Random Access Resource Unit

(19) *EP003443790B1*

(11) EP 3 443 790 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: H04W 72/04 (2009.01) 13.05.2020 Bulletin 2020/20 (86) International application number: (21) Application number: 17718702.8 PCT/US2017/026809

(22) Date of filing: 10.04.2017 (87) International publication number: WO 2017/180515 (19.10.2017 Gazette 2017/42)

(54) RANDOM ACCESS RESOURCE UNIT ALLOCATION FOR A MULTIPLE BSSID NETWORK ZUWEISUNG EINER DIREKTZUGRIFFSRESSOURCENEINHEIT FÜR EIN MULTI-BSSID-NETZWERK ALLOCATION D’UNITÉ DE RESSOURCE D’ACCÈS ALÉATOIRE POUR UN RÉSEAU À IDENTIFICATION DE MULTIPLES ENSEMBLES DE SERVICES DE BASE (BSSID)

(84) Designated Contracting States: • CHO, James AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB San Diego GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO California 92121-1714 (US) PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR • CHERIAN, George San Diego (30) Priority: 14.04.2016 US 201662322772 P California 92121-1714 (US) 07.04.2017 US 201715482679 • MERLIN, Simone San Diego (43) Date of publication of application: California 92121-1714 (US) 20.02.2019 Bulletin 2019/08 (74) Representative: Wegner, Hans (73) Proprietor: QUALCOMM Incorporated Bardehle Pagenberg Partnerschaft mbB San Diego, CA 92121-1714 (US) Patentanwälte, Rechtsanwälte Prinzregentenplatz 7 (72) Inventors: 81675 München (DE) • ASTERJADHI, Alfred San Diego (56) References cited: California 92121-1714 (US) WO-A1-2017/005893 US-A1- 2015 139 209 US-A1- 2015 280 953

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 3 443 790 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 3 443 790 B1 2

Description cess point (AP) can include one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. The instructions can be TECHNICAL FIELD executed by the one or more processors to cause the AP to select a number of basic service sets (BSSs), to allo- [0001] This disclosure relates generally to wireless 5 cate one or more random RUs to each of the selected networks, and specifically to allocating resource units in BSSs, and to transmit a frame indicating the allocation wireless networks. of the one or more random RUs to each of the selected BSSs. In some aspects, the number of BSSs may be a DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY subset of a plurality of BSSs operated or controlled by 10 the AP. The frame can be a trigger frame including one [0002] A wireless local area network (WLAN) may be or more association identification (AID) values identifying formed by one or more access points (APs) that provide the selected BSSs. In some aspects, the one or more a shared wireless medium for use by a number of client AID values can be stored in a per user information field devices or stations (STAs). Each AP, which may corre- of the trigger frame. spond to a Basic Service Set (BSS), may periodically 15 [0009] In some implementations, selection of the broadcast beacon frames to enable any STAs within number of BSSs can be based on at least one of: security wireless range of the AP to establish and maintain a com- parameters of the plurality of BSSs, access privileges of munication link with the WLAN. WLANs that operate in wireless devices belonging to the plurality of BSSs, types accordance with the IEEE 802.11 family of standards are of wireless devices belonging to the plurality of BSSs, commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks. 20 quality of service (QoS) parameters of the plurality of [0003] An AP may create and operate multiple BSSs BSSs, and delay requirements of wireless devices be- at the same time, and may assign a number of wireless longing to the plurality of BSSs. In other implementations, devices to each of the BSSs. Each of the multiple BSSs a size of the one or more random RUs can be based at may operate independently of each other and yet use least in part on a bandwidth of a number of wireless de- the same AP. Because different BSSs may include dif- 25 vices belonging to the selected BSSs. ferent numbers of wireless devices, may have different [0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter security parameters and access privileges, and may in- described in this disclosure can be implemented as a clude different types of wireless devices (such as IoT method. The method can include selecting a number of devices, Wi-Fi devices, and so on), it may be desirable basic service sets (BSSs) from a plurality of BSSs, where- for the AP to prioritize the allocation of resources between 30 in the selected number of BSSs is a subset of the plurality multiple BSSs. of BSSs; allocating one or more random resource units [0004] US2015/139209 A1 discloses a method and an (RUs) to each of the selected BSSs; and transmitting a apparatus for initial access distribution over a wireless frame indicating the allocation of the one or more random LAN. A method for an initial access by a station (STA) RUs to each of the selected BSSs. comprises: a step in which the STA receives a fast initial 35 [0011] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter link setup (FILS) backoff parameter from an access point described in this disclosure can be implemented in a non- (AP); and a step in which the STA implements a backoff transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transito- procedure by using the final FILS backoff parameter de- ry computer-readable medium can comprise instructions termined on the basis of the FILS backoff parameter and that, when executed by one or more processors of an an access category of the data to be transmitted by the 40 AP, cause the AP to perform operations including select- STA.Accordingly, the initial access of the STA can be ing a number of basic service sets (BSSs) from a plurality distributed. of BSSs, wherein the selected number of BSSs is a sub- [0005] There is still a need to increase and improve set of the plurality of BSSs; allocating one or more ran- the utilization of the medium. dom resource units (RUs) to each of the selected BSSs; [0006] The present invention provides a solution ac- 45 and transmitting a frame indicating the allocation of the cording to the subject-matter of the independent claims. one or more random RUs to each of the selected BSSs. [0012] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter SUMMARY described in this disclosure can be implemented in an apparatus. The apparatus can include means for select- [0007] The systems, methods and devices of this dis- 50 ing a number of basic service sets (BSSs) from a plurality closure each have several innovative aspects, no single of BSSs, wherein the selected number of BSSs is a sub- one of which is solely responsible for the desirable at- set of the plurality of BSSs; means for allocating one or tributes disclosed herein. more random resource units (RUs) to each of the select- [0008] One innovative aspect of the subject matter de- ed BSSs; and means for transmitting a frame indicating scribed in this disclosure can be implemented in a wire- 55 the allocation of the one or more random RUs to each of less network to prioritize the allocation of resource units the selected BSSs. (RUs) between multiple basic service sets (BSSs) for up- [0013] Details of one or more implementations of the link data transmissions. In some implementations, an ac- subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth

2 3 EP 3 443 790 B1 4 in the accompanying drawings and the description below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings and the claims. [0016] The following description is directed to certain Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures implementations for the purposes of describing the inno- may not be drawn to scale. 5 vative aspects of this disclosure. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS teachings herein can be applied in a multitude of different ways. The described implementations may be imple- [0014] mented in any device, system or network that is capable 10 of transmitting and receiving RF signals according to any Figure 1A shows a block diagram of a wireless sys- of the IEEE 16.11 standards, or any of the IEEE 802.11 tem within which aspects of the present disclosure standards, the Bluetooth® standard, code division mul- may be implemented. tiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Global Figure 1B shows a block diagram of another wireless 15 System for Mobile communications (GSM), GSM/Gen- system within which aspects of the present disclo- eral Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM sure may be implemented. Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TET- RA), Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution Data Op- Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example wire- timized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev less station. 20 B, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an example ac- Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed Packet cess point. Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), AMPS, or other known signals that are used to communicate within Figure 4A shows an example subcarrier allocation 25 a wireless, cellular or internet of things (IOT) network, diagram for a 20 MHz bandwidth. such as a system utilizing 3G, 4G or 5G, or further implementations thereof, technology. Figure 4B shows an example subcarrier allocation [0017] Implementations of the subject matter de- diagram for a 40 MHz bandwidth. scribed in this disclosure may be used to prioritize the 30 allocation of resource units (RUs) between multiple basic Figure 4C shows an example subcarrier allocation service sets (BSSs) for uplink (UL) data transmissions. diagram for an 80 MHz bandwidth. In some implementations, an access point (AP) may prioritize the allocation of random RUs to BSSs based on Figure 5A shows a sequence diagram depicting an at least one of the security parameters of the plurality of example allocation of dedicated resource units 35 BSSs, access privileges of wireless devices belonging (RUs) to a number of wireless stations. to the plurality of BSSs, types of wireless devices belonging to the plurality of BSSs, quality of service (QoS) pa- Figure 5B shows a sequence diagram depicting an rameters of the plurality of BSSs, and delay requirements example allocation of random RUs to a number of of wireless devices belonging to the plurality of BSSs. In wireless stations. 40 other implementations, the AP may prioritize the allocation of random RUs to a selected BSS (or to a selected Figure 5C shows a sequence diagram depicting an number of BSSs) based on a bandwidth of a number of example allocation of random RUs to a selected ba- wireless devices belonging to the selected BSS(s). sic service set (BSS). [0018] Particular implementations of the subject matter 45 described in this disclosure can be implemented to real- Figure 6 shows an example trigger frame. ize one or more of the following potential advantages. The ability to allocate random RUs to a selected BSS Figure 7A shows an example common information (such as rather than allocating random RUs to wireless field. devices within any or all BSSs controlled or operated by 50 the AP) may increase utilization and efficiency of the wire- Figure 7B shows an example Per User Info field. less medium. For one example, if a first BSS includes 100 wireless devices and a second BSS includes 3 wire- Figure 8 shows an illustrative flow chart depicting an less devices, then the AP may allocate more random example operation for allocating random RUs to a RUs to the first BSS, for example, because more wireless selected basic service set (BSS). 55 devices belong to the first BSS than to the second BSS. In this manner, the AP may ensure that the 3 wireless [0015] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding devices belonging to the second BSS do not receive a parts throughout the drawing figures. disproportionate share of the random RUs (such as com-

3 5 EP 3 443 790 B1 6 pared with conventional resource allocation techniques suitable wireless device including, for example, a cell that may allocate equal amounts of random RUs to the phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet device, first and second BSSs). For another example, if a first laptop computer, or the like. Each of the stations STA1- BSS includes 4 smartphones that frequently facilitate STA4 may also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), VoIP calls and a second BSS includes 10 smart sensors, 5 a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a then the AP may allocate more random RUs to the first wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless BSS, for example, because the 4 smartphones belonging device, a wireless communications device, a remote de- to the first BSS have higher traffic classes and smaller vice, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a latency tolerances than the 10 smart sensors belonging mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, to the second BSS. 10 a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some [0019] As used herein, the term "associated STA" re- other suitable terminology. In some implementations, fers to a STA that is associated with a given AP, and the each of the stations STA1-STA4 may include one or more term "non-associated STA" refers to a STA that is not transceivers, one or more processing resources, one or associated with the given AP. In addition, as used herein, more memory resources, and a power source (such as the term "directed trigger frame" may refer to a trigger 15 a battery). The memory resources may include a non- frame that directs each of a number of STAs identified in transitory computer-readable medium (such as one or the trigger frame to transmit uplink (UL) multi-user (MU) more nonvolatile memory elements, such as EPROM, data on a resource unit allocated to the STA, and the EEPROM, Flash memory, a hard drive, etc.) that stores term "random trigger frame" may refer to a trigger frame instructions for performing operations described below that allows any receiving STA to transmit UL MU data on 20 with respect to Figure 8. one or more shared resource units indicated in the trigger [0023] The AP 110 may be any suitable device that frame. allows one or more wireless devices to connect to a net- [0020] Figure 1A is a block diagram of a wireless sys- work (such as a local area network (LAN), wide area net- tem 100A within which aspects of the present disclosure work (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), or the may be implemented. The wireless system 100A is 25 Internet) via the AP 110 using wireless communications shown to include four wireless stations STA1-STA4, a such as, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular com- wireless access point (AP) 110, and a wireless local area munications. In some implementations, the AP 110 may network (WLAN) 120. The WLAN 120 may be formed by include one or more transceivers, one or more process- a plurality of Wi-Fi access points (APs) that may operate ing resources, one or more memory resources, and a according to the IEEE 802.11 family of standards (or ac- 30 power source. The memory resources may include a cording to other suitable wireless protocols). Thus, al- non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as one though only one AP 110 is shown in Figure 1A for sim- or more nonvolatile memory elements, such as EPROM, plicity, it is to be understood that WLAN 120 may be EEPROM, Flash memory, a hard drive, etc.) that stores formed by any number of access points such as AP 110. instructions for performing operations described below The AP 110 is assigned a unique media access control 35 with respect to Figure 8. (MAC) address that is programmed therein by, for exam- [0024] For the stations STA1-STA4 and the AP 110, ple, the manufacturer of the access point. Similarly, each the one or more transceivers may include Wi-Fi trans- of stations STA1-STA4 is also assigned a unique MAC ceivers, Bluetooth transceivers, cellular transceivers, address. In some aspects, the AP 110 may assign an and any other suitable radio frequency (RF) transceivers association identification (AID) value to each of the sta- 40 (not shown for simplicity) to transmit and receive wireless tions STA1-STA4, for example, so that the AP 110 may communication signals. Each transceiver may commu- identify the stations STA1-STA4 using their assigned AID nicate with other wireless devices in distinct operating values. frequency bands, using distinct communication proto- [0021] In some implementations, the WLAN 120 may cols, or both. For example, the Wi-Fi transceiver may allow for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) commu- 45 communicate within a 900 MHz frequency band, a 2.4 nications between the AP 110 and the stations STA1- GHz frequency band, a 5 GHz frequency band, and a 60 STA4. The MIMO communications may include single- MHz frequency band in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 user MIMO (SU-MIMO) and multi-user MIMO (MU-MI- standards. The Bluetooth transceiver may communicate MO) communications. In some aspects, the WLAN 120 within the 2.4 GHz frequency band in accordance with may utilize a multiple channel access mechanism such 50 the standards provided by the Bluetooth Special Interest as, for example, an orthogonal frequency-division multi- Group (SIG), in accordance with the IEEE 802.15 stand- ple access (OFDMA) mechanism. Although the WLAN ards, or both. The cellular transceiver may communicate 120 is depicted in Figure 1A as an infrastructure basic within various RF frequency bands in accordance with service set (BSS), in other implementations, the WLAN any suitable cellular communications standard. 120 may be an independent basic service set (IBSS), an 55 [0025] Figure 1B is a block diagram of another wireless ad-hoc network, or a peer-to-peer (P2P) network (such system 100B within which aspects of the present disclo- as operating according to the Wi-Fi Direct protocols). sure may be implemented. The wireless system 100B is [0022] Each of the stations STA1-STA4 may be any similar to the wireless system 100A of Figure 1A, except

4 7 EP 3 443 790 B1 8 that the AP 110 of Figure 1B is depicted as independently 250(n), either directly or through an antenna selection operating a plurality of basic service sets BSS1-BSSn. circuit (not shown for simplicity). The transceivers 211 More specifically, for the example of Figure 1B, the first may be used to transmit signals to and receive signals basic service set BSS1 includes a first set of wireless from the AP 110 and other STAs (see also Figures 1A stations STA1(1)-STA4(1), the second basic service set 5 and 1B), and may be used to scan the surrounding en- BSS2 includes a second set of wireless stations vironment to detect and identify nearby access points STA1(2)-STA4(2), the third basic service set BSS3 in- and other STAs (such as within wireless range of the cludes a third set of wireless stations STA1(3)-STA4(3), STA 200). Although not shown in Figure 2 for simplicity, and so on, where the nth basic service set BSSn includes the transceivers 211 may include any number of transmit an nth set of wireless stations STA1(n)-STA4(n). Each of 10 chains to process and transmit signals to other wireless the basic service sets BSS1-BSSn may be assigned a devices via the antennas 250(1)-250(n), and may include different basic service set identification (BSSID), for ex- any number of receive chains to process signals received ample, so that the AP 110 and each of the sets of wireless from the antennas 250(1)-250(n). In some implementa- stations STA1-STA4 may distinguish between data tions, the STA 200 may be configured for MIMO opera- transmissions associated with each of the different basic 15 tions. The MIMO operations may include SU-MIMO op- service sets BSS1-BSSn. In some implementations, erations and MU-MIMO operations. The STA 200 also each of the BSSIDs assigned to the basic service sets may be configured for OFDMA communications and oth- BSS1-BSSn may be a unique identifier (such as a unique er suitable multiple access mechanisms, for example, as 48-bit identifier). In some aspects, the BSSIDs may be may be provided for in the IEEE 802.11ax standards. used as a filtering address, for example, so that only the 20 [0030] The baseband processor 212 may be used to wireless stations STAs associated with a given BSS may process signals received from the processor 230 or the receive and decode frames or packets intended for re- memory 240 (or both) and to forward the processed sig- ception by wireless devices belonging to or associated nals to the transceivers 211 for transmission via one or with the given BSS. more of the antennas 250(1)-250(n), and may be used [0026] As used herein, the first basic service set BSS1 25 to process signals received from one or more of the an- may be assigned a first ID denoted herein as "BSSID1," tennas 250(1)-250(n) via the transceivers 211 and to for- the second basic service set BSS2 may be assigned a ward the processed signals to the processor 230 or the second ID denoted herein as "BSSID2," the third basic memory 240 (or both). service set BSS3 may be assigned a third ID denoted [0031] The MAC 220 may include at least a number of herein as "BSSID3," and so on, where the nth basic serv- 30 contention engines 221 and frame formatting circuitry ice set BSSn may be assigned an nth ID denoted herein 222. The contention engines 221 may contend for access as "BSSIDn." to one more shared wireless mediums, and may also [0027] Figure 2 shows an example STA 200. In some store packets for transmission over the one more shared implementations, the STA 200 may be one example of wireless mediums. The STA 200 may include one or more one or more of the wireless stations STA1-STA4 of Figure 35 contention engines 221 for each of a plurality of different 1A. In other implementations, the STA 200 may be one access categories. In other implementations, the conten- example of one or more of the wireless stations STA1- tion engines 221 may be separate from the MAC 220. STA4 within each of the BSSs of Figure 1B. The STA For still other implementations, the contention engines 200 may include a display 202, input/output (I/O) com- 221 may be implemented as one or more software mod- ponents 204, a physical-layer device (PHY) 210, a MAC 40 ules (such as stored in memory 240 or stored in memory 220, a processor 230, a memory 240, and a number of provided within the MAC 220) containing instructions antennas 250(1)-250(n). that, when executed by the processor 230, perform the [0028] The display 202 may be any suitable display or functions of the contention engines 221. screen upon which items may be presented to a user [0032] The frame formatting circuitry 222 may be used (such as for viewing, reading, or watching). In some as- 45 to create and format frames received from the processor pects, the display 202 may be a touch-sensitive display 230 (such as by adding MAC headers to PDUs provided that allows for user interaction with the STA 200 and that by the processor 230), and may be used to re-format allows the user to control one or more operations of the frames received from the PHY 210 (such as by stripping STA 200. The I/O components 204 may be or include MAC headers from frames received from the PHY 210). any suitable mechanism, interface, or device to receive 50 Although the example of Figure 2 depicts the MAC 220 input (such as commands) from the user and to provide coupled to the memory 240 via the processor 230, in output to the user. For example, the I/O components 204 other implementations, the PHY 210, the MAC 220, the may include (but are not limited to) a graphical user in- processor 230, and the memory 240 may be connected terface, keyboard, mouse, microphone, speakers, and using one or more buses (not shown for simplicity). so on. 55 [0033] The processor 230 may be any suitable one or [0029] The PHY 210 may include at least a number of more processors capable of executing scripts or instruc- transceivers 211 and a baseband processor 212. The tions of one or more software programs stored in the STA transceivers 211 may be coupled to the antennas 250(1)- 200 (such as within the memory 240). In some imple-

5 9 EP 3 443 790 B1 10 mentations, the processor 230 may be or include one or Each software module includes instructions that, when more microprocessors providing the processor function- executed by the processor 230, cause the STA 200 to ality and external memory providing at least a portion of perform the corresponding functions. The non-transitory machine-readable media. In other implementations, the computer-readable medium of the memory 240 thus in- processor 230 may be or include an Application Specific 5 cludes instructions for performing all or a portion of the Integrated Circuit (ASIC) with the processor, the bus in- operations described below with respect to Figure 8. terface, the user interface, and at least a portion of the [0036] The processor 230 may execute the frame for- machine-readable media integrated into a single chip. In matting and exchange software module 242 to facilitate some other implementations, the processor 230 may be the creation and exchange of any suitable frames (such or include one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays 10 as data frames, action frames, control frames, and man- (FPGAs) or Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs). agement frames) between the STA 200 and other wire- [0034] The memory 240 may include a device data- less devices. The processor 230 may execute the trigger base 241 that stores profile information for the STA 200 frame reception software module 243 to receive trigger and for a number of other wireless devices such as APs frames, to determine whether the trigger frames solicit a and other STAs. The profile information for the STA 200 15 response from the STA 200, and to determine whether may include, for example, its MAC address, the BSSID the trigger frames allocate any RUs to the STA 200. The of the basic service set to which the STA 200 belongs, processor 230 may execute the decoding software mod- bandwidth capabilities, supported channel access mech- ule 244 to determine which (if any) RUs are allocated to anisms, supported data rates, and so on. The profile in- the STA 200, to determine which (if any) RUs are allo- formation for a particular AP may include, for example, 20 cated to a BSS with which the STA 200 is associated or the AP’s basic service set identification (BSSID), MAC to which the STA 200 belongs, to determine whether any address, channel information, received signal strength random RUs are available to the STA 200, and to deter- indicator (RSSI) values, goodput values, channel state mine the size, location, and other parameters of any al- information (CSI), supported data rates, connection his- located RUs. tory with the AP, a trustworthiness value of the AP (such 25 [0037] Figure 3 shows an example AP 300. The AP as indicating a level of confidence about the AP’s loca- 300 may be one implementation of the AP 110 of Figures tion, etc.), and any other suitable information pertaining 1A and 1B. The AP 300 may include a PHY 310, a MAC to or describing the operation of the AP. 320, a processor 330, a memory 340, a network interface [0035] The memory 240 may also include a non-tran- 350, and a number of antennas 360(1)-360(n). The PHY sitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more 30 310 may include at least a number of transceivers 311 nonvolatile memory elements, such as EPROM, EEP- and a baseband processor 312. The transceivers 311 ROM, Flash memory, a hard drive, and so on) that may may be coupled to the antennas 360(1)-360(n), either store at least the following software (SW) modules: directly or through an antenna selection circuit (not shown for simplicity). The transceivers 311 may be used • a frame formatting and exchange software module 35 to communicate wirelessly with one or more STAs, with 242 to facilitate the creation and exchange of any one or more other APs, and with other suitable devices. suitable frames (such as data frames, action frames, Although not shown in Figure 3 for simplicity, the trans- control frames, and management frames) between ceivers 311 may include any number of transmit chains the STA 200 and other wireless devices, for exam- to process and transmit signals to other wireless devices ple, as described below for one or more operations 40 via the antennas 360(1)-360(n), and may include any of Figure 8; number of receive chains to process signals received from the antennas 360(1)-360(n). In some implementa- • a trigger frame reception software module 243 to re- tions, the AP 300 may be configured for MIMO operations ceive trigger frames, to determine whether the trigger such as SU-MIMO operations and MU-MIMO operations. frames solicit a response from the STA 200, and to 45 The AP 300 also may be configured for OFDMA commu- determine whether the trigger frames allocate any nications and other suitable multiple access mecha- RUs to the STA 200, for example, as described below nisms, for example, as may be provided for in the IEEE for one or more operations of Figure 8; and 802.11ax standards. [0038] The baseband processor 312 may be used to • a resource unit (RU) decoding software module 244 50 process signals received from the processor 330 or the to determine which (if any) RUs are allocated to the memory 340 (or both) and to forward the processed sig- STA 200, to determine which (if any) RUs are allo- nals to the transceivers 311 for transmission via one or cated to a BSS with which the STA 200 is associated, more of the antennas 360(1)-360(n), and may be used to determine whether any random RUs are available to process signals received from one or more of the an- to the STA 200, and to determine the size, location, 55 tennas 360(1)-360(n) via the transceivers 311 and to for- and other parameters of any allocated RUs, for ex- ward the processed signals to the processor 330 or the ample, as described below for one or more opera- memory 340 (or both). tions of Figure 8. [0039] The network interface 350 may be used to com-

6 11 EP 3 443 790 B1 12 municate with a WLAN server (not shown for simplicity) acteristics or parameters of each of the different BSSs, either directly or via one or more intervening networks and any other suitable information pertaining to or de- and to transmit signals. scribing the operation of one or more BSSs that may be [0040] The MAC 320 may include at least a number of created by, operated by, or otherwise associated with contention engines 321 and frame formatting circuitry 5 the AP 300. 322. The contention engines 321 may contend for access [0045] The memory 340 may also include a non-tran- to the shared wireless medium, and may also store pack- sitory computer-readable medium (such as one or more ets for transmission over the shared wireless medium. nonvolatile memory elements, such as EPROM, EEP- In some implementations, the AP 300 may include one ROM, Flash memory, a hard drive, and so on) that may or more contention engines 321 for each of a plurality of 10 store at least the following software (SW) modules: different access categories. In other implementations, the contention engines 321 may be separate from the • a BSS configuration software module 343 to set-up, MAC 320. For still other implementations, the contention configure, and operate multiple BSSs and to assign engines 321 may be implemented as one or more soft- a number of wireless devices to each of the BSSs ware modules (such as stored in the memory 340 or with- 15 operated by the AP 300, for example, as described in memory provided within the MAC 320) containing in- below for one or more operations of Figure 8; structions that, when executed by the processor 330, perform the functions of the contention engines 321. • a frame formatting and exchange software module [0041] The frame formatting circuitry 322 may be used 344 to facilitate the creation and exchange of any to create and format frames received from the processor 20 suitable frames (such as data frames, action frames, 330 (such as by adding MAC headers to PDUs provided control frames, and management frames) between by the processor 330), and may be used to re-format the AP 300 and other wireless devices, for example, frames received from the PHY 310 (such as by stripping as described below for one or more operations of MAC headers from frames received from the PHY 310). Figure 8; Although the example of Figure 3 depicts the MAC 320 25 coupled to the memory 340 via the processor 330, in • a trigger frame software module 345 to facilitate the other implementations, the PHY 310, the MAC 320, the transmission of trigger frames to one or more wire- processor 330, and the memory 340 may be connected less devices, for example, as described below for using one or more buses (not shown for simplicity). one or more operations of Figure 8; and [0042] The processor 330 may be any suitable one or 30 more processors capable of executing scripts or instruc- • a resource unit (RU) allocation software module 346 tions of one or more software programs stored in the AP to allocate a number of dedicated RUs to a number 300 (such as within the memory 340). In some imple- of wireless devices identified by a trigger frame, to mentations, the processor 330 may be or include one or allocate a number of random RUs to a number of more microprocessors providing the processor function- 35 wireless devices that receive a trigger frame, and to ality and external memory providing at least a portion of allocate one or more random RUs to each of a machine-readable media. In other implementations, the number of selected BSSs, for example, as described processor 330 may be or include an Application Specific below for one or more operations of Figure 8. Integrated Circuit (ASIC) with the processor, the bus interface, the user interface, and at least a portion of the 40 Each software module includes instructions that, when machine-readable media integrated into a single chip. In executed by the processor 330, cause the AP 300 to some other implementations, the processor 330 may be perform the corresponding functions. The non-transitory or include one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays computer-readable medium of the memory 340 thus in- (FPGAs) or Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs). cludes instructions for performing all or a portion of the [0043] The memory 340 may include a device data- 45 operations described below with respect to Figure 8. base 341 that stores profile information for a plurality of [0046] The processor 330 may execute the BSS con- STAs. The profile information for a particular STA may figuration software module 343 to set-up, configure, and include, for example, its MAC address, supported data operate multiple BSSs and to assign a number of wireless rates, connection history with the AP 300, one or more devices to each of the BSSs operated by the AP 300. RUs allocated to the STA, the BSS with which the STA 50 The processor 330 may execute the frame formatting is associated or to which the STA belongs, and any other and exchange software module 344 to facilitate the cre- suitable information pertaining to or describing the operation and exchange of any suitable frames (such as data ation of the STA. frames, action frames, control frames, and management [0044] The memory 340 may also include a BSSID frames) between the AP 300 and other wireless devices. mapping table 342 that may store mapping information 55 The processor 330 may execute the trigger frame soft- between AID values and BSSID values, information in- ware module 345 to facilitate the transmission of trigger dicating which wireless devices are part of or belong to frames to one or more wireless devices. The processor each of a number of different BSSs, one or more char- 330 may execute the RU allocation software module 345

7 13 EP 3 443 790 B1 14 to allocate a number of dedicated RUs to a number of of subcarriers. In some aspects, a first subcarrier alloca- wireless devices identified by a trigger frame, to allocate tion 421 may include a number of RUs each including 26 a number of random RUs to a number of wireless devices subcarriers, a second subcarrier allocation 422 may in- that receive a trigger frame, and to allocate one or more clude a number of RUs each including 52 subcarriers, a random RUs to each of the selected BSSs. 5 third subcarrier allocation 423 may include a number of [0047] The IEEE 802.1 1ax specification may intro- RUs each including 106 subcarriers, a fourth subcarrier duce multiple access mechanisms, such as an orthogo- allocation 424 may include a number of RUs each includ- nal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) mech- ing 242 subcarriers, a fifth subcarrier allocation 425 may anism, to allow multiple STAs to transmit and receive include a number of RUs each including 484 subcarriers, data on a shared wireless medium at the same time. For 10 and a sixth subcarrier allocation 426 may include one RU a wireless network using OFDMA, the available frequen- including 996 subcarriers. For each of the example sub- cy spectrum may be divided into a plurality of resource carrier allocations 421-426 depicted in Figure 4C, adja- units (RUs) each including a number of different frequen- cent RUs may be separated by a null subcarrier, for ex- cy subcarriers, and different RUs may be allocated or ample, to reduce leakage between adjacent RUs. assigned (such as by an AP) to different wireless devices 15 [0051] An AP may allocate specific or dedicated RUs (such as STAs) at a given point in time. In this manner, to a number of associated STAs using a trigger frame. multiple wireless devices may concurrently transmit data In some implementations, the trigger frame may identify on the wireless medium using their assigned RUs or fre- a number of STAs associated with the AP, and may solicit quency subcarriers. uplink (UL) multi-user (MU) data transmissions from the [0048] Figure 4A shows an example subcarrier alloca- 20 identified STAs using their allocated RUs. The trigger tion diagram 400 for a 20 MHz bandwidth according to frame may use association identification (AID) values, the IEEE 802.11ax standards. As shown in Figure 4A, a assigned by the AP to its associated STAs, to identify 20 MHz bandwidth may be divided into a number of re- which STAs are to transmit UL data to the AP in response source units (RUs), and each RU may include a number to the trigger frame. In some aspects, the trigger frame of subcarriers. In some aspects, a first subcarrier alloca- 25 may indicate the RU size and location, the modulation tion 401 may include a number of RUs each including 26 and coding scheme (MCS), and the power level for UL subcarriers, a second subcarrier allocation 402 may in- transmissions to be used by each of the STAs identified clude a number of RUs each including 52 subcarriers, a in the trigger frame. As used herein, the RU size may third subcarrier allocation 403 may include a number of indicate the bandwidth of the RU, and the RU location RUs each including 106 subcarriers, and a fourth sub- 30 may indicate which frequency subcarriers are allocated carrier allocation 404 may include one RU including 242 to the RU. A trigger frame that allocates dedicated RUs subcarriers. For each of the example subcarrier alloca- to a number of associated STAs identified in the trigger tions 401-404 depicted in Figure 4A, adjacent RUs may frame may be referred to herein as a "directed" trigger be separated by a null subcarrier (such as a DC subcar- frame. rier), for example, to reduce leakage between adjacent 35 [0052] Figure 5A shows a sequence diagram 500A de- RUs. picting an example allocation of dedicated resource units [0049] Figure 4B shows an example subcarrier alloca- (RUs) to a number of wireless stations. The AP of Figure tion diagram 410 for a 40 MHz bandwidth according to 5A may be any suitable AP including, for example, the the IEEE 802.1 1ax standards. As shown in Figure 4B, AP 110 of Figure 1A, the AP 110 of Figure 1B, or the AP a 40 MHz bandwidth may be divided into a number of 40 300 of Figure 3. Each of the wireless stations STA1-STAn RUs, and each RU may include a number of subcarriers. may be any suitable wireless station including, for exam- In some aspects, a first subcarrier allocation 411 may ple, the stations STA1-STA4 of Figure 1A, the sets of include a number of RUs each including 26 subcarriers, stations STA1-STA4 of Figure 1B, or the STA 200 of Fig- a second subcarrier allocation 412 may include a number ure 2. of RUs each including 52 subcarriers, a third subcarrier 45 [0053] In some implementations, the AP may contend allocation 413 may include a number of RUs each includ- for medium access during a backoff period or a point ing 106 subcarriers, a fourth subcarrier allocation 414 coordination function (PCF) interframe space (PIFS) du- may include a number of RUs each including 242 sub- ration (such as between times t1 and t2). In other imple- carriers, and a fifth subcarrier allocation 415 may include mentations, the AP may contend for medium access us- one RU including 484 subcarriers. For each of the exam- 50 ing another suitable channel access mechanism. In some ple subcarrier allocations 411-415 depicted in Figure 4B, other implementations, the AP may utilize a multiple adjacent RUs may be separated by a null subcarrier, for channel access mechanism, for example, and may not example, to reduce leakage between adjacent RUs. contend for medium access. [0050] Figure 4C shows an example subcarrier alloca- [0054] The AP gains access to the wireless medium 55 tion diagram 420 for an 80 MHz bandwidth according to at time t2, and may transmit a directed trigger frame 502 the IEEE 802.11ax standards. As shown in Figure 4C, to the stations STA1-STAn on a downlink (DL) channel. an 80 MHz bandwidth may be divided into a number of Time t2 may indicate a beginning of a transmit opportunity resource units (RUs), and each RU may include a number (TXOP) 508. The directed trigger frame 502 may allocate

8 15 EP 3 443 790 B1 16 a dedicated RU to each of a number of stations STA1- MU data by transmitting a multi-station block acknowl- STA4 identified by the directed trigger frame 502 for up- edgement (M-BA) frame 506 to the stations STA1-STAn, link (UL) transmissions. In some aspects, the dedicated for example, as depicted in Figure 5A. RUs allocated by the directed trigger frame 502 may be [0059] As depicted in the example of Figure 5A, the unique, for example, so that the stations STA1-STAn may 5 AP may transmit the M-BA frame 506 a short interframe transmit UL data to the AP at the same time (or at sub- spacing (SIFS) duration after receiving the UL MU data stantially the same time). The directed trigger frame 502 transmitted from the stations STA1-STAn. In other im- also may solicit UL MU data transmissions from the plementations, the AP may transmit the M-BA frame 506 number of stations STA1-STAn identified by the directed after another suitable duration. trigger frame 502. 10 [0060] In addition, or in the alternative, the AP may [0055] The stations STA1-STAn may receive the di- transmit a trigger frame that allocates random RUs to the rected trigger frame 502 at (or around) time t3. Each of stations STA1-STAn for UL data transmissions. In some the stations STA1-STAn may decode a portion of the implementations, the random RUs may be contention- directed trigger frame 502 to determine whether the sta- based resources that are shared by all STAs that receive tion is identified by the directed trigger frame 502. In some 15 the trigger frame. The random RUs may be used by any aspects, the directed trigger frame 502 may use AID val- STA that receives the trigger frame, including STAs that ues assigned to the stations STA1-STAn to identify which are not associated with the AP. Allocation of the random of the stations STA1-STAn have been allocated dedicat- RUs may allow STAs that were not identified in the di- ed RUs and to indicate which of the stations STA1-STAn rected trigger frame 502 to transmit UL data to the AP are to transmit UL data based on reception of the directed 20 (such as by using the random RUs rather than the ded- trigger frame 502. Each of the stations STA1-STAn that icated RUs allocated by the directed trigger frame 502). is not identified by the directed trigger frame 502 may not The exclusion of a given STA from UL data transmissions transmit UL data during the TXOP 508, for example, be- on dedicated RUs allocated by the directed trigger frame cause they may not have been allocated dedicated RUs 502 may be based on a variety of factors including, for for UL transmissions. 25 example, a failure of the AP to receive a buffer status [0056] Each of the stations STA1-STAn that is identi- report (BSR) from the given STA, a limited number of fied by the directed trigger frame 502 may decode addi- dedicated RUs that may be allocated for UL MU data tional portions of the directed trigger frame 502 to deter- transmissions, or the absence of an AID assigned to the mine the size and location of the dedicated RU allocated given STA (such as because the given STA is not asso- thereto. In some aspects, the directed trigger frame 502 30 ciated with the AP). A trigger frame that allocates random may schedule UL data transmissions from the identified RUs (such as for OFDMA-based random channel ac- stations STA1-STAn to commence at an unspecified in- cess) to all receiving STAs may be referred to herein as terframe spacing (xIFS) duration after reception of the a "wildcard" trigger frame. directed trigger frame 502, for example, as depicted in [0061] Figure 5B shows a sequence diagram 500B de- the example of Figure 5A. 35 picting an example allocation of random RUs. The AP of [0057] At time t4, the stations STA1-STAn identified by Figure 5B may be any suitable AP including, for example, the directed trigger frame 502 may begin transmitting UL the AP 110 of Figure 1A, the AP 110 of Figure 1B, or the MU data 504 on their respective dedicated RUs. In some AP 300 of Figure 3. Each of the wireless stations STA1- aspects, each of the stations STA1-STAn identified by STAn may be any suitable wireless station including, for the directed trigger frame 502 may determine whether 40 example, the stations STA1-STA4 of Figure 1A, the sets the frequency band associated with its allocated RU has of stations STA1-STA4 of Figure 1B, or the STA 200 of been idle for a duration (such as a PIFS duration) prior Figure 2. to transmitting UL MU data to the AP. For the example [0062] In some implementations, the AP may contend of Figure 5A, all of the stations STA1-STAn are allocated for medium access during a backoff period or a PIFS a dedicated RU by the directed trigger frame 502, and 45 duration. In other implementations, the AP may contend all of the stations STA1-STAn transmit UL MU data to for medium access using another suitable channel ac- the AP using their respective dedicated RUs. In other cess mechanism. In some other implementations, the AP implementations, a subset (such as less than all) of the may utilize a multiple channel access mechanism. stations STA1-STAn may be allocated dedicated RUs by [0063] The AP gains access to the wireless medium 50 the directed trigger frame 502. at time t2, and may transmit a wildcard trigger frame 512 [0058] The AP may receive the UL MU data 504 from to the stations STA1-STAn on the DL channel. Time t2 the identified stations STA1-STAn at time t5, and may may indicate a beginning of a transmit opportunity (TX- acknowledge reception of the UL MU data 504 from the OP) 518. The wildcard trigger frame 512 may allocate stations STA1-STAn by transmitting acknowledgement one or more random RUs upon which the stations STA1- 55 (ACK) frames at time t6. In some aspects, the AP may STAn may transmit UL MU data to the AP. The stations acknowledge reception of the UL MU data by transmitting STA1-STAn may receive the wildcard trigger frame 512 an MU ACK frame to the stations STA1-STAn. In other at (or around) time t3A, and may contend with each other aspects, the AP may acknowledge reception of the UL for access to the allocated random RUs at time t3B (which

9 17 EP 3 443 790 B1 18 may be an xIFS duration after time t3A). In some aspects, each of the example stations (STAs) shown in Figure 1B the wildcard trigger frame 512 may be a broadcast frame to a particular one of the basic service sets BSS1-BSSn that allows any receiving wireless device to contend for based on a number of parameters of one or more of the access to the random RUs allocated by the wildcard trig- basic service sets BSS1-BSSn. In some aspects, the ger frame 512. In other aspects, the wildcard trigger 5 number of parameters of a given one of the basic service frame 512 may be a multicast frame that allows a selected sets BSS1-BSSn may include one or more of: security subset of the stations STA1-STAn to contend for access parameters of the given BSS, access privileges of the to the random RUs allocated by the wildcard trigger frame wireless devices associated with or belonging to the giv- 512. en BSS, the types of wireless devices (such as IoT de- [0064] In some implementations, the stations STA1- 10 vices, Wi-Fi devices, and so on) associated with or be- STAn may use the DCF or PCF back-off procedure to longing to the given BSS, quality of service (QoS) pa- contend for access to the random RUs. In other imple- rameters of the given BSS, delay requirements (such as mentations, the stations STA1-STAn may use an oppor- relatively short delays for voice traffic and relatively long tunistic back-off (OBO) procedure to contend for access delays for background or best effort traffic) of the wireless to the random RUs, for example, as depicted in the ex- 15 devices associated with or belonging to the given BSS, ample of Figure 5B. The OBO procedure is a distributed bandwidth capabilities of the wireless devices associated random channel access mechanism for which each STA with or belonging to the given BSS (such as narrowband selects a random back-off number that may be used to capabilities and wideband capabilities), and any other select one of the random RUs allocated by the wildcard suitable metric or characteristic that may be used to pri- trigger frame 512. For example, if the AP allocates four 20 oritize the allocation of random RUs to the plurality of random RUs to be shared as contention-based resourc- basic service sets BSS1-BSSn. es, and a given STA selects an OBO value of 3, then the [0068] Figure 5C shows a sequence diagram 500C de- given STA may transmit UL MU data using the third ran- picting an example allocation of random RUs to a specific dom RU. Conversely, if the given STA selects an OBO basic service set (BSS). The AP of Figure 5C may be value of 5, then the given STA may not use the random 25 any suitable AP including, for example, the AP 110 of RUs to transmit UL data during the TXOP 518 (such as Figure 1A, the AP 110 of Figure 1B, or the AP 300 of because the four random RUs may be used by STAs that Figure 3. In some aspects, the basic service sets BSS1- selected OBO values of 1 through 4). After expiration of BSSn shown in Figure 5C may be examples of the basic the TXOP 518, the given STA may update its OBO value service sets BSS1-BSSn of Figure 1B. In other aspects, from 5 to 1, and then transmit UL MU data using the first 30 the basic service sets BSS1-BSSn shown in Figure 5C random RU during a next TXOP. may be other suitable basic service sets. Although not [0065] For the example of Figure 5B, stations STA1 shown for simplicity, each of the basic service sets BSS1- and STA2 gain access to the random RUs allocated by BSSn shown in Figure 5C may include or be associated the wildcard trigger frame 512 at time t4, and begin trans- with a number of wireless devices (such as the STAs of mitting UL MU data 514 to the AP during the TXOP 518. 35 Figure 1A, the sets of STAs of Figure 1B, the STA 200 The other stations (such as stations STA3-STAn) may of Figure 2, or any other suitable wireless devices capa- not use the random RUs allocated by the wildcard trigger ble of wirelessly communicating with the AP. frame 512 to transmit UL data during the TXOP 518, for [0069] In some implementations, the AP may contend example, because their initial OBO values may be great- for medium access during a backoff period or a point er than the number of random RUs allocated by the wild- 40 coordination function (PCF) interframe space (PIFS) du- card trigger frame 512. ration (such as between times t1 and t2). In other imple- [0066] The AP may receive the UL MU data 514 from mentations, the AP may contend for medium access us- stations STA1 and STA2 at time t5, and may acknowl- ing another suitable channel access mechanism. In some edge reception of the UL MU data 514 by transmitting other implementations, the AP may utilize a multiple 45 acknowledgement (ACK) frames at time t6. In some as- channel access mechanism, for example, and may not pects, the AP may acknowledge reception of the UL MU contend for medium access. data 514 by transmitting an MU ACK frame to stations [0070] The AP gains access to the wireless medium STA1 and STA2. In other aspects, the AP may acknowl- at time t2, and may transmit a trigger frame 522 to the edge reception of the UL MU data 514 by transmitting a sets of stations STA1-STAn belonging to respective ba- 50 multi-station block acknowledgement (M-BA) frame 516 sic service sets BSS1-BSSn on a DL channel. Time t2 to stations STA1 and STA2, for example, as depicted in may indicate a beginning of a transmit opportunity (TX- Figure 5B. OP) 528. The trigger frame 522 may allocate one or more [0067] Referring again to Figure 1B, the AP 110 may random RUs to each of a selected number of the plurality create and independently operate a plurality of basic of basic service sets BSS1-BSSn, for example, so that service sets BSSl-BSSn, and each of the basic service 55 the wireless devices associated with or belonging to the sets BSS1-BSSn may include a number of wireless de- selected BSSs may transmit UL data to the AP (or to vices (such as the corresponding sets of stations STA1- other devices) using the random RUs allocated by the STA4). In some implementations, the AP 110 may assign trigger frame 522. In some implementations, the trigger

10 19 EP 3 443 790 B1 20 frame 522 may contain one or more values identifying [0074] The first station STA1(1) of the selected basic the selected BSSs, and may indicate the size and location service set BSS1 is depicted as gaining access to the of the random RUs allocated to each of the selected wireless medium (after a backoff period between times BSSs. In some aspects, each of the values may be an t3B and t4), and may begin transmitting UL data on the 5 AID having a value set to the BSSID of a corresponding random RU allocated by the trigger frame 522 at time t4. one of the selected BSSs. Thus, rather than identifying In some aspects, the first station STA1(1) may use the a particular wireless station to which one or more random random RU to transmit UL data within first basic service RUs are allocated, each AID provided in the trigger frame set BSS1. In other aspects, the first station STA1(1) may 522 may identify a particular BSS to which one or more use the random RU to transmit UL data to wireless de- random RUs are allocated. The selected number of BSSs 10 vices belonging to other basic service sets. may be a subset of the BSSs operated or controlled by [0075] The AP may receive the UL MU data 524 from the AP, for example, so that the random RUs allocated the first station STA1(1) at time t5, and may acknowledge by the AP are not available to all BSSs operated or con- reception of the UL MU data 524 by transmitting an ACK trolled by the AP. frame to the first station STA1(1) at time t6. In some as- [0071] In some aspects, the trigger frame 522 may be 15 pects, the AP may acknowledge reception of the UL MU a broadcast frame that allows any wireless devices as- data 524 by transmitting an MU ACK frame to the first sociated with or belonging to the selected BSSs to con- station STA1(1). In other aspects, the AP may acknowl- tend for access to the random RUs allocated by the trig- edge reception of the UL MU data 524 by transmitting a ger frame 522. In other aspects, the trigger frame 522 multi-station block acknowledgement (M-BA) frame 526 may be a multicast frame that allows a group of wireless 20 to the first station STA1(1), for example, as depicted in devices associated with or belonging to the selected Figure 5C. BSSs to contend for access to the random RUs allocated [0076] Allocating random RUs to a selected BSS (such by the trigger frame 522. as rather than allocating random RUs to wireless devices [0072] The wireless devices within range of the AP 110 within any or all BSSs controlled or operated by the AP) 25 may receive the trigger frame 522 at (or around) time t3A. may increase medium utilization and efficiency. For one Each of the wireless devices that receives the trigger example, if a first BSS includes 100 wireless devices and frame 522 may decode the AID value included in the a second BSS includes 3 wireless devices, then allocat- trigger frame 522 to determine whether the BSS to which ing random RUs to all wireless devices associated with the wireless device belongs is selected for an allocation the AP may result in the wireless devices belonging to of random RUs. In some implementations, if a given wire- 30 the second BSS receiving a disproportionate share of less device determines that the AID value included in the the random RUs allocated by the AP. Thus, by allocating trigger frame 522 matches the BSSID of its BSS, then random RUs to wireless devices belonging to the first the given wireless device may contend for access to the BSS (rather than to wireless devices belonging to all random RUs allocated by the trigger frame 522. Con- BSSs operated or controlled by the AP), the AP may pri- versely, if a given wireless device determines that the 35 oritize the allocation of random RUs based on the number AID value included in the trigger frame 522 does not of wireless devices that belong to the first BSS. In other match the BSSID of its BSS, then the given wireless de- words, because more wireless devices belong to the first vice may not contend for access to the random RUs al- BSS than to the second BSS, the AP may allocate more located by the trigger frame 522. random RUs to the first BSS than to the second BSS (or [0073] For the example of Figure 5C, the AP 110 se- 40 may allocate random RUs to the first BSS more frequently lects the first basic service sets BSS1 for allocation of than to the second BSS). the random RUs, and the AID value stored in the trigger [0077] For another example, if a first BSS includes 4 frame 522 is set to the BSSID of the first basic service smartphones that frequently implement VoIP calls and a set BSS1 (such as AID = BSSID1). Because the stations second BSS includes 10 IoT devices (such as smart sen- STA1(1)-STA4(1) belong to the first basic service set 45 sors), then allocating random RUs to all wireless devices BSS1, the stations STA1(1)-STA4(1) may contend with associated with the AP using conventional RU allocation each other for access to the random RUs allocated by techniques may result in allocations of random RUs to the trigger frame 522 at time t3B (which may be an xIFS sensor devices (which typically do not have delay-critical duration after time t3A). Stations that do not belong to the traffic) that would otherwise be available to facilitate VoIP selected BSS may not contend for access to the random 50 calls and other real-time traffic corresponding to the first RUs allocated by the trigger frame 522. Thus, because BSS. Thus, by allocating random RUs to the 4 smart- the sets of stations STA1(2)-STA4(2) through phones belonging to the first BSS (and not to the 10 IoT STA1(n)-STA4(n) belong to non-selected basic service devices belonging to the second BSS), the AP may pri- sets BSS2 through BSSn, respectively, these sets of sta- oritize the allocation of random RUs based on traffic tions may not contend for access to the random RUs 55 classes and delay or latency requirements. allocated by the trigger frame 522. In some aspects, sta- [0078] Figure 6 shows an example trigger frame 600. tions that do not belong to the selected BSS may return The trigger frame 600 may be used as the directed trigger to a power save state. frame 502 of Figure 5A, the wildcard trigger frame 512

11 21 EP 3 443 790 B1 22 of Figure 5B, and the trigger frame 522 of Figure 5C. The 712 may identify the dedicated RU allocated to the cor- trigger frame 600 is shown to include a frame control field responding STA (such as the STA identified by the User 601, a duration field 602, a receiver address (RA) field Identifier subfield 711). The Coding Type subfield 713 603, a transmitter address (TA) field 604, a Common Info may indicate the type of coding to be used by the corre- field 605, a number of Per User Info fields 606(1)-606(n), 5 sponding STA when transmitting UL data using the allo- and a frame check sequence (FCS) field 607. cated RU. The MCS subfield 714 may indicate the MCS [0079] The frame control field 601 includes a Type field to be used by the corresponding STA when transmitting 601A and a Sub-type field 601B. The Type field 601A UL data using the allocated RU. The DCM subfield 715 may store a value to indicate that the trigger frame 600 may indicate the dual carrier modulation to be used by is a control frame, and the Sub-type field 601B may store 10 the corresponding STA when transmitting UL data using a value indicating a type of the trigger frame 600. The the allocated RU. The SS Allocation subfield 716 may duration field 602 may store information indicating a du- indicate the number of spatial streams to be used by the ration or length of the trigger frame 600. The RA field 603 corresponding STA when transmitting UL data using the may store the address of a receiving device (such as one allocated RU. of the wireless stations STA1-STAn of Figure 5A). The 15 [0082] In some implementations, the value of the AID TA field 604 may store the address of a transmitting de- stored in the User Identifier subfield 711 of the Per User vice (such as the AP of Figure 5A). The Common Info Info field 710 of the trigger frame 600 may indicate or field 605 may store information common to one or more identify the selected BSS to which random RUs identified receiving devices, as described in more detail below with in the RU Allocation subfield 712 are allocated. In some respect to Figure 7A. Each of the Per User Info fields 20 aspects, the AID stored in the User Identifier subfield 711 606(1)-606(n) may store information for a particular re- may be one of a number (N) of values, for example, to ceiving device, as described in more detail below with identify a corresponding one of N different BSSs to which respect to Figure 7B. The FCS field 607 may store a one or more random RUs are allocated by the trigger frame check sequence (such as for error detection). frame 600. For one example in which the AP operates a [0080] Figure 7A shows an example Common Info field 25 number N = 8 of independent BSSs, AID values of 0-7 700. The Common Info field 700 may be one implemen- may be used by the trigger frame 600 to identify a se- tation of the Common Info field 605 of the trigger frame lected one of eight (8) BSSs to which the random RUs 600. The Common Info field 700 is shown to include a are allocated by the trigger frame 600. Thus, if the trigger length subfield 701, a cascade indication subfield 702, a frame 600 stores a value AID = 1, then all wireless de- high-efficiency signaling A (HE-SIG-A) info subfield 703, 30 vices associated with or belonging to a BSS having a a cyclic prefix (CP) and legacy training field (LTF) type BSSID = 1 (such as the first basic service set BSS1 of subfield 704, a trigger type subfield 705, and a trigger- Figure 1B) may contend for access to the random RUs dependent common info subfield 706. The length subfield allocated by the trigger frame 600; if the trigger frame 701 may indicate the length of a legacy signaling field of 600 stores a value AID = 2, then all wireless devices the UL data frames to be transmitted in response to the 35 associated with or belonging to a BSS having a BSSID trigger frame 600. The cascade indication subfield 702 = 2 (such as the second basic service set BSS2 of Figure may indicate whether a subsequent trigger frame follows 1B) may contend for access to the random RUs allocated the current trigger frame. The HE-SIG-A Info subfield 703 by the trigger frame 600; and so on. may indicate the contents of a HE-SIG-A field of the UL [0083] Mappings between BSSs and AID values may data frames to be transmitted in response to the trigger 40 be stored in the AP, for example, as described above frame 600. The CP and LTF type subfield 704 may indi- with respect to Figure 3. The AP may share the mappings cate the cyclic prefix and HE-LTF type of the UL data between BSSs and AID values with its associated wire- frames to be transmitted in response to the trigger frame less devices. In some implementations, the AP may 600. The trigger type subfield 705 may indicate the type transmit a multiple BSSID set element that includes the of trigger frame. The trigger-dependent common info 45 mappings between BSSs and AID values. In some as- subfield 706 may indicate trigger-dependent information. pects, the AP may transmit the multiple BSSID set ele- [0081] Figure 7B shows an example Per User Info field ment in beacon frames broadcast to its associated de- 710. The Per User Info field 710 may be one implemen- vices. In other aspects, the AP may transmit the multiple tation of the Per User Info fields 606(1)-606(n) of the trig- BSSID set element in trigger frames. The multiple BSSID ger frame 600. The Per User Info field 710 is shown to 50 set element may be included in an information element include a User Identifier subfield 711, an RU Allocation (IE), in a vendor-specific information element (VSIE), in subfield 712, a Coding Type subfield 713, an MCS sub- a packet extension, or in any other suitable portion or field 714, a dual-carrier modulation (DCM) subfield 715, field of the beacon frames or trigger frames. a spatial stream (SS) Allocation subfield 716, and a trig- [0084] Figure 8 shows an illustrative flow chart depict- ger-dependent Per User info subfield 717. The User Iden- 55 ing an example operation 800 for allocating random RUs tifier subfield 711 may indicate the association identifica- to a selected number of basic service sets (BSSs) oper- tion (AID) of the STA to which a dedicated RU is allocated ated by an AP, in accordance with aspects of the present for transmitting UL MU data. The RU Allocation subfield disclosure. The AP may be the AP 110 of Figure 1A, the

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AP of Figure 1B, or the AP 300 of Figure 3. formed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip proc- [0085] First, the AP selects a number of basic service essor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application sets (BSSs) from a plurality of BSSs, wherein the select- specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable ed number of BSSs is a subset of the plurality of BSSs gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, (802). In some aspects, the AP may base the selection 5 discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware com- of the BSS(s) on at least one of: security parameters of ponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the plurality of BSSs, access privileges of wireless de- the functions described herein. A general purpose proc- vices belonging to the plurality of BSSs, types of wireless essor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional devices belonging to the plurality of BSSs, quality of serv- processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. ice (QoS) parameters of the plurality of BSSs, and delay 10 A processor also may be implemented as a combination requirements of wireless devices belonging to the plural- of computing devices such as, for example, a combina- ity of BSSs. tion of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of micro- [0086] Then, the AP allocates one or more random re- processors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction source units (RUs) to each of the selected BSSs (804). with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some In some implementations, the one or more random RUs 15 implementations, particular processes and methods may may be contention-based resources that are to be shared be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given func- by a number of wireless devices belonging to a corre- tion. sponding one of the selected BSSs. In some aspects, a [0092] In one or more aspects, the functions described size of the one or more random RUs may be based, at may be implemented in hardware, digital electronic cir- least in part, on a bandwidth of the wireless devices be- 20 cuitry, computer software, firmware, including the struc- longing to the corresponding one of the selected BSSs. tures disclosed in this specification and their structural [0087] Next, the AP transmits a frame indicating the equivalents thereof, or in any combination thereof. Im- allocation of the one or more random RUs to each of the plementations of the subject matter described in this selected BSSs (806). In some implementations, the specification also can be implemented as one or more frame may be a trigger frame that includes one or more 25 computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of com- AID values that identify the selected BSSs. In some as- puter program instructions, encoded on a computer stor- pects, the AID values may be stored in a per user infor- age media for execution by, or to control the operation mation field of the trigger frame. In other aspects, the AID of, data processing apparatus. values may be stored in another suitable portion or field [0093] If implemented in software, the functions may of the trigger frame. 30 be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instruc- [0088] Thereafter, the AP receives uplink data, on the tions or code on a computer-readable medium. The proc- one or more random RUs allocated by the frame, from a esses of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be number of wireless devices belonging to at least one of implemented in a processor-executable software module the selected BSSs (808). In this manner, the wireless which may reside on a computer-readable medium. devices belonging to the at least one of the selected BSSs 35 Computer-readable media includes both computer stor- may use the random RUs without contending with wire- age media and communication media including any me- less devices belonging to non-selected BSSs. dium that can be enabled to transfer a computer program [0089] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least from one place to another. A storage media may be any one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those available media that may be accessed by a computer. items, including single members. As an example, "at least 40 By way of example, and not limitation, such computer- one of: a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD- b-c, and a-b-c. ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage [0090] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium modules, circuits and algorithm processes described in that may be used to store desired program code in the connection with the implementations disclosed herein 45 form of instructions or data structures and that may be may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer accessed by a computer. Also, any connection can be software, or combinations of both. The interchangeability properly termed a computer-readable medium. Disk and of hardware and software has been described generally, disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser in terms of functionality, and illustrated in the various il- disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, lustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and 50 and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data processes described above. Whether such functionality magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with is implemented in hardware or software depends upon lasers. Combinations of the above should also be includ- the particular application and design constraints imposed ed within the scope of computer-readable media. Addi- on the overall system. tionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may re- [0091] The hardware and data processing apparatus 55 side as one or any combination or set of codes and in- used to implement the various illustrative logics, logical structions on a machine readable medium and computer- blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with readable medium, which may be incorporated into a com- the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or per- puter program product.

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[0094] Various modifications to the implementations 6. The method of claim 5 or the apparatus of claim 5, described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to wherein the AID comprises a number, N, of values those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined ranging from o to N-1 each identifying a correspond- herein may be applied to other implementations without ing one of N independent BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the 5 wherein N is an integer greater than one. claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest 7. The method of claim 1 or the apparatus of claim 2, scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and wherein the one or more random RUs comprise con- the novel features disclosed herein. tention-based resources to be shared only by wire- 10 less devices belonging to the selected BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn). Claims 8. The method of claim 1 or the apparatus of claim 2, 1. A method performed by an access point, AP, (no, wherein a size of the one or more random RUs is 300), the method comprising: 15 based at least in part on a bandwidth of a number of wireless devices belonging to the selected BSSs selecting a number of basic service sets, BSSs, (BSS1 - BSSn). (BSS1 - BSSn) from a plurality of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), wherein the selected number of BSSs 9. The method of claim 1 or the apparatus of claim 2, (BSS1 - BSSn) is a subset of the plurality of 20 wherein selecting the number of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn); BSSn) is based on at least one of: security param- allocating one or more random resource units, eters of the plurality of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), access RUs, to each of the selected BSSs (BSS1 - privileges of wireless devices belonging to the plu- BSSn); and rality of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), types of wireless de- transmitting a frame indicating the allocation of 25 vices belonging to the plurality of BSSs (BSS1 - the one or more random RUs to each of the se- BSSn), quality of service, QoS, parameters of the lected BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn). plurality of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), and delay requirements of wireless devices belonging to the plurality 2. An apparatus, comprising: of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn). 30 means for selecting a number of basic service 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sets, BSSs, (BSS1 - BSSn) from a plurality of receiving uplink data, on the one or more random BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), wherein the selected RUs allocated by the frame, from a number of wire- number of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) is a subset of less devices belonging to at least one of the selected the plurality of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn); 35 BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn). means for allocating one or more random resource units, RUs, to each of the selected BSSs 11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus is (BSS1 - BSSn); and an access point, AP, (110, 300) comprising one or means for transmitting a frame indicating the al- more processors (330) and a memory (340), wherein location of the one or more random RUs to each 40 the various means are implemented by: of the selected BSSs (BSS4 - BSSn). said one or more processors (330); and 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality said memory (340) storing instructions that, of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) is operated by the AP (110, when executed by the one or more processors, 300). 45 cause the AP (110, 300) to:

4. The method of claim 1 or the apparatus of claim 2, select a number of basic service sets, BSSs wherein the frame comprises a trigger frame (522) (BSS1 - BSSn), from a plurality of BSSs containing one or more values that identify the se- (BSS1 - BSSn), wherein the selected lected BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn). 50 number of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) is a subset of the plurality of BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn); 5. The method of claim 4 or the apparatus of claim 4, allocate one or more random resource wherein each of the values comprises an association units, RUs, to each of the selected BSSs identification, AID, identifying a corresponding one (BSS1 - BSSn); and of the selected BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), and the AID 55 transmit a frame indicating the allocation of is stored in a per user information field of the trigger the one or more random RUs to each of the frame (522). selected BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn).

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12. The AP (110, 300) of claim 11, wherein execution of 5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4 oder Vorrichtung nach the instructions causes the AP (110, 300) to further: Anspruch 4, wobei jeder der Werte eine Assoziati- receive uplink data, on the one or more random RUs onsidentifikation, AID, umfasst, die eine entspre- allocated by the frame, from a number of wireless chende der ausgewählten BSSs (BSS1- BSSn) devices belonging to at least one of the selected 5 identifiziert, und die AID in einem Pro-Benutzer-In- BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn). formationsfeld des Triggerrahmens (522) gespei- chert wird. 13. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an ac- 6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5 oder die Vorrichtung cess point, AP, (110, 300) cause the AP (110, 300) 10 nach Anspruch 5, wobei die AID eine Anzahl N von to perform operations according to any of claims 1 Werten im Bereich von 0 bis N-1 umfasst, die jeweils or 3 to 10. ein entsprechenden einen von N unabhängigen BS- Ss (BSS1-BSSn) identifizieren, wobei N eine ganze Zahl größer als 1 ist. Patentansprüche 15 7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder die Vorrichtung 1. Ein Verfahren, das von einem Zugangspunkt, AP, nach Anspruch 2, wobei die eine oder die mehreren (110, 300), durchgeführt wird, wobei das Verfahren zufälligen RUs konfliktbasierte Ressourcen umfas- umfasst: sen, die nur von den zu den ausgewählten BSSs 20 (BSS1- BSSn) gehörenden drahtlosen Vorrichtun- Auswählen einer Anzahl von Basisdienstsät- gen geteilt werden sollen. zen, BSSs, (BSS1 - BSSn) aus einer Vielzahl von BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), wobei die ausgewähl- 8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder die Vorrichtung te Anzahl von BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) einen Sub- nach Anspruch 2, wobei eine Größe der einen oder satz der Vielzahl von BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) ist; 25 der mehreren zufälligen RUs zumindest teilweise auf Zuweisen einer oder mehrerer Zufallsressour- einer Bandbreite einer Anzahl von drahtlosen Vor- ceneinheiten, RUs, zu jeder der ausgewählten richtungen basiert, die zu den ausgewählten BSSs BSSs (BSS1-BSSn); und (BSS1 - BSSn) gehören. Übertragen eines Rahmens, der die Zuweisung von einer oder mehreren zufälligen RUs an je- 30 9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder die Vorrichtung des der ausgewählten BSS (BSS1 - BSSn) an- nach Anspruch 2, wobei Auswählen der Anzahl der zeigt. BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) auf mindestens einem der fol- genden basiert: 2. Eine Vorrichtung, umfassend: Sicherheitsparametern der Vielzahl von BSSs 35 (BSS1 - BSSn), Zugriffsprivilegien von drahtlosen Mittel zum Auswählen einer Anzahl von Basis- Vorrichtungen, die zu der Vielzahl von BSSs (BSS1- dienstsätzen, BSSs, (BSS1-BSSn) aus einer BSSn) gehören, Typen von drahtlosen Vorrichtun- Vielzahl von BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), wobei die gen, die zu der Vielzahl von BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) ausgewählte Anzahl von BSSs (BSS1-BSSn) gehören, Dienstgüte, QoS, Parametern der Vielzahl ein Subsatz der Vielzahl von BSSs (BSS1- BS- 40 von BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) und Verzögerungsanfor- Sn) ist; derungen von drahtlosen Vorrichtungen, die zu der Mittel zum Zuweisen einer oder mehrerer Zu- Vielzahl von BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) gehören. fallsressourceneinheiten, RUs, zu jeder der aus- gewählten BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn); und 10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend: Mittel zum Übertragen eines Rahmens, der die 45 Empfangen von Uplink-Daten auf der einen oder den Zuweisung des einen oder der mehreren zufäl- mehreren zufälligen RUs, die durch den Rahmen zu- ligen RUs zu jedem der ausgewählten BSS gewiesen werden, von einer Anzahl von drahtlosen (BSS1 - BSSn) angibt. Vorrichtungen, die zu mindestens einem der ausge- wählten BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) gehören. 3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei jedes der Vielzahl 50 der BSS (BSS1 - BSSn) von dem AP (110, 300) be- 11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Vorrichtung trieben wird. ein Zugriffspunkt, AP, (110, 300) ist, der einen oder mehrere Prozessoren (330) und einen Speicher 4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder Vorrichtung nach (340) umfasst, wobei die verschiedenen Mittel imp- Anspruch 2, wobei der Rahmen einen Triggerrah- 55 lementiert sind durch: men (522) umfasst, der einen oder mehrere Werte beinhaltet, die die ausgewählten BSSs (BSS1 - BS- den einen oder die mehrere Prozessoren (330); Sn) identifizieren. und

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den Speicher (340), der Anweisungen spei- Sn) à partir d’une pluralité de BSS (BSS1-BS- chert, die, wenn sie von dem einem oder den Sn), dans lequel le nombre sélectionné de BSS mehreren Prozessoren ausgeführt werden, den (BSS1-BSSn) est un sous-ensemble de la plu- AP (110, 300) veranlassen zum: ralité de BSS (BSS1-BSSn) ; 5 un moyen pour attribuer une ou plusieurs unités Auswählen einer Anzahl von Basisdienst- de ressources, RU, aléatoires à chacun des sätzen, BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), aus einer BSS sélectionnés (BSS1-BSSn) ; et Vielzahl von BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn), wobei un moyen pour transmettre une trame indiquant die ausgewählte Anzahl von BSSs (BSS1 - l’allocation des une ou plusieurs RU aléatoires BSSn) einen Subsatz der Vielzahl von BS- 10 à chacun des BSS sélectionnés (BSS1-BSSn). Ss (BSS1 - BSSn) ist; Zuweisen einer oder mehrerer Zufallsres- 3. Le procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel sourceneinheiten, RUs, zu jeder der ausge- chaque BSS de la pluralité de BSS (BSS1-BSSn) wählten BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn); und est mis en œuvre par l’AP (110, 300). Übertragen eines Rahmens, der die Zuwei- 15 sung des einen oder der mehreren zufälli- 4. Le procédé selon la revendication 1 ou l’appareil se- gen RUs zu jedem der ausgewählten BSS lon la revendication 2, dans lesquels la trame com- (BSS1 - BSSn) anzeigt. prend une trame de déclenchement (522) contenant une ou plusieurs valeurs qui identifient les BSS sé- 12. AP (110, 300) nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Ausfüh- 20 lectionnés (BSS1-BSSn). rung der Anweisungen den AP (110, 300) ferner ver- anlasst zum: 5. Le procédé selon la revendication 4 ou l’appareil se- Empfangen von Uplink-Daten von einer oder meh- lon la revendication 4, dans lesquels chacune des reren zufälligen RUs, die durch den Rahmen zuge- valeurs comprend une identification d’association, wiesen wurden, von einer Anzahl von drahtlosen 25 AID, identifiant un BSS correspondant des BSS sé- Vorrichtungen, die zu mindestens einer der ausge- lectionnés (BSS1-BSSn), et l’AID est stockée dans wählten BSSs (BSS1 - BSSn) gehören. un champ d’information par utilisateur de la trame de déclenchement (522) . 13. Ein Computerprogramm umfassend Anweisungen, die, wenn sie von einem oder mehrere Prozessoren 30 6. Le procédé selon la revendication 5 ou l’appareil se- eines Zugangspunktes, AP, (110, 300) ausgeführt lon la revendication 5, dans lesquels l’AID comprend werden, den AP (110, 300) veranlassen, Operatio- un nombre, N, de valeurs s’étendant de 0 à N-1 iden- nen gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 3 bis 10 tifiant chacune un BSS correspondant parmi N BSS durchzuführen. (BSS1-BSSn) indépendants, dans lesquels N est un 35 nombre entier supérieur à l’unité.

Revendications 7. Le procédé selon la revendication 1 ou l’appareil selon la revendication 2, dans lesquels les une ou plu- 1. Un procédé mis en œuvre par un point d’accès, AP, sieurs RU aléatoires comprennent des ressources (110, 300), le procédé comprenant : 40 basées sur contention, à partager uniquement par des dispositifs sans fil appartenant aux BSS sélec- la sélection d’un nombre d’ensembles de servi- tionnés (BSS1-BSSn). ces de base, BSS, (BSS1-BSSn) à partir d’une pluralité de BSS (BSS1-BSSn), dans lequel le 8. Le procédé selon la revendication 1 ou l’appareil se- nombre sélectionné de BSS (BSS1-BSSn) est 45 lon la revendication 2, dans lesquels une taille de un sous-ensemble de la pluralité de BSS (BSS1- l’une ou des plusieurs RU aléatoires est basée au BSSn) ; moins en partie sur une largeur de bande d’un nom- l’allocation d’une ou de plusieurs unités de res- bre de dispositifs sans fil appartenant aux BSS sé- sources, RU, aléatoires à chacun des BSS sé- lectionnés (BSS1-BSSn). lectionnés (BSS1-BSSn) ; et 50 la transmission d’une trame indiquant l’alloca- 9. Le procédé selon la revendication 1 ou l’appareil se- tion des une ou plusieurs RU aléatoires à cha- lon la revendication 2, dans lesquels la sélection du cun des BSS sélectionnés (BSS1-BSSn) . nombre de BSS (BSS1-BSSn) est basée sur au moins un de : paramètres de sécurité de la pluralité 2. Un appareil, comprenant : 55 de BSS (BSS1-BSSn), privilèges d’accès de dispositifs sans fil appartenant à la pluralité de BSS un moyen pour sélectionner un nombre d’en- (BSS1-BSSn), types de dispositifs sans fil apparte- sembles de services de base, BSS (BSS1-BS- nant à la pluralité de BSS (BSS1-BSSn), paramètres

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de qualité de service, QoS, de la pluralité de BSS (BSS1-BSSn), et exigences de retard de dispositifs sans fil appartenant à la pluralité de BSS (BSS1- BSSn). 5 10. Le procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre : la réception de données de liaison montante, sur les une ou plusieurs RU aléatoires allouées par la trame, depuis un nombre de dispositifs sans fil appartenant 10 à au moins un des BSS sélectionnés (BSS1-BSSn).

11. L’appareil selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l’appareil est un point d’accès, AP, (110, 300) comprenant un ou plusieurs processeurs (330) et une mé- 15 moire (340), dans lequel les divers moyens sont mis en œuvre par :

lesdits un ou plusieurs processeurs (330) ; et ladite mémoire (340) stockant des instructions 20 qui, lorsqu’elles sont exécutées par les un ou plusieurs processeurs, amènent l’AP (110, 300) à:

sélectionner un nombre d’ensembles de 25 services de base, BSS, (BSS1-BSSn) à partir d’une pluralité de BSS (BSS1-BSSn), dans lequel le nombre sélectionné de BSS (BSS1-BSSn) est un sous-ensemble de la pluralité de BSS (BSS1-BSSn) ; 30 allouer une ou plusieurs unités de ressources, RU, aléatoires à chacun des BSS sé- lectionnés (BSS1-BSSn) ; et transmettre une trame indiquant l’allocation des une ou plusieurs RU aléatoires à cha- 35 cun des BSS sélectionnés (BSS1-BSSn).

12. L’AP (110, 300) selon la revendication 11, dans lequel l’exécution des instructions amène en plus l’AP (110, 300) à : 40 recevoir des données de liaison montante, sur les une ou plusieurs RU aléatoires allouées par la trame, à partir d’un nombre de dispositifs sans fil appartenant à au moins un des BSS sélectionnés (BSS1- BSSn). 45

13. Un programme d’ordinateur comprenant des instructions qui, lorsqu’elles sont exécutées par un ou plusieurs processeurs d’un point d’accès, AP, (110, 300), amènent l’AP (110, 300) à réaliser des opéra- 50 tions selon l’une des revendications 1 ou 3 à 10.

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• US 2015139209 A1 [0004]