WO2020226931A1

WO2020226931A1 - Data frame generation and combination in multi-band communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2020226931A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/030120
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tianan MA; Yongjiang Yi; Chusong Xiao
Original assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2019-05-03
Filing date: 2020-04-27
Publication date: 2020-11-12
Also published as: WO2020226680A1; WO2020163849A1; WO2020226679A1

Abstract

A data transmitting and receiving circuit and method are provided. The circuit includes a first transmit and receive circuit having a first operating frequency range interfacing with a first physical data layer via a first physical layer circuit and a second transmit and receive circuit having a second, different operating frequency range, and interfacing with a second physical data layer via a second physical layer circuit. A data stream having frames in an ordered sequence is configured to be transmitted as a first portion of the data stream having a first number of frames via the first transmit and receive circuit, and a second portion of the data stream having a second number of frames to the second transmit and receive circuit, at least part of the first and second portions being transmitted at the same time. The data stream is reconfigured to the ordered sequence on a receiving device.

Description

DATA FRAME GENERATION AND COMBINATION IN MULTI-BAND

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 62/843, 158 filed on May 3, 2019 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to electronic communication and to systems and methods used for electronic communication.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Electronic communication, including wireless electronic communication is widely used for a broad range of purposes. Electronic circuits, including electronic circuits formed as integrated circuits (ICs) on semiconductor substrates, may be used in electronic communication systems. For example, mobile phones, laptops, tablets and other user devices may use wireless electronic communication to access a wireless network. In a wireless communication network, user devices (user equipment) may wirelessly connect to an access point or base station, which is connected to a network (e.g. the Internet) and provides network access to user devices.

[0004] Each of these types of user equipment benefits from higher bandwidth and higher throughput in electronic communication. In wireless communications, the available communication spectrum is limited. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a data transmitting and receiving circuit is provided. One The circuit includes a first transmit and receive circuit operable to communicate over a first data channel in a first operating frequency range and a second transmit and receive circuit operable to communicate over a second data channel in a second, different operating frequency range. The circuit also includes a host interface configured to receive a single internet packet (IP) data stream having frames in an ordered sequence from an application. The circuit also includes a sequence reordering circuit configured to designate a first portion of the single IP data stream having a first number of frames to the first transmit and receive circuit and a second, different portion of the single IP data stream having a second number of frames to the second transmit and receive circuit, each portion so designated to each transmit and receive circuit in order to maximize transmission throughput in a simultaneous transmission over the first data channel and the second data channel. The circuit also includes a queue configured to store the frames of the single IP data stream prior to transmission. The circuit also includes the first transmit and receive circuit being configured to retrieve the first portion from the queue via a common interface and transmit the first portion, and the second transmit and receive circuit is configured to retrieve the second portion from the queue via the common interface and transmit the second portion at the same time as the first portion. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

[0006] Implementations may include a circuit where each of the frames includes a unique sequence identifier denoting each frame order in the ordered sequence. The circuit may include a circuit having any of the foregoing features wherein the sequence reordering circuit is configured to calculate an amount of data to be transmitted via each transmit and receive circuit and divides the data stream into the first and second portions based on the calculating. The circuit may include a circuit having any of the foregoing features wherein the sequence reordering circuit is configured to calculate the amount of data based on any of transmit and receive circuit availability, transmit and receive circuit bandwidth, and data priority. The circuit may include a circuit having any of the foregoing features wherein each of the first portion and the second portion includes an ordered subset of the ordered sequence of the data stream. The circuit may include a circuit having any of the foregoing features further including a receiver, the receiver coupled to the first and second transmit and receive circuits, the receiver adapted to receive separate portions of a received single IP data stream having a different ordered sequence of frames from a transmitting device, the separate portions each including an ordered subset of the different ordered sequence of frames of the received single IP data stream, the separate portion received by the first and second transmit and receive circuits simultaneously. The circuit may include a circuit having any of the foregoing features wherein the sequence reordering circuit is configured reorder the separate portions of the received data stream into the different ordered sequence. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0007] Another aspect includes a method including: accessing a plurality of frames of a single IP data stream via a host interface, the frames having an ordered sequence in the data stream; enqueuing the frames in the ordered sequence; designating a first portion of the plurality of frames with a first portion of the ordered sequence for transmission via a first transmit and receive circuit having a first operating frequency range; designating a second portion of the plurality of frames with a second portion of the ordered sequence for transmission via a second transmit and receive circuit having a second, different operating frequency range, each portion designated to each transmit and receive circuit to maximize transmission throughput in a simultaneous transmission by the first transmit and receive circuit and the second transmit and receive circuit; retrieving the first portion of the plurality of frames by the first transmit and receive circuit and retrieving the second portion of the plurality of frames by the second transmit and receive circuit at the same time.; and transmitting at least some of the first portion of the plurality of frames by the first transmit and receive circuit and at least some of the second portion of the plurality of frames by second transmit and receive circuit at the same time such that the plurality frames in the data stream are transmitted out of order of the ordered sequence. The method of this aspect may be implemented by corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

[0008] Implementations may include a method where each of the frames includes a unique sequence identifier. The method may include a method performing any of the aforementioned steps and further including reordering the separate portions of the received data stream into the different ordered sequence and providing the received data stream to the host interface. The method may include a method performing any of the aforementioned steps and further including calculating an amount of data to be transmitted via each transmit and receive circuit and dividing the data stream into the first and second portions based on the calculating. The method may include a method performing any of the aforementioned steps where calculating the amount of data is based on any of transmit and receive circuit availability, transmit and receive circuit bandwidth, and data priority. The method may include a method performing any of the aforementioned steps where each of the first portion and the second portion includes an ordered subset of the ordered sequence of the data stream. The method may including a method performing any of the aforementioned steps and further including receiving separate portions of a received data stream having frames in a different ordered sequence from a transmitting device via the first and second transmit and receive circuits, the separate portions received by the first and second transmit and receive circuits simultaneously.

[0009] Yet another general aspect includes a user device. The user device includes: a first transmit and receive circuit operable to communicate over a first data channel in a first operating frequency range; and a second transmit and receive circuit operable to communicate over a first data channel in a second, different operating frequency range. The user device also includes a host interface configured to receive a single internet packet (IP) data stream having frames in an ordered sequence from an application; and a processor including code adapted to instruct the processor to: enqueue the frames in the ordered sequence; designate a first portion of a single IP data stream to the first transmit and receive circuit, the data stream having a plurality of frames in an ordered sequence; designate a second portion of the single IP data stream to the second transmit and receive circuit, each portion designated to the first or second transmit and receive circuit in order to maximize transmission throughput in a simultaneous transmission by the first data channel and the second data channel; retrieve the first portion from the queue via a common interface; and transmit the first portion via the first transmit and receive circuit transmit, and retrieve the second portion from the queue via the common interface and transmit the second portion first transmit and receive circuit transmit, at least some of the first portion and the second portion being transmitted at the same time..

[0010] The user device may include a device including any of the foregoing features where each of the frames includes a unique sequence identifier and the code is adapted to instruct the processor to designate a an output data stream having frames in a different ordered sequence from one application. The user device may include a device including any of the foregoing features where the code is adapted to instruct the processor to calculate an amount of data to be transmitted via each transmit and receive circuit based on any of transmit and receive circuit availability, transmit and receive circuit bandwidth, and data priority, and divide the data stream into the first and second portions based on the calculating, configured to calculate the amount of data. The user device may include a device including any of the foregoing features where the code is adapted to instruct the processor to reorder the separate portions of the received data stream into the different ordered sequence. The user device may include a device including any of the foregoing features where where the code is adapted to instruct the processor to receive separate portions of a received single IP data stream having a different ordered sequence of frames from a transmitting device, the separate portions each including an ordered subset of the different ordered sequence of frames of the received single IP data stream, the separate portion received by the first and second transmit and receive circuits simultaneously.

[0011] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Background. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited by the accompanying figures (FIGS.) for which like references indicate elements.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless network for communicating data.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary details of an instance of user equipment (UE) introduced in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary details of an instance of an Access Point (AP) introduced in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary details of an implementation of UE of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary details of an implementation of AP of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of multi-band communication.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates examples of a UE and AP configured for multi-band communication.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a multi-band MAC architecture suitable for implementing the present data frame reordering technology.

[0021] FIGs 9A-9B illustrate the flexible reordering scheme which may be utilized with the multi-band communications system.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by the multi-band single MAC to transmit data.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by the multi-band single MAC to receive data.

[0024] FIG.12 illustrates data structures used in the method of FIGs 10 and 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the figures, which in general relate to systems and methods of transmitting and receiving data that may be used in various communication systems, e.g. in wireless communication networks such as Wi-Fi networks, cellular telephone networks, or other wireless communication networks.

[0026] The present disclosure includes a high throughput data frame transmission and reception method and apparatus using flexible reordering of the data frames. Multiple frequency bands are used to transmit data in parallel. Data frames of an application data stream (a set of data from or to one application on a transmitting or receiving device) is split and sent to each transmitter of a multi-band transmitting device at the same time. In one embodiment, the data stream is an internet packet data stream which is organized into transmission frames. The frames are arranged in an ordered sequence in the data stream. The data stream is split into one or more parts and fetched from a traffic queue in parallel by different transmitters for transmission on different frequencies. The ordered sequence of the data stream is restored at the receiving device using receive re-ordering buffers.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless network for communicating data. The communication system 100 includes, for example, user equipment 1 10A-1 10C, radio access networks (RANs) 120A-120B, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Additional or alternative networks include private and public data-packet networks including corporate intranets. While certain numbers of these components or elements are shown in the figure, any number of these components or elements may be included in the system 100.

[0028] In one embodiment, the RANs 120A-120B may include access points (APs) 170 configured to form one or more Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). For example, APs 170A-170B (APs 170) may use technology such as defined by IEEE 802.1 1 n or 802.1 1 ax to provide wireless network access to one or more devices (e.g. User Equipment 1 10A) in a home, workplace, airport, or other location. APs 170 may employ orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) to communicate with User Equipment 1 10A-1 10C.

[0029] In one embodiment, the RANs 120A-120B may include millimeter and/or microwave (mmw) access points such as APs 170. The APs may include, but are not limited to, a connection point (an mmW CP) capable of mmW communication (e.g., a mmW base station). The mmW APs may transmit and receive signals in a frequency range, for example, from 24 GHz to 100 GHz, but are not required to operate throughout this range.

[0030] In one embodiment, the wireless network may be a fifth generation (5G) network including at least one 5G base station which employs orthogonal frequency- division multiplexing (OFDM) and/or non-OFDM and a transmission time interval (TTI) shorter than 1 ms (e.g. 100 or 200 microseconds), to communicate with the communication devices. In general, a base station may also be used to refer any of the eNB and the 5G BS (gNB). In addition, the network may further include a network server for processing information received from the communication devices via the at least one eNB or gNB. The term “access point” or“AP” is generally used in this application to refer to an apparatus that provides wireless communication to user equipment through a suitable wireless network, which may include a cellular network, and it will be understood that an AP may be implemented by a base station of a cellular network.

[0031] System 100 enables multiple wireless users to transmit and receive data and other content. The system 100 may implement one or more channel access methods, such as but not limited to code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA).

[0032] The user equipment (UE) 1 10A-1 10C are configured to operate and/or communicate in the system 100. For example, the user equipment 1 10A-1 10C are configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals or wired signals. Each user equipment 1 10A-1 10C represents any suitable end user device and may include such devices (or may be referred to) as a user equipment/device, wireless transmit/receive unit (UE), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, pager, cellular telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop, computer, touchpad, tablet, wireless sensor, wearable devices or consumer electronics device.

[0033] In the depicted embodiment, the RANs 120A-120B include one or more base stations or access points 170A, 170B (collectively, base stations or access points 170). Each of the access points 170 is configured to wirelessly interface with one or more of the UEs 1 10A, 1 10B, 1 10C to enable access to the core network 130, the PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and/or the other networks 160. For example, the Access Points (APs) 170 may include one or more of several well-known devices, such as a wireless router, or a server, router, switch, or other processing entity with a wired or wireless network, a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next (fifth) generation (5G) NodeB (gNB), a Home NodeB, a Home eNodeB, or a site controller.

[0034] In one embodiment, the AP 170A forms part of the RAN 120A, which may include other APs, elements, and/or devices. Similarly, the AP 170B forms part of the RAN 120B, which may include other APs, elements, and/or devices. Each of the APs 170 operates to transmit and/or receive wireless signals within a particular geographic region or area (sometimes referred to as a“cell” in a cellular network). In some embodiments, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology may be employed having multiple transceivers for each area.

[0035] The APs 170 communicate with one or more of the user equipment 1 10A- 1 10C over one or more air interfaces (not shown) using wireless communication links. The air interfaces may utilize any suitable radio access technology.

[0036] It is contemplated that the system 100 may use multiple channel access functionality, including for example schemes in which the APs 170 and user equipment 1 10A-1 10C are configured to implement an IEEE 802.1 1 standard (e.g. the IEEE 802.1 1 ax standard), the Long Term Evolution wireless communication standard (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), and/or LTE Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS). In other embodiments, the APs 170 and user equipment 1 10A-1 10C are configured to implement UMTS, HSPA, or HSPA+ standards and protocols. Of course, other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols may be utilized.

[0037] The RANs 120A-120B are in communication with the core network 130 to provide the user equipment 1 10A-1 10C with voice, data, application, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or other services. As appreciated, the RANs 120A-120B and/or the core network 130 may be in direct or indirect communication with one or more other RANs (not shown). The core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access for other networks (such as PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160). In addition, some or all of the user equipment 1 10A-1 10C may include functionality for communicating with different wireless networks over different wireless links using different wireless technologies and/or protocols.

[0038] Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a communication system, various changes may be made to FIG. 1 . For example, the communication system 100 could include any number of user equipment, access points, networks, or other components in any suitable configuration. It is also appreciated that the term user equipment may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a radio network node in a cellular or mobile communication system. Non-limiting examples of user equipment are a target device, device-to-device (D2D) user equipment, machine type user equipment or user equipment capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, laptops, PDA, iPad, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phones, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME) and USB dongles.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an example details of an UE 1 10 that may implement the methods and teachings according to this disclosure. The UE 1 10 may for example be a mobile telephone but may be other devices in further examples such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, hand-held computing device, automobile computing device and/or other computing devices. As shown in the figure, the exemplary UE 1 10 is shown as including at least one transmitter 202, at least one receiver 204, memory 206, at least one processor 208, and at least one input/output device 212. The processor 208 can implement various processing operations of the UE 1 10. For example, the processor 208 can perform signal coding, data processing, power control, input/output processing, or any other functionality enabling the UE 1 10 to operate in the system 100 (FIG. 1 ). The processor 208 may include any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. For example, the processor 208 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field programmable gate array, or application specific integrated circuit.

[0040] The transmitter 202 can be configured to modulate data or other content for transmission by at least one antenna 210. The transmitter 202 can also be configured to amplify, filter and to frequency convert RF signals before such signals are provided to the antenna 210 for transmission. The transmitter 202 can include any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless transmission.

[0041] The receiver 204 can be configured to demodulate data or other content received by the at least one antenna 210. The receiver 204 can also be configured to amplify, filter and frequency convert RF signals received via the antenna 210. The receiver 204 can include any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly. The antenna 210 can include any suitable structure for transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals. The same antenna, antenna 210, can be used for both transmitting and receiving RF signals, or alternatively, different antennas can be used for transmitting signals and receiving signals.

[0042] It is appreciated that one or multiple transmitters 202 could be used in the UE 1 10, one or multiple receivers 204 could be used in the UE 1 10, and one or multiple antennas 210 could be used in the UE 1 10. Although shown as separate blocks or components, at least one transmitter 202 and at least one receiver 204 could be combined into a transceiver. Accordingly, rather than showing a separate block for the transmitter 202 and a separate block for the receiver 204 in FIG. 2, a single block for a transceiver could have been shown.

[0043] The UE 1 10 further includes one or more input/output devices 212. The input/output devices 212 facilitate interaction with a user. Each input/output device 212 includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touch screen. [0044] In addition, the UE 1 10 includes at least one memory 206. The memory 206 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the UE 1 10. For example, the memory 206 could store software or firmware instructions executed by the processor(s) 208 and data used to reduce or eliminate interference in incoming signals. Each memory 206 includes any suitable volatile and/or non-volatile storage and retrieval device(s). Any suitable type of memory may be used, such as random- access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disc, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, and the like. It should be understood that UE 1 10 includes logic, whether in the form of software or circuitry that causes the UE 1 10 to operate according to the principles disclosed and claimed herein.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an example AP 170 that may implement the methods and teachings according to this disclosure. As shown in the figure, the AP 170 includes at least one processor 308, at least one transmitter 302, at least one receiver 304, one or more antennas 310, and at least one memory 306. The processor 308 implements various processing operations of the AP 170, such as signal coding, data processing, power control, input/output processing, or any other functionality. Each processor 308 includes any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. Each processor 308 could, for example, include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field programmable gate array, or application specific integrated circuit.

[0046] Each transmitter 302 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless transmission to one or more UEs 1 10 or other devices. Each receiver 304 includes any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly from one or more UEs 1 10 or other devices. Although shown as separate blocks or components, at least one transmitter 302 and at least one receiver 304 may be combined into a transceiver. Each antenna 310 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals. While a common antenna 310 is shown here as being coupled to both the transmitter 302 and the receiver 304, one or more antennas 310 could be coupled to the transmitter(s) 302, and one or more separate antennas 310 could be coupled to the receiver(s) 304. Each memory 306 includes any suitable volatile and/or non-volatile storage and retrieval device(s). [0047] The technology described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software. The software used is stored on one or more of the processor readable storage devices described above to program one or more of the processors to perform the functions described herein. The processor readable storage devices can include computer readable media such as volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer readable storage media and communication media. Computer readable storage media may be implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer readable storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computer. A computer readable medium or media does (do) not include propagated, modulated or transitory signals.

[0048] Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a propagated, modulated or transitory data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as RF and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.

[0049] In alternative embodiments, some or all of the software can be replaced by dedicated hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application- specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), special purpose computers, etc. In one embodiment, software (stored on a storage device) implementing one or more embodiments is used to program one or more processors. The one or more processors can be in communication with one or more computer readable media/ storage devices, peripherals and/or communication interfaces.

[0050] The need for higher bandwidth and higher throughput is generally growing in the wireless communication industry. The available spectrum resources are limited and very expensive. Instead of allocating more spectrum and spending more on additional bands of spectrum, one current trend is to aggregate available spectrum bands together to form a multi-band operation to increase operation bandwidth so that aggregated throughput could be high enough to meet the demands within available spectrum bands (i.e. without having to pay for additional frequencies). One popular method of multi-band operations is to utilize transmitters in each frequency band and transmit data frames through multiple frequency bands at the same time. For this popular multi-band operation to work, data frame sequences generally have to be kept. Some technology for reordering does not apply well to the multi-band operations as will be described here. Aspects of the present technology facilitate reordering in multi band operations. It should be understood that AP 170 includes logic, whether in the form of software or circuitry that causes the AP 170 to operate according to the principles disclosed and claimed herein.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows an example of an implementation of UE 1 10 that is adapted for multi-band operations. FIG. 4 shows receiver 204 including individual RF band transmitter/receivers 425, 426, 427, each of which may transmit and receive an RF signal over a different RF band to allow multi-band operation of UE 1 10. Processor 208 is adapted for multi-band operation and includes individual physical layer (PFIY) transmit and receive circuits 420, 421 , 422 coupled respectively to individual RF band receivers 425, 426, 427. PHY layer circuits 420, 421 , 422 are connected to Media Access Control (MAC) layer circuit (or MAC controller) 418, which is connected to UE host interface 416 to provide communication with additional components of UE 1 10 or external to UE 1 10. While receiver 204 is illustrated in FIG. 4, it will be understood that a transmitter such as transmitter 202 may be similarly configured for multi-band operation, or that receiver 204 may be configured as a transceiver (e.g. RF band receivers 425, 426, 427 may be configured for transmission also). RF band receivers 425, 426, 427 are coupled to respective antennas 430 to facilitate receiving (and, in some cases, transmitting) RF signals. While shown as separate circuits, it will be understood that processor 208 and receiver 204 may be implemented in a common integrated circuit (IC), e.g. as a system on a chip (SOC) or other structure.

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an implementation of AP 170 that is adapted for multi-band operations (e.g. in communication with one or more UEs such as UE 1 10 as illustrated in FIG. 4). AP 170 includes transmitter 302, which in this implementation includes individual RF band transmitters 525, 526, 527, each of which transmits over a different RF band to allow multi-band operation of AP 170. Processor 308 is adapted for multi-band operation and includes individual physical layer (PFIY) layer physical transmit and receive circuits 520, 521 , 522 coupled respectively to individual RF band transmitters 525, 526, 527. PHY layer circuits 520, 521 , 522 are connected to MAC layer circuit (or MAC controller) 518, which is connected to AP host interface 516 to provide communication with additional components of AP 170 or external to AP 170. While transmitter 302 is illustrated in FIG. 5, it will be understood that a receiver such as receiver 304 may be similarly configured for multi-band operation, or that transmitter 302 may be configured as a transceiver (e.g. RF band transmitters 525, 526, 527 may be configured for receiving also). RF band transmitters 525, 526, 527 are coupled to respective antennas 530 to facilitate transmitting (and, in some cases, receiving) RF signals. While shown as separate circuits, it will be understood that processor 308 and transmitter 302 may be implemented in a common integrated circuit (IC), e.g. as a system on a chip (SOC) or other structure.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of operation of AP 170 in communication with UE 1 10 to provide multi-band communication (e.g. in a WLAN using Wi-Fi technology, in a cellular network, or other communication network). This communication may be two-way communication with RF components (e.g. RF band transmitters 525, 526, 527 and RF band receivers 425, 426, 427) configured to both transmit and receive (configured as transceivers) and/or with the addition of other components to facilitate bi-directional communication. Individual RF band transmitter 525 is in communication with individual RF receiver 425 via communication channel 636 (e.g. using a first RF band). Individual RF band transmitter 526 is in communication with individual RF receiver 426 via communication channel 638 (e.g. using a second RF band). Individual RF band transmitter 527 is in communication with individual RF receiver 427 via communication channel 640 (e.g. using a third RF band). The three communication channels, using three RF bands, may be configured to convey data of a single data stream in parallel (e.g. to stream data from AP 1 10 to UE 1 10) to thereby provide high speed communication. Additional communication channels between AP 170 and UE 1 10 may be provided and the number of such channels and corresponding RF components is not limited to any particular number.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates certain components of the MAC controllers 418 and 518 in UE 1 10 and AP 170, respectively, that are common in both devices and which facilitate multi-band operation of communication channels 636, 638, and 640. For example, FIG. 7 shows a UE 1 10 and AP 170 with a multi-band single MAC 418 and MAC 518 each respectively including: scheduler 742a, 742b; PPDU sequence reordering circuit 744a, 744b; and error handler 746a, 746b. In operation, scheduler 742, PPDU sequence reordering circuit 744, and error handler 746 are used when data of a data stream is sent or received via communication channels 636, 638, and 640.

[0055] Scheduler 742 assigns bandwidth resources and is responsible for deciding on how uplink and downlink channels are used by AP and UE of a cell. It also enforces the necessary Quality of Service for connections. Sequence reordering circuit 744 may operate to reorder PPDUs on transmission or reception over one or more communication channels.

[0056] PPDU reordering circuit 744 may operate to perform the method discussed below with respect to FIGs. 10 and 1 1 to allow reordering of frames received over one or more communication channels. The PPDU reordering circuit 744 may operate with the buffer 746. Data used by the reordering circuit 744 may be maintained in any suitable physical data storage component. Buffer 746 is shown in MAC layer circuit 418 and may be a dedicated buffer that is used for data of reordering window 744. Alternatively, buffer 746 may be a shared buffer (in MAC 418 or elsewhere) that is also used for other purposes. In some examples, data in a reordering window may be maintained in a portion of a memory (volatile or nonvolatile memory) that is common to various components of UE 1 10. [0057] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary architecture for a multi-band MAC 518. Upper layer protocols 810 interface directly with one or more user applications providing and receiving data via the wireless network. Each application may provide a data stream having a sequenced order of data frames in the context of the technology discussed herein. The upper layer protocols 810 communicate with the MAC state convergence function 804 through a service access point (SAP) 830. The MAC state convergence function (MSGCF) 804 correlates information from the MAC management entities for consumption by upper layer protocols 810 that require information based on the state of an 802.1x interface 802. The 802.1x interface 802 communicates with the MAC sublayer 806 via a MAC SAP 832. A service management entity 820 includes an 802.1x authenticator supplicant and an RSNA key management module 824 used for 802.1x authentication. The SME 820 is a layer- independent entity responsible for such functions as the gathering of layer dependent status from the various layer management entities, and similarly setting the value of layer-specific parameters. The SME 820 communicates with the MAC Sublayer management entity 836 via a SAP 836. A multi-band manager 850, MAC sublayer 806 and MAC sublayer management entity 836 communicate with the Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) sublayers 852, 862 and PHY sublayer management entities 856, 866 SAPs 838, 840, 842 and 844. As illustrated, two PLCP sublayers 852, 862, PHY Sublayer Management entities 856, 866 and Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) sublayer 854, 864 are provided, one for each channel.

[0058] In general, the multi-band manager 850, MAC sublayer 806 and MAC sublayer management entity 836 may be considered as implemented in the“lower” MAC (illustrated by the bold outlining of such entities in FIG. 8). The PLCP sublayer prepares MAC protocol data units (MPDUs) for transmission. The PLCP minimizes the dependence of the MAC layer on the PMD sublayer by mapping MPDUs into a frame format suitable for transmission. The PLCP also delivers incoming frames from the wireless medium to the MAC layer. The PLCP appends a PHY-specific preamble and header fields to the MPDU that contain information needed by the physical layer transmitters and receivers. The 802.1 1 standard refers to this composite frame (the MPDU with an additional PLCP preamble and header) as a PLCP protocol data unit (or PPDU). The MPDU is also called the PLCP Service Data Unit (PSDU), and is typically referred to as such when referencing physical layer operations. The frame structure of a PPDU provides for asynchronous transfer of PSDUs between stations.

[0059] Under the direction of the PLCP, the Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) sublayers 854, 856 provide transmission and reception of physical layer data units between two stations via the wireless medium. The PMD interfaces directly with the wireless medium (that is, RF in the air) and provides modulation and demodulation of the frame transmissions. The PLCP and PMD sublayers communicate SAPs 846, 848 to govern the transmission and reception functions. The MAC sublayer management entity 808 and the PHY sublayer management entities 856, 866. provide the layer management service interfaces through which layer management functions may be invoked.

[0060] The multi-band manager 850 performs many of the functions described herein, including determining whether to operate in multiband operation, adding a multiband flag and PPDU reordering (FIGs. 9A and 9B) and in one instance, includes the scheduler 742 and sequence reordering 744.

[0061] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate the flexible reordering scheme which may be utilized with the multi-band communications system. Illustrated in FIG. 9A is a standard method of transmission and reception of a PPDU stream. As illustrated therein, an ordered sequence of data frames (or PPDUs) 910, 920 and 930 are transmitted in an ordered sequence (910, 920, 930) and may be sent over a single channel 636 (or multiple channels), but maintained in the ordered sequence so that they are received in the same order transmitted. In the depiction in FIG. 9A and 9B, PPDUs 910, 920, and 930 are all received from one application data stream (from one application) via the host interface, such as host interface 416 or host interface 516. For example, the data stream may be audio-video data for an audio-video streaming application. The technology allows the data stream from one application to be send across several channels in parallel.

[0062] In the present multi-band technology, parallel transmission of a single data stream over different frequency bands or channels provides increased throughput using a reordering scheme. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, frames 910 and 930 may be sent via channel 636 while frame 920 is sent via channel 638. Alternatively, each frame 910, 920, 930 may be sent by different channels 636, 638, 640 in parallel. When sending multiple frames simultaneously, one frame, for example frame 920, may arrive at its destination in advance of frames 910 and 930 as shown in FIG. 9B at 950. The sequence reordering engine may re-organize the frames using the process and structure of FIGS 10 - 1 1 into the correct, sequential order as illustrated in FIG. 9B at 960.

[0063] FIG. 10 - 1 1 are flow charts illustrating a method performed by the multi band single MAC to transmit data based on priority on multiple transmission bands. FIG. 12 is an illustration of data structures used in the methods of FIGS. 10 and 1 1 . At 1002, the MAC in the transmitting device (MAC 518 in FIG. 8A and 8B) begins scheduling a large PPDU transmission. This may be performed in an“upper” MAC layer interfacing with one or more data producing applications.

[0064] At this step, the PPDU transmission scheduling may occur without knowledge of how data frames are to be split and transmitted over parallel channels. At 1004, the transmitting MAC (for example MAC 518) organizes the PPDUs in a list or queue in memory, for example buffer 746 of AP 170 of FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 1 1 , the scheduled PPDU transmission may be organized in the form of a list or queue and stored in the buffer. The storage structure may comprise a banded list or a pointer ring that points to each payload frame in memory. In the list, at 1006, each payload frame is assigned a unique sequence number. The sequence number field in the 802.1 1 standard is a 12-bit field indicating the sequence number of frame and may be used for the unique sequence ID in transmission and re-assembly in this technology.

[0065] At 1008, once transmission is activated, the transmitting MAC 518 will calculate the amount of data to be transmitted through each frequency channel based on one or more factors, including any of the transmitter’s capability, channel conditions, channel availability, channel bandwidth and data priority. The calculation results in a payload for each transmitter (PFIY 520, 521 , 522). At 1010, each transmitter is assigned a unique section (746a, 746b, 746c) of the stored list 1 1 10 with unique sequence numbers. At 1012, each transmitter can then pull a unique section 746a, 746b, 746c in parallel from memory though a common interface such as, for example, using DMA channels in each transmitter. At 1014, each transmitter sends data on its respective channel in parallel with other transmitters. The data proceeds through the normal transmission process, with each transmitter forming its own PPDU for transmission to a corresponding PHY layer PHY 520, 521 , 522 for transmission. Each section 746a, 746b, 746c of the list is thus transmitted and received roughly in parallel, although transmission times and lengths may not strictly overlap.

[0066] FIG. 10 illustrates the method performed on the receiving MAC, for example MAC 418. At 1022, each corresponding PHY receiver 420, 421 , 422 receives frames transmitted on its respective channel and stores (at 1024) the received unique sections 746d, 746e, 746f in a receive buffer (for example memory 746 of UE 1 10 of FIG.7). At 1026, the frames are written to a receive data structure 1214 in the same order as originally stored in structure 1210 based on the sequence ID.

[0067] In an additional aspect, the technology includes a means (418, 518) accessing a plurality of frames of a single data stream, the frames having an ordered sequence in the data stream. A means (742) for scheduling a first portion of the plurality of frames with a first portion of the ordered sequence for transmission via a first transmit and receive circuit having a first operating frequency range is provided. A means for scheduling (742) a second portion of the plurality of frames with a second portion of the ordered sequence for transmission via a second transmit and receive circuit having a second, different operating frequency range. A means for transmitting (520-521 ) the first portion of the plurality of frames via the first transmit and receive circuit and the second portion of the plurality of frames via the second transmit and receive circuit, at least some of the first portion of the plurality of frames and the second portion of the plurality of frames being transmitted via the first transmit and receive circuit and the second transmit and receive circuit, respectively, at the same time, such that the plurality frames in the data stream are transmitted out of order of the ordered sequence.

[0068] It is understood that the present subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this subject matter will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the subject matter is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents of these embodiments, which are included within the scope and spirit of the subject matter as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present subject matter, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without such specific details.

[0069] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0070] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure herein were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0071] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, it is evident that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from scope of the disclosure. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded simply as an illustration of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims, and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A circuit, comprising:

a first transmit and receive circuit operable to communicate over a first data channel in a first operating frequency range;

a second transmit and receive circuit operable to communicate over a second data channel in a second, different operating frequency range;

a host interface configured to receive a single internet packet (IP) data stream having frames in an ordered sequence from an application;

a sequence reordering circuit configured to designate a first portion of the single IP data stream having a first number of frames to the first transmit and receive circuit and a second, different portion of the single IP data stream having a second number of frames to the second transmit and receive circuit, each portion so designated to each transmit and receive circuit in order to maximize transmission throughput in a simultaneous transmission over the first data channel and the second data channel; a queue configured to store the frames of the single IP data stream prior to transmission; and

wherein the first transmit and receive circuit is configured to retrieve the first portion from the queue via a common interface and transmit the first portion, and the second transmit and receive circuit is configured to retrieve the second portion from the queue via the common interface and transmit the second portion at the same time as the first portion.

2. The circuit of claim 1 wherein each of the frames includes a unique sequence identifier denoting each frame order in the ordered sequence.

3. The circuit of any of claims 1 through 2 wherein the sequence reordering circuit is configured to calculate an amount of data to be transmitted via each transmit and receive circuit and divides the data stream into the first and second portions based on the calculating.

4. The circuit of any of claims 1 through 3 wherein the sequence reordering circuit is configured to calculate the amount of data based on any of transmit and receive circuit availability, transmit and receive circuit bandwidth, and data priority.

5. The circuit of any of claims 1 through 4 wherein each of the first portion and the second portion includes an ordered subset of the ordered sequence of the data stream.

6. The circuit of any of claims 1 through 5 further including a receiver, the receiver coupled to the first and second transmit and receive circuits, the receiver adapted to receive separate portions of a received single IP data stream having a different ordered sequence of frames from a transmitting device, the separate portions each comprising an ordered subset of the different ordered sequence of frames of the received single IP data stream, the separate portion received by the first and second transmit and receive circuits simultaneously.

7. The circuit of any of claim 6 wherein the sequence reordering circuit is configured reorder the separate portions of the received data stream into the different ordered sequence.

8. A method comprising:

accessing a plurality of frames of a single IP data stream via a host interface, the frames having an ordered sequence in the data stream;

enqueuing the frames in the ordered sequence;

designating a first portion of the plurality of frames with a first portion of the ordered sequence for transmission via a first transmit and receive circuit having a first operating frequency range;

designating a second portion of the plurality of frames with a second portion of the ordered sequence for transm ission via a second transm it and receive circuit having a second, different operating frequency range, each portion designated to each transmit and receive circuit to maximize transmission throughput in a simultaneous transmission by the first transmit and receive circuit and the second transmit and receive circuit; retrieving the first portion of the plurality of frames by the first transmit and receive circuit and retrieving the second portion of the plurality of frames by the second transmit and receive circuit at the same time; and

transmitting at least some of the first portion of the plurality of frames by the first transmit and receive circuit and at least some of the second portion of the plurality of frames by second transmit and receive circuit at the same time such that the plurality frames in the data stream are transmitted out of order of the ordered sequence.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein each of the frames includes a unique sequence identifier.

10. The method of any of claims 8 through 9 further including calculating an amount of data to be transmitted via each transmit and receive circuit and dividing the data stream into the first and second portions based on the calculating.

1 1 . The method of any of claims 8 through 10 wherein calculating the amount of data is based on any of transmit and receive circuit availability, transmit and receive circuit bandwidth, and data priority.

12. The method of any of claims 8 through 1 1 wherein each of the first portion and the second portion includes an ordered subset of the ordered sequence of the data stream.

13. The method of any of claims 8 through 12 further including receiving separate portions of a received data stream having frames in a different ordered sequence from a transmitting device via the first and second transmit and receive circuits, the separate portions received by the first and second transmit and receive circuits simultaneously.

14. The method of any of claims 9 through 14 further including reordering the separate portions of the received data stream into the different ordered sequence and providing the received data stream to the host interface.

15. A user device, comprising:

a second transmit and receive circuit operable to communicate over a first data channel in a second, different operating frequency range;

a host interface configured to receive a single internet packet (IP) data stream having frames in an ordered sequence from an application; and

a processor including code adapted to instruct the processor to:

enqueue the frames in the ordered sequence;

designate a first portion of a single IP data stream to the first transmit and receive circuit, the data stream having a plurality of frames in an ordered sequence;

designate a second portion of the single IP data stream to the second transmit and receive circuit, each portion designated to the first or second transmit and receive circuit in order to maximize transmission throughput in a simultaneous transmission by the first data channel and the second data channel;

retrieve the first portion from the queue via a common interface and transmit the first portion via the first transmit and receive circuit transmit, and retrieve the second portion from the queue via the common interface and transmit the second portion first transmit and receive circuit transmit, at least some of the first portion and the second portion being transmitted at the same time. .

16. The user device of claim 15 wherein each of the frames includes a unique sequence identifier and the code is adapted to instruct the processor to designate a an output data stream having frames in a different ordered sequence from one application.

17. The user device of any of claims 15 and 16 wherein the code is adapted to instruct the processor to calculate an amount of data to be transmitted via each transmit and receive circuit based on any of transmit and receive circuit availability, transmit and receive circuit bandwidth, and data priority, and divide the data stream into the first and second portions based on the calculating, configured to calculate the amount of data.

18. The user device of any of claims 15 through 7 wherein the code is adapted to instruct the processor to receive separate portions of a received single IP data stream having a different ordered sequence of frames from a transmitting device, the separate portions each comprising an ordered subset of the different ordered sequence of frames of the received single IP data stream, the separate portion received by the first and second transmit and receive circuits simultaneously.

19. The user device of any of claim 15 - 18 wherein the code is adapted to instruct the processor to reorder the separate portions of the received data stream into the different ordered sequence.