and/or an Association frame. » in any one frequency band in which the access point operates.

[0013] In FIG. 6 illustrates a frame for authenticating and/or associating multiband stations in a variety of different frequency bands.

[0014] In FIG. 7 shows an example of an association record supported by a very high throughput multiband access point.

[0015] In FIG. Figure 8 shows a reference model of a very high throughput tri-band access point and/or station.

[0016] In FIG. 9 shows a method for atomic procedures and frame exchanges included in multi-band authentication between a station and an access point.

[0017] In FIG. 10 illustrates a method for atomic procedures and frame exchanges included in a multiband association between a station and an access point.

[0018] In FIG. 11 illustrates an element used to authenticate and/or associate a multiband station with a multiband access point.

[0019] In FIG. 12 shows a table of 2.4 GHz band association records for a station.

[0020] In FIG. 13 shows a table of 5 GHz band association records for two stations, STA1 and STA2.

[0021] In FIG. 14 shows a table of 6 GHz band association records for two stations, STA1 and STA2.

[0022] In FIG. 15 is a table showing examples of station association ID data for two stations (STA1 and STA2) for a 2.4 GHz association ID, a 5 GHz association ID, and a 6 GHz association ID.

[0023] In FIG. 16 illustrates a method for atomic procedures and frame exchanges included in a multiband association between a station and an access point.

[0024] In FIG. 17 shows a wireless network in which an access point establishes a single, unified core set of services across many different frequency bands.

[0025] In FIG. 18 illustrates a signal signaling frame and/or probe response frame used to advertise a multi-band core set of services.

[0026] In FIG. 19 shows a reference model of a multi-band communication device (multi-band very high throughput access point and/or station).

[0027] In FIG. 20 shows a simplified reference model of a multiband communication device.

[0028] In FIG. 21 is a simplified block diagram of a multi-band communications device that operates in many different frequency bands (shown as n bands, where n is an integer greater than one).

[0029] In FIG. 22 is a detailed block diagram of a multi-band communications device that operates in many different frequency bands (shown as n bands, where n is an integer greater than one).

[0030] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity, and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Multiband communication devices are configured to transmit and receive data in many different frequency bands in a wireless network. These electronic devices have many advantages over conventional electronic devices that can operate in a single frequency band. However, the use of multiband communication devices in wireless networks poses numerous technical challenges.

[0032] As one example of a problem, multiband communication devices operating in a multiband wireless network must be separately or independently discovered, authenticated, and associated in each frequency band of the wireless network. For example, if an Access Point (AP) operates in three different frequency bands, the multiband communication device must be discovered, authenticated, and associated three times, once for each frequency band in which the device operates. This type of discovery, authentication and association generates unnecessary network traffic and is inefficient in terms of consumption of processing resources, storage resources, and network resources.

[0033] Another exemplary problem encountered in authenticating and associating a multiband communication device in a wireless network is that the multiband access point stores different association records on each frequency band for each multiband communication device. The access point treats each of the electronic devices operating in different frequency bands as a separate electronic device. This situation requires the access point to store and manage a large number of association records, and therefore this approach is inefficient.

[0034] Another exemplified problem is that the access point must constantly broadcast or advertise its presence on each frequency band in which it operates. In addition, multiband communications devices must continuously monitor or scan these broadcasts on various frequencies. Thus, broadcasting and scanning generate unnecessary network traffic.

[0035] Other technical problems arise due to the use of multiband communication devices in wireless networks. Some of these problems relate to one or more of discovery, authentication, deauthentication, association, deassociation, and control performed on multiband communication devices operating on a wireless network.

[0036] Example embodiments address these and other technical problems encountered when operating multiband communication devices in multiband wireless networks.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments include apparatus and methods that operate with multi-band communication devices in multi-band wireless networks. Such apparatus and such methods include electronic devices with transmitters and/or receivers that communicate in a plurality of different frequency bands with multi-band electronic devices on one or more wireless networks. This communication includes one or more of authenticating, associating, deauthenticating, and deassociating multiband electronic devices with one or more multiband communication devices, such as an access point.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, multi-band communication devices detect, authenticate, associate, de-authenticate, and/or de-associate across multiple different frequency bands using a single frequency band. Such embodiments include improvements over traditional methods in which a multi-band communication device must be discovered, authenticated, associated, de-authenticated and de-associated separately for each other frequency band in which the multi-band communication device operates.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-band access point stores a single association record for each multi-band communication device, regardless of the number of different frequency bands in which the device operates. Thus, the multi-band access point stores a single association record for the multi-band communication device in all operating frequency bands. Such embodiments include improvements over traditional methods that involve storing different or unique association records for each multiband communication device in each frequency band in which the device operates.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, a multiband access point broadcasts information or advertises its availability in multiple frequency bands through a single frequency band. A multiband access point can also broadcast information to or notify neighboring multiband access points. This technique reduces network traffic and congestion, speeds up authentication and association, and enables more efficient wireless network operations.

[0041] In FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-band wireless network 100 in which a wireless transmitter/receiver 110 operates in multiple different frequency bands with multi-band communication devices 120A and 120B. As an example, multiband communication device 110 is shown as an access point, and multiband communication devices 120A and 120B are shown as non-access point stations STA1 and STA2. The many different frequency bands include, but are not limited to, 6 GHz, 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. As shown in the drawing, access point 110 provides three basic service sets (BSS): 6 GHz BSS 130A, 5 GHz BSS 130B, and 2.4 GHz BSS 130C.

[0042] Thus, the access point 110 functions as a multi-band communications device that operates in many different frequency bands, as opposed to an access point configured to operate in the same frequency band as single-band devices. Access point 110 may operate as an independent access point in each of the different frequency bands. In addition, although stations 120A and 120B are multi-band communication devices (e.g., configured to operate in one or more than one frequency band), single-band communication devices can also operate on the wireless network 100.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the access point is an Extremely High Throughput access point, such as a tri-band access point operating at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Stations can be single-lane, two-lane, three-lane, etc. For example, the STA1 120A is a two-way station operating at 5 GHz and/or 6 GHz, and the STA2 120B is a three-way station operating at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. A very high throughput access point installs base service sets in multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) as separate base service sets.

[0044] Consider an embodiment in which the wireless network is a wireless local area network (WLAN) operating in accordance with IEEE 802.11 standards, with increased peak throughput and multiband transmission capability. The 2.4 GHz service base set 130C and the 5 GHz service base set 130B include the transmission of independent signaling frames (eg, at 100 ms or other intervals) and enable the discovery of the access point 110 by active and/or passive scanning. However, operation in the 6 GHz service base set 130A is limited to reduce administration and/or control traffic (eg, pre-association frame sessions). Signaling frames in the 6 GHz service base set 130A may not be transmitted at all or may be transmitted at a much lower frequency (eg, once per second or at other intervals). Active scanning by sending probe request frames may be disabled in the 6 GHz service base set 130A. Instead, the 2.4 GHz band is used to advertise the presence of an access point 110 operating in the 6 GHz band. In this example, stations receive basic information (e.g., operating channel, MAC address, etc.) about access points in the 6 GHz band via signaling frames and/or probe response frames in the 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz bands GHz.

[0045] In this embodiment, after receiving basic information about co-located access points in another frequency band, the multiband station can collect additional information (e.g., specific band capabilities, etc.) about the access points by performing active/passive scanning or exchanging probe requests/responses to probe request with co-located access points.

[0046] First, the non-access point station can perform active and/or passive scanning in the specified band (6 GHz in this example). In this case, the non-access point station can estimate the link quality in that band based on received frames (eg, a signaling frame or a probe response frame).

[0047] Second, the non-access point station may exchange probe request and/or probe response frames with co-located access points in another band, using, for example, On-Channel Tunneling (OCT). . In-channel tunneling provides tunneling in the first band of management frames addressed to the MAC sublayer management entity (MLME) of the access point/station in the second band using an in-channel tunneling request frame. In this case, since the actual frame exchange occurs in one band, the non-access point station may not be able to assess the link quality in other bands. This can be a problem in particular if lower frequency bands (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) are used to detect higher frequency bands (5 GHz or 6 GHz), since the transmission range in higher frequency bands is typically smaller.

[0048] For example, a non-access point station can discover a multi-band access point using tunneling in a 2.4 GHz channel, but it cannot be certain whether the access point can be discovered in other bands. In such a case, the non-access point station may include a Transmit Power Control (TPC) Request element in the probe request frame to request that the access point include a TPC report element in the probe response frame. Based on the transmit power value reported in the Transmit Power Control Report element and the actual received power at which the probe response frame was received, the non-access point station can approximate the link quality of the connection in other bands.

[0049] Based on the specific band information obtained as explained above, as well as the quality of the communication link, the non-access point station may select frequency bands to initiate multi-band connection establishment, as explained herein. With regard to legacy device support, it is expected that all very high throughput access points will also support legacy 802.11 stations (HT (11n), VHT (11ac), HE (11ax)) and therefore support the corresponding functionality. Since most, if not all, legacy non-AP stations are single-band devices, a very high throughput AP will also be available and act as a single-band NOT, VHT, or NOT AP in each of its respective bands.

[0050] In FIG. 2 illustrates a multi-band wireless network 200 in which a multi-band communication device with a wireless transmitter/receiver 210 operates in multiple different frequency bands with multi-band communication devices 220A and 220B. As an example, multiband communication device 110 is shown as an access point with stirrup antennas 230A, 230B, and 230C. Multiband communication devices are shown as station STA1 with two antennas 240A and 240B and station STA2 with stirrup antennas 250A, 250B and 250C. Although multi-band access points are very common, multi-band stations are less common, and even multiple stations operating in multiple bands typically communicate in only one frequency band at a time. The simultaneous exchange of data (transmitting or receiving, or both) over multiple channels in different frequency bands can be referred to as multiband communications and is an effective means of significantly increasing transmission capacity.

[0051] Consider an example in which the access point 210 is a tri-band access point (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz); station STA1 220A is a dual-band station (5 GHz and 6 GHz); and the STA2 220V station is a three-band station (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz). Access point 210 can multiband communicate with STA1 220A in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, while access point 210 can multiband communicate with STA2 220B in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands.

[0052] In FIG. 3 shows an element 300 announcing multi-band capability. As an example, element 300 may be a multi-band element and includes one or more of the following fields: "Element ID", "Length", "Multi-Band Control", "Band ID", "Performance Class", "Channel Number", “Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID)”, “Beacon Interval”, “Time Synchronization Function (TSF) Offset”, “Multiband Capability”, “Fast Session Transfer (FST) Session Timeout”, “ Station MAC address”, “Number of paired cipher suites”, “List of paired cipher suites” and “Additional sub-elements” (for example, “Supported channels”, “Supported classes of operation”, “Allowable power” element, etc.).

[0053] Consider an example in which an access point broadcasts or advertises that it is a multi-band access point by including multi-band element 300 in one or more of the signaling and/or probe response frames. For example, frames may include one or more multi-band elements, one element for each band (other than the band in which the signaling/probe frame is transmitted) identified by the Band Identifier field 302, in which the access point also provides a basic set of services. For example, a multiband element includes optional elements 310 that contain additional band-specific information necessary to operate in the band identified by the Band ID field 302 (e.g., capabilities, operation element, EDCA parameter set, supported bit rate switches, and subscriptions to a basic set of services, extended switches for supported transmission speeds and subscriptions to a basic set of services, etc.). For example, Power Capacity element 312 indicates the transmit power capabilities of the band.

[0054] In FIG. 4 illustrates an element 400 advertising the multi-band capabilities of neighboring access points. As an example, element 400 includes one or more of the following fields: “Element ID”, “Length”, “BSSID”, “BSSID Information”, “Performance Class”, “Channel Number”, “Physical Layer Type (PHY)” " and "Optional elements". "BSSID Information" 402 includes one or more of the following fields: "Access Point Reachability", "Security", "Key Realm", "Capability", "Mobility Domain", "High Bandwidth", "Very High Bandwidth" ", "FTM", "High Efficiency", "NOT ER BSS", "UNT BSS", "Co-located" and "Reserved".

[0055] Consider an example in which an access point transmits frame 400 to advertise multi-band neighbor access points with very high throughput (which also includes co-located access points). For example, the access point uses the Neighbor Report element. For example, in element 410, bit "VENT BSS" identifies a particular very high throughput service basic set (VHT BSS). A core service set co-location bit is added to element 420 to identify that the advertised access point is co-located with the access point sending the Neighbor Report element. The "Operating Class" field and the "Channel Number" field together indirectly identify the frequency band.

[0056] Alternatively, the access point may also use the Abbreviated Neighbor Report element to advertise multi-band neighbor access points with very high throughput. A reserved bit in the TTTT Information Header subfield may be used to identify that the advertised access point is co-located with an access point that is transmitting the Abbreviated Neighbor Report element. The "Operating Class" field and the "Channel Number" field together indirectly identify the frequency band.

[0057] In FIG. 5 is a block diagram 500 showing that a non-access point station 502 authenticates and/or associates with all core service sets of a co-located very high throughput access point 504 by exchanging a single Authentication and/or frame. “Association” frame in any one frequency band in which the access point operates. For example, station 502 is authenticated and/or associated in three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. An example of a very high throughput access point 504 is access point 200, and an example of a non-access point station 502 is 220V station STA2.

[0058] Consider an example in which communication across multiple bands requires that non-access point station 502 be authenticated and/or associated in all applicable frequency bands. Access point 504 broadcasts a signaling frame 508 in the 5 GHz band, through which station 502 currently operating in the 5 GHz band discovers the access point's multiband capabilities, for example, by checking which multiband elements 300 are enabled, and makes a decision. authentication in all frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz) on which the access point 504 operates, and also decides on the frequencies to be associated, in this example these are all three bands (2 .4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz). Station 502 transmits an Authentication frame 510 in the 5 GHz band, requesting access point 504 to authenticate the station in the 5 GHz band, as well as the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands. Based on this transmission (which in this example occurred at 5 GHz), the access point authenticates the station in all three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz) and transmits an “Authentication” frame 520 to station 502 to confirm successful authentication .

[0059] Station 502 then transmits an Association Request frame 530 to access point 504 in the 5 GHz band, requesting access point 504 to associate a station in the 5 GHz band, as well as in the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands. Based on this transmission (which in this example occurred at 5 GHz), the access point associates the station in all three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) and responds with an “Association Reply” frame 540 to confirm successful association.

[0060] In FIG. 5 presents an improvement over traditional methods for authenticating and/or associating multiband access points and multiband stations. For example, in traditional 802.11 WLANs, it is necessary to perform station authentication/association for the basic service sets in each frequency band, independent of other bands. This traditional method requires and/or involves exchanging Authentication/Association frames in each band, maintaining simultaneous multi-band operation of the access point in multiple bands, and maintaining separate association records (association state variable, Association ID, AID, keys). security, etc.) for each associated station in different bands.

[0061] In contrast to this conventional method, the exemplary embodiment provides multi-band operation, which is simplified by the use of an access point that maintains a single instance of association to enable station operation in multiple bands. The access point maintains this single association instance regardless of the band used for the association. Rather than considering the multiband station as independent entities in different frequency bands, the very high throughput access point in the exemplary embodiment views the multiband station as a single entity that is configured to operate in multiple frequency bands.

[0062] Although method 500 includes authentication, association, and security settings, for simplicity, the entire method 500 may be referred to as multiband. Although not shown in the drawing, multi-lane operation is also applicable to the reverse deauthentication/deassociation operation. An access point can deauthenticate/disassociate a multiband station in multiple bands by sending a single deauthentication/disassociation frame in any active band.

[0063] In FIG. 6 shows a frame 600 for authenticating and/or associating multiband stations in a variety of different frequency bands. As an example, frame 600 includes the fields: "MAO Header 610" containing one or more of the following fields: "Frame Control", "Duration", "Address 1", "Address 2", "Address 3", "Sequence Control". ", "HT Control", and "Frame Body" 620 containing one or more of the following fields: "Multi-Band Element" 630 (which may be element 300 shown in FIG. 3), "Additional HT Capabilities" element 640 and " FCS". The UNT Advanced Features element includes one or more of the following fields: Item ID, Length, Item ID Extension, and UNT Control Bitmap 650, which includes Multi-Lane Authentication, Multi-Lane association" and "Reserved".

[0064] Multiband element 630 contains additional band-specific information used for multiband authentication and/or association. The "UNT Control Bitmap" 650 indicates whether multi-lane authentication and/or association is requested for the specified lanes (in the "Multi-lane element" 630).

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the authentication, association, deauthentication, deassociation, and/or reassociation frames have similar frame formats. Additional bands (beyond the frequency band in which the frame is transmitted) that are to be authenticated, associated, re-associated, de-authenticated and/or disassociated are indicated by including one or more multi-band elements 630 in the corresponding frame, with each element identifying one band. The optional sub-element field (eg, 310 in FIG. 3) contains the optional sub-element(s) required for authentication and/or association in the band specified in the Band ID field (eg, 302 in FIG. 3) of the multi-band element. Some general parameters may be specified by other fields in the frame (eg HT/VHT elements/HT operations/capabilities, etc.). Since many parameters may be specific to a particular frequency band (eg, supported MCS rates, number of spatial streams supported, EDCA parameters), if any of the general parameters are different, band-specific parameters may also be included in the multiband element.

[0066] In Authentication frame 510 and Association Request frame 520 in FIG. 5, a non-access point station may also include a Power Capacity element (eg, 312 in FIG. 3) to indicate its transmit power capabilities in the band. The access point may use such band-specific information to decide whether to allow a non-access point station to operate in any particular band.

[0067] Although a multiband connection (method 500 in FIG. 5) shows an example of successful authentication/successful association in all three frequency bands, it is also possible that authentication/association will be successful in some bands and unsuccessful in other bands. The access point may indicate bands in which the authentication/association was successful by including a multi-band element for that band in the Authentication frame 520 and Association Response frames 540.

[0068] In FIG. 7 shows an example of an association record 700 supported by a very high throughput multiband access point. Such an entry includes one or more of the following fields: “Station Association ID”, “Association Status”, “2.4 GHz MAC Address”, “5 GHz MAC Address”, “6 GHz MAC Address”, “ Private encryption key" and "Group encryption key". In some of these fields for two stations STA1 and STA2, the entry contains example data.

[0069] Since a station may use different MAC addresses to communicate on channels in different frequency bands, the AP also maintains a record of the station's band-specific MAC addresses (eg, extracted from a multiband element). Line 1 of the record may refer to the STA1 record, and line 2 may refer to the STA2 records.

[0070] Although not specified in the entry, the access point may also support other band-specific parameters for each station (eg, supported rates, EDCA parameter set, etc.). For legacy non-AP stations (11n, 11ac, 11ax devices) that are single-band devices, a very high throughput access point will still support single-band authentication/single-band association according to the basic rules. A very high throughput access point may also choose to use the same association entry 700 for such devices or may choose to maintain a single entry for associated single-lane devices. To facilitate cross-band operations, the access point may choose to support a unified association identifier assignment scheme, whereby an association identifier is assigned to associated devices regardless of the bands with which they are associated. In addition, the association identifier is not reused across bands to simplify management of the association identifier.

[0071] In FIG. 8 shows a reference model of a tri-band very high throughput access point and/or station 800. For example, access point/station 800 operates in multiple frequency bands, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. Thus, access point/station 800 includes three separate stations 810A, 810B and 810C, one for each frequency band.

[0072] As shown in the drawing, each station includes one or more of a Physical layer (PHY), a MAC sublayer, a PHY Management Entity (PLME), and a MAC Sublayer Management Entity , MLME) for each frequency band, while a common station management entity (SME) provides management of the PHY and MAC layers in all three bands.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, one station management entity has access to the MAC and PHY layers of each band through a corresponding MAC Layer Management Entity (MLME) and a PHY Layer Management Entity (PLME). Each station's MAC Service Access Point (SAP) provides upper-layer protocols with an interface to the band-specific MAC and PHY sublayers.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, the shared state information includes one or more block acknowledgment agreements, TS, association states, RSNA, security keys, sequence counter, and PN counter.

[0075] In FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for atomic procedures and frame exchanges included in multi-band authentication between station 910 and access point 920.

[0076] For method 900, the "Multi-lane authentication" flag in the MLME-AUTHENTICATE atomic procedures can be used to distinguish multi-lane authentication atomic procedures from regular single-lane authentication. The station control entity of the non-access point station 910 initiates multi-band authentication by issuing an MLME-AUTHENTICATE.request atomic procedure 930 (with the Multi-Band Authentication flag set) to the MAC sublayer control entity of any of the active bands, which in turn initiates an “Authentication” frame 940 (which may be an authentication frame 510 shown in FIG. 5) to be transmitted on the operating channel in this frequency band. Upon receiving the Authentication frame 940, the access point's MAC sublayer control entity for that band generates an MLME-AUTHENTICATE.indication atomic procedure 950 (with the Multi-Band Authentication flag set, as well as the additional frequency bands in which authentication is requested) specified. When the access point's station management entity receives an MLME-AUTHENTICATE.indication atomic procedure 950 in which the Multiband Authentication flag is set, the access point performs multiband authentication 955 and authenticates the station in the frequency band in which the Authentication frame 940 was received, and in all other bands specified in the multiband elements contained in the authentication frame 940. Upon successful completion of multi-band authentication, the access point station control entity confirms successful multi-band authentication by issuing an MLME-AUTHENTICATE.response atomic procedure 960 (with the status code set to SUCCESS) to the MAC sublayer control entity for the frequency band in which frame 940 was received. "Authentication" which in turn initiates an authentication frame 970 (which may be an authentication frame 520 shown in FIG. 5) to be transmitted on the operating channel in this frequency band. Upon receiving the Authentication frame 970, the non-access point MAC sublayer control entity for that band generates an MLME-AUTHENTICATE.confirm primitive procedure 980 to notify of successful multi-band authentication.

[0077] In FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 for atomic procedures and frame exchanges included in a multiband association between station 1010 and access point 1020.

[0078] For method 1000, a multi-lane association flag in MLME-ASSOCIATE atomic procedures may be used to distinguish multi-lane association atomic procedures from conventional (single-lane) association. The station control entity of the non-access point station 1010 initiates a multiband association by issuing an MLME-ASSOCIATE.request atomic procedure 1030 (with the multiband association flag set, as well as the additional frequency bands specified in which the association is requested) to the MAC sublayer control entity of any of the active frequency bands, which in turn initiates an Association Request frame 1040 (which may be an Association Request frame 530 shown in FIG. 5) to be transmitted on the operating channel in that frequency band. Upon receiving the Association frame 1040, the access point MAC sublayer control entity for that band generates an MLME-ASSOCIATE.indication elementary procedure 1050 (with the Multi-Band Association flag set, as well as the additional frequency bands in which the association is being requested specified). When an access point station management entity receives an MLME-ASSOCIATE.indication elementary procedure 1050 in which the Multiband Association flag is set, the access point performs a multiband association 1055 and associates a station in the frequency band in which the Association frame 1040 was received, and in all other bands specified in the multiband elements contained in the Association frame 1040. Upon successful completion of the multi-band association, the access point station control entity acknowledges the successful multi-band association by issuing an MLME-ASSOCIATION.response atomic procedure 1060 (with the status code set to SUCCESS) to the MAC sublayer control entity for the frequency band in which the 1040 frame was received. Association" frame, which in turn initiates an "Association" frame 1070 (which may be an "Association Response" frame 540 shown in FIG. 5) to be transmitted on the operating channel in that frequency band. Upon receiving the Association frame 1070, the non-access point MAC sublayer control entity for that band generates an MLME-ASSOCIATION.confirm elementary procedure 1080 to notify the successful multi-band association. Although this is not shown in FIG. 9 or 10, multi-lane operation also applies to the MLME-DEAUTHENTICATE/MLME-DISASSOCIATE atomic procedures used to perform the reverse deauthentication/disassociation operation. An access point can deauthenticate/disassociate a multiband station in multiple bands by sending a single deauthentication/disassociation frame in any active band.

[0079] In FIG. 11 shows an element 1100 used to authenticate and/or associate a multiband station with a multiband access point. As an example, element 110 may be a multi-band element 300 and includes the following fields: "Element ID", "Length", "Multi-Band Control", "Band ID", "Performance Class", "Channel Number" (not shown) , BSSID (not shown), Beacon Interval (not shown), TSF Offset (not shown), Multiband Capability, FST Session Timeout, Station MAC Address (optional) , "Number of paired cipher suites" (optional), "List of paired cipher suites" (optional), and "Optional elements". The "Multi-Band Control" field 1110 further includes "Station Role", "Station MAC Address Availability", "Paired Cipher Suite Availability", "Multi-Band Action" and "Reserved".

[0080] Instead of using the Advanced ETH Management Capability element 640 in Authentication/Association frames as shown in FIG. 6, a station or access point may also use the Multi-Band Action bit 1120 in the Multi-Band Control field 1110 of a multi-band element to indicate that the frame containing the multi-band element is part of a multi-band authentication or multi-band association with respect to the band indicated by the field. 1130 "Band ID". Multiband Action bit 1120 indicates multiband authentication when multiband element 1140 is contained in an Authentication frame, and indicates multiband association when multiband element 1140 is contained in an Association Request frame or an Association Response frame, etc.

[0081] The Optional Sub-Element field 1150 contains additional sub-elements that are required for authentication/association in the band specified in the Band ID field of the multi-band element.

[0082] In FIG. 12 shows a table of 1200 2.4 GHz association records for a station. The table includes the station association ID, association status, MAC address, pairwise encryption key, and group encryption key. Sample data is presented for STA2.

[0083] In FIG. 13 shows a table of 1300 5 GHz band association records for two stations, STA1 and STA2. The table includes the station association ID, association status, MAC address, pairwise encryption key, and group encryption key. Example data is shown for STA1 and STA2.

[0084] In FIG. 14 shows a table of 1400 6 GHz band association records for two stations, STA1 and STA2. The table includes the station association ID, association status, MAC address, pairwise encryption key, and group encryption key. Example data is shown for STA1 and STA2.

[0085] In FIG. 15 is a table 1500 showing examples of station association identifier data for two stations (STA1 and STA2) for a 2.4 GHz association identifier, a 5 GHz association identifier, and a 6 GHz association identifier.

[0086] In multiband connection 500 in FIG. 5, it was assumed that multiband station 502 was not associated with any of the bands by multiband access point 504 when it initiated multiband connection 500. However, it is also possible that the station is already associated with an access point in at least one band, e.g. 5 GHz. During or after the association process in the 5 GHz band, it discovers the multiband capabilities of the access point and decides to also associate in other bands to be able to use multiband communications. Or it is also possible that it was initially only in the 5 GHz band, but outside the 6 GHz band coverage, and subsequently, due to mobility, it also ended up in the 6 GHz band coverage area. In such cases, multiband connection 500 may also refer to new authentication/association in other additional bands in addition to the band in which the station is already associated. If such dynamic addition of associations in different bands were allowed, it would mean that the station association state maintained by the access point may have different states in different bands and, accordingly, it may be more efficient for the access point to maintain separate instances of the association for different bands . In the exemplary embodiment and FIG. 12-15, the access point maintains separate association instances, one per band: band-specific state variable, association identifier, security association, etc. As an example, station 502 may be initially associated with access point 504 in the 5 GHz band using a basic (single-band) association procedure. She subsequently decides to initiate a multi-band interconnection 500 to "combine" the 2.4 and 6 GHz bands. After multiband authentication is complete, the association records for station 502 may appear as shown in line 1210 for the 2.4 GHz band and line 1410 for the 6 GHz band (association state 2 indicates that STA 502 is successfully authenticated). To keep track of station parameters in different bands, the access point can also store a table 1500 that lists multiband station identifiers (eg, association ID) in different bands, and use it to cross-reference the corresponding association records in each band for band-specific parameters . Subsequently, upon successful completion of the multi-band association in the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands, the association records for station 502 (lines 1210 and 1410) will be updated to reflect the new association state (4) and assigned association identifiers. Likewise, the assigned association identifiers in the 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands will also be updated in Table 1500.

[0087] In FIG. 16 illustrates a method 1600 for atomic procedures and frame exchanges included in a multiband association between station 1610 and access point 1620. Association is performed in each applicable frequency band, and the access point maintains a separate association instance for each band. An access point may deauthenticate and/or deassociate a multiband station in multiple bands by sending a single deauthentication frame and/or deassociation frame, respectively, in any active band, or deauthentication and/or deassociation can be performed in separate bands independent of other bands.

[0088] For method 1600, a multi-lane association flag in MLME-ASSOCIATE atomic procedures may be used to distinguish multi-lane association atomic procedures from conventional (single-lane) association. The non-access point station control entity 1610 initiates multiband association by issuing an MLME-ASSOCIATE elementary procedure 1630. request (with the multi-band association flag set) to the MAC sublayer control entity of any of the active frequency bands, which in turn initiates an Association Request frame 1640 to be transmitted on the operating channel in that frequency band. Upon receiving the Association Request frame 1640, the access point MAC sublayer control entity for that band generates an MLME-ASSOCIATE.indication elementary procedure 1650. When the access point's station management entity receives an MLME-ASSOCIATE.indication elementary procedure 1650 in which the Multiband Association flag is set, the access point performs a multiband association 1655 by performing or performing an association in the first band, an association in the second band, and an association in the third band. Upon successful completion of the multi-band association, the access point station control entity acknowledges the successful multi-band association by issuing an MLME-ASSOCIATION.response elementary procedure 1660 (with the status code set to SUCCESS) to the MAC sublayer control entity for the frequency band in which frame 1640 was received. Association”, which in turn initiates an “Association Response” frame 1670 to be transmitted on the operating channel in this frequency band. Upon receiving the Association Response frame 1670, the non-access point MAC sublayer control entity for that band generates an MLME-ASSOCIATION.confirm elementary procedure 1680 to notify the successful multi-band association.

[0089] Rather than maintaining separate core service sets in different frequency bands, core service set operations can be simplified by supporting one core service set across all operating frequency bands of an access point. In fig. 17 illustrates a wireless network 1700 in which an access point 1710 establishes one single, unified basic set of services in multiple different frequency bands for multiple stations, shown as STA1 1720A and STA2 1720B. For example, wireless network 1700 operates in three frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

[0090] In one embodiment, regardless of the number of sub-7 GHz frequency bands supported, a very high throughput access point establishes single, unified basic service sets across all bands. For example, in FIG. 17 presents one multi-band basic set of services that operates simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequency bands. A very high throughput access point (eg, access point 1710) transmits signaling frames on some or all of its operating bands. All signaling and/or probe response frames indicate the same basic set of services regardless of the frequency band in which the frames are transmitted. One Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) is used to represent the unified Basic Set of Services in the applicable frequency bands. The access point 1710 may use the MAC address of any of its sub-7 GHz wireless interfaces as a basic service set identifier.

[0091] In FIG. 18 illustrates a signaling frame and/or probe response frame 1800 used to advertise a multi-band core set of services. Frame 1800 includes fields "MAC Header" 1810 and "Frame Body" 1820. The MAC header includes the following fields: "Frame Control", "Duration", "Address 1 (DA)", "Address 2 (SA)" , "Address 3 (BSSID)", "Sequence Control", "Frame Body" and "FCS". Frame Body 1820 includes, among other fields, a Timestamp field and one or more Multiband Elements.

[0092] Regardless of the frequency band used to transmit the signaling frame and/or probe response frames 1800, the Address 3 field 1830 is set to a BSSID that represents the multi-band basic service set. Address 2 1840 contains the address source and can be set as the hardware MAC address of the wireless interface in the frequency band in which the frame is transmitted.

[0093] To facilitate operation across different bands, the access point may choose to support a single clock for synchronization. In this case, the Timestamp field 1850 contains a uniform time synchronization function (TSF) value.

[0094] The access point advertises that it supports multi-band operation in the beacon and/or probe response frame. For example, frame 1800 includes one or more multiband elements 1860, one element for each band (other than the band in which the signaling/probe frame is transmitted) identified by the Band ID field in which the access point also operates. Although this is not shown in FIG. 18, frame 1800 also contains the same Service Set Identifier (SSID) that represents the wireless network regardless of frequency band. This means that the core service set identifier is uniquely mapped to a single service set identifier and further simplifies the management of wireless networks. However, it is possible that, as with current operations, more than one basic service set identifier is mapped to the same service set identifier.

[0095] Regardless of the frequency band used to transmit the signaling/probe response frames, since the signaling/probe response frames advertise the same basic service set identifier and service set identifier to the non-access point station , one basic set of services will be available. However, this may create some problems for legacy (non-multi-band) non-access point stations, as they may not be able to explicitly specify the frequency band in which they want to associate. This problem can be solved by having the non-access point station transmit authentication and association frames in the frequency band in which the connection is desired to be established. Regardless of the Basic Service Set ID/Service Set ID specified in the Association frame, the access point will perform the association for a non-access point station in the frequency band in which the frames were received. In this case, multiband connection is even easier to perform. Regardless of the frequency band used, for example, for authentication and/or association, one instance of association is required between a multiband access point and a multiband station, and band-specific association is not required. Due to different capabilities during authentication and/or association, stations that are not access points can still indicate the bands they support using one or more multi-band elements, as explained herein.

[0096] In FIG. 19 shows a model of a very high throughput multi-band access point and/or station 1900. For example, access point/station 1900 supports three bands: 1910A (Band 1), 1910B (Band 2), 1910C (Band 3). Each band includes one or more of a physical layer (PHY), a MAC sublayer, a PHY layer management entity (PLME), and a MAC sublayer management entity (MLME), while one station management entity (SME) has access to all specific for the band to the PHY and MAC levels.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 19, a multiband device consists of separate sets of PHY and MAC layers, one or more sets for each frequency band. For simplicity, in FIG. 19 shows a three-way device, but exemplary embodiments also include other types of multi-way devices, such as two-way devices, four-way devices, etc.

[0098] Consider an example of a four-band device that includes four different sets of PHY and MAC layers, one set for the 2.4 GHz band, one set for the 5 GHz band, one set for the lower part of the 6 GHz band (e.g., 6 GHz ~ 6.49 GHz) and one set for the upper part of the 6 GHz band (e.g. 6.5 GHz ~ 6.99 GHz). However, they represent only one station management entity that has access to the MAC and PHY layers of each band through the corresponding MAC Layer Management Entity (MLME) and PHY Layer Management Entity (PLME). To simplify management of the various band-specific PHY and MAC layers, a multi-band adaptation sublayer 1920 is applied on top of the band-specific MAC layers and provides a unified access point 1930 to MAC services at higher layers. The multiband adaptation sublayer 1920 interacts with the band-specific MAC and PHY sublayers through the MAC Service Access Points (SAPs) of each band-specific MAC layer.

[0099] One advantage of this model is that the very high throughput MAC layer originates as a single MAC entity for the upper layers and the upper layers communicate with one layer (multi-band adaptation sublayer 1920), which in turn provides control of specific for the band by MAC/PHY levels.

[00100] In one embodiment, multiband operation is initially enabled and its availability is negotiated during the multiband connection. A multiband station is considered WM enabled (i.e., the station can begin establishing communications via the wireless medium (WM)) in all applicable frequency bands after successful association and can continue multiband communications in any associated band/all associated bands without any further negotiations between the access point and the station. For example, Fast Session Transfer (FST) is not required for multiband communication between devices that have completed a multiband connection.

[00101] For devices with an optional 60 GHz interface, said 60 GHz interface can be controlled using basic functions such as using Fast Session Transfer (FST), Channel Tunneling (OCT), etc. Such devices can be said to include two stations: a sub-7 GHz station (capable of multiband communications in sub-7 GHz frequency bands) and a 60 GHz station.

[00102] In FIG. 20 shows a model of a multiband communication device 2000. The device includes upper layers 2010, a Logical Link Control (LLC) sublayer 2020, a unified upper MAC layer (UMAC) 2030, and a multiband adaptation sublayer 2040. Sublayer 2040 establishes a connection and/or exchanges data with the 2.4 GHz Lower MAC Layer (LMAC) (with its own MAC Hardware Identifier, HMAC-ID 1), 2.4 GHz PHY, 5 GHz LMAC (with its own MAC-ID 1). hardware ID, HMAC-ID 2), 5 GHz PHY, 6 GHz LMAC (with its own MAC hardware ID, HMAC-ID 3) and 6 GHz PHY. The logical link control sublayer 2020 establishes a connection and/or communicates with the upper MAC layer (UMAC) 2050, the 60 GHz LMAC (with its own MAC equipment identifier, HMAC-ID4) and the 60 GHz PHY. The UMAC 2030 communicates with the MAC upper layer 2050 via multiband control 2060.

[00103] As shown in FIG. 20, the upper layers 2010 as well as the logical channel control sublayers 2020 may be shared by all lanes. The lower left corner shows levels specific to bands below 7 GHz, and the right shows levels specific to the 60 GHz band. MAC layers can be further divided into an upper MAC layer (UMAC) and a lower MAC layer (LMAC). Lower MAC layers provide MAC functions that may depend on the actual frequency band used for communication, such as A-MDPU aggregation/de-aggregation, CRC generation, Address 1 filtering, MPDU encryption/decryption, duplication detection, ACK transmissions, acknowledgment evaluation block, MCS adaptation, etc. The upper MAC layer provides band-independent MAC functions such as A-MDPU aggregation/deaggregation, sequence number assignment, retransmissions, etc.

[00104] Because 60 GHz MAC functions may be very different from sub-7 GHz MAC functions, separate upper MAC layers are supported. However, one MAC upper layer 2030 provides an interface between the upper layers and the band-specific MAC lower layers. Traditionally, each wireless interface is assigned a hardware MAC address (HMAC-ID). Thus, each band-specific MAC lower layer can have its own MAC address, which it uses as its transmitter/receiver address. A very high throughput device can select any of its hardware MAC IDs as its Uniform MAC Address (LI-MAC-ID) and the U-MAC-ID can be used to identify the very high throughput device. A very high throughput access point may select the unified MAC address U-MAC-ID as the basic service set identifier for a very high throughput multi-band basic service set (UNBSS).

[00105] The MAC layer below 7 GHz occurs as a single MAC entity for the upper layers. The actual bandwidth used for communication is transparent to the upper layers. The multi-band adaptation sublayer 2040 provides selection of the actual band to be used for outgoing packets. The multi-band adaptation sublayer 2040 also provides MAC address switching (between the Unified MAC Address U-MAC-ID and the MAC Equipment Identifier, and vice versa) during transmission/reception, if necessary.

[00106] A very high throughput access point may also record the associated station's unified MAC address U-MAC-ID as part of its association record. Thus, the upper MAC layer does not require information about the actual MAC equipment ID used by the destination device in a particular frequency band, but can directly use the unified MAC address U-MAC-ID of the destination device as the Destination Address , DA) any outgoing MPDUs. The multiband adaptation sublayer 1720 ensures that the destination address of the outgoing MPDUs is replaced with the correct MAC equipment identifier. For the 60 GHz band, 2060 basic multiband control and related protocols such as Fast Session Transfer (FST) can be used to transfer sessions between the sub-7 GHz bands and the 60 GHz band.

[00107] When there are associated single-band non-access point stations operating in different bands (e.g., STA1 in the 5 GHz band and STA2 in the 6 GHz band), traditionally communication between STA1 and STA2 must occur through the access point before it is forwarded to a router in the Distribution System (DS), which will route it back to the station through the same access point. To avoid this, a multiband access point may also choose to implement a simple L3 routing function internally that records the L3 addresses (eg, IP) of all associated devices in different bands. If the access point finds an L3 destination address in its own routing table, instead of forwarding the packet to the distribution system, the access point can simply forward the packet in the band with which the device is associated.

[00108] In FIG. 21 is a simplified block diagram of a multiband communications device 2100 that operates in a number of different frequency bands (shown as n bands, where n is an integer greater than one). Antenna 2110 connects and/or communicates with hardware/software in band 1, which includes RF/analog input block 2112, PHY processing block 2114, and MAC low-layer processing block 2116. Antenna 2120 connects and/or communicates with hardware/software in band 2, which includes RF/a tax input block 2122, PHY processing block 2124, and MAC low-layer processing block 2126. Antenna 2130 connects and/or communicates with n-band hardware/software, which includes RF/analog front end block 2132, PHY processing block 2134, and MAC low-layer processing block 2136. Although in FIG. 21 shows one antenna per frequency band, it is also possible that multiple antennas may be used in each frequency band, such as those used for space diversity, multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO), etc. The MAC lower layer processing units 2116/2126/2136 connect and/or communicate with each other, as well as with the multiband adaptation unit 2140 and the MAC upper layer processing unit 2150, which contains association records 2152. Association entries 2152 are contained in access point devices, but not in non-access point devices.

[00109] In FIG. 22 is a detailed block diagram of a multiband communications device 2200 that operates in a number of different frequency bands (shown as n bands, where n is an integer greater than one). Wireless interface 2250 for band 1 connects and/or communicates with transmitter/receiver 2252 and includes MAC layers 2254 and PHY 2256. Wireless interface 2260 for band 2 connects and/or communicates with transmitter/receiver 2262 and includes MAC layers 2264 and PHY 2266. Band n wireless interface 2270 connects and/or communicates with transmitter/receiver 2272 and includes MAC layers 2274 and PHY 2276. Band n wireless interfaces 2250/2260/2270 connect and/or communicate with each other and with the CPU (CPU) 2230, storage device 2220, secondary storage 2240, wired communication interface 2080. The circuit is powered by a power supply 2210, which can be a battery for non-access point devices, while access point devices can be powered by mains power in most cases. Although the 2200 block diagram applies to both access point and non-access point devices, each of the components used in an access point device can be much more complex and powerful than the components used in non-access point devices . If block diagram 2200 is applicable to an access point device, CPU 2230 generates frames that include activities related to a first frequency band (e.g., band 1) and at least one other frequency band (e.g., band 2) in which the access point device is transmitting. If block diagram 2200 is applicable to a non-access point device, CPU 2230 generates frames in response to receiving frames from the access point device.

[00110] In FIG. The 22 MAC lower layer functions can be implemented in wireless interfaces (hardware/firmware), while the multi-band adaptation layer as well as the MAC upper layer functions can be implemented as software in the CPU.

[00111] The present invention may be implemented using software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each embodiment presented above may be partially or completely implemented by a large integrated circuit (LSI) such as an integrated circuit, and each process described in each embodiment may be partially or completely controlled by one and the same LSI or LSI-LSI combination may be separately manufactured in the form of chips, or a single chip may be manufactured to include part of the functional blocks or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may include data input and output coupled thereto. LSI herein may be referred to as integrated circuit, system LSI, super-LSI, or super-LSI depending on the degree of integration. However, the implementation method of an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI and can be implemented using an application-specific circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a application-specific processor. In addition, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be used, which can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor, in which the connections and settings of circuit cells located within the LSI can be reconfigured. The present invention may be implemented using digital processing or analog processing. If future integrated circuit technology replaces LSI as a result of developments in semiconductor technology or other derivative technology, the functional blocks may be combined using the future integrated circuit technology. Biotechnology can also be used.

[00112] Other embodiments include, without limitation, the following examples.

[00113] A multi-band communication apparatus includes a transmitter and a receiver. A transmitter transmits frames in a frequency band in a wireless network to multiband communication devices that include activities related to the specified frequency band and at least one other frequency band in which the multiband communication device is transmitting. The receiver receives, in a specified frequency band in a wireless network, from multi-band communication devices, frames that include actions related to the specified frequency band and to the specified at least one other frequency band in which the multi-band communication device receives.

[00114] For a multi-band communication device, actions in frames in a frequency band include authentication of multi-band communication devices in the specified frequency band and in the specified at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communication device.

[00115] For a multi-band communication device, actions in frames in a frequency band include associating or re-associating multi-band communication devices in a specified frequency band and in said at least one other frequency band of a multi-band communication device.

[00116] For a multi-band communication device, actions in frames in a frequency band include deauthentication of multi-band communication devices in the specified frequency band and in the specified at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communication device.

[00117] For a multi-band communication device, actions in frames in a frequency band include deassociating multi-band communication devices in a specified frequency band and in the specified at least one other frequency band of a multi-band communication device.

[00118] With respect to a multi-band communication device, the multi-band communication device is a multi-band access point (AP) and stores a single association record for the multi-band communication device that is applicable to the specified frequency band and to other frequency bands.

[00119] For a multi-band communications device, a single association record for the multi-band communications device includes an association state variable, an Association ID (AID), and security keys.

[00120] A multiband access point (AP) includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits frames to non-station access points (STAs) on a single wireless network that simultaneously operates in multiple frequency bands. The receiver receives frames from non-station access points (STAs) on a single wireless network that simultaneously operates in multiple frequency bands.

[00121] For a multi-band access point, a single wireless network is identified by a single Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) across multiple frequency bands.

[00122] For a multi-band access point, the basic service set identifier is the MAC address of a wireless interface in any of a plurality of frequency bands.

[00123] With respect to a multi-band access point, the multi-band access point has an association with a non-station access point in one or more of a plurality of frequency bands after successfully associating the non-station access point in a particular one of a plurality of frequency bands.

[00124] For a multiband access point, the same Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) is advertised in all signaling and probe response frames transmitted by the multiband access point in multiple frequency bands.

[00125] A communication method includes receiving by an access point (AP) in a wireless network from non-access point stations (STAs) request frames in one frequency band that request authentication and association of non-access point stations in a plurality of different frequency bands , in which the access point operates on a wireless network; and transmitting from the access point to non-access point stations response frames in a single frequency band that authenticate and associate non-access point stations in the plurality of different frequency bands in which the access point operates on the wireless network.

[00126] The communication method also includes transmitting from an access point in a wireless network to non-access point stations in one frequency band signaling frames and probe response frames that advertise that the access point is operating in a variety of different frequency bands, which include includes at least two of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

[00127] The communication method also includes transmitting from an access point in a wireless network to non-access point stations in one frequency band probe response frames that advertise that neighboring access points are operating in a plurality of different frequency bands.

[00128] A multi-band communication apparatus for communicating with multi-band communication devices includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor generates frames that include actions related to the first frequency band and at least one other frequency band in which the multiband communication apparatus transmits. The transceiver transmits frames in the first frequency band.

[00129] Although exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the present embodiments, it should be understood that a wide variety of variations exist. In addition, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are examples only and are in no way intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation, or configuration of the present disclosure. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, it being understood that various modifications may be made to the functions and arrangement of steps, as well as the method of operation, described in the exemplary embodiment. changes without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

[00130] The present invention may be implemented using software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of each embodiment presented above may be partially or completely implemented by a large integrated circuit (LSI) such as an integrated circuit (IC), and each process described in each embodiment may be partially or fully implemented. be controlled entirely by the same LSI or combination of LSIs. The LSI may be individually manufactured as chips, or a single chip may be manufactured to include some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may include data input and output coupled thereto. LSI in the present case may be referred to as integrated circuit, system LSI, super-LSI or super-LSI depending on the degree of integration. However, the implementation method of an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI and can be implemented using an application-specific circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a application-specific processor. In addition, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be used, which can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor, in which the connections and settings of circuit cells located within the LSI can be reconfigured. The present invention may be implemented using digital processing or analog processing. If future integrated circuit technology replaces LSI as a result of developments in semiconductor technology or other derivative technology, the functional blocks may be combined using the future integrated circuit technology. Biotechnology can also be used.

[00131] Moreover, the present invention can be implemented by any type of apparatus, device or system having a communication function, which is referred to as a communication apparatus. Some non-limiting examples of such communication equipment include telephone (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone), tablet, personal computer (PC) (e.g., laptop, desktop, netbook), camera (e.g., digital camera/video camera), digital player (digital audio/video player), wearable device (e.g. wearable camera, smart watch, tracking device), game console, digital book reader, remote diagnostic and treatment device/telemedicine (remote health diagnostics and medical services) and a vehicle having communications functionality (eg, automobile, aircraft, ship), as well as various combinations thereof.

[00132] A communications apparatus is not limited to wearable or portable devices and may also include any type of apparatus, device, or system that is not portable or stationary, such as a smart home device (e.g., appliance, lighting device, smart meter device, control panel), vending machine and any other “physical objects” on the Internet of Physical Objects (IoT) network.

[00133] Communications may include the exchange of data through, for example, a cellular system, a wireless LAN system, a satellite system, etc., as well as various combinations thereof.

[00134] The communication apparatus may include a device, such as a controller or sensor, that is coupled to a communication device performing the communication function described in the present disclosure. For example, the communication device may include a controller or sensor that generates control signals or data signals used by the communication device performing the communication function of the communication device.

[00135] A communications apparatus may also include an infrastructure entity such as a base station, an access point, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls apparatuses, such as those mentioned in the above non-limiting examples.

Claims (25)

1. Multiband communication device containing: a transmitter that, during operation, transmits in a wireless network to a multiband access point (AP) device containing communication devices, an “Association Request” frame on one frequency band, and the “Association Request” frame indicates multiple frequency bands requested for multiband settings, and the plurality of frequency bands includes said one frequency band and at least one other frequency band that the multi-band communication apparatus wishes to use for transmission; And a receiver that, during operation, receives in a wireless network from a multi-band access point device an “Association Response” frame on a specified single frequency band, wherein the “Association Response” frame indicates the frequency band(s) that have been successfully received or which have been successfully received by the multi-band device access points, wherein the multi-band access point apparatus stores a single association record that is applicable to said one frequency band and to said at least one other frequency band. 2. The multi-band communication device according to claim 1, in which the transmitter, before transmitting the “Association Request” frame, transmits an “Authentication” frame to authenticate the multi-band access point device in the specified one frequency band and in the specified at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communication device. 3. The multi-band communications device of claim 1, wherein the "Association Request" frame includes a request to associate or re-associate a multi-band communications device in said one frequency band and in said at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communications device. 4. The multi-band communication device according to claim 1, in which the transmitter, in operation, transmits a “Deauthentication Request” frame to deauthenticate the multi-band access point device from said one frequency band and from said at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communication device. 5. The multi-band communication device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter in operation transmits a “Deassociation Request” frame to deassociate the multi-band access point device from said one frequency band and from said at least one other frequency band of the multi-band communication device. 6. The multiband communications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the single association record for the multiband access point apparatus includes an association state variable, an Association ID (AID), and security keys. 7. Multiband access point device (AP), containing: a receiver that in operation receives an Association Request frame from a non-Access Point (non-AP) multiband device on a single frequency band, the Association Request frame indicating a plurality of frequency bands requested for the multiband settings, and the plurality of frequency bands includes said one frequency band and at least one other frequency band that the multi-band non-access point apparatus wishes to use for transmission; And a transmitter that, in operation, transmits to a multi-band device that is not an access point an “Association Response” frame on a specified single frequency band, wherein the “Association Response” frame indicates the frequency band(s) that have been successfully received or that have been successfully received by the device multiband access point, wherein the multi-band access point apparatus stores a single association record that is applicable to said one frequency band and to said at least one other frequency band. 8. The multi-band access point apparatus of claim 7, wherein said single association record includes a single Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) across the plurality of frequency bands. 9. The multiband access point device according to claim 8, wherein the basic service set identifier is the MAC address of the multiband non-access point device. 10. The multiband access point apparatus of claim 7, which communicates with a non-access point station of the multiband non-access point apparatus in one or multiple frequency bands after successfully associating with the multiband non-access point apparatus in one of many frequency bands. 11. The multi-band access point apparatus of claim 7, wherein the same basic service set identifier (BSSID) is declared in all signaling frames and probe response frames transmitted by the multi-band access point apparatus in multiple frequency bands. 12. Communication method, including: reception by a multiband access point (AP) device of an “Association Request” frame from a multiband non-Access Point (non-AP) device on a single frequency band, wherein the “Association Request” frame indicates multiple frequency bands requested for multi-band tuning, and the plurality of frequency bands includes said one frequency band and at least one other frequency band that the non-access point multi-band apparatus desires to use for transmission; And transmission by a multiband access point apparatus to a multiband non-access point apparatus of an “Association Response” frame on a specified single frequency band, wherein the “Association Response” frame indicates the frequency band(s) that have been successfully received or which have been successfully received by the multiband access point apparatus access, wherein the multi-band access point apparatus stores a single association record that is applicable to said one frequency band and to said at least one other frequency band. 13. The communication method according to claim 12, also including: the transmission by a multiband access point apparatus to non-access point stations on a specified single frequency band of signaling frames and probe response frames that announce that the multiband access point apparatus operates in a plurality of frequency bands that include at least two of frequencies 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. 14. The communication method according to claim 12, also including: transmitting by the multiband access point apparatus to non-access point stations on said single frequency band probe response frames that announce that neighboring multiband access point apparatuses are operating in multiple frequency bands.