Abstract: A wireless local area network (WLAN) protocol having a non-zero backoff procedure which is bounded by setting a backoff counter to a random value greater than or equal to at least one backoff slot in starting to contend for a channel. This is preferably utilized in combination with setting the Arbitration Inter-Frame Spacing (AIFS) time to an amount less than that utilized for a legacy backoff. The parameters controlling the non-zero backoff may be set by the station performing the contention, or by an associated Access Point (AP), or in response to negotiation between the station and the AP. In some cases the station can switch between enabling and disabling the non-zero backoff procedure during different periods of time.

Abstract: Protocol enhancements for IEEE 802.11 handling of Buffer Status Reports (BSRs) to provide real-time information on Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. A non-AP STA can report QoS status about portions of a buffer, which then allows the AP to schedule transmissions for those buffers toward satisfying their QoS requirements. The non-AP STA can also change parameters of the QoS characteristics element of an existing SCS to allow the AP to schedule transmission for the SCS traffic with the new parameters immediately. The non-AP STA can also report on buffers that should soon arrive to allow the AP to trigger the transmission before those buffers arrive. Additional benefits are also provided.

Abstract: A wireless communication circuit for operating over a wireless local area network (WLAN) supporting carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) in which real time application (RTA) traffic and non-RTA traffic coexist. Channel time is scheduled for transmitting real-time application (RTA) traffic based on expected RTA packet arrival time, with the schedule being shared with neighboring stations. Schedule time is adjusted based on schedules of neighboring stations to prevent channel contention collisions of multiple RTA traffics contending for the channel. Various mechanisms are described for supporting RTA transmissions while reducing channel access latency and contention collision.

Abstract: A communication circuit and protocol for a wireless local area network (WLAN) using CSMA/CA and single EDCA and/or Multiple-User (MU) EDCA. EDCA functions are configured to operate with multiple sets of operating parameters providing a range of priority levels for altering on the fly the nominal access time for a STA sending prioritized packets. The STA then must switch to a lower-priority set of parameters as recompense so that channel usage remains fair.

Abstract: Using this described protocol an AP can control multiple STAs to allow them to utilize the same scrambling seed to scramble the data in identical data units being sent on the wireless network. The AP sends a scrambling seed indication within a frame communicated to other STAs on the network. These other STAs, then use this scrambling seed indication to scramble a data field of a data unit with an identical scrambling seed, and to transmit these packets using the same modulation and coding scheme (MCS).

Abstract: Methods are described for overcoming contention issues during R-TWT SPs. In particular, enhanced mechanisms are defined in prioritizing transmissions of R-TWT TIDs during corresponding R-TWT SPs. In addition, enhanced access mechanisms are described for overcoming issues with stations accessing the channel after sensing an idle channel after a DIFS or AIFS time period.

Abstract: A wireless protocol allowing an AP to allocate time within a transmit opportunity (TXOP) to non-AP stations. The allocations are made under condition that the non-AP STA(s) will satisfy Access Class (AC) requirements communicated in a frame sent by the AP STA, such as within an MU RTS TXS Trigger frame. Upon receiving the frame, the non-AP responds on whether it can meet the conditions, such as within a Clear-To-Send (CTS) message. If the non-AP can meet the conditions, then it proceeds to transmit data (to the AP, or a peer non-AP). Otherwise, if it cannot meet the conditions, then the AP can communicate the allocation to another non-AP STA. There are also conditions for how the non-AP can aggregate data units into A-MSDUs.

Abstract: Enhanced wireless protocols are described for stations (STAs) which are associated with Multiple-Link Devices (MLD). One embodiment describes overcoming replay attacks (with or without a modified Sequence Number (SN) even when protected by a Group Temporal Key (GTK) or similar. Other embodiments describe MLP operating enhancements associated with utilizing a Robust Security Network Element (RSNE), or NSTR Mobile AP MLD, or Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) Information fields with Reduced Neighbor Reports (RNR), or Quiet Channel elements in an Association/Reassociation, or that use PPDU end alignment are all subject to specific shortcomings when applied to MLDs.

Abstract: A wireless local area network (WLAN) protocol allowing a Transmit Opportunity (TXOP) holder to share the TXOP with other stations (STAs) residing in either the same Basic Service Set (BSS) of the TXOP holder, or in an other BSS (OBSS). An intent to share the TXOP is communicated to the Access Point (AP), and/or directly to other STAs. Scheduling information (time and duration) are shared with the STAs either directly, or through one or more APs. When the TXOP occurs, the STAs can access the channel at the time and for the duration specified, thus providing increased use of the TXOP to improve efficiency.

Abstract: An enhanced protocol for addressing communication issues arising from using a Remote Radio Head (RRH). An Access Point (AP), denoted as Remote Radio Head (RRH) AP, consists of a Central Unit (CU) and at least one RRH that can be located remotely. The functionalities of the Medium Access Control (MAC) and the Physical (PHY) layers of the RRH AP are split between the CU and RRH; with the CU exchanging frames between the MAC layers, and the RRH transmitting and receiving the physical signals through the channel.

Abstract: Enhanced Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is performed in this protocol in which non-simultaneous transmit/receive (NSTR) Multi-Link Devices (MLDs) cooperate with each other in sharing a portion of their available Transmit Opportunity (TXOP) toward reducing contention and competition for channel access across the group of cooperating MLDs. The shared TXOP is performed at an MLD level after all links for an NSTR MLD are obtained by stations which do not need to be in part of the same NSTR MLD, thus synchronized transmissions and receptions are performed which eliminate in-device coexistence (IDC) interference in any single NSTR MLD. The time gap while awaiting for all links to be obtained, is also made use of for performing transmission(s) toward increasing data throughput.

Abstract: Enhanced TID-to-UP mapping is performed which allows multiple TIDs to be mapped to the UPs of the same AC. Thus, a first STA can set TID-to-UP mapping for a second STA, whereby TID-to-UP mapping can differentiate the MSDUs or A-MSDUs that are transmitted. In addition, an MSDU / A-MSDU can be classified by TID first, then use TID-to-UP mapping to map it to the corresponding UP. In addition, an SCS traffic stream can assign a TID and a UP to that SCS traffic stream. The use of these enhanced mechanism can enhance low latency performance.

Abstract: Stations (STAs) in the network transmit broadcast frames which incorporate sharing information about specific parameter settings in the basic service set (BSS). Updates are transmitted to the other STAs when parameter settings change, which include version information about the parameter settings. A STA receiving an update records version information, which is incorporated in any response or broadcast back to the transmitting station to indicate that the specific update was properly received. The transmitting STA can indicate which other STAs are to provide feedback to the update information. The sharing information, or indicated portions thereof, may be shared with overlapping BSS STAs as well.

Abstract: An adaptive set of RTA Adaptive EDCA rules and structures are provided to allow non-AP STAs to transmit RTA packets inside a R-TWT SP. The RTA Adaptive EDCA Parameter Set can be selected in response to receiving a trigger from the associated AP, or by pre-configuration. Non-AP STAs, as R-TWT member or non-member of the current R-TWT SP, can switch from using the regular EDCA parameters to the new RTA Adaptive EDCA parameters inside the R-TWT SP. Various rules are described for duration of use, while the AP can prevent STAs from using the new RTA Adaptive EDCA at any time inside of the R-TWT SP.

Abstract: Wireless IEEE 802.11 communication mechanisms are described for a member STA of a R-TWT SP to gain TXOP channel access before the R-TWT SP, which does not need to end before the start time of the R-TWT SP. On trigger based R-TWT SP, the TXOP time is shared to overlap the R-TWT SP; allowing the AP to behave as the TXOP holder for the frame exchange of latency sensitive traffic during the R-TWT SP. Thus, the R-TWT scheduling AP and member STAs of a R-TWT SP can contend for the channel together before the scheduled start time of the R-TWT SP. When one of these STAs gains channel access, it can reserve a TXOP until the scheduled end time of the R-TWT SP, which may extend beyond the normal TXOP limit.

Abstract: In a MU-RTS TXS based P2P access allocation, there can be frames sent in legacy format (such as control frames in non-HT format) that do not carry a Basic Service Set Identification (BSSID) in its address fields. The Duration setting of the frames may cause a next station to be scheduled to set the basic NAV because the next station categorizes these frames as inter-BSS PPDUs. To prevent the next station from not responding to the AP's next allocation, the Duration setting of the frames are set so that they are not greater than the end time of the P2P allocation that occurs prior to the next allocation.

Abstract: An enhanced method of handling block Acks, such as for latency sensitive traffic streams, for which a separate block Ack mechanism is established, which is separate from other traffic in the same TID. With this separate block Ack mechanism the recipient STA can have an independent receive reordering buffer control for latency sensitive traffic, so that the MSDU or A-MSDU of latency sensitive traffic can be passed to the next MAC process in order of increasing sequence number of the MSDUs or A-MSDUs since those MSDUs and A-MSDUs have the same QoS requirement, such as the latency time. This mechanism reduces the chances of latency sensitive traffic being stuck in a receive reordering buffer behind other traffic in the TID and having its traffic expire.

Abstract: A Real-Time Application (RTA) interface between the Medium Access Control (MAC) and Application (APP) layers of interworking communications in the OSI model for use in wireless local area networks (WLANs). The interface between MAC and APP layers can be utilized for RTA packets, while non-RTA packets can still use the regular OSI model. In initializing a new RTA session the APP layer communicates a set of requirements to the MAC layer. The MAC layer monitors the channel and measures key performance indicators (KPIs) and either accepts or rejects the request. The interoperability between the APP and MAC layers provide enhanced abilities to reduce RTA packet latencies, as well as other benefits.

Abstract: A wireless communication protocol for an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD) using carrier-sense multiple-access collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) with multi-link operations. Transmit opportunities (TXOPs) are obtained by setting a random number of backoff slots, as a random backoff, for channel contention on each link, and counting down the random backoff on each link independently. When the backoff for the link reaches zero, channel access is obtained and a TXOP duration of reserved on a link whose end time cannot occur later than the latest existing TXOPs of the AP MLD. Numerous variations are described for setting the random number of backoff slots and for reserving the TXOP duration on a link.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for wireless local area network (WLAN) communication which support real-time application (RTA) packets. The access point (AP) schedules multiple-user (MU) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) transmissions for uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) for RTA packets by allocating resources to packet transmissions before RTA packet arrival. The AP contends for channel access before the expected time of arrival of the RTA packet in the DL or UL direction. The operations reduce RTA packet latency on the WLAN.