HK1193250A - Relay within wireless communications - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a relay within wireless communications. A relay receives a frame from a source, and based on state of a relayed frame bit within the frame, the relay selects an operational mode: implicit acknowledgement mode, first explicit acknowledgement mode, or second explicit acknowledgement mode. The relay sets the relayed frame bit in subsequent transmissions to indicate transmission opportunity (TXOP) control of the communication medium (e.g., whether under control of the relay or the source). The source may receive acknowledgement of the relay's successful receipt of the frame implicitly via the relay transmitting a relayed frame to the destination. Alternatively, the source may receive acknowledgement of the relay's successful receipt of the frame explicitly in a response frame from the relay. State of a more data bit in the frame receive from the source may indicate the source has one or more additional frames intended for the destination.

Description

Relay within wireless communications

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from the following U.S. provisional patent applications, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference and actually form a part of this application:

1. pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/720,770 entitled "Relay with Single user, multiple access, and/or MIMO with communications" filed on 31/10/2012.

2. Pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/766,795 entitled "Relay with Single user, multiple access, and/or MIMO with communications" filed on 20/2.2013.

3. Pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/814,945 entitled "Relay with Single user, multiple access, and/or MIMO with communications" filed on 23/4/2013.

4. Pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/819,238 entitled "Relay with Single user, multiple access, and/or MIMO with communications" filed on 3/5/2013.

5. Pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/822,504 entitled "Relay with Single user, multiple access, and/or MIMO with communications" filed on 13/5.2013.

6. Pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/822,510 entitled "Buffer relay management with insulating user, multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications" filed on 13/5.2013.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems; and more particularly to relaying within single-user, multi-access, and/or MIMO wireless communications.

Background

The communication system supports wireless and wired communication between wireless and/or wired communication devices. These systems may range from national and/or international cellular telephone systems, to the internet, to point-to-point in-home wireless networks, and may operate in accordance with one or more communication standards. For example, a wireless communication system may operate in accordance with one or more standards including, but not limited to, IEEE802.11x (where x may be various extensions, e.g., a, b, n, g, etc.), Bluetooth, Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), digital AMPS, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), etc., and/or variations thereof.

In some cases, wireless communication is performed between a Transmitter (TX) and a Receiver (RX) using single-input single-output (SISO) communication. Another type of wireless communication is Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO), in which a single TX processes data into radio frequency signals that are transmitted to a receiver that includes more than two antennas and more than two RX paths.

Yet another alternative type of wireless communication is multiple-input-single-output (MISO), where TX comprises more than two transmission paths, each of which converts a respective portion of a baseband signal into Radio Frequency (RF) signals that are transmitted through a respective antenna to a receiver. Another type of wireless communication is multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), in which TX and RX each include multiple paths, respectively, such that the TX processes the data in parallel using spatial and temporal coding functions to generate more than two data streams, and the RX receives multiple radio frequency signals via multiple RX paths that use the spatial and temporal coding functions to recover the data streams.

Within these wireless communication systems, long distances between devices can cause problems and reduce communication performance. For example, as the distance between devices increases, fading and other undesirable effects may degrade the performance and effectiveness of communications between devices.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a wireless communication apparatus, including: a communication interface and a processor, the communication interface configured to: receiving a frame from a source wireless communication device; transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device; and transmitting a response frame to the source wireless communication device; the processor is configured to: determining whether the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgement capability based on a status of a relay frame bit within the frame; generating the relay frame based on an implicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgement; and when the source wireless communication device does not have an implicit acknowledgement: generating the response frame having a state set to a relayed frame bit indicating transmission opportunity (TXOP) controlled by the wireless communication apparatus based on a first explicit acknowledgement pattern and generating the relayed frame; or generate the response frame with the state set to the relayed frame bit indicating that the TXOP is controlled by the source wireless communication device based on a second explicit acknowledgement mode.

Preferably, the communication interface is further configured to: transmitting the response frame to the source wireless communication device prior to transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device while the wireless communication device is in a first explicit acknowledgement mode; and transmitting the response frame to the source wireless communication device and receiving an additional frame from the source wireless communication device before transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device when the wireless communication device is in a second explicit acknowledgement mode.

Preferably, the communication interface is further configured to transmit the relayed frame having the state set to a relayed frame bit indicating TXOP is controlled by the source wireless communication device.

Preferably, the communication interface is further configured to receive a third response frame from the destination wireless communication device to indicate successful transmission of the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device.

Preferably, when the status of the more data bits within the frame indicates that the source wireless communication device has an additional frame for the destination wireless communication device, the communication interface is further configured to receive the additional frame from the source wireless communication device in the second explicit acknowledgement mode.

Preferably, the processor is further configured to select the implicit acknowledgement mode, the first explicit acknowledgement mode or the second explicit acknowledgement mode based on a state of a relayed frame bit and a state of a more data bit within the frame.

Preferably, the status of the relay frame bit within the frame indicates whether the source wireless communication device has an implicit acknowledgement; and a state of a relayed frame bit within the response frame indicates whether the TXOP is controlled by the wireless communication device or the source wireless communication device.

Preferably, the wireless communication apparatus further includes: the source wireless communication device includes one of a wireless Station (STA) and a Smart Meter Station (SMSTA); and the destination wireless communication device comprises an Access Point (AP).

The present invention also provides a wireless communication apparatus, comprising: a communication interface and a processor, the communication interface configured to: receiving a frame from a source wireless communication device; transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device; and transmitting a response frame to the source wireless communication device; the processor is configured to: determining whether the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgement capability based on a status of a relay frame bit within the frame; generating the relay frame based on an implicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has an acknowledgement; and determining whether the source wireless communication device has an additional frame for the destination wireless communication device based on a status of more data bits within the frame; generating the response frame having a state set to a relayed frame bit indicating transmission opportunity (TXOP) control by the wireless communication device and generating the relayed frame based on a first explicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has no implicit acknowledgement and has the additional frame; and generating the response frame having the state set to the relayed frame bit indicating TXOP is controlled by the source wireless communication device based on a second explicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has no implicit acknowledgement and no the additional frame.

Preferably, the communication interface is further configured to transmit the relayed frame having the state set to a relayed frame bit indicating TXOP is controlled by the source wireless communication device.

Preferably, the communication interface is further configured to receive the additional frame from the source wireless communication apparatus in the second explicit acknowledgement mode.

Preferably, the communication interface is further configured to receive a third response frame from the destination wireless communication device to indicate successful transmission of the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device.

Preferably, the wireless communication apparatus further includes: the source wireless communication device includes one of a wireless Station (STA) and a Smart Meter Station (SMSTA); and the destination wireless communication device comprises an Access Point (AP).

The present invention also provides a method performed by a wireless communication apparatus, the method comprising: operating a communication interface of the wireless communication device to receive a frame from a source wireless communication device, transmit a relay frame to a destination wireless communication device, and transmit a response frame to the source wireless communication device; determining whether the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgement capability based on a status of a relay frame bit within the frame; generating the relay frame based on an implicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has an acknowledgement; and when the source wireless communication device does not have an implicit acknowledgement: generating the response frame having a state set to a relayed frame bit indicating transmission opportunity (TXOP) controlled by the wireless communication apparatus based on a first explicit acknowledgement pattern and generating the relayed frame; or generate the response frame with the state set to the relayed frame bit indicating that the TXOP is controlled by the source wireless communication device based on a second explicit acknowledgement mode.

Preferably, the method further comprises: transmitting the response frame to the source wireless communication device prior to transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device while the wireless communication device is in a first explicit acknowledgement mode; and transmitting the response frame to the source wireless communication device and receiving an additional frame from the source wireless communication device before transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device when the wireless communication device is in a second explicit acknowledgement mode.

Preferably, the method further comprises: transmitting the relayed frame with a state set to indicate TXOP for controlling relayed frame bits by the source wireless communication device.

Preferably, the method further comprises: receiving a third response frame from the destination wireless communication device to indicate successful transmission of the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device.

Preferably, the method further comprises: generating the second response frame based on the second explicit acknowledgement mode if a status of more data bits within the frame indicates that the source wireless communication device has an additional frame for the wireless communication device; transmitting the second response frame to the source wireless communication device; receiving the additional frame from the source wireless communication device; and transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device.

Preferably, the status of the relay frame bit within the frame indicates whether the source wireless communication device has an implicit acknowledgement; and a state of the relayed frame bit within the response frame indicates whether the TXOP is controlled by the wireless communication device or the source wireless communication device.

Preferably, the source wireless communication device includes one of a wireless Station (STA) and a Smart Meter Station (SMSTA); and the destination wireless communication device comprises an Access Point (AP).

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one or more embodiments of a wireless communication system;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one or more embodiments of a wireless communication device;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a number of wireless communication devices acting as Smart Meter Stations (SMSTAs);

fig. 4A is a diagram showing one example of a wireless communication system including a wireless relay communication device implemented between two other wireless communication devices;

fig. 4B is a diagram showing another example of a wireless communication system including a wireless relay communication apparatus implemented between two other wireless communication apparatuses;

fig. 4C is a diagram showing another example of a wireless communication system including a wireless relay communication device implemented between two other wireless communication devices;

fig. 4D is a diagram illustrating another example of a wireless communication system including a wireless relay communication device implemented between two other wireless communication devices;

fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a frame for a relay transmission opportunity (TXOP) transmitted between wireless communication devices;

fig. 6 is a diagram showing one example of a time diagram based on downlink communication with an explicit Acknowledgement (ACK);

fig. 7 is a diagram showing one example of a time diagram based on downlink communication with an implicit (explicit) ACK;

fig. 8 is a diagram showing one example of a time chart based on uplink communication with an explicit (ACK);

fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating one example of a timing diagram based on uplink communication with an implicit ACK;

fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method performed by one or more wireless communication devices.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating one or more embodiments of a wireless communication system 100. The wireless communication system 100 includes base stations and/or access points 112-116, wireless communication devices 118-132 (e.g., wireless Stations (STAs)), a wireless relay communication device 190, and a network hardware component 134. The wireless communication devices 118-132 may be laptops or tablets 118 and 126, personal digital assistants 120 and 130, personal computers 124 and 132, and/or cellular telephones 122 and 128. Wireless relay communication device 190 may be a standalone wireless communication device or function contained within one or more other wireless communication devices shown herein. The details of one embodiment of these wireless communication devices are described in more detail with reference to fig. 2.

Base Stations (BSs) or Access Points (APs) 112 to 116 are operatively coupled to the network hardware 134 via local area network connections 136, 138 and 140. Network hardware 134 may be a router, switch, bridge, modem, system controller, etc. that provides wide area network connection 142 for communication system 100. Each of the base stations or access points 112 to 116 has an associated antenna or antenna array to communicate with wireless communication devices within its area. Typically, wireless communication devices register with a particular base station or access point 112 to 116 to receive service from the communication system 100. For direct connection (i.e., point-to-point communication), the wireless communication device communicates directly over the assigned channel.

For various reasons, fading, distance, interference, weak/invalid communication links, etc., and/or other impairments may adversely affect communication between the various devices (BS/AP or STA). A relay (e.g., wireless relay communication device 190) may support communication between two other devices (e.g., an AP and a STA). Considering an example of operation, relay wireless communications device 190 may be used to support communications between Personal Computer (PC) 124 and BS/AP 114. The relay may be done in either direction so that either PC124 or BS/AP114 operates as the source wireless communication device and the other operates as the destination wireless communication device. As shown in the figure, relay 190 receives a frame (hop V) from PC124₁) And relay 190 generates and transmits a relay frame to BS/AP114 (hop V)₂）。

For simplicity, source, relay, and destination (or source, relay, and destination or other such equivalents) devices may be used in place of the source, relay, and destination wireless communication devices. The source generates a frame for the destination and sets one or more bits within the frame to indicate the manner in which the relay is operational. A relay frame bit (e.g., a first frame bit) set within a frame sent from the source indicates that the source has implicit acknowledgment capability. In implicit acknowledgement mode, the source passes to the relay responsibility for forwarding the data within the frame to the destination, and the source does not need a separate acknowledgement from the relay. In this implicit acknowledgement mode, the source implicitly receives the acknowledgement by relaying the relay frame. Also, when the relay frame is not set, more data bits (e.g., a second frame bit) may be set to indicate either of two possible explicit acknowledgement modes.

In a first explicit acknowledgement mode, the relay provides a response frame (e.g., Acknowledgement (ACK), block Acknowledgement (ACK), etc.) to the source, which also indicates that the relay also has control over transmission opportunities (TXOPs) in the communication system. Also, neither the source nor the destination makes any transmission during the following period of the TXOP, and the relay transmits a response frame to the source and then transmits a relayed frame to the destination. Readers will appreciate TXOPs in Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) related communications, including communications defined in various wireless standards, protocols, and/or recommended practices, including those currently under development, such as ieee802.11x based communications (e.g., where x is a, b, g, n, ac, ad, ae, af, ah, etc.). In a second explicit acknowledgement mode, the relay provides a response frame to the source, indicating that the source also controls the TXOP. In this mode, the relay transmits the relay frame to the destination later, e.g., after receiving one or more additional frames from the source.

Referring to the figure, relay 190 receives frames from a source (PC 124 or BS/AP 114), interprets bit values of one or more frames, and selectively operates in a selected mode. The relay operates in an implicit acknowledgement mode, a first explicit acknowledgement mode, or a second explicit acknowledgement mode. In the implicit acknowledgement mode, the relay transmits the relayed frame to the destination (e.g., BS/AP114 if the source is PC124, and vice versa), and the source implicitly receives the acknowledgement by relaying the relayed frame. In a first explicit acknowledgement mode, the relay provides a response frame to the source indicating that the relay also controls the TXOP. In a second explicit acknowledgement mode, the relay provides a response frame to the source, and the source controls the TXOP.

It is also noted that any other wireless communication device in the figures may act as a relay between two other wireless communication devices (e.g., between a STA and a BS/AP, between two STAs, between two BSs/APs, etc.). For example, cellular telephone 122 may serve as a relay between PC124 and BS/AP 114. As another example, wireless communication device 118 may act as a relay between personal digital assistant 120 and BS/AP 112. In general, any one wireless communication device may act as a relay between any two other wireless communication devices.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating one or more embodiments of a wireless communication device 200. Embodiments of wireless communication device 200 include any of devices 218 through 232 and associated radio 260. In some embodiments, one or more of the devices 218-232 may be implemented as one or more of the wireless communication devices 118-132. For a cellular telephone, the radio 260 is a built-in component. For a personal digital assistant, laptop computer, and/or personal computer, the radio 260 may be a built-in or external component. For an access point or base station, the elements are typically housed within a single structure. Each device 218 to 232 includes a processing module 250, a memory 252, a radio interface 254, an input interface 258, and an output interface 256. The processing module 250 and the memory 252 execute corresponding instructions that are typically executed by the device. For example, for a cellular telephone, the processing module 250 performs the corresponding communication function based on the particular cellular telephone standard.

Radio interface 254 allows for the reception of data from radio 260 and the transmission of data to the radio. For data received from radio 260 (e.g., inbound data), radio interface 254 provides the data to processing module 250 for further processing and/or routing to output interface 256. Output interface 256 provides a connection to one or more output display devices, such as a display, monitor, speakers, or the like, so that the received data can be displayed. Radio interface 254 may also provide data from processing module 250 into radio 260. Processing module 250 may receive outbound data or generate data itself from one or more input devices, such as a keyboard, keys, microphone, etc., through input interface 258.

Radio 260 includes an interface 262, a baseband processing module 264, a memory 266, Radio Frequency (RF) Transmitters (TX) 268-272, a transmit/receive (T/R) module 274, antennas 282-286, radio frequency Receivers (RX) 276-280, and a local oscillation module 201. The baseband processing module 264, together with operating instructions stored in memory 266, performs digital receiver functions and digital transmitter functions, respectively. Digital receiver functions include, but are not limited to, digital intermediate frequency to baseband conversion, demodulation, constellation demapping, decoding, deinterleaving, fast fourier transform, cyclic prefix removal, spatial and temporal decoding, and/or descrambling. Digital transmitter functions, which will be described in more detail in later figures, include, but are not limited to, scrambling, encoding, interleaving, constellation mapping, modulation, inverse fast fourier transform, cyclic prefix addition, spatial and temporal coding, and/or digital baseband to intermediate frequency conversion.

In operation, the radio 260 receives outbound data 288 from the device over interface 262. Baseband processing module 264 receives outbound data 288 and, based on mode select signal 202, generates one or more outbound symbol streams 290. The mode selection signal 202 represents the particular mode shown in the mode selection table as understood by the reader. For example, the mode select signal 202 may represent a frequency channel of 2.4GHz or 5GHz, a channel bandwidth of 20MHz or 22MHz (e.g., a channel that is 20MHz or 22MHz wide), and a maximum bit rate of 54 megabits per second. In other embodiments, the channel bandwidth may be scaled up to 1.28GHz or more at all times, with the maximum supported bit rate scaled up to 1 gigabit per second or more. In this general context, the mode select signal further represents a particular rate ranging from 1 megabit per second to 54 megabits per second. Furthermore, the mode select signal will represent a particular modulation type including, but not limited to, barker modulation, BPSK, QPSK, CCK, 16QAM, and/or 64 QAM. Also, in the mode selection table, a coding rate and the number of coded bits per subcarrier (NBPSC), coded bits per OFDM symbol (NCBPS), data bits per OFDM symbol (NDBPS) are provided. The mode selection signal may also indicate a particular channelization for the respective mode for information in one mode selection table with respect to another mode selection table. It should of course be noted that other types of channels having different bandwidths may be employed in other embodiments.

Baseband processing module 264 generates one or more outbound symbol streams 290 from output data 288 based on mode select signal 202. For example, if mode selection signal 202 indicates that a single transmit antenna is being used for a particular mode that has been selected, then baseband processing module 264 will produce a single outbound symbol stream 290. Alternatively, if the mode select signal represents 2, 3, or 4 antennas, then baseband processing module 264 may generate 2, 3, or 4 outbound symbol streams 290 corresponding to the number of antennas from output data 288.

Depending on the number of outbound streams 290 generated by baseband processing module 264, a corresponding number of rf transmitters 268-272 will be able to convert the outbound symbol streams 290 into outbound rf signals 292. The transmit/receive module 274 receives the outbound radio frequency signals 292 and provides each outbound radio frequency signal to a respective antenna 282 through 286.

When the radio 260 is in the receive mode, the transmit/receive module 274 receives one or more inbound radio frequency signals through the antennas 282 through 286. The T/R module 274 provides the inbound radio frequency signal 294 to one or more radio frequency receivers 276-280. The rf receivers 276-280 convert the inbound rf signals 294 into a corresponding number of inbound symbol streams 296. The number of inbound symbol streams 296 will correspond to the particular mode in which the data is received. The baseband processing module 264 receives and converts the inbound symbol stream 296 into inbound data 298, which is provided to the devices 218-232 via the interface 262.

In one embodiment of the radio 260, it includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter may include a MAC module, a PLCP module, and a PMD module. A Media Access Control (MAC) module, which may be implemented by the processing module 64, is operatively coupled to convert MAC Service Data Units (MSDUs) into MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) according to the WLAN protocol. A Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) module, which may be implemented within the baseband processing module 264, is operably coupled to convert MPDUs into PLCP Protocol Data Units (PPDUs) according to a WLAN protocol. A Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) module is operably coupled to convert the PPDU to a Radio Frequency (RF) signal according to one mode of operation of the WLAN protocol, wherein the mode of operation includes a multiple-input and multiple-output combination.

Embodiments of a Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) module include an error protection module, a demultiplexing module, and a direction conversion module. Error protection modules, which may be implemented within the baseband processing module 264, are operably coupled to reconstruct PPDU (PLCP (physical layer convergence protocol) protocol data unit) to reduce transmission errors to produce error protection data. The demultiplexing module is operably coupled to divide the error protection data into error protection data streams. The direct conversion module is operably coupled to convert the error protection data stream to a Radio Frequency (RF) signal.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wireless communications apparatus of fig. 2 may be implemented using one or more integrated circuits in accordance with any desired configuration or combination or elements, modules, etc. within the one or more integrated circuits.

An apparatus implemented using one or more embodiments of the diagram may perform selective relay and acknowledgement operations such as those described herein. The relay wireless communication device receives a frame from the source wireless communication device.

The wireless communication device 200 includes a communication interface configured to receive a frame from a source wireless communication device and also transmit the frame to a destination wireless communication device. Also, the wireless communication apparatus 200 includes at least one processor (e.g., baseband processing module 264) to process received frames and generate frames for transmission based on any of a variety of modes, including an implicit acknowledgement mode, an explicit acknowledgement mode, and a second explicit acknowledgement mode.

The appropriate setting of the relayed frame bit within the various frames can represent different things, including implicit acknowledgement capabilities of the source and an indicator of control of the TXOP (e.g., whether by source or relay).

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment 300 of a number of wireless communication devices implemented in various locations in an environment including a building or structure to function as smart meter stations (smsas). Some wireless communication devices may be implemented to support communication in connection with monitoring and/or sensing of any of a variety of different conditions, parameters, and/or the like. As described herein, these wireless communication devices provide such sensed/monitored information to one or more other wireless communication devices through relays.

For example, in some cases, the wireless communication device may be implemented as a Smart Meter Station (SMSTA). An SMSTA has similar communication functionality as a wireless Station (STA) and may also be operable to communicate monitoring and/or sensing related information. In certain applications, such devices operate only in rare cases. For example, the period of operation may be relatively insignificant (e.g., only a few percent of the period of time that the apparatus is in such a power saving mode) when compared to the period of time that such an apparatus is in a power saving mode (e.g., a sleep mode, a reduced-function operating mode, a reduced-power operating mode, etc.).

The SMSTA may wake up from such a power saving mode only to perform certain operations. For example, such a device may wake up from such a power saving mode to sense and/or measure one or more parameters, conditions, constraints, and/or the like. During such operation (e.g., the device is not in a power save mode), the device may also transmit such information to another wireless communication device (e.g., an Access Point (AP), another SMSTA, a wireless Station (STA), or such an SMSTA or STA operating as an AP, etc.).

It is noted that such devices may enter an operational mode for sensing and/or monitoring using a frequency that is different from (e.g., greater than) the frequency of the operational mode entered by the device for transmission. For example, such a device may wake up a certain number of times for successive respective sensing and/or monitoring operations, and such data obtained in those operations may be stored (e.g., stored within a memory element within the device), and during a subsequent mode of operation dedicated to transferring data, a plurality of portions of data corresponding to a plurality of respective sensing and/or monitoring operations may be transmitted during that mode of operation dedicated to transferring data.

In this illustration, a plurality of wireless communication devices are implemented to forward information related to monitoring and/or sensing to a particular wireless communication device, which may operate as a manager, coordinator, or the like, e.g., may be implemented by an Access Point (AP) or a wireless Station (STA) operating as an AP. In general, these wireless communication devices may be implemented to perform any of a number of data forwarding, monitoring, and/or sensing operations. For example, in the context of a building or structure, there may be a plurality of services provided to the building or structure, ranging from natural gas services, electrical services, television services, internet services, and the like. Alternatively, throughout the environment, different respective monitors and/or sensors may be implemented for parameter-related (not service-specific) monitoring and/or sensing. As some examples, motion detection, door ajar detection, temperature measurement (and/or other atmospheric and/or environmental measurements), and the like, may be performed by different respective monitors and/or sensors within various locations and implemented for various purposes.

Different respective monitors and/or sensors may be implemented to wirelessly provide information related to such monitoring and/or sensing functions to the manager/coordinator wireless communication device. Such information may be provided continuously, sporadically, intermittently, as may be required in some applications.

Further, it is noted that, in accordance with such two-way communication, such communication between such manager/coordinator wireless communication devices of different respective monitors and/or sensors may cooperate, as the manager/coordinator wireless communication devices may direct the respective monitors and/or sensors to perform certain related functions at a subsequent time.

As described with other examples or embodiments, communications between various devices (the SMSTA and the manager/coordinator, e.g., AP) may be adversely affected due to fading, distance, interference, weak/invalid communication links, etc., and/or other impairments. Also, while various forms of signal degradation (e.g., fading and interference) may degrade or inhibit communication between devices, certain physical characteristics (e.g., buildings, fences, mountains, etc.) may also degrade or inhibit such communication. In such a case, the prescribed STA or smsa may act as a relay to support communication between either one of the STA or smsa and the other of them or a manager/coordinator (AP).

Various options may be used to select a relay to operate the wireless communication device. The source may select one of the other devices as the relay. Alternatively, the source may play frames and the first responding device may act as a relay. Even in other cases, one wireless communication device may voluntarily act as a relay between sources and destinations that are unable to accept communication with each other. For example, an SMSTA that does not accept well communications with a manager/coordinator wireless communication device may communicate with the manager/coordinator wireless communication device through a relay, as illustrated by two hops or communication links to and from the relay.

Referring to the figures, a relay (e.g., the relay itself may be an SMSTA) receives frames from a source (e.g., another SMSTA), interprets bit values of one or more frames, and selectively operates in a selected mode (e.g., an implicit acknowledgement mode, a first explicit acknowledgement mode, or a second explicit acknowledgement mode). In implicit acknowledgement mode, the relay transmits a relay frame to the destination (e.g., manager/coordinator or AP), and the source implicitly receives an acknowledgement by relaying the relay frame. In a first explicit acknowledgement mode, the relay provides a response frame to the source indicating that the relay also controls the TXOP. In a second explicit acknowledgement mode, the relay provides a response frame to the source and the source controls the TXOP.

Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating one example 401 of a wireless communication system including a wireless relay communication device implemented between two other wireless communication devices. As can be seen in scenario 1 of the figure, a relay (e.g., an intermediary, etc. wireless communication device) is located at an equal distance between a first wireless communication device (e.g., a wireless Station (STA)) and a second wireless communication device (e.g., an Access Point (AP)). There are two available paths: direct and relay. Comparing the relay path with the direct path, the path through the relay requires more frames and has a shorter PPDU duration for the same number of bytes. This requires separate channel access for the next frame transmission by the relay STA. The shorter TX-to-RX period through the relay path allows the STA to operate with less power consumption.

Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating another example 402 of a wireless communication system including a wireless relay communication device implemented between two other wireless communication devices. Referring to scenario 2 of the figure, the relay is located relatively closer to the first wireless communication device (e.g., STA) than to the second wireless communication device (e.g., AP). As shown in the figure, for hop V1, the proximity of the STA to the relay allows a higher Modulation Coding Set (MCS) to be used and consumes less power. For the next hop, the relay requires a separate channel access. The relay may be another sensor on the wall power supply and the path loss is outdoor device to device.

Fig. 4C is a diagram illustrating another example 403 of a wireless communication system including a wireless relay communication device implemented between two other wireless communication devices. Referring to scenario 3 of the figure, the relay is located relatively closer to the first wireless communication device (e.g., AP) and farther away from the second wireless communication device (e.g., STA). The relay path may not be as ideal as the direct path between the AP and the STA (e.g., relay option = path option). If the relay is another sensor and the STA-to-relay hop is an outdoor device-to-device path loss, the STA may not be able to reach the relay through the same MCS.

Fig. 4D is a diagram illustrating another example of a wireless communication system 404 that includes a wireless relay communication device implemented between two other wireless communication devices. Referring to scenario 4 of the diagram, in a case where the STA to relay to the AP can be set in a straight line, and when the STA transmits one uplink DATA (DATA), the following observation can be made.

Total medium time: PPDU (V1) + ACK (V1) + PPDU (V2) + ACK (V2) +3 × SIFS

STA on time: PPDU (V1) + ACK (V1) + SIFS

STA-to-relay factor: ratio of distance (V1) to distance (U1) (e.g., distance (V1)/distance (U1))

In the above observations, the PPDU time is based on a PLCP Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) transmission time. The ACK time is based on an Acknowledgement (ACK) transmission time. The SIFS time shown below is based on a short interframe space (SIFS). The variables V1 and V2 correspond to the respective distances shown in the figure and between the communication devices.

In general, a repeater forwards information received from a source to a destination. In some embodiments, no more than two hops or communication links are made to relay information from a source to a destination. Appropriate signaling (signaling) within the various communications between the originating, relay, and destination devices ensures proper coordination and operation.

The relay determines the status of the relayed frame bits within the frame received from the source. The source is repeated with an ACK, BACK, or some other response frame depending on the state of the relay frame bit (and in some cases also depending on the state of more data bits). Alternatively, the relay forwards at least a portion of the information received from the source to the destination without sending a response frame to the source. The appropriate setting of the status or bit or bits within these frames informs not only those specific devices involved in the communication, but also the devices that may be listening.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment 500 of a frame transmitted between wireless communication devices for relaying a transmission opportunity (TXOP). The shared TXOP may be performed for the relay to improve the overall performance of the communication system. For example, relaying may help minimize the amount of power consumption and channel contention required to support communication between various devices.

These operations are performed when access to a communication medium (e.g., air in the context of a wireless communication system) is available. The time at which relay-type communications are available may be referred to collectively as a relay transmission opportunity (TXOP).

Generally, frames used within these wireless communications include the following basic components: a Medium Access Control (MAC) header, a variable length frame body, and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS). In some embodiments, the MAC header includes fields for each of a Frame Control (FC), duration (DUR/ID), address (e.g., receiver and/or transmitter address), sequence control information, optional quality of service (QoS) control information (e.g., for QoS data frames only), and HT control field (+ HTC frames only) (optional fields). It is noted that such a frame structure is illustrative, and that one example of such a frame structure, as well as alternative implementations of the frame structure, may also be used.

Referring to this diagram, to indicate whether a frame is relayed within a TXOP (shown as a "relayed frame"), a Frame Control (FC) field within a short MAC long header (e.g., which may be contained within a signal transmitted between devices) uses reserved bits within the frame control field.

As can be seen in this diagram showing the frame control present field, 1 bit (e.g., 1 bit from 3 available reserved bits) is used to indicate whether or not to relay a frame within a TXOP. If the bit is set in the initial frame, then the bit is an indication of the capability for implicit Acknowledgement (ACK) signaling.

Alternatively, if the bit is set in a response frame (e.g., ACK, Clear To Send (CTS), etc.), the bit indicates that the relay will share the TXOP and continue transmitting frames over the next hop after SIFS. The relay decides which ACK procedure to choose to use.

Also, the consideration and determination of the acknowledgement indicator bits and the relayed frame bits direct the operation of the various devices within the system. That is, the determination of a number of different considerations directs the manner in which the device operates (e.g., whether these bits are included in the initial response frame, the acknowledgement indicator (AckInd) bit, the relay frame (replayframe) bit, specific values of more data bits, etc.).

Various timing diagrams are provided below that show examples of signaling that may occur between various devices within a wireless communication system. For illustration, respective three devices, namely an Access Point (AP) (or a wireless Station (STA) operating as an AP), a relay, and a STA are used. It is noted, however, that any of a number of possible wireless communication devices (e.g., the wireless communication devices described above) may alternatively be used to perform the operations, signaling, and functions described herein.

While the relay may selectively operate based on various modes, including an implicit acknowledgement mode, a first explicit acknowledgement mode, or a second explicit acknowledgement mode, the state of the relay frame bits within a given frame may restrict operation to certain modes. For example, within a frame received from a source, the state of the relayed frame bit can operate as a capability indicator to indicate whether the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgment capability. Within a frame transmitted from a relay, the state of the relay frame bit may operate as an indicator of control of the TXOP (e.g., whether the relay will control the TXOP or whether the source retains control).

In general, when a relay receives a valid frame (e.g., from a source) whose state of the relay frame bit within the frame indicates that the source has implicit acknowledgement capability (e.g., relay frame bit set to 1), the relay may respond with an implicit Acknowledgement (ACK) in the next hop transmission after SIFS.

Alternatively, the relay responds with an ACK after SIFS and a state in which a relay frame bit is set to indicate that the transmission opportunity (TXOP) is controlled by the relay (e.g., the relay frame bit set to 1). The relay then generates a relayed frame (e.g., a payload of a frame or data received from the source with reprogrammed source and destination addresses, etc.) according to the first explicit acknowledgement pattern. The relay will then continue with the next hop DATA transmission after SIFS.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the relay responds with an ACK after SIFS and a state in which a relayed frame bit indicating TXOP control by the source (e.g., relayed frame bit set to 1) is set. In the second explicit acknowledgement mode, the relay does not continue to use the remaining TXOP.

For setting the state of the relayed frame bit within a frame (e.g., ACK, DATA frame, etc.), one embodiment operates with the following limitations: if more data bits have been received that are set to 0 (e.g., indicating that the source does not have additional data for the destination and/or relay), the relay may set the relay frame bit to 1.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating one example 600 of a timing diagram based on downlink communications with explicit Acknowledgements (ACKs). The AP transmits a downlink data frame with an acknowledgement indicator bit (e.g., the specific bit AckInd = 00) set to a first value. After the short interframe space (SIFS) ends, the relay transmits an Acknowledgement (ACK) to the AP and also sets the acknowledgement indicator bit to a second value (e.g., AckInd = 11) and the relay frame bit to a first value (e.g., RelayedFrame = 1).

After the AP receives the ACK, the AP removes the frame from the buffer and then defers for a period of time before the next event. In one example, this time is equal to MAX _ PPDU + ACK +2 × SIFS.

After the end of another SIFS, the relay continues transmitting data to the Station (STA) using a different Modulation Coding Set (MCS) than the modulation coding set used within the original downlink data frame sent from the AP and received by the relay. Also, the relay operates to set the acknowledgement indicator bit to a first value (e.g., AckInd = 00) and the relay frame bit to a second value (e.g., RelayedFrame = 0). The relay then buffers the frame until the relay successfully transmits the frame to the STA or a retry limit is reached. Upon successful reception of the signal from the relay, the STA will respond with an ACK.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating one example 700 of a timing diagram based on downlink communications with an implicit ACK. The AP transmits a downlink data frame with an acknowledgement indicator bit (e.g., the specific bit AckInd = 00) set to a first value and a relay frame bit (e.g., RelayedFrame = 1) set to the first value. After the SIFS expires, the relay continues transmitting data to the Station (STA) using a different MCS than the MCS used within the original downlink data frame sent from the AP and received by the relay.

Also, within SIFS time, the AP receives a physical layer (PHY) signal field (SIG), with the respective acknowledgement indicator bits set to a first value (e.g., AckInd = 00), and then the AP checks the next hop PAID value within PHYSIG.

The relay then buffers the frame until the relay successfully transmits the frame to the STA or a retry limit is reached. Upon successfully receiving the signal from the relay, the STA responds with an ACK.

The following two figures operate very similar to the two above, at least one difference being that the following two figures correspond to uplink (as opposed to downlink) communications.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating one example 800 of a timing diagram based on uplink communications with an explicit ACK.

The STA transmits an uplink data frame, setting the acknowledgement indicator bit to a first value (e.g., the specific bit AckInd = 00). After the short interframe space (SIFS) ends, the relay transmits an Acknowledgement (ACK) to the STA and also sets the acknowledgement indicator bit to a second value (e.g., AckInd = 11) and the relay frame bit to a first value (e.g., RelayedFrame = 1).

After the AP receives the ACK, the AP removes the frame from the buffer and then defers for a period of time before the next event. In one example, this time period is equal to MAX _ PPDU + ACK +2 × SIFS.

After the end of another SIFS, the relay continues transmitting data to the AP using a different MCS than the MCS used within the original downlink data frame sent from the STA and received by the relay. Also, the relay operates to set an acknowledgement indicator bit set to a first value (e.g., AckInd = 00) and a relay frame bit set to a second value (e.g., RelayedFrame = 0). The relay then buffers the frame until the relay successfully transmits the frame to the AP or a retry limit is reached. Upon successfully receiving the signal from the relay, the AP responds with an ACK.

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating one example 900 of a timing diagram based on uplink communications with an implicit ACK. The STA transmits a downlink data frame, sets the acknowledgement indicator bit to a first value (e.g., a specific bit AckInd = 00), and sets the relay frame bit to a first value (e.g., replayframe = 1). After the SIFS expires, the relay continues transmitting data to the AP using a different MCS than the MCS used within the original downlink data frame sent from the STA and received by the relay.

Also, within SIFS time, the AP receives a physical layer (PHY) signal field (SIG) with a corresponding acknowledgement indicator bit set to a first value (e.g., AckInd = 00), and then the AP checks a next hop PAID value within the PHY SIG.

The relay then buffers the frame until the relay successfully transmits the frame to the AP or a limit of retries is reached. Upon successfully receiving the signal from the relay, the AP responds with an ACK.

Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 1000 performed by one or more wireless communication devices. As shown in block 1010, the method begins by receiving a signal comprising a first frame from a first wireless communication device via at least one communication interface of a relay wireless communication device.

As shown in block 1010, the method 1000 operates by receiving a frame from a source wireless communication device. For example, a wireless communication device may include a wireless interface for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to other wireless communication devices.

The method 1000 then continues by determining whether the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgement capability based on the state of the relay frame bit within the frame, as shown in block 1020. If implicit acknowledgement capabilities are determined (in decision block 1030), then the method 1000 continues by generating a relay frame based on the implicit acknowledgement mode, as shown in block 1080. The method 1000 then operates by transmitting the relayed frame to the destination, as shown in block 1090.

Alternatively, if an implicit acknowledgement is not determined (in decision block 1030), the method 1000 may operate using either of two different modes (e.g., a first explicit acknowledgement mode or a second explicit acknowledgement mode). One of these modes may be selected, as shown in block 1040.

As shown in block 1052, the method 1000 operates by generating a first response frame for a source wireless communication device having a state set to a relayed frame bit indicating that a transmission opportunity (TXOP) is controlled by the wireless communication device when operating using a first explicit acknowledgement mode. The method 1000 also operates by generating a relay frame, as shown in block 1052. The method 1000 then continues by transmitting a first response frame to the source wireless communication device, as shown in block 1054. The method 1000 then operates in this mode of operation by transmitting the relay frame to the destination, as shown in block 1090.

As shown in block 1062, the method 1000 operates by generating a second response frame for the source wireless communication device having a state set to a relayed frame bit indicating that TXOP is controlled by the wireless communication device when operating using a second explicit acknowledgement mode. The method 1000 then continues by transmitting a second response frame to the source wireless communication device as shown in block 1064. In some cases, the source wireless communication device includes at least one additional frame for the destination and/or relay, and the method 1000 operates by receiving the at least one additional frame from the source wireless communication device, as shown in block 1066. The method 1000 then operates in this mode of operation by transmitting the relay frame to the destination, as shown in block 1090.

It is noted that various operations and functions described in the various methods herein may be performed within the wireless communication device (e.g., by the baseband processing module 64, the processing module 50 described with respect to fig. 2) and/or within other elements therein. Typically, the communication interface and processor within the wireless communication device may do so.

Examples of some components may include one or more baseband processing modules, one or more Media Access Control (MAC) layers, one or more physical layers (PHYs) and/or other components, and so forth. For example, such baseband processing modules (sometimes in conjunction with radios, Analog Front Ends (AFEs), and the like) may generate such signals, frames, and the like as described herein, and perform various operations described herein and/or their corresponding equivalents.

In some implementations, such baseband processing modules and/or processing modules (which may be implemented within the same device or separate devices) may perform this processing to generate signals that are transmitted to another wireless communication device using any number of radios and antennas. In some embodiments, such processing is performed jointly by a processor within the first device and another processor within the second device. In other embodiments, such processing is performed entirely by a processor within one device.

The invention has been described herein with reference to at least one embodiment. The embodiments of the invention have been described with the aid of method steps illustrating structural components of physical and/or logical components and illustrating the performance and relationship of specific functions thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries and sequences may be defined so long as the specific functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Accordingly, any such alternate boundaries or sequences are within the scope and spirit of the following claims. And the boundaries of these functional elements have been arbitrarily defined for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries may be defined so long as certain important functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, the flow diagram blocks are artificially defined herein to illustrate certain important functions. To the extent used, the boundaries and sequence of the flowchart blocks may be otherwise defined and still perform some important functions. Accordingly, such alternative definitions of functional blocks and sequences of flow diagram blocks and sequences are within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that functional component blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules, and components may be shown in accordance with the described implementations, or implemented as discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software, etc., or any combination thereof.

As also used herein, the terms "processing module," "processing circuit," "processing circuitry," "processing unit" and/or "processor" may be a processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog or digital) based on hard-coded and/or operational instructions of the circuitry. The processing module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be or further include memory and/or integrated memory elements, which may be single memory devices, multiple memory devices, and/or circuitry built into another processing module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, state machine, dynamic memory, flash memory, high speed memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. It is noted that if the processing module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless bus structure) or separately located (e.g., indirectly coupled via a local area network and/or a wide area network for cloud computing). Also, it is noted that if the processing module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit performs one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory elements storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. It is further noted that the memory elements may store hard coded and/or operational instructions and that the processing modules, processing circuits and/or processing units execute the hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more of the figures. Such memory devices or memory elements may be included within an article of manufacture.

As also used herein, the terms "configured to," "operatively coupled to," "coupled to," and/or "coupled to" include direct couplings between items and/or indirect couplings between items through intermediate items (e.g., items including, but not limited to, components, parts, circuits, and/or modules), where for one example of indirect coupling, an intermediate does not modify signal information, but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may be further used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one component is coupled to another component by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as "coupled to". As may be further used herein, the terms "configured to," "operable to," "coupled to," or "operably coupled to" mean that the item includes one or more power connections, inputs, outputs, etc. that, when activated, perform one or more corresponding functions of the item, and these pertain to inferred couplings that may further include to one or more other items. As may be further used herein, the term "associated" means a direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or the embedding of one item within another.

Signals transmitted to, transmitted from, and/or between components in any of the figures illustrated herein may be analog or digital, continuous-time or discrete-time, and single-ended or differential, unless expressly stated to the contrary. For example, if the signal path is shown as a single-ended path, then the signal path also represents a differential signal path. Likewise, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, then the signal path also represents a single-ended signal path. Those skilled in the art will recognize that while one or more particular architectures are described herein, other architectures using one or more data buses, direct connections between elements, and/or indirect couplings between other components not explicitly shown, may likewise be implemented.

The term "module" is used in the description of one or more embodiments. The modules include processing modules, functional blocks, hardware, and/or software stored on memory for performing one or more functions that may be described herein. It is noted that if the module is implemented in hardware, the hardware may operate separately and/or in conjunction with software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may contain one or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

Although specific combinations of various features and functions are described in connection with one or more embodiments explicitly herein, other combinations of features and functions are possible. The disclosure of the present invention is not limited to the specific examples disclosed herein and explicitly encompasses such other combinations.

Claims (10)

1. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

a communication interface configured to:

receiving a frame from a source wireless communication device;

transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device; and is

Transmitting a response frame to the source wireless communication device; and a processor configured to:

determining whether the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgement capability based on a status of a relay frame bit within the frame;

generating the relay frame based on an implicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgement; and

when the source wireless communication device does not have an implicit acknowledgement:

generating the response frame having a state set to a relayed frame bit indicating transmission opportunity (TXOP) controlled by the wireless communication apparatus based on a first explicit acknowledgement pattern and generating the relayed frame; or

Generating the response frame having the state set to the relayed frame bit indicating that the TXOP is controlled by the source wireless communication device based on a second explicit acknowledgement pattern.

2. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication interface is further configured to:

transmitting the response frame to the source wireless communication device prior to transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device while the wireless communication device is in a first explicit acknowledgement mode; and

transmitting the response frame to the source wireless communication device and receiving additional frames from the source wireless communication device before transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device while the wireless communication device is in a second explicit acknowledgement mode.

3. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communications interface is further configured to transmit the relayed frame having a state set to a relayed frame bit indicating TXOP is controlled by the source wireless communications apparatus.

4. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein the communication interface is further configured to receive a third response frame from the destination wireless communication device to indicate successful transmission of the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device.

5. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the status of the more data bits within the frame indicates that the source wireless communication apparatus has an additional frame for the destination wireless communication apparatus, the communication interface is further configured to receive the additional frame from the source wireless communication apparatus in the second explicit acknowledgement mode.

6. The wireless communication apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to select the implicit acknowledgement mode, the first explicit acknowledgement mode, or the second explicit acknowledgement mode based on a state of a relay frame bit and a state of more data bits within the frame.

7. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 1, wherein a status of a relay frame bit within the frame indicates whether the source wireless communications apparatus has an implicit acknowledgement; and

a state of a relayed frame bit within the response frame indicates whether the TXOP is controlled by the wireless communication device or the source wireless communication device.

8. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

the source wireless communication device includes one of a wireless Station (STA) and a Smart Meter Station (SMSTA); and

the destination wireless communication device includes an Access Point (AP).

9. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising:

a communication interface configured to:

receiving a frame from a source wireless communication device;

transmitting the relay frame to the destination wireless communication device; and is

Transmitting a response frame to the source wireless communication device; and a processor configured to:

determining whether the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgement capability based on a status of a relay frame bit within the frame;

generating the relay frame based on an implicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has an acknowledgement; and

determining whether the source wireless communication device has an additional frame for the destination wireless communication device based on a status of more data bits within the frame;

generating the response frame having a state set to a relayed frame bit indicating transmission opportunity (TXOP) control by the wireless communication device and generating the relayed frame based on a first explicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has no implicit acknowledgement and has the additional frame; and

generating the response frame having the state set to the relayed frame bit indicating TXOP controlled by the source wireless communication device based on a second explicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has no implicit acknowledgement and no additional frame.

10. A method performed by a wireless communication device, the method comprising:

operating a communication interface of the wireless communication device to receive a frame from a source wireless communication device, transmit a relay frame to a destination wireless communication device, and transmit a response frame to the source wireless communication device;

determining whether the source wireless communication device has implicit acknowledgement capability based on a status of a relay frame bit within the frame;

generating the relay frame based on an implicit acknowledgement mode when the source wireless communication device has an acknowledgement; and

when the source wireless communication device does not have an implicit acknowledgement:

generating the response frame having a state set to a relayed frame bit indicating transmission opportunity (TXOP) controlled by the wireless communication apparatus based on a first explicit acknowledgement pattern and generating the relayed frame; or

Generating the response frame having the state set to the relayed frame bit indicating that the TXOP is controlled by the source wireless communication device based on a second explicit acknowledgement pattern.