TW202437787A - Seamless transitions for extended personal area network (xpan) coverage - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. Techniques described herein provide for extending the range of a personal audio device connected to a personal wireless communication device via enabling the personal audio device to connect to and communicate with the personal wireless communication device via an access point (AP). An AP may have a larger range than a personal wireless communication device, and accordingly, an AP may be used to stream audio or voice calls to the personal audio device when the direct link quality between the personal audio device and the personal wireless communication device is below a threshold. To reduce latency and packet loss associated with transitions between communicating with the personal wireless communication device directly and via the AP or transitions between multiple APs, the personal audio device may be configured to establish a new wireless communication connection before breaking a current wireless communication connection.

Description

Flawless transition for extended personal area network (XPAN) coverage

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/486,211, filed on February 21, 2023, to ELSHERIF et al., entitled “SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS FOR EXTENDED PESONAL AUDIO NETWORK (XPAN) COVERAGE,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 18/581,259, filed on February 19, 2024, to ELSHERIF et al., entitled “SEAMLESS TRANSITIONS FOR EXTENDED PESONAL AUDIO NETWORK (XPAN) COVERAGE,” each of which is assigned to the assignee herein and each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

This case relates generally to wireless communications and more specifically to seamless switching for Extended Personal Area Network (XPAN) coverage.

A wireless local area network (WLAN) can be formed by one or more wireless access points (APs) that provide a shared wireless communication medium for multiple client devices, also known as wireless stations (STAs). The basic building block of a WLAN that complies with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards is the basic service set (BSS), which is managed by the AP. Each BSS is identified by a basic service set identifier (BSSID) advertised by the AP. The AP periodically broadcasts beacon frames to enable any STA within the wireless range of the AP to establish or maintain a communication link with the WLAN.

The systems, methods, and apparatus of the present disclosure each have multiple innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

The described technology relates to improved methods, systems, devices, or apparatuses that support flawless switching for extended personal area network (XPAN) coverage. In general, the described technology provides for extending the range of a personal audio device connected to a personal wireless communication device (such as a handset device) by enabling the personal audio device to connect to and communicate with the personal wireless communication device via an access point (AP). The AP may have a greater range than the personal wireless communication device, and therefore, the AP may be used to stream audio or voice dial data to the personal audio device when the direct link quality between the personal audio device and the personal wireless communication device is below a threshold. Communication between a personal wireless communication device and a personal audio device via an AP increases latency compared to direct peer-to-peer (P2P) communication between the wireless device and the personal audio device, and therefore, the personal audio device may be biased to communicate with the wireless device via a direct XPAN link (such as a P2P wireless communication link) when possible. In order to reduce latency associated with switching between communicating directly with the personal wireless communication device and communicating with the personal wireless communication device via an AP, before disconnecting the P2P link with the wireless device, the personal audio device may associate with the AP and receive an Internet Protocol (IP) address from the AP, which the personal audio device then shares with the personal wireless communication device. Once the personal audio device is connected to the AP, the personal audio device can send a disassociation message to the personal wireless communication device, and can communicate with the personal wireless communication device via the connection with the AP. When communicating with the personal wireless communication device via the AP, if the personal audio device determines that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfies the utility function, the personal audio device can switch back to a direct P2P wireless communication link with the wireless device. Additionally or alternatively, when communicating with the personal wireless communication device via a first AP, the personal audio device can switch to a connection with a second AP, for example, based on the link quality of the link with the second AP being stronger than the link quality of the link with the first AP.

A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device may include: when communicating with a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, receiving an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP from an AP associated with the second wireless communication device; in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may include a processing system including one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to enable the first wireless communication device to: when communicating with a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, receive from an AP associated with the second wireless communication device a message for a communication on the first wireless communication device; The invention relates to a method for transmitting a roaming instruction to the second wireless communication device and communicating the roaming instruction with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP; in response to the first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link decreasing below a first threshold, communicating a roaming instruction with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming instruction, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device may include: a unit for receiving an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP when communicating with the second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link; a unit for communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold; and a unit for communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP in response to the roaming indication.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, and the code may include instructions executable by a processor for: when communicating with a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, receiving from an AP associated with the second wireless communication device a request for communication between the first wireless communication device and the AP; P for the IP address of the first wireless communication device of the second wireless communication link between the P2P wireless communication link; in response to the first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming instruction with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming instruction, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP.

Some examples of the methods, apparatuses, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the first link quality dropping below a second threshold, performing an association procedure with an AP to receive an IP address.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a message from a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a second threshold.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: receiving, along with the message, an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the quality of the first link dropping below a second threshold, sending a request for a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to a second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; in response to the request, receiving a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link from the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the channel scan result indicating that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link meets a third threshold, executing an association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the request, receiving a channel scan result set for a wireless communication link set corresponding to an AP set from a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, the AP set including the AP; and in response to the channel scan result set, selecting the AP from the AP set.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the first link quality dropping below a second threshold, receiving a beacon from an AP on a second wireless communication link; using the beacon to determine a second link quality of the second wireless communication link; and in response to the second link quality satisfying a third threshold, performing an association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the first link quality dropping below a second threshold, sending a probe request to an AP; in response to the probe request, receiving a probe response from the AP; using the probe response to determine a second link quality of a second wireless communication link; and in response to the second link quality satisfying a third threshold, executing an association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: sending an indication of the IP address or media access control address of the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the quality of the first link dropping below a second threshold, sending an indication to an AP to a third wireless communication device on a Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the roaming indication, communicating a disassociation message with the second wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: determining, based on a utility function, that a second link quality of a second wireless communication link may be better than the first link quality; and executing an association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address in response to determining that the second link quality may be better than the first link quality.

In some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the utility function includes at least one of: a channel type for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the P2P wireless communication link.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the associated process, switching the channel of the P2P wireless communication link to the same channel as the second wireless communication link.

A method for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device may include: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link and when communicating with an AP on a third wireless communication link, receiving from the first wireless communication device an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; in response to the first wireless communication device receiving the IP address of the first wireless communication device from the first wireless communication device; When the link quality of a P2P wireless communication link between a wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device drops below a first threshold, a roaming instruction is communicated with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming instruction, data is communicated with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using the IP address used for the first wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may include a processing system including one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the second wireless communication device to: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link, receive from the first wireless communication device a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; an IP address for a first wireless communication device in a communication link; in response to a link quality of a P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device dropping below a first threshold, communicating a roaming instruction with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming instruction, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using the IP address for the first wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device may include: a unit for receiving, from the first wireless communication device, an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link; and a unit for returning the IP address of the first wireless communication device to the first wireless communication device. A unit for communicating a roaming instruction with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link when the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device drops below a first threshold; and a unit for communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using the IP address used for the first wireless communication device in response to the roaming instruction.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, and the code may include instructions executable by a processor to: when communicating with a first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with an AP on a third wireless communication link, receive from the first wireless communication device a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; The invention relates to a method for communicating a roaming instruction with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link in response to a link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold; and in response to the roaming instruction, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using the IP address used for the first wireless communication device.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: sending a message to a first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a second threshold, and receiving the IP address is in response to the message.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: sending an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device along with the message.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the quality of the first link dropping below a second threshold, receiving a request for a channel scan result associated with a second wireless communication link from a first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the request, sending a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, wherein the receipt of the IP address is in response to the channel scan result indicating that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link meets a third threshold.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the request, sending a channel scanning result set for a wireless communication link set corresponding to an AP set to a first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, the AP set including the AP.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the roaming indication, communicating a disassociation message with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to receiving the IP address, switching the channel of the P2P wireless communication link to the same channel as the second wireless communication link.

In some embodiments, a method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device may include: when communicating with a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, receiving from the second wireless communication device an indication of an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP associated with the second wireless communication device; in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link dropping below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may include a processing system including one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless communication device to: when communicating with a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, receive from the second wireless communication device a message for a message between the first wireless communication device and a message corresponding to a message between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device; The invention relates to a method for transmitting a roaming instruction to a second wireless communication link between two associated APs for use with the first wireless communication device; in response to the first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link dropping below a first threshold, communicating a roaming instruction with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming instruction, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device may include: a unit for receiving, when communicating with the second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, an indication of an IP address of the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP associated with the second wireless communication device; a unit for communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold; and a unit for communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP in response to the roaming indication.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, and the code may include instructions executable by a processor to: when communicating with a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, receive from the second wireless communication device a request for a wireless communication signal associated with the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device; The invention relates to a method for transmitting a roaming instruction to a second wireless communication link between two P2P wireless communication devices and an AP for transmitting an IP address of the first wireless communication device; in response to the first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link dropping below a first threshold, communicating a roaming instruction with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming instruction, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: receiving a message from a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a second threshold.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: receiving, along with the message, an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the roaming indication, communicating a disassociation message with the second wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: determining, based on a utility function, that a second link quality of a second wireless communication link may be better than a first link quality, and sending the roaming indication in response to determining that the second link quality may be better than the first link quality.

In some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the utility function includes at least one of the following: a channel type for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the P2P wireless communication link.

In some embodiments, a method for wireless communication at a second device may include: when communicating with a first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link and when communicating with an AP on a third wireless communication link, performing an association procedure with the AP using a media access control address for the first wireless communication device to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; The invention relates to a method for transmitting a roaming instruction to a first wireless device through a P2P wireless communication link. The method comprises: sending an IP address to a first wireless device through a P2P wireless communication link; in response to a link quality of a P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device dropping below a first threshold, communicating a roaming instruction with the first wireless communication device through the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming instruction, communicating data with the first wireless communication device through a third wireless communication link and an AP using an IP address used for the first wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may include a processing system including one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the second wireless communication device to: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link, use the media access control address for the first wireless communication device to perform an association procedure with the AP to receive a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; The invention relates to a method for transmitting a roaming instruction to a first wireless communication device through a third wireless communication link and an AP, wherein the first wireless communication device receives an IP address for the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link; sends the IP address to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; in response to a link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicates a roaming instruction with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming instruction, communicates data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and an AP using the IP address for the first wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device may include: a unit for performing an association procedure with the AP using a media access control address for the first wireless communication device when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; a unit for performing an association procedure with the AP using a media access control address for the first wireless communication device when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link; A unit for sending an IP address to a first wireless device on a wireless communication link; a unit for communicating a roaming instruction with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold; and a unit for communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and an AP using the IP address used for the first wireless communication device in response to the roaming instruction.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, and the code may include instructions executable by a processor to perform the following operations: when communicating with a first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with an AP on a third wireless communication link, use a media access control address for the first wireless communication device to perform an association procedure with the AP to receive a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The invention relates to a method for transmitting a roaming instruction to a first wireless communication device through a third wireless communication link and an AP, wherein the first wireless communication device receives an IP address for the first wireless communication device through a third wireless communication link and an AP, and wherein the IP address is sent to the first wireless communication device through a third wireless communication link and an AP, wherein the IP address is sent to the first wireless communication device through a third wireless communication link and an AP, and ...

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: sending a message to a first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a second threshold.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: sending an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device along with the message.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the roaming indication, communicating a disassociation message with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link.

In some embodiments, a method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device may include: while communicating with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device, receiving a beacon or a probe response from the second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link; ; in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a first threshold, performing an association procedure with a second wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link, wherein the first link quality is detected using a beacon or a probe response; in response to the association procedure, sending a disassociation message to the AP for the second wireless communication link; and communicating data with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may include a processing system including one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless communication device to: communicate with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device, in a P2P wireless communication; The invention relates to a method for transmitting data from a wireless communication device to an AP through a P2P wireless communication link. The method comprises: receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link; in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a first threshold, performing an association procedure with the second wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link, wherein the first link quality is detected using the beacon or the probe response; sending a disassociation message to the AP for the second wireless communication link in response to the association procedure; and communicating data with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device may include: a unit for receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link when communicating with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device; a unit for responding to the beacon or a probe response from the second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link; A unit for executing an association procedure with a second wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link when a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfies a first threshold, wherein the first link quality is detected using a beacon or a probe response; a unit for sending a disassociation message to an AP for the second wireless communication link in response to the association procedure; and a unit for communicating data with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, and the code may include instructions executable by a processor to: communicate with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device, on a P2P wireless communication link; Receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second wireless communication device; in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a first threshold, executing an association procedure with the second wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link, wherein the first link quality is detected using the beacon or the probe response; sending a disassociation message to the AP for the second wireless communication link in response to the association procedure; and communicating data with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, monitoring a beacon on the P2P wireless communication link.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, sending a probe request via the second wireless communication link and the AP, and receiving a probe response in response to the probe request.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: periodically monitoring a beacon from a second wireless communication device while communicating with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and via an AP and a third wireless communication link, and receiving the beacon in response to the periodic monitoring.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, sending an indication to the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP that the second link quality may have dropped below the second threshold; and in response to the indication, receiving scheduling information for the beacon from the second wireless communication device via the AP and the second wireless communication link, and receiving the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and also in response to determining that the second wireless communication device can be within the range of the Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, sending a request to the second wireless communication device to connect to the second wireless communication device on the Bluetooth wireless communication link; and receiving scheduling information for a beacon from the second wireless communication device on the Bluetooth wireless communication link, and receiving the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and also in response to determining that the second wireless communication device may be within the range of a Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, sending a probe request to the second wireless communication device on the second wireless communication link, and receiving a probe response in response to the probe request.

In some embodiments of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, a first link quality of a P2P wireless communication link satisfying a first threshold may include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: determining, based on a utility function, that the first link quality may be better than a second link quality of a second wireless communication link.

In some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the utility function includes at least one of the following: a channel type for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor that prefers the P2P wireless communication link.

In some examples of methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, sending a disassociation message may include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: sending a disassociation message in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the quality of the first link satisfying a first threshold, sending an instruction to the third wireless communication device on a Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device to execute a second associated program with the second wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, a method for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device may include: sending a beacon or a detection response on a P2P wireless communication link when communicating with a first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; executing an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a threshold; and communicating data with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may include a processing system including one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to enable the second wireless communication device to: send a beacon or a detection response on a P2P wireless communication link when communicating with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; execute an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a threshold; and communicate data with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device may include: a unit for sending beacons or detection responses on a P2P wireless communication link when communicating with a first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; a unit for executing an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link in response to a link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a threshold; and a unit for communicating data with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, and the code may include instructions executable by a processor to perform the following operations: sending a beacon or a detection response on a P2P wireless communication link when communicating with a first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; executing an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a threshold; and communicating data with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, receiving an indication from the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP that the second link quality may have dropped below the second threshold; and in response to the indication, sending scheduling information for the beacon to the first wireless communication device via the AP and the second wireless communication link, wherein the sending of the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, receiving a probe request via the second wireless communication link and the AP, and sending a probe response in response to the probe request.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and also in response to determining that the second wireless communication device can be within the range of the Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, receiving a request from the first wireless communication device to connect to the second wireless communication device on the Bluetooth wireless communication link; and sending scheduling information for a beacon to the first wireless communication device on the Bluetooth wireless communication link, wherein the sending of the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and also in response to determining that the second wireless communication device may be within the range of a Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, receiving a probe request from the first wireless communication device on the second wireless communication link, and sending a probe response in response to the probe request.

In some embodiments, a method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device may include: in communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a first AP and the first AP and a second wireless communication device, in response to a first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link; in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, performing a communication with the second AP; The AP performs an association procedure to receive an IP address for a first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link; in response to the association procedure, sends an indication of the IP address to the second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP; in response to the sending of the IP address, sends a disassociation message to the first AP for the first wireless communication link; and in response to the sending of the disassociation IP message, communicates data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may include a processing system, the processing system including one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless communication device to: when communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a first AP and the first AP and a second wireless communication device, in response to the first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, receive a beacon or a probe response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link; in response to the second wireless communication link The second link quality of the communication link is higher than the first link quality, an association procedure with a second AP is performed to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication link; in response to the association procedure, an indication of the IP address is sent to the second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP; in response to the sending of the IP address, a disassociation message is sent to the first AP for the first wireless communication link; and in response to the sending of the disassociation IP message, data is communicated with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device may include: a unit for receiving a beacon or a detection response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link in response to a first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold when communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a first AP and the first AP and a second wireless communication device; a unit for executing an association procedure with the second AP in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality; A unit for receiving an IP address for a first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link; a unit for sending an indication of the IP address to the second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP in response to an association procedure; a unit for sending a disassociation message to the first AP for the first wireless communication link in response to sending the IP address; and a unit for communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP in response to sending the disassociation IP message.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, and the code may include instructions executable by a processor to perform the following operations: when communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a first AP and the first AP and a second wireless communication device, in response to the first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link; in response to a first link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a threshold, receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link; The second link quality is higher than the first link quality, executing an association procedure with a second AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication link; sending an indication of the IP address to the second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP in response to the association procedure; sending a disassociation message to the first AP for the first wireless communication link in response to the sending of the IP address; and communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP in response to the sending of the disassociation IP message.

In some examples of methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, receiving a beacon may include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: receiving a set of beacons from a set of APs, the set of APs including a second AP, and the set of beacons including the beacon.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: selecting the second AP from the set of APs based on the corresponding link qualities of the corresponding wireless communication links with the set of APs determined using the set of beacons.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, sending a probe request to a second AP, and receiving a probe response in response to the probe request.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following operations: in response to the quality of the first link dropping below a threshold, receiving a second beacon from the second wireless communication device on a third wireless communication link, wherein receiving the beacon is in response to the third link quality of the wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device being determined using the second beacon to be below a third threshold.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to determining, based on the utility function, that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link may be higher than the first link quality and the third link quality, executing an associated process.

In some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein, the utility function includes at least one of: a channel type for each of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a received signal strength indicator value for each of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, sending an instruction to a third wireless communication device on a Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device to execute a second association procedure with a second AP for the third wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, a method for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device may include: while communicating with the first wireless communication device via a first AP and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first AP and using a first IP address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link, receiving an indication of a second IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a second AP, the indication of the second IP address being received via the first AP and the first wireless communication link; receiving a roaming indication from the first wireless device via the first AP and the first wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP using the second IP address.

In some embodiments, the second wireless communication device may include a processing system including one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the second wireless communication device to: when communicating with the first wireless communication device via the first AP and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first AP and using a first IP address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link, Receiving an indication of a second IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a second AP, the indication of the second IP address being received via the first AP and the first wireless communication link; receiving a roaming indication from the first wireless device via the first AP and the first wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP using the second IP address.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device may include: a device for communicating with the first wireless communication device via a first AP and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first AP and using a first IP address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link, receiving a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second AP; A unit for indicating a second IP address of a first wireless communication device via a first AP and a first wireless communication link; a unit for receiving a roaming indication from the first wireless device via the first AP and the first wireless communication link; and a unit for communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and a second AP using the second IP address in response to the roaming indication.

In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, and the code may include instructions executable by a processor to: receive a request for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device while communicating with the first wireless communication device via a first AP and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first AP and using a first IP address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link; An indication of a second IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a second AP, the indication of the second IP address being received via the first AP and the first wireless communication link; receiving a roaming indication from the first wireless device via the first AP and the first wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP using the second IP address.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: receiving an indication of a media access control address for a second wireless communication link from a first wireless device via a first AP and a first wireless communication link, wherein communication of data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP also uses the media access control address.

Some examples of the methods, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: sending a confirmation in response to the roaming indication to the first wireless device via the first AP and the first wireless communication link, and communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP in response to the confirmation.

Some examples of the methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable media described herein may also include operations, features, units, or instructions for performing the following: adjusting at least one of the audio delay or the audio bit rate in response to the roaming indication, and using the adjusted audio delay or the adjusted audio bit rate for communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP.

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in the present application are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description that follows. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. It should be noted that the relative sizes of the following drawings may not be drawn to scale.

The following description relates to some specific examples for the purpose of describing the innovative aspects of the present invention. However, it will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of different ways. Some or all of the described examples may be implemented in any device, system or network capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals according to one or more of the following: the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, the IEEE 802.15 standard, the Bluetooth® standard as defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), or the Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3G, 4G or fifth generation (New Radio (NR)) standard issued by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and other standards. The described examples may be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of sending and receiving RF signals based on one or more of the following technologies or techniques: code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), spatial division multiplexing (SDMA), rate division multiple access (RSMA), multi-user shared access (MUSA), single user (SU) multiple input multiple output (MIMO), and multi-user (MU) MIMO. The described implementations may also be implemented using other wireless communication protocols or RF signals suitable for use in one or more of a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN), or an Internet of Things (IoT) network.

A wireless communication device, such as a station (STA) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), can communicate with an access point (AP) over a channel, such as a 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) (also known as 2 GHz), 5 GHz, or 6 GHz wireless communication link. A wireless communication device can also communicate with wireless communication devices, such as personal audio devices, in an extended personal area network (XPAN) over a peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless communication link, such as a 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz wireless communication link. For example, a personal wireless communication device, such as a handheld or desktop computer, can communicate with a personal audio device, such as an earbud or headset. A personal audio device can also be a STA. The communication link for XPAN can be a 2.4 GHz, 5GHz, or 6 GHz wireless communication link for reduced latency and/or high throughput applications (such as streaming audio for gaming applications, music, or voice calls).

In XPAN, audio is streamed from a personal wireless communication device to a personal audio device(s) using a Wi-Fi link (such as a 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz wireless communication link) between the personal wireless communication device and the personal audio device while the personal wireless communication device communicates with the AP over an infrastructure (infra) Wi-Fi link. The physical range of the XPAN Wi-Fi link between the personal wireless communication device and the personal audio device(s) may be limited, and therefore, if the user of the personal audio device is far away from the personal wireless communication device, the link quality may degrade, which may affect the audio data streaming quality.

The range of a personal audio device connected to a personal wireless communication device can be extended by enabling the personal audio device to connect to and communicate with the personal wireless communication device via an AP. The AP can have a greater range than the personal wireless communication device, and therefore, when the direct P2P link quality between the personal audio device and the personal wireless communication device is below a threshold, the AP can be used to stream audio data to the personal audio device. Communication between the personal wireless communication device and the personal audio device via the AP increases latency compared to direct P2P communication between the personal wireless communication device and the personal audio device, and therefore, the personal audio device may be biased to prefer communicating with the personal wireless communication device via a direct XPAN link (such as a P2P wireless communication link) when possible. In order to reduce latency and packet loss associated with switching between communicating directly with the personal wireless communication device and communicating with the personal wireless communication device via the AP, before disconnecting the P2P link with the wireless communication device, the personal audio device may associate with the AP and receive an IP address from the AP, which the personal audio device may then share with the personal wireless communication device. Once the personal audio device is connected to the AP, the personal audio device can send a disassociation message to the personal wireless communication device and can communicate with the personal wireless communication device via the connection to the AP. This flawless transition reduces latency and avoids packet loss compared to a transition that disconnects the previous wireless communication link before establishing a new wireless communication link. When communicating with the personal wireless communication device via the AP, if the personal audio device determines that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link meets the utility function, the personal audio device can switch back to a direct P2P wireless communication link with the personal wireless communication device. Additionally or alternatively, when communicating with the personal wireless communication device via the first AP, the personal audio device may switch to a connection with the second AP, for example, based on the link quality of the link with the second AP being stronger than the link quality of the link with the first AP.

Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present case can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, the range of XPAN communications can be extended by enabling personal audio devices and personal wireless communication devices to communicate via one or more APs. Thus, the XPAN range can be increased to an entire building or entire office scenario, for example, in a scenario where a building or office is served by a mesh network of APs. Additionally or alternatively, the delay associated with the transition can be reduced by establishing a new wireless link before disconnecting an existing wireless link. For example, a personal audio device can associate with an AP and establish a wireless communication link with the AP before disconnecting the P2P link with the personal wireless communication device. Once the personal audio device is connected to the AP, the personal audio device can send a disassociation message to the personal wireless communication device and can communicate with the personal wireless communication device via the connection to the AP. Similarly, before disconnecting from the AP to connect to the personal wireless communication device or to a different AP via a P2P wireless communication link, the personal audio device associates with the personal wireless communication device or the different AP and establishes communication with the personal wireless communication device or the different AP, thereby reducing the delay associated with such a transition. Additionally or alternatively, due to the increased latency of communication between a personal wireless communications device and a personal audio device via an AP (or via multiple APs) compared to direct P2P communication between the personal wireless communications device and the personal audio device, the personal audio device may be biased to prefer communicating with the personal wireless communications device via a direct XPAN link when possible.

FIG1 illustrates a block diagram of an example wireless communication network 100. According to some aspects, the wireless communication network 100 may be an example of a WLAN, such as a Wi-Fi network (and will be referred to as WLAN 100 hereinafter). For example, WLAN 100 may be a network that implements at least one standard in the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards (such as standards defined by the IEEE 802.11-2020 specification or amendments thereof, including but not limited to 802.11ay, 802.11ax, 802.11az, 802.11ba, 802.11bd, 802.11be, 802.11bf, and 802.11 modifications associated with Wi-Fi 8). The WLAN 100 may include multiple wireless communication devices, such as a wireless AP 102 and multiple wireless STAs 104. Although only one AP 102 is shown in FIG. 1 , the WLAN network 100 may also include multiple APs 102. The AP 102 shown in FIG. 1 may represent multiple different types of APs, including but not limited to enterprise-level APs, single-band APs, dual-band APs, stand-alone APs, software-implemented APs (soft APs), and multi-link APs. The coverage area and capacity of cellular networks (such as LTE, fifth-generation NR, etc.) can be further improved by small cells supported by APs that act as micro base stations. In addition, small cells can also be used to establish a private cellular network via a wireless local area network.

Each of the STAs 104 may also be referred to as a mobile station (MS), a mobile device, a mobile handset, a wireless handset, an access terminal (AT), a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS) or a subscriber unit, among other instances. STA 104 may represent a variety of devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), other handheld devices, small notebooks, laptops, tablets, laptops, computers equipped with Chrome, extended reality (XR) headsets, wearable devices, wireless headsets, wireless earbuds, display devices (e.g., TVs (including smart TVs), computer monitors, navigation systems, etc.), music or other audio or stereo devices, remote control devices ("remote controls"), printers, kitchen appliances (including smart refrigerators) or other home appliances, smart speaker devices, connected exercise equipment, key fobs (such as for use in passive keyless entry and start (PKES) systems), Internet of Things (IoT) devices and vehicles, and other examples. Each STA 104 in the network can communicate with each other via AP 102.

A single AP 102 and the associated set of STAs 104 may be referred to as a basic service set (BSS), which is managed by the corresponding AP 102. FIG1 additionally illustrates an example coverage area 108 of the AP 102, which may represent a basic service area (BSA) of the WLAN 100. A BSS may be identified or indicated to a user via a service set identifier (SSID), and to other devices via a basic service set identifier (BSSID), which may be a medium access control (MAC) address of the AP 102. The AP 102 may periodically broadcast a beacon frame (“beacon”) including a BSSID to enable any STA 104 within the wireless range of the AP 102 to “associate” or reassociate with the AP 102 to establish a corresponding communication link 106 (hereinafter also referred to as a “Wi-Fi link”) with the AP 102, or to maintain a communication link 106 with the AP 102. For example, the beacon may include an identification or indication of a primary channel used by the corresponding AP 102 and a timing synchronization function for establishing or maintaining timing synchronization with the AP 102. The AP 102 may provide access to external networks to each STA 104 in the WLAN via the corresponding communication link 106.

To establish a communication link 106 with the AP 102, each of the STAs 104 is configured to perform a passive or active scanning operation ("scanning") on a frequency channel in one or more frequency bands (e.g., the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz, or 60 GHz bands). To perform a passive scan, the STA 104 listens for beacons transmitted by the corresponding AP 102 at periodic time intervals called target beacon transmission time (TBTT) (measured in time units (TUs), where one TU may be equal to 1024 microseconds (µs)). To perform active scanning, the STA 104 generates and sequentially sends a probe request on each channel to be scanned, and listens for probe responses from the AP 102. Each STA 104 can identify, determine, find out, or select an AP 102 to associate with based on the scan information obtained through passive scanning or active scanning, and perform authentication and association operations to establish a communication link 106 with the selected AP 102. At the end of the association operation, the AP 102 assigns the STA 104 an association identifier (AID) that the AP 102 uses to track the STA 104.

Due to the increasing popularity of wireless networks, a STA 104 may have the opportunity to: select one of many BSSs within the range of the STA, or select among multiple APs 102 that together form an extended service set (ESS) including multiple connected BSSs. An extended network station associated with a WLAN 100 may be connected to a wired or wireless distribution system that allows multiple APs 102 to be connected in such an ESS. Therefore, a STA 104 may be covered by more than one AP 102 and may associate with different APs 102 at different times for different transmissions. In addition, after associating with an AP 102, the STA 104 may also periodically scan its surrounding environment to find a more suitable AP 102 to associate with. For example, a STA 104 that is moving relative to its associated AP 102 may perform a “roaming” scan to find another AP 102 with more desirable network characteristics (e.g., a greater received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or reduced traffic load).

In some cases, STA 104 can form a network without AP 102 or other devices other than STA 104 itself. An example of such a network is an ad hoc network (or wireless ad hoc network). An ad hoc network may alternatively be referred to as a mesh network or a peer-to-peer (P2P) network. In some cases, an ad hoc network may be implemented within a larger wireless network such as WLAN 100. In such an example, although STA 104 may be able to communicate with each other using communication link 106 via AP 102, STA 104 may also be able to communicate with each other directly via direct wireless communication link 110. In addition, two STAs 104 can communicate via a direct communication link 110, regardless of whether both STAs 104 are associated with and served by the same AP 102. In such an ad hoc system, one or more of the STAs 104 can assume the role played by the AP 102 in the BSS. Such STAs 104 can be referred to as group owners (GOs) and can coordinate transmissions within the ad hoc network. Examples of direct wireless communication links 110 include: Wi-Fi direct connections, connections established using Wi-Fi tunnel direct link establishment (TDLS) links, and other P2P group connections.

AP 102 and STA 104 may operate and communicate (via corresponding communication link 106) in accordance with one or more standards in the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocol standards. These standards define WLAN radio and baseband protocols for the PHY layer and the MAC layer. AP 102 and STA 104 send and receive wireless communications (hereinafter also referred to as "Wi-Fi communications" or "wireless packets") to each other in the form of PHY protocol data units (PPDUs). The AP 102 and STA 104 in the WLAN 100 may send PPDUs on an unlicensed spectrum, which may be a portion of the spectrum that includes bands traditionally used by Wi-Fi technology, such as the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, the 60 GHz band, the 3.6 GHz band, and the 900 MHz band. Some examples of the AP 102 and STA 104 described herein may also communicate in other bands, such as the 5.9 GHz and 6 GHz bands, which may support both licensed and unlicensed communications. The AP 102 and STA 104 may also communicate on other frequency bands, such as shared licensed frequency bands, where multiple service providers may have licenses to operate on the same or overlapping frequency bands.

Each of these frequency bands may include multiple sub-bands or multiple frequency channels. For example, PPDUs compliant with IEEE 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and 802.11be standard amendments may be sent on 2 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz frequency bands, each of which is divided into multiple 20 MHz channels. Thus, these PPDUs are sent on physical channels with a minimum bandwidth of 20 MHz, but may be formed into larger channels via channel constraining. For example, a PPDU may be sent on a physical channel with a bandwidth of 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160, or 320 MHz by constraining multiple 20 MHz channels together.

Each PPDU is a composite structure that includes a PHY preamble and a payload in the form of a PHY Service Data Unit (PSDU). A receiving device can use the information provided in the preamble to decode subsequent data in the PSDU. In instances where the PPDU is sent on a constrained channel, the preamble field may be replicated and sent in each of multiple component channels. The PHY preamble may include a legacy portion (or "legacy preamble") and a non-legacy portion (or "non-legacy preamble"). Legacy preambles may be used for packet detection, automatic gain control, and channel estimation, among other purposes. Legacy preambles may also typically be used to maintain compatibility with legacy devices. The format of the non-legacy portion of the preamble, the encoding of the non-legacy portion of the preamble, and the information provided in the non-legacy portion of the preamble are specific to the IEEE 802.11 protocol that will be used to transmit the payload.

2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d illustrate examples of XPAN scenarios 200, 220, 225, and 230, respectively, which include a personal wireless communication device 204, an AP 102-a, an AP 102-b, an application server 215, and personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b. The personal wireless communication device 204 may be a station 104 as described with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the personal wireless communication device 204 may be a handset, a laptop, or a desktop computer. The personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b may be another example of the STA 104 as described with reference to FIG. 1. For example, the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b may be earbuds, head-mounted devices, or headphones. AP 102-a and AP 102-b may be examples of AP 102 as described with reference to FIG. 1.

XPAN can be applied in a use case of streaming lossless audio or voice dial data to personal audio devices (such as personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b). For example, in an XPAN scenario, personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b can be cloud-connected earbuds/headsets/headphones. As described herein, XPAN can achieve full/home building coverage for audio data streaming. In a full home/building coverage scenario, a user can walk around without the personal wireless communication device 204 and with the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b, while the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b are still connected to the network, thereby enabling uninterrupted listening to audio such as music, podcasts, or audio books, or enabling uninterrupted voice calls. The technology described herein enables flawless conversion between wireless communication links for XPAN. The audio formats supported by the example may include 48K/96K/192K lossless or lossy audio data streams, voice calls, music, and voice assistants. For example, in an office environment, a user may be in a cubicle while on a conference call and may walk to the break room while leaving the personal wireless communication device 204 on her desk without interrupting the conference call.

In the example XPAN scenarios 200, 220, 225, and 230 of Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, an application may be executed on a personal wireless communication device 204 that streams audio (e.g., for music, video, podcasts, audio books, or voice calls). The application's data may be provided to the personal wireless communication device 204 from an application server 215. Two routes (shown as "a" and "b") are possible for streaming audio from the personal wireless communication device 204 to the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b. In the first example, shown as the "a" route, audio data can be streamed via the P2P wireless communication link between the personal wireless communication device 204 and the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b. In the second example, shown as the "b" route, audio data can be streamed from the personal wireless communication device 204 to the AP 102-a, and then from the AP 102-a to the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b. Compared to the P2P link of the "a" route, the "b" route has higher latency due to multiple links, but the "b" route can have a larger range because the AP 102-a can have a larger transmission range than the personal wireless communication device 204.

In the example XPAN scenario 200, in the first route marked "a", audio data is streamed from the application server 215 to the AP 102-a via the wireless communication link _a0 , from the AP 102-a to the personal wireless communication device 204 via the wireless communication link _a1 , and from the personal wireless communication device 204 to the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b via the P2P wireless communication link _a2 . In the second route marked "b", audio data is streamed from the application server 215 to AP 102-a via wireless communication link _b0 , from AP 102-a to personal wireless communication device 204 via wireless communication link _b1 , from personal wireless communication device 204 back to AP 102-a via wireless communication link _b2 , and from AP 102-a to personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b via wireless communication link _b3 . Example XPAN scenario 200 illustrates an online data streaming/Voice over Internet Protocol (IP)/voice assistant scenario in which an application server 215 provides audio data to an application executing on a personal wireless communication device 204 via AP 102-a.

In the example XPAN scenario 220, in the first route marked "a", audio data is streamed from the application server 215 to the mobile communication base station 205 via the wireless communication link _a0 , from the mobile communication base station 205 to the personal wireless communication device 204 via the wireless communication link _a1 (e.g., a long-term evolution (LTE) link, a fifth generation link, or a new radio (NR) link), and from the personal wireless communication device 204 to the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b via the P2P wireless communication link _a2 . In the second route, labeled "b," audio data is data streamed from the application server 215 to the mobile communication base station 205 via wireless communication link _b0 , from the mobile communication base station 205 to the personal wireless communication device 204 via wireless communication link _b1 (such as an LTE, fifth generation or NR link), from the personal wireless communication device 204 to the AP 102-a via wireless communication link _b2 , and from the AP 102-a to the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b via wireless communication link _b3 . Example XPAN scenario 220 illustrates an example of a voice call with cellular backload (such as without Wi-Fi dialing).

Example XPAN scenario 225 illustrates an example of offline data streaming of audio from personal wireless communication device 204 to personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b. For example, audio data stored in the local storage of personal wireless communication device 204 can be data streamed to personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b without being provided by application server 215. In the first route marked as "a", audio data is data streamed from personal wireless communication device 204 to personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b via P2P wireless communication link _a2 . In the second route, labeled “b”, audio data is streamed from personal wireless communication device 204 to AP 102-a via wireless communication link _b2 , and from AP 102-a to personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b via wireless communication link _b3 .

As described herein, in example XPAN scenarios 200, 220, and 225, the “b” route has higher latency due to multiple links compared to the P2P link of the “a” route, but the “b” route can have greater range because the AP 102-a can have a greater range than the personal wireless communication device 204. Therefore, roaming methods and techniques can be implemented for seamless two-way transitions between a P2P connection (“a” route) and a direct connection to the AP 102-a (“b” route) for full home/office/building coverage for personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b without service interruption. The example transitions include: 1) personal audio device-personal wireless communication device to personal audio device-AP; 2) personal audio device-AP to personal audio device-personal wireless communication device; and 3) personal audio device-first AP to personal audio device-second AP. The described techniques can ensure a make-before-break transition and can reduce the scan management burden at the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b to reduce power consumption at the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b.

In the example XPAN scenario 230, in the first route marked "a", audio data is streamed from the application server 215 to the AP 102-a via the wireless communication link _a0 , from the AP 102-a to the personal wireless communication device 204 via the wireless communication link _a1 , and from the personal wireless communication device 204 to the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b via the P2P wireless communication link _a2 . In the second route marked "b", audio data is streamed from the application server 215 to AP 102-a via wireless communication link _b0 , from AP 102-a to personal wireless communication device 204 via wireless communication link _b1 , from personal wireless communication device 204 back to AP 102-a via wireless communication link _b2 , from AP ₁₀₂ -a to AP 102-b via wireless communication link b'2, and from AP 102-b to personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b via wireless communication link _b3 . Example XPAN scenario 230 illustrates an online data streaming/Voice over Internet Protocol (IP)/voice assistant scenario in which an application server 215 provides audio data to an application executing on a personal wireless communication device 204 via AP 102-a, where the personal audio devices 210-a and 210-b are connected to a different AP (AP 102-b) than the personal wireless communication device 204 (AP 102-a). For example, AP 102-a and AP 102-b may be part of a mesh network or a range extension network.

FIG3 illustrates an example in an XPAN scenario of transitioning between a P2P wireless connection at a first time 300 and a personal audio device-AP connection at a second time 305. The example XPAN scenario shown in FIG3 includes: AP 102-b (which can be an example of AP 102 as described herein), personal wireless communication device 204-a (which can be an example of personal wireless communication device 204 as described herein), and personal audio device 210-c (which can be an example of personal audio device 210-a or 210-b as described herein). For example, FIG3 can illustrate a scenario in which a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) moves out of range of personal wireless communication device 204-a. For example, a user of XPAN-enabled earbuds may leave his desk while leaving his cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at his desk.

The AP 102-b may have a 2.4G range 310 and a 5G/6G range 315. As used herein, 2.4G represents the 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, 5G represents the 5 GHz radio frequency band, and 6G represents the 6 GHz radio frequency band. The 2.4G range 310 may be greater than the 5G/6G range 315. The personal wireless communication device 204-a may have a 2.4G range 320 and a 5G/6G range 325. The 2.4G range 320 may be greater than the 5G/6G range 325. The AP 102-b has a greater range than the personal wireless communication device 204-a, for example, the 5G/6G range 315 of the AP 102-b is greater than the 2.4G range 320 of the personal wireless communication device 204-a.

Therefore, at the first time 300, when the personal audio device 210-c is within the 5G/6G range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) via a direct P2P wireless communication link. The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with the AP 102-b as follows: audio data for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c (shown as EB transmission volume), and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS transmission volume).

At the second time 305, when the personal audio device 210-c is outside the range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a (both the 2.4G range 320 and the 5G/6G range 325), the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate the audio data via the AP 102-b. Therefore, between the first time 300 and the second time 305, the personal audio device 210-c can be converted from the personal audio device-personal wireless communication device connection scenario to the personal audio device-AP connection scenario.

FIG4 illustrates an example in an XPAN scenario of transitioning between a personal audio device-AP connection at a first time 400 and a P2P wireless connection at a second time 405. The example XPAN scenario shown in FIG4 includes the AP 102-b, personal wireless communication device 204-a, and personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. For example, FIG4 may illustrate a scenario in which a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud (personal audio device 210-c) moves back into range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a. For example, the user of the XPAN-enabled earbud may return to his desk where he left his cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a).

At a first time 400 (which may correspond to a second time 305 of FIG. 3 ), the personal audio device 210 - c is outside the range of the personal wireless communication device 204 - a (both the 2.4G range 320 and the 5G/6G range 325 ), and the personal audio device 210 - c and the personal wireless communication device 204 - a may communicate audio data via the AP 102 - b. Between the first time 400 and the second time 405, the user of the personal audio device 210 - c moves into the 5G/6G range of the personal wireless communication device 204 - a.

Since the direct P2P wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a has a lower latency than the communication via the AP 102-b, at the second time 405, when the personal audio device 210-c is within the 5G/6G range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) via the direct P2P wireless communication link. Therefore, between the first time 400 and the second time 405, the personal audio device 210-c can be converted from the personal audio device-AP connection scenario to the personal audio device-personal wireless communication device connection scenario.

FIG5 illustrates an example in an XPAN scenario of transitioning between a personal audio device-first AP connection at a first time 500 and a personal audio device-second AP connection at a second time 505. The example XPAN scenario shown in FIG5 includes AP 102-b, personal wireless communication device 204-a, and personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. The example XPAN scenario shown in FIG5 includes AP 102-c, which may be an example of AP 102 as described herein. AP 102-b and AP 102-c may be in the same mesh network or extended service set 530. AP 102-c may have a 2.4G range 510 and a 5G/6G range 515. The 2.4G range 310 may be greater than the 5G/6G range 515. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) who leaves his cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at his desk can move from one floor or section of his office or home served by a first AP to a second floor or section of his office served by a second AP.

At a first time 500 (which may correspond to a second time 305 of FIG. 3 ), the personal audio device 210-c is outside the range (both the 2.4G range 320 and the 5G/6G range 325) of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c may communicate audio data via the AP 102-b. Between the first time 500 and the second time 505, the user of the personal audio device 210-c moves out of the 2.4G range 510 of the AP 102-b (which is the serving AP of the personal wireless communication device 204-a) and enters the 5G/6G range 515 of the AP 102-c.

At the second time 505, the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate audio data via AP 102-c and AP 102-b (the personal wireless communication device 204-a can relay the audio data to the personal audio device 210-c via AP 102-b and AP 102-c). Therefore, between the first time 500 and the second time 505, the personal audio device 210-c can be converted from the personal audio device first AP connection scenario to the personal audio device-second AP connection scenario.

FIG6 illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario 600 in which a personal audio device 210-c is within the range of a personal wireless communication device 204-a, but outside the range of an AP 102-b serving the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The example XPAN scenario 600 includes the AP 102-b, personal wireless communication device 204-a, and personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) may leave his or her cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at his or her desk, which may be near the boundary of the range served by the AP. The user may walk a distance away from the desk, such that the user is out of the range of the AP but still within the range of the cell phone.

In the example XPAN scenario 600, the personal wireless communication device 204-a is near the edge of the 5G/6G range 315 and the 2.4G range 310 of the AP 102-b, and therefore the 5G/6G range 325 and the 2.4G range 320 of the personal wireless communication device 204-a are not completely contained within the 5G/6G range 315 and the 2.4G range 310 of the AP 102-b. As shown, the personal audio device 210-c is within the 5G/6G range 325 of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, but outside the 2.4G range 310 of the AP 102-b serving the personal wireless communication device 204-a. In the XPAN scenario 600, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate audio data (shown as EB traffic) via a direct P2P wireless communication link. The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with the AP 102-b for the following: audio data for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c (shown as EB traffic), and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS traffic).

FIG7 illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario 700 in which a personal audio device 210-c is within the 2.4G range 320 of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, but outside the 5G/6G range 325 of the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The example XPAN scenario 700 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) who leaves his or her cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at his or her desk may be a distance away from his or her desk that is within the 2.4G range of the cell phone but not within the 5G/6G range of the cell phone.

As shown, the personal audio device 210-c is within the 2.4G range 320 of the personal wireless communication device 204-a and within the 5G/6G range of the AP 102-b, but outside the 5G/6G range 325 of the personal wireless communication device 204-a. In the XPAN scenario 700, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) via a 2.4G direct P2P wireless communication link. The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with the AP 102-b via the 5G/6G link of the AP 102-b for the following: audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS transmission volume). In some cases, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate the audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) via a Bluetooth (BT) low energy communication link instead of a 2.4G direct P2P wireless communication link. For example, the link used to communicate audio data between the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c may be changed based on distance, received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements, channel congestion, and/or latency considerations.

FIG8 illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario 800 in which a personal wireless communication device 204-a is connected to a cellular base station 205-a, and a personal audio device 210-c is within range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The example XPAN scenario 800 includes the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. The example XPAN scenario 800 includes a base station 205-a, which can be an example of a base station 205 as described with reference to FIG2b. The base station 205-a can have a communication range 810. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) can be in a location without a WLAN, and instead, his phone can connect to a cellular network.

The personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) via a direct P2P wireless communication link. The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with the base station 205-a via a communication link such as an LTE link, a fifth generation link, or an NR link for the following: audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS transmission volume). XPAN scenario 800 may illustrate the connection of an example personal audio device 210 - c to a personal wireless communication device 204 - a over XPAN 5G with cellular backload.

FIG9a illustrates an example XPAN scenario 900 in which a personal audio device 210-c is within the 5G/6G range 315 of an AP 102-b, but outside the 2.4G range 320 of a personal wireless communication device 204-a. The example XPAN scenario 900 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) may leave their cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at their desk and may be a distance away from their desk that is outside the 2.4G range of the cell phone but within the 5G/6G range of the AP serving the cell phone. The personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate audio data via the AP 102-b (and specifically via the 5G/6G wireless communication link between the AP 102-b and the personal audio device 210-c). The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with the AP 102-b via the 5G/6G wireless communication link between the AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a: audio data for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c (shown as EB transmission volume) and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS transmission volume).

9b illustrates an example XPAN scenario 905 in which the personal audio device 210-c is within the 2.4G range 310 of the AP 102-b, but outside the 2.4G range 320 of the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the 5G/6G range 315 of the AP 102-b. The example XPAN scenario 905 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) may leave their cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at their desk and may be a distance away from their desk that is outside the 2.4G range of the cell phone but within the 2.4G range of the AP serving the cell phone. The personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate audio data via the AP 102-b (and specifically via the 2.4G wireless communication link between the AP 102-b and the personal audio device 210-c). The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with the AP 102-b via the 5G/6G wireless communication link between the AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a: audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS transmission volume).

10 illustrates an example of an example XPAN scenario 1000 in which a personal audio device 210-c is within the 2.4G range 320 of a personal wireless communication device 204-a, but outside the 5G/6G range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The example XPAN scenario 1000 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) can leave his or her cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at his or her desk and can be at a distance from his or her desk that is within the 2.4G range of the cell phone but not within the 5G/6G range of the cell phone and is within the 5G/6G range of the AP serving the cell phone.

The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with AP 102-b via a 5G/6G wireless communication link between AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a for the following: audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS transmission volume). Depending on channel quality and power consumption considerations, the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a may communicate audio data via the AP 102-b (and specifically via the 5G/6G wireless communication link between the AP 102-b and the personal audio device 210-c) or via the 2.4G P2P link between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a. For example, a 5G/6G connection to the AP 102-a may involve higher power consumption than a 2.4G P2P connection to the personal wireless communication device 204-a.

FIG. 11a illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario 1100 in which a personal wireless communication device 204-a relays audio data (such as voice calls or offline streaming) to a personal audio device 210-c via the same basic service set (BSS). Example XPAN scenario 1100 includes AP 102-b, personal wireless communication device 204-a, and personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. AP 102-b can serve the same L2/L3 network. For example, AP 102-b can provide BSS to area 310/315. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) may leave his cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at his desk and may be some distance away from his desk that is outside the 2.4G range of the cell phone. The XPAN-enabled earbud headset may connect to an AP with the same BSS as the AP to which the cell phone is connected.

The personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate audio data via the AP 102-b (via the same BSS). The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with the AP 102-b via the 5G/6G wireless communication link between the AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a: audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS transmission volume).

FIG. 11 b illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario 1105 in which a personal wireless communication device 204-a relays audio data (such as a voice call or offline streaming) to a personal audio device 210-c via an ESS, wherein the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c are in the same L2/L3 network (such as in a home mesh network scenario). The example XPAN scenario 1105 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. 3 . The example XPAN scenario 1105 includes the AP 102-c and the AP 102-d, which may be examples of the AP 102 as described herein. AP 102-b and AP 102-d may serve the same L2/L3 network. For example, AP 102-b may provide a BSS to areas 310/315, and AP 102-d may provide a BSS to areas 1110/1115. An ESS may serve area 1120. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud headset (personal audio device 210-c) may leave their cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at their desk and may be a distance away from their desk that is outside the 2.4G range of the cell phone. The XPAN-enabled earbud headset may connect to an AP that is within the same mesh network as the AP to which the cell phone is connected.

The personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate audio data via AP 102-b, AP 102-c, and AP 102-d (the personal wireless communication device 204-a can relay voice calls or offline streaming to the personal audio device 210-c in a different BSS via the same ESS). The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with AP 102-b via a 5G/6G wireless communication link between AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a for the following: audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS transmission volume).

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario 1200 in which a personal wireless communication device 204-a relays audio data (such as a voice call or offline streaming) to a personal audio device 210-c via an ESS, wherein the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c are in different L2/L3 networks (such as in an office building scenario). The example XPAN scenario 1200 includes the AP 102-b, personal wireless communication device 204-a, and personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. 3 . The example XPAN scenario 1200 includes AP 102-c, which may be an example of AP 102 as described herein. AP 102-b and AP 102-c may serve different L2/L3 networks. For example, AP 102-b may provide a BSS to zones 310/315, and AP 102-c may provide a BSS to zones 1210/1215. ESS 1225 may serve zone 1220. For example, a user of an XPAN-enabled earbud (personal audio device 210-c) may leave their cell phone (personal wireless communication device 204-a) at their desk and may be a distance away from their desk that is outside the 2.4G range of the cell phone. The XPAN-enabled earbud may connect to an AP that is a different L1 or L2 network than the AP to which the cell phone is connected but the same ESS 1225.

The personal audio device 210 - c and the personal wireless communication device 204 - a can communicate audio data via the AP 102 - b and the AP 102 - c (the personal wireless communication device 204 - a can relay voice calls or offline streaming to the personal audio device 210 - c in a different BSS via the same ESS 1225). The personal wireless communication device 204-a can communicate with AP 102-b via a 5G/6G wireless communication link between AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a for the following: audio data (shown as EB transmission volume) for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS transmission volume).

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a transition between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario 1300. The XPAN scenario 1300 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. 3. Since the transition shown in the XPAN scenario 1300 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b before disconnecting the P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the transition shown in the XPAN scenario 1300 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a P2P connection to an AP connection in which a connection to the AP is not established before disconnecting the P2P connection.

At 1305, the personal wireless communication device 204-a communicates with the AP 102-b via the communication link 106-a for the following: audio data (shown as EB traffic) for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS traffic). At 1305, the personal wireless communication device 204-a communicates the audio data (shown as EB traffic) via the direct P2P wireless communication link 106-b.

The personal audio device 210-c monitors the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b. If the P2P wireless communication link 106-b drops below a threshold ( LQ _AssocAP ), the personal audio device 210-c can request the most recent channel scan results from the personal wireless communication device 204-a. In response, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can share the most recent scan results and the BSS identifier (BSSID) of the associated AP (AP 102-b), the channel of AP 102-b, and the capabilities of AP 102-b. In some examples, if the most recent scan result is older than a threshold, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can perform a channel scan in response to a request from the personal audio device 210-c, and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can share the results of the newly performed channel scan with the personal audio device 210-c. The personal audio device 210-c can calculate a utility function for the P2P connection relative to the APs near the personal audio device 210-c.

At 1310, if the personal audio device 210-c determines that a connection to the AP 102-b provides a better utility function, the personal audio device 210-c begins an association/authentication or connection process with the AP 102-b. In some examples, the association/authentication or connection process may involve a secure key exchange or a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server negotiation with a candidate AP (e.g., AP 102-b). The personal audio device 210-c obtains an IP address from the AP 102-b and shares the IP address and/or MAC address with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. Therefore, the personal audio device 210-c establishes the wireless communication link 106-c with the AP 102-b and has dual connections via the wireless communication link 106-c and the wireless communication link 106-b. The personal wireless communication device 204-a can view the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c using the address resolution protocol (ARP), and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can switch the BT control path to communicate with the personal audio device 210-c via the transmission control protocol (TCP). In some examples, the personal audio device 210-c can share the IP address and MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c with the personal wireless communication device 204-a.

If the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b drops below a second threshold ( _LQroamAP ), the personal audio device 210-c may send a roaming indication or a roaming request to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. In response to the roaming indication or the roaming request, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may increase the audio delay to handle the delay across the network, may reduce the audio bit rate, and/or may increase the audio delay to handle the end-to-end delay across the network.

At 1315, the personal wireless communication device 204-a switches the audio data from Ethernet to User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and the personal wireless communication device 204-a forwards the audio data to the personal audio device 210-c via the AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link 106-a and the wireless communication link 106-c). In some examples, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can switch BT control from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to TCP via the AP 102-b. In some examples, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can disassociate/disconnect the P2P wireless communication link 106-b, and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can forward data to the personal audio device 210-c via the AP 102-b using the IP and MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c.

In some examples, the personal audio device 210-c can initiate the transition. For example, the personal audio device 210-c can monitor the average link quality (e.g., RSSI, packet error rate (PER), number of retries, congestion level, or a combination thereof) of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b from downlink transmissions. As described herein, if the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b drops below a first threshold ( LQ _AssocAP ), the personal audio device 210-c can start a scanning process for neighboring APs. In some examples, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can share scan results with the personal audio device 210-c and/or can perform a scan on behalf of the personal audio device 210-c, and the personal audio device 210-c can use the shared scan results or perform a scan if no AP 102 is available in the shared list. For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can forward the scan result to the personal audio device 210-c along with a timestamp of when the channel scan result was obtained, for example, when the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c are within a threshold physical proximity of each other (in which case the channel scan result at the personal wireless communication device 204-a will be similar to the channel scan result at the personal audio device 210-c). For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can forward the channel scan result in a vendor specific action message frame. In a home scenario, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can forward the BSSID of the service AP 102-b and the home channel of the service AP 102-b to the personal audio device 210-c. In some examples, the personal audio device 210-c can try to connect to one of the most recently used APs 102 in the list received from the personal wireless communication device 204-a.

In some examples, the personal audio device 210-c can request the personal wireless communication device 204-a to perform a scan on behalf of the personal audio device 210-c via a vendor specific action message box. For example, the scan can be performed as needed to reduce power consumption at the personal audio device 210-c. In some examples, the personal audio device 210-c scan can be limited to a subset of channels to reduce power consumption at the personal audio device 210-c. In some examples, a higher weight can be given to the AP (AP 102-b) to which the personal wireless communication device 204-a is directly connected.

In some examples, if an AP with a better RSSI is found (better than the RSSI of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b), the personal audio device 210-c can use a utility function to check whether it is better to roam to the AP with the better RSSI or to remain connected to the P2P wireless communication link 106-b. The RSSI can be calculated based on a beacon or a probe response (which is sent by the AP 102 in response to a probe request sent by the personal audio device 210-c). The utility function may be based on: the RSSI difference of the 2.4G channel relative to the 5G/6G channel, and/or a bias factor for preference of a direct P2P connection to the personal wireless communication device 204-a for power conservation considerations (since most APs do not support/enable target wake time (TWT)), and the end-to-end latency of a direct P2P connection compared to a multipoint connection via an AP. For example, the utility function may select the wireless communication link with a higher RSSI taking the bias into account. In some examples, where there are multiple APs 102 (such as in a mesh network), the utility function may involve a bias factor that prefers the AP 102 to which the personal wireless communication device 204-a is connected in order to reduce latency associated with communicating through the multiple APs 102. In some examples, if the personal audio device 210-c determines using the utility function that a connection to the AP 102 would be better, the personal audio device 210-c begins a roaming procedure to the AP 102. The AP 102 may be the serving AP 102-b for the personal wireless communication device 204-a, or may be a different AP 102.

As described herein, the personal audio device 210-c may establish a connection with the AP 102-b (e.g., via an association/authentication process). The personal audio device 210-c may maintain the connection to the AP 102-b by listening to transmit a Traffic Indication Map (DTIM) beacon and ensuring that the BSS maximum idle period transmitted by the AP 102-b in the association response is not exceeded. In some examples, if AP 102-b is on a different channel than P2P wireless communication link 106-b (wireless communication link 106-c uses a different channel than P2P wireless communication link 106-b), personal audio device 210-c can periodically switch channels to maintain a connection with AP 102-b and a P2P connection with personal wireless communication device 204-a. In some examples, personal wireless communication device 204-a can switch the channel of P2P wireless communication link 106-b to be the same as the infrastructure channel (wireless communication link 106-a) to reduce the management burden of frequent channel switching from personal audio device 210-c. The personal wireless communication device 204-a may send a channel switch announcement (CSA) to the personal audio device 210-c in response to initiating a switch of the channel of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b to be the same as the infrastructure channel, and the personal audio device 210-c may correspondingly switch the P2P wireless communication link 106-b to be the same as the infrastructure channel. In some cases, if the AP 102-b is on the same channel as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b (the wireless communication link 106-c uses the same channel as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b), channel contention may occur between the wireless communication link 106-c and the P2P wireless communication link 106-b.

As described herein, in some examples, during the authentication/association process, the personal audio device 210-c obtains an IP address from the AP 102-b and shares the IP address with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. For example, the IP address from the personal audio device 210-c (or for both devices in the case of two earbuds) can be shared with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via a vendor specific action message box. In some instances where there are two personal audio devices 210 (e.g., in the case of two earbuds), the primary personal audio device 210 (e.g., personal audio device 210-a) can share the BSSID of the target AP with the secondary personal audio device 210 (e.g., personal audio device 210-b) to ensure that the two personal audio devices 210 are not connected to two different APs. Subsequently, the primary personal audio device 210-a can share the IP and MAC addresses of the two personal audio devices 210 with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. At 1310, as described herein, the personal audio device 210-c is connected to the AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the wireless communication link 106-c and the P2P wireless communication link 106-b, respectively (the dual personal audio device 210-c connections enable seamless transition).

As described herein, if the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b drops below a second threshold ( _LQroamAP ), the personal audio device 210-c sends an indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a that the personal audio device 210-c will roam to the AP 102-b. ,in and Can be a programmable link quality metric threshold. , to at least ensure that the personal audio device 210-c can reliably send a roaming indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. In some examples, the personal audio device 210-a can implement a lagging check as to whether the connection to the AP 102-a still provides higher utility than the BLE/XPAN P2P link, and can accordingly send a roaming request for XPAN over AP to the personal wireless communication device 204-a.

The personal wireless communication device 204-a may use the indicated IP address and MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c to continue data forwarding to the personal audio device 210-c via the AP 102-b. In some examples, the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c may be known to the personal wireless communication device 204-a based on previous communications. If it is not available in the MAC address cache of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may query the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c using an ARP request with the obtained IP address of the personal audio device 210-c. At 1315, the personal audio device 210-c may continue to monitor the link quality of the wireless communication link 106-c.

In some examples, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can assist in monitoring the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b. For example, at 1305, the personal audio device 210-c can monitor the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b to/from the personal wireless communication device 204-a and periodically share the monitoring information with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via a vendor-specific action message frame or via a Bluetooth link. The personal wireless communication device 204-a can also monitor the uplink link quality. For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can monitor the quality of the uplink transmission via the P2P wireless communication link 106-b. If the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b drops below a first threshold ( LQ _AssocAP ), the personal wireless communication device 204-a can send a roaming suggestion to the personal audio device 210-c. In response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b falling below a first threshold ( LQ _AssocAP ), the personal wireless communication device 204-a may perform a scan (or use the most recent scan results) and share the scan results with the personal audio device 210-c along with the BSSID of the associated AP 102-b, the channel of the AP 102-b, and the capabilities of the AP 102-b. The personal audio device 210-c may then determine the utility of the connection with the AP 102-b relative to the P2P wireless communication link 106-b and proceed to 1310/1315 as described herein.

A personal wireless communication device 204-a assisted handoff is similar to a handoff initiated by a personal audio device 210-c, except that in a personal wireless communication device 204-a assisted handoff, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can monitor the average link quality from the uplink transmission (such as based on RSSI, PER, number of retries, congestion level, or a combination thereof), and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can also receive periodic reports on the downlink quality from the personal audio device 210-c (such as via a vendor-specific action message frame). Additionally or alternatively, in the assisted handover of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may send an indication to the personal audio device 210-c to suggest roaming when the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b drops below the first threshold ( LQ _AssocAP ), and optionally, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may indicate the BSSID of the associated AP 102-b, the channel of the AP 102-b, and the capabilities of the AP 102-b. For example, the roaming indication and the indication of the AP BSSID may be sent via a vendor specific action message frame. For example, if the personal audio device 210-c is within close physical proximity of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the AP 102-b serving the personal wireless communication device 204-a may be a good candidate AP for the personal audio device 210-c. In some examples, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may scan neighboring APs 102 and may share the scan results with the personal audio device 210-c.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a program flow 1400 for switching between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario. The program flow 1400 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. 3 . In the following description of the program flow 1400, operations between the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the order of the example shown, or operations performed by the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 1400, and other operations may also be added to the program flow 1400. Because the transition shown in program flow 1400 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b before disconnecting the P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the transition shown in program flow 1400 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a P2P connection to an AP connection in which a connection to the AP is not established before disconnecting the P2P connection.

At 1405, the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via a P2P wireless communication link (such as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 13). At 1410, the personal audio device 210-c may monitor the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link. At 1415, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link has dropped below a threshold value LQ _AssocAP .

In some examples, at 1420 and in response to determining that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link has dropped below the threshold LQ _AssocAP , the personal audio device 210-c may send a request for the most recent channel scan results to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The personal wireless communication device 204-a may then send the most recent channel scan results to the personal audio device 210-c at 1425. In an alternative example, at 1430 and in response to determining that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link has dropped below the threshold LQ _AssocAP , the personal audio device 210-c may measure the RSSI of the probe response or beacon from the AP 102-b.

At 1435, based on the channel scan results or the measured RSSI of the probe response/beacon, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that a connection to the AP 102-b provides higher utility (based on a utility function as described herein) than a P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, if a second personal audio device (such as a second earbud) is present, the personal audio device 210-c may share the target AP 102-b with the second personal audio device.

At 1440, the personal audio device 210-c may perform an association/authentication procedure with the AP 102-b. In some examples, the personal audio device 210-c may exchange security keys with the AP 102-b. At 1445, the personal audio device 210-c may share the IP address for the personal audio device 210-c received during the association/authentication procedure with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. At 1450, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may switch the BT control path to communicate with the personal audio device 210-c via TCP.

At 1455, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b has dropped below a second threshold ( LQ _roamAP ). At 1460, in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b dropping below the second threshold ( LQ _roamAP ), the personal audio device 210-c may send a roaming indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. At 1465, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may increase the audio delay. At 1470, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can check the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c, or can obtain the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c via ARP. In some examples, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can switch the audio data from Ethernet to UDP.

In some examples, at 1475, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device may disassociate/disconnect the P2P wireless communication link (P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 13).

At 1480, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can communicate via AP 102-b (via wireless communication link 106-a and wireless communication link 106-c of Figure 13). For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can encapsulate the audio data in a UDP packet.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a program flow 1500 for a transition between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection at a first time in an XPAN scenario, wherein the personal wireless communication device assists in initiating the transition. The program flow 1500 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. 3. In the following description of the program flow 1500, operations between the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the example sequence shown, or operations performed by the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 1500, and other operations may be added to the program flow 1500. Because the transition shown in the program flow 1500 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b before disconnecting the P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the transition shown in the program flow 1500 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a P2P connection to an AP connection in which a connection to the AP is not established before disconnecting the P2P connection. Additionally, because the personal wireless communication device 204-a assists in initiating the conversion, less processing may be performed at the personal audio device 210-c, which may reduce latency because the personal wireless communication device 204-a may have more processing power than the personal audio device 210-c and/or may reduce power consumption at the personal audio device 210-c.

At 1505, the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via a P2P wireless communication link (such as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 13). At 1510, the personal audio device 210-c may monitor the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link. At 1515, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link has dropped below a threshold value LQ _AssocAP .

At 1520, the personal audio device 210-c may send an indication of link quality statistics of the P2P wireless communication link to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. At 1525, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may send an indication of channel scan results at the personal wireless communication device 204-a or a channel scan command to the personal audio device 210-c. At 1530, in response to the channel scan command, the personal audio device 210-c may measure the RSSI of the probe response or beacon from the AP 102-b. At 1535, the personal audio device 210-c may send the RSSI measurement to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. At 1540, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may determine that the connection to the AP 102-b provides higher utility than the P2P wireless communication link (based on the utility function as described herein). At 1545, in response to determining that the connection to the AP 102-b provides higher utility than the P2P wireless communication link, the personal wireless communication device 204-a sends an association command to the personal audio device 210-c.

At 1550, the personal audio device 210-c may perform an association/authentication procedure with the AP 102-b. In some examples, the personal audio device 210-c may exchange security keys with the AP 102-b. At 1555, the personal audio device 210-c may share the IP address for the personal audio device 210-c received during the association/authentication procedure with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. At 1560, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may switch the BT control path to communicate with the personal audio device 210-c via TCP.

At 1565, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b has dropped below a second threshold ( LQ _roamAP ). At 1570, in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b dropping below the second threshold ( LQ _roamAP ), the personal audio device 210-c may send an indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a that the link quality has dropped below the second threshold ( LQ _roamAP ). In response, at 1575, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may send a roaming recommendation to the personal audio device 210-c. At 1580, in response to the roaming recommendation, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can increase the audio delay. At 1585, in response to the roaming recommendation, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can check the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c, or can obtain the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c via ARP. In some examples, in response to the roaming recommendation, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can switch the audio data from Ethernet to UDP.

In some examples, at 1590, in response to the roaming recommendation, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device may disassociate/disconnect the P2P wireless communication link (P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 13).

At 1595, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can communicate via AP 102-b (via wireless communication link 106-a and wireless communication link 106-c of Figure 13). For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can encapsulate the audio data in a UDP packet.

16 illustrates an example of a transition between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario 1600, where a personal wireless communication device 204-a performs an association procedure with an AP for a personal audio device 210-c. The XPAN scenario 1600 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. Because the transition shown in the XPAN scenario 1600 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b before disconnecting the P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the transition shown in the XPAN scenario 1600 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a P2P connection to an AP connection in which a connection to the AP is not established before disconnecting the P2P connection. Additionally, because the personal wireless communication device 204-a establishes an AP connection for the personal audio device 210-c, less processing may be performed at the personal audio device 210-c, which may reduce latency because the personal wireless communication device 204-a may have more processing power than the personal audio device 210-c and/or may reduce power consumption at the personal audio device 210-c.

At 1605, the personal wireless communication device 204-a communicates with the AP 102-b via the communication link 106-b for the following: audio data (shown as EB traffic) for relaying to or from the personal audio device 210-c and other data dedicated to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (shown as HS traffic). At 1605, the personal wireless communication device 204-a communicates the audio data (shown as EB traffic) via the direct P2P wireless communication link 106-b. The personal wireless communication device 204-a uses the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c and the capabilities of the personal audio device 210-c (or two MAC addresses for two earbuds) to forge or emulate an association with the AP 102-b. For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can emulate the TA/RA address of the personal audio device 210-c. The personal wireless communication device 204-a shares an IP address with the personal audio device 210-c.

At 1610, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can monitor packets destined for the MAC address of the personal wireless communication device 204-a or the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c. The personal audio device 210-c can monitor the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b and periodically share the link quality information with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the vendor specific action frame. The personal audio device 210-c may have dual connections at 1610 (via the P2P wireless communication link 106-b, and via the wireless communication link 106-c established by the personal wireless communication device 204-a using the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c to forge an association with the AP 102-c). The personal wireless communication device 204-a may also monitor the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b via uplink transmissions. If the personal wireless communication device 204-a determines that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b drops below the first threshold ( LQ _AssocAP ), the personal wireless communication device 204-a can send a roaming instruction to the personal audio device 210-c. In some examples, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can perform a channel scan (or use the most recent channel scan result) and share the channel scan result with the personal audio device 210-c. In some cases, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can share the BSSID of the associated AP (AP 102-b), the channel of AP 102-b, and the capabilities of AP 102-b. The personal audio device 210 - c may calculate a utility function for the P2P connection relative to the APs near the personal audio device 210 - c.

If the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b drops below a second threshold ( _LQroamAP ), the personal audio device 210-c may send a roaming indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. In response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may increase the audio delay to handle the delay across the network.

At 1615, the personal wireless communication device 204-a switches the audio data from Ethernet to UDP, and the personal wireless communication device 204-a forwards the audio data to the personal audio device 210-c via the AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link 106-a and the wireless communication link 106-c). In some examples, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can disassociate/disconnect the P2P wireless communication link 106-b, and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can forward the data to the personal audio device 210-c via the AP 102-b using the IP and MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c.

FIG17 illustrates an example of a program flow 1700 for transitioning between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario, where the personal wireless communication device 204-a performs an association procedure with the AP for the personal audio device 210-c. The program flow 1700 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. In the following description of the program flow 1700, the operations between the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the example order shown, or the operations performed by the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 1700, and other operations may also be added to the program flow 1700. Because the transition shown in program flow 1700 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b before disconnecting the P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the transition shown in program flow 1700 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a P2P connection to an AP connection in which a connection to the AP is not established before disconnecting the P2P connection. Additionally, because the personal wireless communication device 204-a establishes an AP connection for the personal audio device 210-c, less processing may be performed at the personal audio device 210-c, which may reduce latency because the personal wireless communication device 204-a may have more processing power than the personal audio device 210-c and/or may reduce power consumption at the personal audio device 210-c.

At 1705, the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via a P2P wireless communication link (such as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 13).

At 1710, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can perform an authentication/association procedure with the AP 102-b for the personal audio device 210-c. In some examples, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can exchange security keys with the AP 102-b for the personal audio device 210-c. At 1715, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can share the IP address for the personal audio device 210-c received during the authentication/association procedure at 1710.

At 1720, the personal audio device 210-c may monitor the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link. At 1725, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link has dropped below a threshold LQ _AssocAP .

At 1730, the personal audio device 210-c may send an indication of link quality statistics of the P2P wireless communication link to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. At 1740, the personal audio device 210-c may measure the RSSI of the probe response or beacon from the AP 102-b. At 1745, the personal audio device 210-c may send the RSSI measurement to the personal wireless communication device 204-a.

At 1746, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may determine that the connection to the AP 102-b provides higher utility than the P2P wireless communication link (based on the utility function as described herein). At 1750, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may switch the BT control path to communicate with the personal audio device 210-c via TCP. At 1755, in response to determining that the connection to the AP 102-b provides higher utility than the P2P wireless communication link, the personal wireless communication device 204-a sends a roaming indication to the personal audio device 210-c.

At 1760, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can increase the audio delay. At 1765, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can check the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c, or can obtain the MAC address of the personal audio device 210-c via ARP. In some examples, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can switch the audio data from Ethernet to UDP.

In some examples, at 1770, in response to the roaming indication, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device may disassociate/disconnect the P2P wireless communication link (P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 13).

At 1775, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can communicate via AP 102-b (via wireless communication link 106-a and wireless communication link 106-c of Figure 16). For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can encapsulate the audio data in a UDP packet.

18 illustrates an example of transitioning between a personal audio device-AP connection and a P2P wireless connection in an XPAN scenario 1800. The XPAN scenario 1800 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. Because the transition shown in the XPAN scenario 1800 establishes a P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a before disconnecting the connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b, the transition shown in the XPAN scenario 1800 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a personal audio device-AP connection to a P2P connection in which the P2P connection is not established before disconnecting the personal audio device-AP connection.

When a personal audio device 210-c is connected to an AP 102-b and the link quality degrades as the user moves away from the serving AP 102-b, two potential scenarios may occur. In the first scenario, shown in FIGS. 5 and 20 , the personal audio device 210-c may move into the coverage of another AP 102 within the same network of the current AP 102-b/personal wireless communication device 204-a. For example, the other AP 102 may be another mesh node or range extender in a home mesh network, or another BSS in the same ESS. In the second scenario, shown in FIGS. 4 and 18 , the user may move back into the coverage of the personal wireless communication device 204-a. One solution may be that when the personal audio device 210-c moves back into the coverage of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and both are within reasonable range of the service AP 102-b, the personal audio device 210-c may remain connected to the service AP 102-b, but doing so may result in higher power consumption than directly connecting to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. A second solution may be to switch back to a direct P2P wireless communication link with the personal wireless communication device 204-a.

In some examples, for example, as shown in Figures 13 and 16, once the personal audio device 210-c is out of direct coverage of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can terminate the soft AP (SAP) link for the XPAN P2P wireless communication link with the personal audio device 210-c, and the personal wireless communication device 204-a can stop beaconing on the channel. In some examples, the personal audio device 210-c can directly initiate a connection to the AP 102-b outside the range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a (such as by initiating a call from a remote location via a voice-assisted command).

To obtain RSSI from the personal wireless communication device 204-a at the personal audio device 210-c, in some examples, if a previous P2P wireless communication link 106-b was established with the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can maintain a SAP link on the same channel for DTIM beacon transmissions for the duration of the XPAN communication period for the personal audio device 210-c. The personal wireless communication device 204-a can reduce the period of DTIM beacon transmissions to save power/concurrency time. In some examples, if the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b exceeds a link quality threshold (e.g., based on DTIM beacon transmission), the personal audio device 210-c can switch to the channel on which the personal wireless communication device 204-a is sending the DTIM beacon (the previous SAP channel). In some examples, if the link quality of the wireless communication link 106-c with the AP 102-b drops below a link quality threshold, the personal audio device 210-c can switch to the channel on which the personal wireless communication device 204-a is sending a DTIM beacon (the previous SAP channel) if the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b exceeds the link quality threshold (e.g., based on DTIM beacon transmission).

In some examples, in order to obtain the RSSI from the personal wireless communication device 204-a at the personal audio device 210-c, the personal audio device 210-c can send an indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the AP 102-b that the link quality of the wireless communication link 106-c with the AP 102-b has dropped below a threshold and the personal audio device 210-c is evaluating a direct connection to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. In some examples, the indication can be sent to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the AP 102-b, the TCP control link, or in a real-time transport protocol (RTP) header using an uplink provider specific action frame. The personal wireless communication device 204-a can transmit scheduling information for beacons to the personal audio device 210-c via Wi-Fi via AP 102-b, such as the specific channel on which the personal wireless communication device 204-a intends to send beacons (if the SAP link is terminated), the time/period at which the beacon will be sent, and/or the TBTT of the next beacon. The personal audio device 210-c can monitor the beacons on the indicated channel to measure the current RSSI of the P2P wireless communication link 106-b. Alternatively, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can indicate a specific channel and a monitoring schedule to the personal audio device 210-c, and the personal audio device 210-c can send a probe request on the channel. In response to the probe request, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may send a probe response to the personal audio device 210-c.

In some examples, in order to obtain RSSI from the personal wireless communication device 204-a at the personal audio device 210-c, the personal audio device 210-c can check whether the personal audio device 210-c is in BT coverage of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and if so, the personal audio device 210-c can send a dedicated indication via BT to indicate the personal audio device 210-c's intention to roam back to the P2P wireless communication link 106-b. The personal wireless communication device 204-a can send an indication to the personal audio device 210-c via BT regarding the specific channel on which the personal wireless communication device 204-a intends to send beacons (if the SAP link is terminated) and the time/period at which the beacons will be sent. The personal audio device 210 - c may monitor the beacon on the indicated channel to measure the current RSSI of the P2P wireless communication link 106 - b .

18, at 1805, the personal audio device 210-c can communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link 106-c between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b and the wireless communication link 106-a between the AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a). The personal audio device 210-c can monitor the link quality of the wireless communication link 106-c. If the link quality of the wireless communication link 106-c drops below a first threshold ( LQ _assocAP ), the personal audio device 210-c may send a roaming indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via Wi-Fi via AP 102-b, or send a roaming indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via BT if the personal audio device 210-c is within the BT range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The personal audio device 210-c may measure the RSSI of the beacon or probe response from the personal wireless communication device 204-a on the SAP channel. The personal audio device 210-c may calculate a utility function for the direct P2P wireless connection based on the RSSI of the beacon or probe response relative to the wireless communication link 106-c.

At 1810, if roaming to a P2P wireless connection provides a better utility function, the personal audio device 210-c may perform an association/authentication procedure with the personal wireless communication device 204-a to establish the P2P wireless communication link 106-b. At 1810, the personal audio device 210-c may connect to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the P2P wireless communication link 106-b and to the AP 102-b via the wireless communication link 106-c. If the link quality of the wireless communication link 106-c degrades below a second threshold ( _LQroamHS ), the personal audio device 210-c may deauthenticate/disassociate with the AP 102-b. Thus, at 1815, the personal audio device 210-c has a single connection, namely the P2P wireless communication link 106-b, and the personal wireless communication device 204-a forwards data directly to the personal audio device 210-c over the SAP link (P2P wireless communication link 106-b).

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a program flow for switching between a personal audio device-AP connection and a P2P wireless connection in an XPAN scenario 1900. The program flow 1900 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. 3. In the following description of the program flow 1900, operations between the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the example sequence shown, or operations performed by the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 1900, and other operations may also be added to the program flow 1900. Because the transition shown in program flow 1900 establishes a P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a before disconnecting the connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b, the transition shown in program flow 1900 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a personal audio device-AP connection to a P2P connection in which a P2P connection is not established before disconnecting the personal audio device-AP connection.

At 1905, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate via the AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link 106-a and the wireless communication link 106-c of FIG. 18). For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can encapsulate the audio data in a UDP packet. At 1910, the personal audio device 210-c can monitor the link quality of the wireless communication link (the wireless communication link 106-c of FIG. 18) between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b. At 1915, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b has dropped below a first threshold ( LQ _assocAP ).

In response to the link quality of the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link falling below a first threshold ( LQ _assocAP ), at 1920, if the personal wireless communication device 204-a has stopped beaconing on the SAP link, the personal audio device 210-c sends a request for beacon transmission or a probe request to the personal wireless communication device 204-a (via Wi-Fi via AP 102-b, or via BT). At 1925, the personal audio device 210-c measures the RSSI of the beacon or probe response sent by the personal wireless communication device 204-a on the SAP link. At 1930, the personal audio device 210-c determines that a direct P2P connection to the personal wireless communication device 204-a provides a higher utility than a connection via the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b via the AP 102-b. In a scenario where there are two personal audio devices (such as two earbuds), the primary personal audio device 210-c may share the determination that a direct P2P connection to the personal wireless communication device 204-a provides a higher utility than a connection via the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b via the AP 102-b.

In response to the decision at 1930, the personal audio device 210-c performs an association procedure with the personal wireless communication device 204-a at 1935. At 1940, the personal wireless communication device 204-a switches the BT control path to a low energy (LE) asynchronous link-directed logical transport (ACL).

At 1945, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link has dropped below a second threshold ( _LQroamHS ). In response to the link quality of the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link dropping below the second threshold ( _LQroamHS ), at 1950, the personal audio device 210-c may disassociate/deauthenticate from the AP 102-b.

At 1955, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can switch the audio data to the original Ethernet packet. At 1960, the personal audio device 210-c can communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the P2P wireless communication link (such as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b of Figure 18).

FIG20 illustrates an example of a transition between a personal audio device-first AP connection and a personal audio device-second AP connection in an XPAN scenario 2000. The XPAN scenario 2000 includes the AP 102-b, personal wireless communication device 204-a, and personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. The XPAN scenario 2000 also includes the AP 102-c, which may be an example of the AP 102 as described herein. Because the transition shown in XPAN scenario 2000 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the second AP 102-c before disconnecting the connection between the personal audio device 210-c and AP 102-b, the transition shown in XPAN scenario 2000 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition between APs in which a connection to a new AP is not made until the connection to the current AP is disconnected.

At 2005, the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link 106-c between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b and the wireless communication link 106-a between the AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a). The personal audio device 210-c may monitor the link quality of the wireless communication link 106-c. If the link quality of the wireless communication link 106-c drops below a first threshold ( LQ _assocAP ), the personal audio device 210-c may send a roaming indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via Wi-Fi via AP 102-b, or send a roaming indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via BT if the personal audio device 210-c is within the BT range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The personal audio device 210-c may measure the RSSI of the beacon or probe response from the personal wireless communication device 204-a on the SAP channel. The personal audio device 210-c may calculate a utility function for the direct P2P wireless connection based on the RSSI of the beacon or probe response relative to the wireless communication link 106-c.

If roaming to a P2P wireless connection does not provide a better utility function, the personal audio device 210-c can start scanning other APs. In some cases, the personal audio device 210-c can limit the scan to a set of channels to control power consumption at the personal audio device 210-c. The channel set can be obtained from the previous most recent scan of the personal audio device 210-c, or can be periodically transmitted from the personal wireless communication device 204-a (note that the channel scan results at the personal wireless communication device 204-a can be different from the channel scan results at the personal audio device 210-c). If roaming to another AP 102-c provides a better utility function than the wireless communication link 106-c, the personal audio device 210-c performs an association/authentication process with the other AP 102-c.

Thus, at 2010, the personal audio device 210-c receives the IP address from the AP 102-c and establishes the wireless communication link 106-d with the AP 102-c. The personal audio device 210-c shares the IP address for the personal audio device 210-c for the wireless communication link 106-d with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link 106-c between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b and the wireless communication link 106-a between the AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a). For example, the IP address may be shared via a vendor specific action message frame. At 2010, personal audio device 210-c is connected to AP 102-c via wireless communication link 106-d and to AP 102-b via wireless communication link 106-c. If the link quality of the wireless communication link 106-c drops below the second threshold ( _LQroamHS ), the personal audio device 210-c can send a roaming indication to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link 106-c between the personal audio device 210-c and AP 102-b and the wireless communication link 106-a between AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a), and can deauthenticate/disassociate with AP 102-b.

Thus, at 2015, the personal audio device 210-c may have a single connection (wireless communication link 106-d with AP 102-c), and the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via AP 102-c (via wireless communication link 106-d, the wireless communication link between AP 102-c and AP 102-b, and wireless communication link 106-a). For example, the network may route packets from the personal wireless communication device 204-a to the personal audio device 210-c via multiple hops. In some examples, priority may be given to roaming to a personal wireless communication device 204-a to avoid the increased latency associated with multiple hops and the energy savings enabled by TWT of a P2P XPAN link. In some examples, the same priority may be given to roaming to a personal wireless communication device 204-a or another AP 102.

FIG21 illustrates an example of a process flow 2100 for transitioning between a personal audio device-first AP connection and a personal audio device-second AP connection. The process flow 2100 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. The process flow 2100 may also include the AP 102-c, which may be an example of the AP 102 described herein. In the following description of the program flow 2100, the operations between AP 102-b, AP 102-c, personal wireless communication device 204-a and personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the order of the example shown, or the operations performed by AP 102-b, AP 102-c, personal wireless communication device 204-a and personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 2100, and other operations may also be added to the program flow 2100. Because the transition shown in program flow 2100 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the second AP 102-c before disconnecting the connection between the personal audio device 210-c and AP 102-b, the transition shown in program flow 2100 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition between APs in which a connection to a new AP is not made until the connection to the current AP is disconnected.

At 2105, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate via the AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link 106-a and the wireless communication link 106-c of FIG. 20). For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can encapsulate the audio data in a UDP packet. At 2110, the personal audio device 210-c can monitor the link quality of the wireless communication link (the wireless communication link 106-c of FIG. 20) between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b. At 2115, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b has dropped below a first threshold ( LQ _assocAP ).

At 2120, the personal audio device 210-c may measure the RSSI of the probe response or beacon from the AP 102-b. At 2125, the personal audio device 210-c may perform a roaming scan on a set of channels (for a set of APs including the AP 102-c). For example, the personal audio device 210-c may measure the corresponding RSSI for the set of channels. At 2130, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that a connection to the AP 102-c provides a higher utility function than a connection to the AP 102-b. In a scenario where two personal audio devices (eg, two earbuds) are present, the primary personal audio device 210-c may share a determination that a connection to the AP 102-c provides a higher utility function than a connection to the AP 102-b.

At 2135, the personal audio device 210-c may perform an authentication/association process with the AP 102-c in response to the determination at 2130. Accordingly, the personal audio device 210-c receives an IP address from the AP 102-c and establishes a wireless communication link with the AP 102-c. At 2140, the personal audio device 210-c shares the IP address for the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and AP 102-c with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and AP 102-b and the wireless communication link between AP 102-b and the personal wireless communication device 204-a).

At 2145, the personal wireless communication device 204-a switches the BT control path to the LE ACL. At 2150, the personal audio device 210-c determines that the link quality of the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link has dropped below a second threshold ( LQ _roamHS ). In response to the link quality of the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link dropping below the second threshold ( LQ _roamHS ), at 2155, the personal audio device 210-c may be disassociated/deauthenticated from the AP 102-b.

Thus, at 2160, the personal audio device 210-c may have a single connection (a wireless communication link with the AP 102-c), and the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the AP 102-c over multiple hops.

FIG. 22 illustrates a block diagram 2200 of a device 2205 supporting flawless switching for XPAN coverage according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 2205 can be an example of various aspects of a STA as described herein (such as a personal wireless communication device 204 or a personal audio device 210 as described herein). The device 2205 can include a receiver 2210, a transmitter 2215, and a communication manager 2220. The device 2205 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver 2210 may provide a means for receiving information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels associated with flawless switching for XPAN coverage). The information may be transmitted to other components of device 2205. Receiver 2210 may utilize a single antenna, or a collection of multiple antennas.

The transmitter 2215 may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 2205. For example, the transmitter 2215 may transmit information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to flawless switching for XPAN coverage). In some examples, the transmitter 2215 may be co-located with the receiver 2210 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 2215 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

The communication manager 2220, the receiver 2210, the transmitter 2215, or various combinations thereof, or various components thereof, may be instances of units for performing various aspects of flawless conversion for XPAN coverage as described herein. For example, the communication manager 2220, the receiver 2210, the transmitter 2215, or various combinations or components thereof, may support methods for performing one or more of the functions described herein.

In some examples, the communication manager 2220, the receiver 2210, the transmitter 2215, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., in a communication management circuit). The hardware may include a processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, microcontroller, individual gate or transistor logic, individual hardware components, or any combination thereof that is configured as or otherwise supports a unit for performing the functions described in the present case. In some examples, the processor and a memory coupled to the processor may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., via execution of instructions stored in the memory by the processor).

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the communication manager 2220, the receiver 2210, the transmitter 2215, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in code executed by a processor (e.g., as communication management software or firmware). If implemented in code executed by a processor, the functions of the communication manager 2220, the receiver 2210, the transmitter 2215, or various combinations or components thereof may be performed by a general purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, microcontroller, or any combination of these or other programmable logic devices (e.g., a unit configured or otherwise supported for performing the functions described in the present case).

In some examples, the communication manager 2220 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, monitor, output, send) using or otherwise coordinating with the receiver 2210, the transmitter 2215, or both. For example, the communication manager 2220 can receive information from the receiver 2210, send information to the transmitter 2215, or integrate with the receiver 2210, the transmitter 2215, or both in combination to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communication manager 2220 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device according to examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, receiving an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP from an AP associated with the second wireless communication device. The communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for: communicating data with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and the AP in response to a roaming indication.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 2220 can support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support a unit for: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link, receiving from the first wireless communication device an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of a P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using an IP address for the first wireless communication device.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2220 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, receiving from the second wireless communication device an indication of an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP associated with the second wireless communication device. The communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for: communicating data with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and the AP in response to a roaming indication.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2220 can support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link, using the MAC address for the first wireless communication device to perform an association procedure with the AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: sending an IP address to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using an IP address for the first wireless communication device.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2220 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving a beacon or a probe response from the second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link while communicating with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP and via a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise supported for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a first threshold, performing an association procedure with a second wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link, the first link quality being detected using a beacon or a probe response. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise supported for: in response to the association procedure, sending a disassociation message to the AP for the second wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise supported for: communicating data with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2220 can support wireless communication at the second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for sending beacons or probe responses on a P2P wireless communication link while communicating with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and the AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for executing an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a threshold. The communication manager 2220 may be configured as or otherwise support means for communicating data with the first wireless communication device over a P2P wireless communication link.

Additionally or alternatively, according to an example as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2220 may support wireless communication at a first wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2220 may be configured to or otherwise support means for: in communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a first AP and the first AP with a second wireless communication device, in response to a first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured to or otherwise support means for: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, performing an association procedure with a second AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending an indication of an IP address to a second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP in response to an association procedure. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending a disassociation message to the first AP for the first wireless communication link in response to sending the IP address. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with a second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP in response to sending the disassociation message.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2220 can support wireless communication at the second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2220 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: while communicating with the first wireless communication device via the first access point and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first access point and using a first internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link, receiving an indication of a second internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second access point, the indication of the second internet protocol address being received via the first access point and the first wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a roaming indication from the first wireless device via the first access point and the first wireless communication link. The communication manager 2220 may be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second access point using a second Internet protocol address in response to the roaming indication.

By including or configuring a communication manager 2220 according to examples as described herein, the device 2205 (e.g., a processor for controlling or otherwise coupling to the receiver 2210, the transmitter 2215, the communication manager 2220, or a combination thereof) can support techniques for reducing power consumption and more efficiently utilizing communication resources.

FIG. 23 illustrates a block diagram 2300 of a device 2305 supporting flawless switching for XPAN coverage according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 2305 can be an instance of various aspects of the device 2205 or STA 104 as described herein (e.g., a personal wireless communication device 204 or a personal audio device 210 as described herein). The device 2305 can include a receiver 2310, a transmitter 2315, and a communication manager 2320. The device 2305 can also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

Receiver 2310 may provide a means for receiving information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels associated with flawless switching for XPAN coverage). The information may be transmitted to other components of device 2305. Receiver 2310 may utilize a single antenna, or a collection of multiple antennas.

The transmitter 2315 may provide a means for transmitting signals generated by other components of the device 2305. For example, the transmitter 2315 may transmit information (e.g., packets, user data, control information, or any combination thereof) associated with various information channels (e.g., control channels, data channels, information channels related to flawless switching for XPAN coverage). In some examples, the transmitter 2315 may be co-located with the receiver 2310 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 2315 may utilize a single antenna or a collection of multiple antennas.

The device 2305 or its various components may be instances of units for performing various aspects of seamless transition for XPAN coverage as described herein. For example, the communication manager 2320 may include an IP address manager 2325, a roaming indication manager 2330, an AP link communication manager 2335, a link quality policer 2340, a beacon/probe manager 2345, an HS association manager 2350, a disassociation manager 2355, a P2P link communication manager 2360, or any combination thereof. The communication manager 2320 may be an instance of various aspects of the communication manager 2220 as described herein. In some examples, the communication manager 2320 or its various components can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., receiving, monitoring, transmitting) using or otherwise coordinating with the receiver 2310, the transmitter 2315, or both. For example, the communication manager 2320 can receive information from the receiver 2310, send information to the transmitter 2315, or integrate with the receiver 2310, the transmitter 2315, or both in combination to obtain information, output information, or perform various other operations as described herein.

The communication manager 2320 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device according to examples as disclosed herein. The IP address manager 2325 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, receiving an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP from an AP associated with the second wireless communication device. The roaming indication manager 2330 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The AP link communication manager 2335 may be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and the AP in response to a roaming indication.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 2320 can support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. The IP address manager 2325 can be configured to or otherwise support a unit for receiving, from the first wireless communication device, an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link. The link quality controller 2340 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of a P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link. The AP link communication manager 2335 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to a roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using an IP address for the first wireless communication device.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2320 may support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device. The IP address manager 2325 may be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving, from the second wireless communication device, an indication of an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP associated with the second wireless communication device when communicating with the second wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link. The roaming indication manager 2330 may be configured to or otherwise support means for communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold. The AP link communication manager 2335 may be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and the AP in response to a roaming indication.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2320 may support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. The IP address manager 2325 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link, using the MAC address for the first wireless communication device to perform an association procedure with the AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The IP address manager 2325 may be configured to or otherwise support a unit for: sending an IP address to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The roaming indication manager 2330 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The AP link communication manager 2335 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using an IP address for the first wireless communication device.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2320 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device. The beacon/probe manager 2345 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving a beacon or probe response from the second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link while communicating with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP and via a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device. The HS association procedure manager 2350 may be configured or otherwise supported for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a first threshold, performing an association procedure with a second wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link, the first link quality being detected using a beacon or a probe response. The disassociation manager 2355 may be configured or otherwise supported for: in response to the association procedure, sending a disassociation message to the AP for the second wireless communication link. The P2P link communication manager 2360 may be configured or otherwise supported for: communicating data with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2320 can support wireless communication at the second wireless communication device. The beacon/probe manager 2345 can be configured to or otherwise support means for sending beacons or probe responses on a P2P wireless communication link while communicating with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and the AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The link quality controller 2340 can be configured to or otherwise support means for performing an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a threshold. The P2P link communication manager 2360 may be configured as or otherwise support a unit for communicating data with a first wireless communication device over a P2P wireless communication link.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 2320 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device. The beacon/probe manager 2345 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a first AP and the first AP with a second wireless communication device, in response to a first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, receiving a beacon or probe response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link. The IP address manager 2325 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, performing an association procedure with the second AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication link. The IP address manager 2325 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the association procedure, sending an indication of the IP address to the second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP. The disassociation manager 2355 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to sending the IP address, sending a disassociation message to the first AP for the first wireless communication link. The AP link communication manager 2335 may be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and a second AP in response to sending a disassociation message.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 2320 can support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. The IP address manager 2325 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: while communicating with the first wireless communication device via the first access point and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first access point and using a first internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link, receiving an indication of a second internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second access point, the indication of the second internet protocol address being received via the first access point and the first wireless communication link. The roaming indication manager 2330 may be configured or otherwise supported to receive a roaming indication from the first wireless device via the first access point and the first wireless communication link. The AP link communication manager 2335 may be configured or otherwise supported to communicate data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second access point using a second Internet protocol address in response to the roaming indication.

24 illustrates a block diagram 2400 of a communication manager 2420 supporting seamless transition for XPAN overlays according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The communication manager 2420 can be an instance of the communication manager 2220, the communication manager 2320, or various aspects of both as described herein. The communication manager 2420 or various components thereof can be instances of units for performing various aspects of seamless transition for XPAN overlays as described herein. For example, the communication manager 2420 may include an IP address manager 2425, a roaming indication manager 2430, an AP link communication manager 2435, a link quality policer 2440, a beacon/probe manager 2445, an HS association manager 2450, a disassociation manager 2455, a P2P link communication manager 2460, an AP association manager 2465, a utility manager 2470, a channel scanning manager 2475, a BT manager 2480, an AP selection manager 2485, or any combination thereof. Each of these components may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more buses).

The communication manager 2420 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device according to examples as disclosed herein. The IP address manager 2425 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, receiving an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP from an AP associated with the second wireless communication device. The roaming indication manager 2430 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The AP link communication manager 2435 may be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and the AP in response to a roaming indication.

In some examples, the AP association procedure manager 2465 can be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the first link quality falling below a second threshold, performing an association procedure with the AP to receive an IP address.

In some examples, the link quality controller 2440 can be configured or otherwise supported as means for receiving a message from a second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a second threshold.

In some examples, the AP selection manager 2485 can be configured or otherwise support means for receiving, along with the message, an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device.

In some examples, the channel scan manager 2475 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: in response to the first link quality falling below a second threshold, sending a request for a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, the channel scan manager 2475 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: in response to the request, receiving a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link from the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, the AP association procedure manager 2465 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the channel scanning result indicating that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link satisfies a third threshold, executing an association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address.

In some examples, the channel scan manager 2475 may be configured or otherwise supported by means for: in response to the request, receiving a channel scan result set for a wireless communication link set corresponding to an AP set from a second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, the AP set including the AP. In some examples, the AP selection manager 2485 may be configured or otherwise supported by means for: in response to the channel scan result set, selecting the AP from the AP set.

In some examples, beacon/probe manager 2445 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a beacon from an AP on a second wireless communication link in response to a first link quality falling below a second threshold. In some examples, link quality controller 2440 may be configured or otherwise support means for using the beacon to determine a second link quality of the second wireless communication link. In some examples, AP association procedure manager 2465 may be configured or otherwise support means for performing an association procedure with an AP to receive an IP address in response to the second link quality satisfying a third threshold.

In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending a probe request to an AP in response to a first link quality falling below a second threshold. In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a probe response from an AP in response to the probe request. In some examples, the link quality controller 2440 may be configured or otherwise support means for determining a second link quality of a second wireless communication link using the probe response. In some examples, the AP association procedure manager 2465 may be configured or otherwise support means for performing an association procedure with an AP to receive an IP address in response to a second link quality satisfying a third threshold.

In some examples, the IP address manager 2425 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending an indication of an IP address or MAC address of a first wireless communication device to a second wireless communication device over a P2P wireless communication link.

In some examples, the BT manager 2480 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending an indication of an access point to a third wireless communication device on a Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device in response to the quality of the first link falling below a second threshold.

In some examples, the disassociation manager 2455 can be configured or otherwise support means for communicating a disassociation message with the second wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link in response to a roaming indication.

In some examples, the utility function manager 2470 may be configured or otherwise support means for determining, based on the utility function, that a second link quality of the second wireless communication link is better than the first link quality. In some examples, the AP association procedure manager 2465 may be configured or otherwise support means for performing an association procedure with the AP to receive an IP address in response to determining that the second link quality is better than the first link quality.

In some examples, the utility function includes at least one of: a channel type of each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value of each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the P2P wireless communication link.

In some examples, the P2P link communication manager 2460 can be configured or otherwise support means for switching a channel of the P2P wireless communication link to the same channel as the second wireless communication link in response to an association procedure.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2420 can support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. In some examples, the IP address manager 2425 can be configured to or otherwise support a unit for receiving, from the first wireless communication device, an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link. The link quality controller 2440 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of a P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, the AP link communication manager 2435 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to a roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using an IP address for the first wireless communication device.

In some examples, the link quality controller 2440 can be configured as or otherwise support means for sending a message to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a second threshold, and the reception of the IP address is responsive to the message.

In some examples, the AP selection manager 2485 can be configured or otherwise supported by means for sending an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device along with the message.

In some examples, the channel scan manager 2475 may be configured or otherwise support means for: receiving a request for a channel scan result associated with a second wireless communication link from a first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link in response to the quality of the first link falling below a second threshold. In some examples, the channel scan manager 2475 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the request, sending a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, the receiving of the IP address being in response to the channel scan result indicating that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link meets a third threshold.

In some examples, the channel scan manager 2475 can be configured as or otherwise support means for: in response to the request, sending a channel scan result set for a set of wireless communication links corresponding to a set of APs including the AP to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

In some examples, the disassociation manager 2455 can be configured or otherwise support means for communicating a disassociation message with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link in response to a roaming indication.

In some examples, the P2P link communication manager 2460 can be configured or otherwise support means for switching a channel of the P2P wireless communication link to the same channel as the second wireless communication link in response to receiving the IP address.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2420 can support wireless communications at the first wireless communication device. In some examples, the IP address manager 2425 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving from the second wireless communication device an indication of an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP associated with the second wireless communication device when communicating with the second wireless communication device over a P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, the roaming indication manager 2430 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: in response to the first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with a second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, the AP link communication manager 2435 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with a second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP.

In some examples, the link quality controller 2440 can be configured or otherwise supported as a means for receiving a message from a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a first threshold.

In some examples, the AP selection manager 2485 can be configured or otherwise support means for receiving, along with the message, an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device.

In some examples, the disassociation manager 2455 can be configured or otherwise support means for communicating a disassociation message with the second wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link in response to a roaming indication.

In some examples, the utility function manager 2470 can be configured or otherwise support means for determining, based on the utility function, that a second link quality of the second wireless communication link is better than a first link quality, and sending the roaming indication is responsive to determining that the second link quality is better than the first link quality.

In some examples, the utility function includes at least one of the following: a channel type for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the P2P wireless communication link.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2420 can support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. In some examples, the IP address manager 2425 can be configured to or otherwise support a unit for: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link, using the MAC address for the first wireless communication device to perform an association procedure with the AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. In some examples, the IP address manager 2425 can be configured to or otherwise support a unit for: sending an IP address to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, the roaming indication manager 2430 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, the AP link communication manager 2435 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using an IP address for the first wireless communication device.

In some examples, the link quality controller 2440 can be configured as or otherwise support means for sending a message to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a first threshold.

In some examples, the AP selection manager 2485 can be configured or otherwise supported by means for sending an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device along with the message.

In some examples, the disassociation manager 2455 can be configured or otherwise support means for communicating a disassociation message with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link in response to a roaming indication.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2420 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device. The beacon/probe manager 2445 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving a beacon or probe response from the second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link while communicating with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP and via a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device. The HS association procedure manager 2450 may be configured or otherwise supported for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a first threshold, performing an association procedure with a second wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link, the first link quality being detected using a beacon or a probe response. The disassociation manager 2455 may be configured or otherwise supported for: in response to the association procedure, sending a disassociation message to the AP for the second wireless communication link. The P2P link communication manager 2460 may be configured or otherwise supported for: communicating data with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 can be configured or otherwise support means for monitoring beacons on the P2P wireless communication link in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold.

In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 can be configured as or otherwise support means for: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, sending a probe request via the second wireless communication link and the AP, and receiving a probe response in response to the probe request.

In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 can be configured as or otherwise support means for periodically monitoring beacons from a second wireless communication device while communicating with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and via the AP and a third wireless communication link, reception of the beacon being responsive to the periodic monitoring.

In some examples, the link quality controller 2440 may be configured or otherwise supported by means for: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, sending an indication to the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP that the second link quality has fallen below a second threshold. In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 may be configured or otherwise supported by means for: in response to the indication, receiving scheduling information for the beacon from the second wireless communication device via the AP and the second wireless communication link, and receiving the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

In some examples, the BT manager 2480 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, and also in response to determining that the second wireless communication device is within the range of the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, sending a request to the second wireless communication device to connect to the second wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link. In some examples, the beacon/detection manager 2445 may be configured or otherwise support means for: receiving scheduling information for beacons from the second wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link, and receiving the beacons is based on the scheduling information.

In some examples, the BT manager 2480 may be configured as or otherwise support a unit for: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and also in response to determining that the second wireless communication device is within the range of the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, sending a probe request to the second wireless communication device on the second wireless communication link, and receiving a probe response in response to the probe request.

In some examples, to support a first link quality of a P2P wireless communication link that meets a first threshold, the utility function manager 2470 may be configured or otherwise support a unit for determining, based on the utility function, that the first link quality is better than a second link quality of a second wireless communication link.

In some examples, the utility function includes at least one of: a channel type of each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value of each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the P2P wireless communication link.

In some examples, to support sending the disassociation message, the disassociation manager 2455 can be configured or otherwise support means for sending the disassociation message in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold.

In some examples, the BT manager 2480 may be configured as or otherwise support a unit for: in response to the first link quality satisfying a first threshold, sending an instruction to the third wireless communication device on the Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device to execute a second association procedure with the second wireless communication device.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2420 can support wireless communication at the second wireless communication device. In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 can be configured to or otherwise support means for sending beacons or probe responses on a P2P wireless communication link when communicating with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and the AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. In some examples, the link quality controller 2440 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a threshold, executing an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, the P2P link communication manager 2460 may be configured or otherwise supported as a unit for: communicating data with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

In some examples, the link quality controller 2440 may be configured or otherwise supported by means for: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, receiving an indication from the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP that the second link quality has fallen below a second threshold. In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 may be configured or otherwise supported by means for: in response to the indication, sending scheduling information for the beacon to the first wireless communication device via the AP and the second wireless communication link, and the sending of the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 can be configured as or otherwise support means for: receiving a probe request via the second wireless communication link and the AP in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, sending a probe response in response to the probe request.

In some examples, the BT manager 2480 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, and also in response to determining that the second wireless communication device is within the range of the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, receiving a request from the first wireless communication device to connect to the second wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link. In some examples, the beacon/detection manager 2445 may be configured or otherwise support means for: sending scheduling information for beacons to the first wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link, and sending the beacons is based on the scheduling information.

In some examples, the BT manager 2480 may be configured as or otherwise support a unit for: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and also in response to determining that the second wireless communication device is within the range of the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, receiving a probe request from the first wireless communication device on the second wireless communication link, and sending a probe response in response to the probe request.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2420 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device. In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a first AP and the first AP with a second wireless communication device, in response to a first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, receiving a beacon or probe response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link. In some examples, the IP address manager 2425 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, performing an association procedure with the second AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication link. In some examples, the IP address manager 2425 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the association procedure, sending an indication of the IP address to the second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP. In some examples, the disassociation manager 2455 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to sending the IP address, sending a disassociation message to the first AP for the first wireless communication link. In some examples, the AP link communication manager 2435 can be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and a second AP in response to sending a disassociation message.

In some examples, to support receiving beacons, the beacon/probe manager 2445 can be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a set of beacons from a set of APs that includes a second AP and that includes the beacon.

In some examples, the AP selection manager 2485 can be configured or otherwise support means for selecting a second AP from the set of APs based on respective link qualities of respective wireless communication links with the set of APs determined using the set of beacons.

In some examples, the beacon/probe manager 2445 can be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of a first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, sending a probe request to a second AP, and receiving a probe response in response to the probe request.

In some examples, the beacon/detection manager 2445 can be configured as or otherwise support means for receiving a second beacon from a second wireless communication device on a third wireless communication link in response to a first link quality dropping below a threshold, wherein receiving the beacon is in response to determining using the second beacon that a third link quality of the wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device is below a third threshold.

In some examples, the utility function manager 2470 can be configured or otherwise support means for: executing an association procedure in response to determining, based on the utility function, that a second link quality of the second wireless communication link is higher than the first link quality.

In some examples, the utility function includes at least one of: a channel type for each of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a received signal strength indicator value for each of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link.

In some examples, the BT manager 2480 may be configured as or otherwise support a unit for: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, sending an instruction to a third wireless communication device on a Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device to execute a second association procedure with a second access point for the third wireless communication device.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2420 can support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. In some examples, the IP address manager 2425 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: while communicating with the first wireless communication device via the first access point and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first access point and using a first internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link, receiving an indication of a second internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second access point, the indication of the second internet protocol address being received via the first access point and the first wireless communication link. In some examples, the roaming indication manager 2430 may be configured or otherwise supported as a means for receiving a roaming indication from the first wireless device via the first access point and the first wireless communication link. In some examples, the AP link communication manager 2435 may be configured or otherwise supported as a means for communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second access point using a second Internet protocol address in response to the roaming indication.

In some examples, the AP link communication manager 2435 can be configured as or otherwise support a unit for receiving an indication of a media access control address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link from a first wireless device via a first access point and a first wireless communication link, and communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second access point also using the media access control address.

In some examples, the roaming indication manager 2430 can be configured as or otherwise support means for sending an acknowledgment in response to the roaming indication to the first wireless device via the first access point and the first wireless communication link, and communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second access point in response to the acknowledgment.

In some examples, the AP link communication manager 2435 can be configured as or otherwise support means for adjusting at least one of an audio delay or an audio bit rate in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second access point using the adjusted audio delay or the adjusted audio bit rate.

FIG25 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system 2500 including a device 2505 supporting seamless switching for XPAN coverage according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The device 2505 may be an example of or include components of the device 2205, device 2305, or STA (such as a personal wireless communication device 204 or a personal audio device 210 as described herein) as described herein. The device 2505 may include components for two-way voice and data communication, including components for sending and receiving communications, such as a communication manager 2520, an I/O controller 2510, a transceiver 2515, an antenna 2525, a memory 2530, a code 2535, and a processor 2540. These components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more buses (e.g., bus 2545).

I/O controller 2510 can manage input and output signals for device 2505. I/O controller 2510 can also manage peripheral devices that are not integrated into device 2505. In some cases, I/O controller 2510 can represent a physical connection or port to an external peripheral device. In some cases, I/O controller 2510 can utilize an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, LINUX®, or another known operating system. In some other cases, I/O controller 2510 can represent a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device or interact with a modem, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or similar device. In some cases, I/O controller 2510 may be implemented as part of a processor, such as processor 2540. In some cases, a user may interact with device 2505 via I/O controller 2510 or via a hardware component controlled by I/O controller 2510.

In some cases, the device 2505 may include a single antenna 2525. However, in some other cases, the device 2505 may have more than one antenna 2525 that are capable of sending or receiving multiple wireless transmissions simultaneously. The transceiver 2515 may communicate bidirectionally via one or more antennas 2525, wired or wireless links as described herein. For example, the transceiver 2515 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate bidirectionally with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 2515 may also include a modem for modulating packets and providing the modulated packets to the one or more antennas 2525 for transmission, and for demodulating packets received from the one or more antennas 2525. The transceiver 2515 or the transceiver 2515 and the one or more antennas 2525 may be an example of a transmitter 2215, a transmitter 2315, a receiver 2210, a receiver 2310, or any combination thereof or components thereof as described herein.

The memory 2530 may include RAM and ROM. The memory 2530 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code 2535 including instructions that, when executed by the processor 2540, cause the device 2505 to perform the various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 2530 may include BIOS, etc., which may control basic hardware or software operations, such as interaction with peripheral components or devices.

The processor 2540 may include an intelligent hardware device (e.g., a general purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, a microcontroller, an ASIC, an FPGA, a programmable logic device, individual gate or transistor logic components, individual hardware components, or any combination thereof). In some cases, the processor 2540 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In some other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor 2540. The processor 2540 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory 2530) to cause the device 2505 to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks that support flawless conversion for XPAN coverage). For example, the device 2505 or a component of the device 2505 may include a processor 2540 and a memory 2530 coupled with or to the processor 2540, the processor 2540 and the memory 2530 being configured to perform the various functions described herein.

The communication manager 2520 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device according to examples as disclosed herein. For example, the communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, receiving an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP from an AP associated with the second wireless communication device. The communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for: communicating data with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and the AP in response to a roaming indication.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples disclosed herein, the communication manager 2520 can support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support a unit for: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link, receiving from the first wireless communication device an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of a P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using an IP address for the first wireless communication device.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2520 can support wireless communications at the first wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, receiving from the second wireless communication device an indication of an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP associated with the second wireless communication device. The communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for: communicating data with a second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link and the AP in response to a roaming indication.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2520 can support wireless communication at a second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on a third wireless communication link, using the MAC address for the first wireless communication device to perform an association procedure with the AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: sending an IP address to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device over the P2P wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using an IP address for the first wireless communication device.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2520 can support wireless communication at the first wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for receiving a beacon or a probe response from the second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link while communicating with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP and via a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise supported for: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a first threshold, performing an association procedure with a second wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link, the first link quality being detected using a beacon or a probe response. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise supported for: in response to the association procedure, sending a disassociation message to the AP for the second wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise supported for: communicating data with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2520 can support wireless communication at the second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for sending beacons or probe responses on a P2P wireless communication link while communicating with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and the AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for executing an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a threshold. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with a first wireless communication device over a P2P wireless communication link.

Additionally or alternatively, according to an example as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2520 may support wireless communication at a first wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2520 may be configured to or otherwise support means for: in communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a first AP and the first AP with a second wireless communication device, in response to a first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured to or otherwise support means for: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, performing an association procedure with a second AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending an indication of an IP address to a second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP in response to an association procedure. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for sending a disassociation message to the first AP for the first wireless communication link in response to sending the IP address. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with a second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP in response to sending the disassociation message.

By including or configuring a communications manager 2520 according to an example as described herein, the device 2505 can support techniques for improving communications reliability, reducing latency, reducing power consumption, more efficiently utilizing communications resources, improving coordination between devices, and extending battery life.

FIG. 26 shows a flow chart of a method 2600 for supporting flawless switching for XPAN coverage according to one or more aspects of the present invention. The operations of the method 2600 may be implemented by a STA or personal audio device 210 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2600 may be performed by a STA or personal audio device 210 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 . In some examples, the STA or personal audio device 210 may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA or personal audio device 210 to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA or personal audio device 210 may use dedicated hardware to perform the various aspects of the described functions.

At 2605, the method may include: when communicating with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, receiving an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP from an AP associated with the second wireless communication device. The operation of 2605 may be performed according to an example as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of 2605 may be performed by the IP address manager 2425 described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 2610, the method may include: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with a second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The operation of 2610 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 2610 may be performed by a roaming indication manager 2430 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 2615, the method may include: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP. The operation of 2615 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 2615 may be performed by the AP link communication manager 2435 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

Additionally or alternatively, according to examples as disclosed herein, the communication manager 2520 can support wireless communication at the second wireless communication device. For example, the communication manager 2520 can be configured to or otherwise support means for: while communicating with the first wireless communication device via the first access point and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first access point and using a first internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link, receiving an indication of a second internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second access point, the indication of the second internet protocol address being received via the first access point and the first wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for receiving a roaming indication from the first wireless device via the first access point and the first wireless communication link. The communication manager 2520 may be configured or otherwise support means for communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second access point using a second Internet protocol address in response to the roaming indication.

FIG. 27 shows a flow chart of a method 2700 for supporting seamless transition for XPAN coverage according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of the method 2700 may be implemented by a STA or personal wireless communication device 204 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2700 may be performed by a STA or personal wireless communication device 204 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 . In some examples, the STA or personal wireless communication device 204 may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA or personal wireless communication device 204 to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA or personal wireless communication device 204 may use dedicated hardware to perform the various aspects of the described functions.

At 2705, the method may include: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on the third wireless communication link, receiving from the first wireless communication device an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The operation of 2705 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 2705 may be performed by the IP address manager 2425 described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 2710, the method may include: in response to a first link quality of a P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The operations of 2710 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operations of 2710 may be performed by the link quality controller 2440 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 2715, the method may include: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the third wireless communication link and the AP using the IP address for the first wireless communication device. The operation of 2715 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 2715 may be performed by the AP link communication manager 2435 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 shows a flow chart of a method 2800 for supporting flawless conversion for XPAN coverage according to one or more aspects of the present invention. The operation of the method 2800 may be implemented by a STA or personal audio device 210 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operation of the method 2800 may be performed by a STA or personal audio device 210 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 . In some examples, the STA or personal audio device 210 may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA or personal audio device 210 to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA or personal audio device 210 may use dedicated hardware to perform the various aspects of the described functions.

At 2805, the method may include: when communicating with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, receiving from the second wireless communication device an indication of an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP associated with the second wireless communication device. The operations of 2805 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 2805 may be performed by the IP address manager 2425 described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 2810, the method may include: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with a second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The operation of 2810 may be performed according to an example disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 2810 may be performed by a roaming indication manager 2430 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 2815, the method may include: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP. The operation of 2815 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, the various aspects of the operation of 2815 may be performed by the AP link communication manager 2435 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 29 shows a flow chart of a method 2900 for supporting flawless transition for XPAN coverage according to one or more aspects of the present invention. The operations of the method 2900 may be implemented by a STA or personal wireless communication device 204 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 2900 may be performed by a STA or personal wireless communication device 204 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 . In some examples, the STA or personal wireless communication device 204 may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA or personal wireless communication device 204 to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA or personal wireless communication device 204 may use dedicated hardware to perform the various aspects of the described functions.

At 2905, the method may include: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with the AP on the third wireless communication link, using the MAC address for the first wireless communication device to perform an association procedure with the AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The operation of 2905 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 2905 may be performed by the IP address manager 2425 described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 2910, the method may include: sending an IP address to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The operation of 2910 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 2910 may be performed by the IP address manager 2425 described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 2915, the method may include: in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The operation of 2915 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 2915 may be performed by the roaming indication manager 2430 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 2920, the method may include: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the third wireless communication link and the AP using the IP address for the first wireless communication device. The operation of 2920 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 2920 may be performed by the AP link communication manager 2435 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 30 shows a flow chart of a method 3000 for supporting flawless conversion for XPAN coverage according to one or more aspects of the present invention. The operations of the method 3000 may be implemented by a STA or personal audio device 210 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 3000 may be performed by a STA or personal audio device 210 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 . In some examples, the STA or personal audio device 210 may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA or personal audio device 210 to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA or personal audio device 210 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

At 3005, the method may include: receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link while communicating with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP and via a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device. The operations of 3005 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 3005 may be performed by a beacon/probe manager 2445 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3010, the method may include: in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a first threshold, performing an association procedure with a second wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link, the first link quality being detected using a beacon or a probe response. The operation of 3010 may be performed according to an example disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3010 may be performed by the HS association procedure manager 2450 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3015, the method may include: sending a disassociation message to the AP for the second wireless communication link in response to the association procedure. The operation of 3015 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3015 may be performed by the disassociation manager 2455 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3020, the method may include: communicating data with a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link. The operation of 3020 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3020 may be performed by a P2P link communication manager 2460 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 31 shows a flow chart of a method 3100 for supporting flawless transition for XPAN coverage according to one or more aspects of the present invention. The operations of the method 3100 may be implemented by a STA or personal wireless communication device 204 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 3100 may be performed by a STA or personal wireless communication device 204 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 . In some examples, the STA or personal wireless communication device 204 may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA or personal wireless communication device 204 to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA or personal wireless communication device 204 may use dedicated hardware to perform the various aspects of the described functions.

At 3105, the method may include: sending a beacon or a probe response on a P2P wireless communication link while communicating with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and the AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP. The operation of 3105 may be performed according to an example as disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3105 may be performed by a beacon/probe manager 2445 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3110, the method may include: in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying the threshold, executing an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link. The operation of 3110 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3110 may be performed by the link quality controller 2440 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3115, the method may include: communicating data with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link. The operation of 3115 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3115 may be performed by the P2P link communication manager 2460 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 32 shows a flow chart of a method 3200 for supporting flawless switching for XPAN according to one or more aspects of the present invention. The operations of the method 3200 may be implemented by a STA or personal audio device 210 or a component thereof as described herein. For example, the operations of the method 3200 may be performed by a STA or personal audio device 210 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 . In some examples, the STA or personal audio device 210 may execute an instruction set to control the functional elements of the STA or personal audio device 210 to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA or personal audio device 210 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

At 3205, the method may include: in response to a first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold when communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first AP and the first AP and the second wireless communication device, receiving a beacon or a probe response from the second AP on the second wireless communication link. The operation of 3205 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3205 may be performed by the beacon/probe manager 2445 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3210, the method may include: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, performing an association procedure with the second AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication link. The operation of 3210 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3210 may be performed by the IP address manager 2425 described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3215, the method may include: sending an indication of the IP address to the second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP in response to the association procedure. The operation of 3215 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3215 may be performed by the IP address manager 2425 described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3220, the method may include: sending a disassociation message to the first AP for the first wireless communication link in response to sending the IP address. The operations of 3220 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operations of 3220 may be performed by the disassociation manager 2455 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3225, the method may include: in response to sending the disassociation message, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP. The operation of 3225 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3225 may be performed by the AP link communication manager 2435 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 33 shows a flow chart of a method 3300 for supporting seamless transition for XPAN whole home/building coverage according to one or more aspects of the present invention. The operations of the method 3300 may be implemented by the STA or components thereof herein. For example, the operations of the method 3300 may be performed by the STA 115 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 25 . In some examples, the STA may execute an instruction set to control the functional units of the STA to perform the described functions. Additionally or alternatively, the STA may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the described functions.

At 3305, the method may include: while communicating with the first wireless communication device via the first access point and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first access point and using a first internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link, receiving an indication of a second internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a second access point, the indication of the second internet protocol address being received via the first access point and the first wireless communication link. The operations of 3305 may be performed according to examples as disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 3305 may be performed by the IP address manager 2425 described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3310, the method may include receiving a roaming indication from a first wireless device via a first access point and a first wireless communication link. The operations of 3310 may be performed according to examples disclosed herein. In some examples, aspects of the operations of 3310 may be performed by a roaming indication manager 2430 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

At 3315, the method may include: in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second access point using the second Internet protocol address. The operation of 3315 may be performed according to the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 3315 may be performed by the AP link communication manager 2435 as described with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG34 illustrates an example of a program flow 3400 for transitioning between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario, similar to the program flow 1400 of FIG14. The program flow 3400 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. In the following description of the program flow 3400, operations between the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the example order shown, or operations performed by the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 3400, and other operations may be added to the program flow 3400. Because the transition shown in the program flow 3400 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b before disconnecting the P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the transition shown in the program flow 3400 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a P2P connection to an AP connection in which a connection to the AP is not established before disconnecting the P2P connection.

At 3405, the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the XPAN SAP wireless communication link (such as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 13). At 3410, the personal audio device 210-c may monitor the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link. At 3415, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link has dropped below a threshold value LQ _AssocAP .

In some examples, at 3420 and in response to determining that the link quality of the XPAN SAP link (the P2P wireless communication link) has dropped below a threshold value LQ _AssocAP , the personal audio device 210-c can send a request for the most recent channel scan result to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The request at 3420 can be sent via XPAN control over BLE (for example, the bearer for the request can be XPAN control over BLE). Then at 3425, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can send the most recent channel scan result to the personal audio device 210-c. The signal indicating the most recent channel scan result at 3425 can be sent via XPAN control over BLE (for example, the bearer for the request can be XPAN control over BLE). In some instances, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can use the scan result at 3425 to indicate the service BSSID, the channel of the service AP 102-b, and/or the service AP In some examples, if no recent scan results are available, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can perform a channel scan.

In an alternative example, at 3430 and in response to determining that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link has dropped below the threshold LQ _AssocAP , the personal audio device 210-c may measure the RSSI of the probe response or beacon from the AP 102-b. In some examples, (e.g., in the presence of two paired earbuds), the second personal audio device 210 may also perform RSSI measurements. The bearer for the probe or beacon response may be a management packet over Wi-Fi.

At 3435, based on the channel scan results or the measured RSSI of the probe response/beacon, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that a connection to the AP 102-b provides a higher utility (based on a utility function as described herein) than a P2P wireless communication link. In some examples, the utility function may favor AP 102-b that serves the personal wireless communication device 204-a via other APs 102. In some examples, in the presence of two paired personal audio devices 210 (e.g., in the case of paired earbuds), the personal audio device 210-c may synchronize with another personal audio device 210 on the target AP 102-b.

At 3440, the personal audio device 210-c may perform an authentication procedure, an association procedure, and/or a security key exchange procedure with the AP 102-b. At 3445, the personal audio device 210-c may perform a DHCP server negotiation with the AP 102-b. Thus, at 3440 and 3445, the personal audio device 210-c may connect to the AP 102-b and receive an IP and/or MAC address for communication with the AP 102-b. The payload for the authentication procedure and the association procedure at 3440 may be a management packet over Wi-Fi. The payload for the security key exchange procedure (also known as the Extensible Authentication Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) 4-way handshake) and/or the DHCP server negotiation at 3440 and 3445 may be UDP data.

At 3450, the personal audio device 210-c may share the IP address and/or MAC address for the personal audio device 210-c received at 3440 or 3455 with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. In some examples, where there are two paired personal audio devices 210 (e.g., in the case of paired earbuds), the personal audio device 210-c may also share the IP and/or MAC address of the other personal audio device 210 with the personal wireless communication device 204-a at 3450. The bearer for the signaling of the shared IP and/or MAC address at 3450 may be XPAN control over BLE.

At 3455, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the XPAN SAP link (e.g., the P2P wireless communication link 106-b) has dropped below a second threshold ( LQ _roamAP ). At 3460, in response to the link quality dropping below the second threshold ( LQ _roamAP ), the personal audio device 210-c may send a roaming request to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The bearer for the roaming request at 3460 may be XPAN control over BLE. At 3465, in response to the roaming request, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may increase the audio latency and/or may reduce the audio bit rate for XPAN on AP.

At 3470, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can send a roaming confirmation to the personal audio device 210-c, and/or can send a signal indicating a data path switch to UDP. The bearer for the signal at 3470 can be XPAN control over BLE. At 3475, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can exchange signals with the personal audio device 210-c indicating that BT control is switched to TCP. The bearer for the signal at 3475 can be XPAN control over BLE. At 3480, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can send BT control over TCP to the personal audio device 210-c via AP 102-b. The bearer for BT control over TCP at 3480 can be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

At 3485, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can communicate via the XPAN wireless communication link on the AP (e.g., via the wireless communication link 106-a and the wireless communication link 106-c of Figure 13) via AP 102-b. In some examples, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can maintain the XPAN SAP link at low power, for example, for possible future reverse conversion. The bearer for the XPAN SAP link maintained at low power can be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

Similar to the program flow 1500 of Figure 15, Figure 35 illustrates an example of a program flow 3500 for a transition between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection at a first time in an XPAN scenario, wherein the personal wireless communication device assists in initiating the transition. The program flow 3500 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to Figure 3. In the following description of the program flow 3500, the operations between the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the example order shown, or the operations performed by the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 3500, and other operations may also be added to the program flow 3500. Because the transition shown in program flow 3500 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and AP 102-b before disconnecting the P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the transition shown in program flow 3500 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a P2P connection to an AP connection in which a connection to the AP is not established before disconnecting the P2P connection. Additionally, because the personal wireless communication device 204-a assists in initiating the conversion, less processing may be performed at the personal audio device 210-c, which may reduce latency because the personal wireless communication device 204-a may have more processing power than the personal audio device 210-c and/or may reduce power consumption at the personal audio device 210-c.

At 3505, the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the XPAN SAP wireless communication link (such as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 13). At 3510, the personal audio device 210-c may monitor the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link. At 3515, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link has dropped below a threshold value LQ _AssocAP .

At 3520, the personal audio device 210-c may send an indication of link quality statistics of the P2P wireless communication link to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. At 3525, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may send an indication of the channel scan results at the personal wireless communication device 204-a or a channel scan command to the personal audio device 210-c. The carrier for the signals at 3520 and 3525 may be XPAN control over BLE. In some examples, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may indicate the service BSSID, the channel of the service AP 102-b, and/or the capabilities of the service AP 102-b together with the scan results at 3525.

In an alternative example, at 3530 and in response to determining that the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link has dropped below a threshold LQ _AssocAP , the personal audio device 210-c can measure the RSSI of a probe response or beacon from the AP 102-b. In some examples, (e.g., where there are two paired earbuds), the second personal audio device 210 can also perform RSSI measurements. The carrier for the probe or beacon response can be a management packet over Wi-Fi. At 3535, the personal audio device 210-c can send a signal to the personal wireless communication device 204-a indicating the RSSI measurement measured at 1530. The carrier for the signal at 3535 can be XPAN Control over BLE.

At 3540, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may determine that a connection to the AP 102-b provides higher utility (based on a utility function as described herein) than an XPAN SAP (e.g., a P2P wireless communication link). At 3545, in response to determining that a connection to the AP 102-b provides higher utility than an XPAN SAP communication link, the personal wireless communication device 204-a sends a command to the personal audio device 210-c to associate with a particular AP 102-b. The bearer for the command at 3545 may be XPAN Control over BLE.

At 3550, the personal audio device 210-c can perform an authentication procedure, an association procedure and/or a security key exchange procedure with the AP 102-b. At 3555, the personal audio device 210-c can perform a DHCP server negotiation with the AP 102-b. Therefore, at 3550 and 3555, the personal audio device 210-c can connect to the AP 102-b and receive an IP and/or MAC address for communication with the AP 102-b. The payload for the authentication procedure and the association procedure at 3550 can be a management packet over Wi-Fi. The payload for the security key exchange procedure and/or DHCP server negotiation at 3550 and 3555 can be UDP data.

At 3560, the personal audio device 210-c may share the IP address and/or MAC address for the personal audio device 210-c received at 3550 or 3555 with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. In some examples, where there are two paired personal audio devices 210 (e.g., in the case of paired earbuds), the personal audio device 210-c may also share the IP and/or MAC address of the other personal audio device 210 with the personal wireless communication device 204-a at 3560. The bearer for the signaling of the shared IP and/or MAC address at 3560 may be XPAN control over BLE.

At 3565, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the XPAN SAP link (e.g., the P2P wireless communication link 106-b) has dropped below a second threshold ( LQ _roamAP ). At 3570, in response to the link quality dropping below the second threshold ( LQ _roamAP ), the personal audio device 210-c may send a roaming request to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The bearer for the roaming request at 3570 may be XPAN control over BLE. At 3575, in response to the roaming request, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may increase the audio latency and/or may reduce the audio bit rate for XPAN on AP.

At 3580, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can send a roaming confirmation to the personal audio device 210-c, and/or can send a signal indicating a data path switch to UDP. The bearer for the signal at 3580 can be XPAN control over BLE. At 3585, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can exchange signals with the personal audio device 210-c indicating that BT control is switched to TCP. The bearer for the signal at 3585 can be XPAN control over BLE. At 3590, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can send BT control over TCP to the personal audio device 210-c via AP 102-b. The bearer for BT control over TCP at 3590 can be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

At 3595, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can communicate via the XPAN wireless communication link on the AP (e.g., via the wireless communication link 106-a and the wireless communication link 106-c of Figure 13) via AP 102-b. In some examples, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can maintain the XPAN SAP link at low power, for example, for possible future reverse conversion. The bearer for the XPAN SAP link maintained at low power can be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

17, FIG36 illustrates an example of a program flow 3600 for transitioning between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario, wherein the personal wireless communication device 204-a performs an authentication/association procedure with the AP 102-b for the personal audio device 210-c. The program flow 3600 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG3. In the following description of the program flow 3600, the operations between the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the example order shown, or the operations performed by the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 3600, and other operations may also be added to the program flow 3600. Because the transition shown in program flow 3600 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and AP 102-b before disconnecting the P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the transition shown in program flow 3600 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a P2P connection to an AP connection in which a connection to the AP is not established before disconnecting the P2P connection. Additionally, because the personal wireless communication device 204-a establishes an AP connection for the personal audio device 210-c, less processing may be performed at the personal audio device 210-c, which may reduce latency because the personal wireless communication device 204-a may have more processing power than the personal audio device 210-c and/or may reduce power consumption at the personal audio device 210-c.

At 3605, the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via an XPAN SAP wireless communication link (such as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 13).

At 3610, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can perform an authentication procedure, an association procedure, and/or a security key exchange procedure with the AP 102-b for the personal audio device 210-c. At 3615, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can perform a DHCP server negotiation with the AP 102-b for the personal audio device 210-c. The payload for the authentication procedure and the association procedure at 3610 can be a management packet over Wi-Fi. The payload for the security key exchange procedure and/or the DHCP server negotiation at 3610 and 3615 can be UDP data. At 3620, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may send a signal that shares the IP and/or MAC address received at 3610 and/or 3615 with the personal audio device 210-c. The payload for the signal at 3620 may be UDP data, Wi-Fi control, or management over Wi-Fi.

At 3625, the personal audio device 210-c may monitor the link quality of the XPAN SAP wireless communication link (eg, the P2P wireless communication link). At 3630, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the XPAN SAP wireless communication link (eg, the P2P wireless communication link) has dropped below a threshold LQ _AssocAP .

At 3635, the personal audio device 210-c may send a signal indicating link quality statistics of an XPAN SAP wireless communication link (eg, a P2P wireless communication link) to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The bearer for the signal at 3635 may be XPAN Control over BLE.

At 3640, the personal audio device 210-c may measure the RSSI of the probe response or beacon from the AP 102-b. The bearer for the probe response or beacon at 3640 may be a management packet over Wi-Fi. At 3645, the personal audio device 210-c may send an indication of the quality of the XPAN link on the AP to the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The bearer for the signal at 3645 may be XPAN control over BLE.

At 3650, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may determine that the connection to the AP 102-b provides higher utility than the P2P wireless communication link (based on the utility function as described herein).

At 3655, in response to determining that the connection to AP 102-b provides higher utility, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may increase the audio delay and/or may reduce the audio bit rate used for XPAN on the AP.

At 3660, in response to determining that a connection to AP 102-b provides higher utility, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may send a roaming indication to the personal audio device 210-c. The bearer for the roaming indication at 3660 may be XPAN control over BLE.

At 3665, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can send a signal indicating that the data path is switched to UDP. The bearer for the signal at 3665 can be XPAN control over BLE. At 3670, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can exchange signals with the personal audio device 210-c indicating that BT control is switched to TCP. The bearer for the signal at 3670 can be XPAN control over BLE. At 3675, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can send BT control over TCP to the personal audio device 210-c via AP 102-c. The bearer for BT control over TCP at 3675 can be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

At 3680, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can communicate via the AP 102-b via the XPAN wireless communication link on the AP (e.g., via the wireless communication link 106-a and the wireless communication link 106-c of FIG. 13). In some examples, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device can maintain the XPAN SAP link at low power, for example, for possible future reverse conversion. The bearer for the XPAN SAP link maintained at low power can be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

Similar to the program flow 1900 of FIG. 19 , FIG. 37 illustrates an example of a program flow 3700 for switching between a personal audio device-AP connection and a P2P wireless connection in an XPAN scenario. The program flow 3700 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. In the following description of the program flow 3700, operations between the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the example sequence shown, or operations performed by the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 3700, and other operations may be added to the program flow 3700. Because the transition shown in the program flow 3700 establishes a P2P connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the personal wireless communication device 204-a before disconnecting the connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b, the transition shown in the program flow 3700 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition from a personal audio device-AP connection to a P2P connection in which a P2P connection is not established before disconnecting the personal audio device-AP connection.

At 3705, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate via the AP 102-b (via the wireless communication link 106-a and the wireless communication link 106-c of FIG. 18), for example, via the XPAN wireless communication link on the AP. For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can encapsulate the audio data in a UDP packet.

At 3710, the personal audio device 210-c can monitor the link quality of the XPAN on AP wireless communication link (e.g., the wireless communication link 106-c of Figure 18) between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b. At 3715, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can perform a BLE scan when the personal audio device 210-c is out of range. At 3720, the personal audio device 210-c can perform a BLE advertisement. When out of XPAN coverage of the personal wireless communication device 204-a, the low energy advertisement at 3720 can be performed periodically. The bearer for the low energy advertisement at 3720 can be XPAN control over BLE.

At 3725, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may perform a BLE RSSI check on the low energy advertising signal received at 3720. At 3730, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may send a BLE proximity indication to the personal audio device 210-c via the AP 102-b. The bearer for the BLE proximity indication at 3730 may be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

At 3735, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the AP-on-XPAN wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b has dropped below a first threshold ( LQ _assocAP ).

In response to the link quality of the XPAN wireless communication link on the AP between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link falling below a first threshold ( LQ _assocAP ), at 3740, the personal audio device 210-c may send a request for XPAN SAP link wakeup or establishment and beacon transmission. The request at 3740 may be sent to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the AP 102-b. The bearer for the request at 3740 may be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP. At 3745, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may send a signal indicating XPAN SAP link information (e.g., channel or TBTT). The signal at 3745 may be sent to the personal audio device 210-c via the AP 102-b. The bearer for the signal at 3745 may be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

At 3750, the personal audio device 210-c measures the RSSI of the beacon or probe response sent by the personal wireless communication device 204-a on the SAP link. At 3755, the personal audio device 210-c determines that the XPAN SAP wireless communication link (e.g., a direct P2P connection to the personal wireless communication device 204-a) provides higher utility than the XPAN connection on the AP via the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b. In a scenario where two personal audio devices (e.g., two earbuds) are present, the primary personal audio device 210-c can share a determination that a direct P2P connection to the personal wireless communication device 204-a provides higher utility than a connection via AP 102-b via a wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and AP 102-b.

In response to the determination at 3755, at 3760, the personal audio device 210-c can perform an authentication procedure, an association procedure, and/or a security key exchange procedure with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. At 3765, the personal audio device 210-c can perform a DHCP server negotiation with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. Therefore, at 3760 and 3765, the personal audio device 210-c can connect to the personal wireless communication device 204-a and receive an IP and/or MAC address for direct communication with the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The payload for the authentication procedure and the association procedure at 3760 can be a management packet on Wi-Fi. The payload used for the secure key exchange process and/or DHCP server negotiation at 3760 and 3765 may be UDP data.

At 3770, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the XPAN wireless communication link on the AP between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link has dropped below a second threshold ( LQ _roamHS ). In response to the link quality of the XPAN wireless communication link on the AP between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link dropping below the second threshold ( LQ _roamHS ), at 3775, the personal audio device 210-c may send a roaming request to the AP 102-b and/or the personal wireless communication device 204-a. The bearer of the roaming request may be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

At 3780, the personal audio device 210-c may switch the BT control path from TCP to BLE (e.g., to low energy ACL). The bearer for signaling the switch of the BT control path to BLE may be XPAN control over BLE. At 3785, the personal audio device 210-c may switch the audio bearer to Ethernet. The bearer for signaling the switch of the audio bearer to Ethernet may be XPAN control over BLE.

At 3790, the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via an XPAN SAP wireless communication link (eg, a P2P wireless communication link such as the P2P wireless communication link 106-b of FIG. 18).

Similar to the program flow 2100 of FIG. 21 , FIG. 38 illustrates an example of a program flow 3800 for switching between a personal audio device-first AP connection and a personal audio device-second AP connection. The program flow 3800 includes the AP 102-b, the personal wireless communication device 204-a, and the personal audio device 210-c described with reference to FIG. The program flow 3800 may also include the AP 102-c, which may be an example of the AP 102 described herein. In the following description of the program flow 3800, the operations between AP 102-b, AP 102-c, personal wireless communication device 204-a and personal audio device 210-c may be sent in a different order than the order of the example shown, or the operations performed by AP 102-b, AP 102-c, personal wireless communication device 204-a and personal audio device 210-c may be performed in a different order or at a different time. Some operations may also be omitted from the program flow 3800, and other operations may also be added to the program flow 3800. Because the transition shown in program flow 3800 establishes a connection between the personal audio device 210-c and the second AP 102-c before disconnecting the connection between the personal audio device 210-c and AP 102-b, the transition shown in program flow 3800 can reduce latency and packet loss compared to a transition between APs in which a connection to a new AP is not made until the connection to the current AP is disconnected.

At 3805, the personal wireless communication device 204-a and the personal audio device 210-c can communicate via the AP-on-XPAN wireless communication link (via the wireless communication link 106-a and the wireless communication link 106-c of Figure 20) involving AP 102-b. For example, the personal wireless communication device 204-a can encapsulate the audio data in a UDP packet.

At 3810, the personal audio device 210-c may monitor the link quality of the AP-on-XPAN wireless communication link (wireless communication link 106-c of FIG. 20) between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b. At 3815, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that the link quality of the wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link has dropped below a first threshold ( LQ _assocAP ) and that the personal audio device 210-c is not within range of the personal wireless communication device 204-a.

At 3820, the personal audio device 210-c may perform a roaming scan on a set of channels (for a set of APs including AP 102-c). For example, the personal audio device 210-c may measure the corresponding RSSI of a beacon or probe response from a set of APs 102 for the set of channels. The bearer of the beacon or probe response may be a management packet on Wi-Fi. At 3825, the personal audio device 210-c may determine that a connection to AP 102-c provides a higher utility function than a connection to AP 102-b. In a scenario where there are two personal audio devices (e.g., two earbuds), the primary personal audio device 210-c may share a determination that a connection to AP 102-c provides a higher utility function than a connection to AP 102-b.

At 3830, in response to the determination at 3825, the personal audio device 210-c may perform an authentication procedure, an association procedure, and/or a security key exchange procedure with the AP 102-c. At 3835, the personal audio device 210-c may perform a DHCP server negotiation with the AP 102-c. Thus, at 3830 and 3835, the personal audio device 210-c may connect to the AP 102-c and receive an IP and/or MAC address for communicating with the AP 102-c. The payload for the authentication procedure and the association procedure at 3830 may be a management packet over Wi-Fi. The payload for the security key exchange procedure and/or the DHCP server negotiation at 3830 and 3835 may be UDP data.

At 3840, the personal audio device 210-c may send a signal to the personal wireless communication device 204-a indicating the IP and/or MAC address received at 3830 and/or 3835. The signal at 3840 may be sent via the AP 102-b (e.g., via an XPAN on AP wireless communication link (via wireless communication link 106-a and wireless communication link 106-c of FIG. 20) involving the AP 102-b). The bearer for the signal at 3840 may be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

At 3845, the personal audio device 210-c determines that the link quality of the AP-on-XPAN wireless communication link between the personal audio device 210-c and the AP 102-b link has dropped below a second threshold ( LQ _roamHS ). In response to the determination at 3845, the personal audio device 210-c may establish a TCP communication end (server) with a new IP address. At 3850, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may establish a TCP communication end (client) with a new IP address. At 3855, the personal audio device 210-c may establish a TCP communication end (server) with a new IP address.

In response to the decision at 3845, at 3860, the personal audio device 210-c can send a roaming request indicating the desired destination AP (AP 102-c). The roaming request 3860 can be sent to the personal wireless communication device 204-a via AP 102-c and AP 102-b (e.g., via multiple hops). The bearer of the roaming request can be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP. At 3865, in response to the roaming request, AP 102-b can perform grid learning or wireless distribution system (WDS). WDS can refer to AP 102 in the network learning how to route packets to/from the final destination of the packet.

At 3870, the personal audio device 210-c may switch BT control to the new TCP socket established at 3850. The bearer for signaling to switch BT control to the new TCP socket may be XPAN control over Wi-Fi TCP.

At 3875, the personal wireless communication device 204-a may increase audio latency, reduce audio bit rate, and/or suspend transmission due to switching to the new AP (AP 102-c), which may increase latency. Adjustments to audio latency, audio bit rate, or transmission may be use case specific.

At 3880, the personal audio device 210-c may communicate with the personal wireless communication device 204-a via the new AP-on-XPAN wireless communication link (via multiple hops via AP 102-c and AP 102-b).

The following provides an overview of some aspects of the case:

Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising: when communicating with a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, receiving an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP from an AP associated with the second wireless communication device; in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP.

Aspect 2: The method according to aspect 1 also includes: in response to the first link quality falling below a second threshold, executing an association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address.

Aspect 3: The method according to aspect 2 also includes: receiving a message from a second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link drops below a second threshold.

Aspect 4: The method according to aspect 3 also includes: receiving an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device together with the message.

Aspect 5: The method according to any one of aspects 2 to 4 also includes: in response to the first link quality dropping below a second threshold, sending a request for a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; in response to the request, receiving a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link from the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the channel scan result indicating that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link satisfies a third threshold, executing the association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address.

Aspect 6: The method according to aspect 5 also includes: in response to the request, receiving a channel scanning result set for a wireless communication link set corresponding to an AP set from a second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, the AP set including the AP; and in response to the channel scanning result set, selecting the AP from the AP set.

Aspect 7: The method according to any one of aspects 2 to 6 also includes: in response to the first link quality dropping below a second threshold, receiving a beacon from the AP on the second wireless communication link; using the beacon to determine the second link quality of the second wireless communication link; and in response to the second link quality satisfying a third threshold, performing the association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address.

Aspect 8: The method according to any one of aspects 2 to 7 also includes: in response to the first link quality dropping below a second threshold, sending a probe request to the AP; in response to the probe request, receiving a probe response from the AP; using the probe response to determine a second link quality of a second wireless communication link; and in response to the second link quality satisfying a third threshold, executing the association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address.

Aspect 9: The method according to any one of aspects 2 to 8 further includes: sending an indication of the IP address or MAC address of the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 10: The method according to any one of aspects 2 to 9 further includes: in response to the quality of the first link falling below a second threshold, sending an indication to the AP to the third wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device.

Aspect 11: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 10 further includes: in response to the roaming indication, communicating a disassociation message with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 12: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 11 also includes: determining, based on the utility function, that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link is better than the first link quality; and in response to determining that the second link quality is better than the first link quality, executing an association procedure with the AP to receive the IP address.

Aspect 13: The method according to aspect 12, wherein the utility function includes at least one of the following items: a channel type for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 14: The method according to any one of aspects 12 to 13, further comprising: in response to the association procedure, switching the channel of the P2P wireless communication link to the same channel as the second wireless communication link.

Aspect 15: A method for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising: when communicating with the first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with an AP on a third wireless communication link, receiving from the first wireless communication device an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; in response to receiving at least one IP address of the first wireless communication device, When the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device drops below a first threshold, a roaming indication is communicated with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming indication, data is communicated with the first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link and the AP using the IP address used for the first wireless communication device.

Aspect 16: The method according to aspect 15 also includes: sending a message to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a second threshold, and receiving the IP address is in response to the message.

Aspect 17: The method according to aspect 16 also includes: sending an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device together with the message.

Aspect 18: The method according to any one of aspects 15 to 17 also includes: in response to the first link quality dropping below a second threshold, receiving a request for a channel scan result associated with a second wireless communication link from the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; in response to the request, sending the channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, and receiving the IP address in response to the channel scan result indicating that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link meets a third threshold.

Aspect 19: The method according to aspect 18 also includes: in response to the request, sending a channel scanning result set for a wireless communication link set corresponding to an AP set to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link, the AP set including the AP.

Aspect 20: The method according to any one of aspects 15 to 19, further comprising: in response to the roaming indication, communicating a disassociation message with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 21: The method according to any one of aspects 15 to 20, further comprising: in response to receiving the IP address, switching the channel of the P2P wireless communication link to the same channel as the second wireless communication link.

Aspect 22: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising: when communicating with a second wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, receiving from the second wireless communication device an indication of an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP associated with the second wireless communication device; in response to a first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP.

Aspect 23: The method according to aspect 22 also includes: receiving a message from a second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link drops below a second threshold.

Aspect 24: The method according to aspect 23 also includes: receiving an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device together with the message.

Aspect 25: The method according to any one of aspects 22 to 24 further includes: in response to the roaming indication, communicating a disassociation message with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 26: The method according to any one of aspects 22 to 25 also includes: determining, based on the utility function, that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link is better than the first link quality, and sending the roaming indication is in response to determining that the second link quality is better than the first link quality.

Aspect 27: The method according to aspect 26, wherein the utility function includes at least one of the following items: a channel type for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 28: A method for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising: when communicating with a first wireless communication device on a P2P wireless communication link, and when communicating with an AP on a third wireless communication link, using a MAC address for the first wireless communication device to perform an association procedure with the AP to receive an IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; The invention relates to a method for transmitting a roaming instruction to a first wireless communication device through a third wireless communication link and the AP, wherein the IP address of the first wireless communication device is sent to the first wireless communication device through a third wireless communication link; in response to a link quality of a P2P wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming instruction with the first wireless communication device through the P2P wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming instruction, communicating data with the first wireless communication device through a third wireless communication link and the AP using the IP address used for the first wireless communication device.

Aspect 29: The method according to aspect 28 also includes: sending a message to the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link drops below a second threshold.

Aspect 30: The method according to aspect 29 also includes: sending an indication of a serving AP for the second wireless communication device together with the message.

Aspect 31: The method according to any one of aspects 28 to 30, further comprising: in response to the roaming indication, communicating a disassociation message with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 32: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising: while communicating with the second wireless communication device via a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a third wireless communication link between the AP and the second wireless communication device, receiving a beacon or a probe response from the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link; A first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfies a first threshold, an association procedure with a second wireless communication device is performed for the P2P wireless communication link, and the first link quality is detected using the beacon or the detection response; a disassociation message is sent to the AP for the second wireless communication link in response to the association procedure; and data is communicated with the second wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 33: The method according to aspect 32 further includes: in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, monitoring the beacon on the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 34: The method according to any one of aspects 32 to 33 also includes: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, sending a probe request via the second wireless communication link and the AP, and receiving the probe response in response to the probe request.

Aspect 35: The method according to any one of aspects 32 to 34, further comprising: periodically monitoring a beacon from a second wireless communication device when communicating with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and via the AP and a third wireless communication link, wherein reception of the beacon is responsive to the periodic monitoring.

Aspect 36: The method according to any one of aspects 32 to 35 also includes: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, sending an indication to the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP that the second link quality has dropped below the second threshold; and in response to the indication, receiving scheduling information for the beacon from the second wireless communication device via the AP and the second wireless communication link, and receiving the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

Aspect 37: The method according to any one of aspects 32 to 36 also includes: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and in response to determining that the second wireless communication device is within the range of the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, sending a request for connection to the second wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link; and receiving scheduling information for the beacon from the second wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link, and receiving the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

Aspect 38: The method according to any one of aspects 32 to 37 also includes: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and in response to determining that the second wireless communication device is within the range of the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, sending a probe request to the second wireless communication device on the second wireless communication link, and receiving the probe response is in response to the probe request.

Aspect 39: The method according to any one of aspects 32 to 38, wherein the first link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfies the first threshold, including: determining, based on a utility function, that the first link quality is better than the second link quality of the second wireless communication link.

Aspect 40: The method according to aspect 39, wherein the utility function includes at least one of the following items: a channel type for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value for each of the P2P wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 41: The method according to any one of aspects 32 to 40, wherein sending the disassociation message comprises: sending the disassociation message in response to a second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold.

Aspect 42: The method according to any one of aspects 32 to 41 also includes: in response to the first link quality satisfying the first threshold, sending an instruction to the third wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device to execute a second association procedure with the second wireless communication device.

Aspect 43: A method for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising: sending a beacon or a detection response on a P2P wireless communication link when communicating with a first wireless communication device via a third wireless communication link between the second wireless communication device and an AP and via the AP and a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the AP; executing an association procedure with the first wireless communication device for the P2P wireless communication link in response to the link quality of the P2P wireless communication link satisfying a threshold; and communicating data with the first wireless communication device on the P2P wireless communication link.

Aspect 44: The method according to aspect 43 also includes: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, receiving an indication from the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the AP that the second link quality has dropped below the second threshold; and in response to the indication, sending scheduling information for the beacon to the first wireless communication device via the AP and the second wireless communication link, and sending the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

Aspect 45: The method according to any one of aspects 43 to 44 further includes: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link falling below a second threshold, receiving a probe request via the second wireless communication link and the AP, and sending the probe response in response to the probe request.

Aspect 46: The method according to any one of aspects 43 to 45 also includes: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and in response to determining that the second wireless communication device is within the range of a BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, receiving a request for connection to the second wireless communication device from the first wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link; and sending scheduling information for the beacon to the first wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link, wherein the sending of the beacon is based on the scheduling information.

Aspect 47: The method according to any one of aspects 43 to 46 also includes: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link dropping below a second threshold, and also in response to determining that the second wireless communication device is within the range of the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device, receiving a probe request from the first wireless communication device on the second wireless communication link, and sending the probe response in response to the probe request.

Aspect 48: A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising: in communicating via a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and a first AP and the first AP and a second wireless communication device, in response to a first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below a threshold, receiving a beacon or a probe response from a second AP on a second wireless communication link; in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, performing a connection with the second AP; The invention relates to a method for transmitting data from a wireless communication device to a first wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP in response to the association procedure; transmitting an indication of the IP address to the second wireless communication device via the first wireless communication link and the first AP in response to the association procedure; transmitting a disassociation message to the first AP for the first wireless communication link in response to the transmission of the IP address; and communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP in response to the transmission of the disassociation IP message.

Aspect 49: The method according to aspect 48, wherein receiving the beacon comprises: receiving a set of beacons from an AP set, the AP set including the second AP, and the set of beacons including the beacon.

Aspect 50: The method according to aspect 49 also includes: selecting the second AP from the AP set based on the corresponding link quality of the corresponding wireless communication link with the AP set determined using the beacon set.

Aspect 51: The method according to any one of aspects 48 to 50 also includes: in response to the first link quality of the first wireless communication link falling below the threshold, sending a probe request to the second AP, and receiving the probe response in response to the probe request.

Aspect 52: The method according to any one of aspects 48 to 51 also includes: in response to the first link quality dropping below the threshold, receiving a second beacon from the second wireless communication device on a third wireless communication link, wherein receiving the beacon is in response to the third link quality of the wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device determined using the second beacon being lower than a third threshold.

Aspect 53: The method according to any one of aspects 48 to 52 also includes: in response to determining that the second link quality of the second wireless communication link is higher than the first link quality and the third link quality according to the utility function, executing the association procedure.

Aspect 54: The method according to aspect 53, wherein the utility function includes at least one of the following items: a channel type for each of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a received signal strength indicator value for each of the first wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link.

Aspect 55: The method according to any one of aspects 48 to 54 also includes: in response to the second link quality of the second wireless communication link being higher than the first link quality, sending an instruction to the third wireless communication device on the BT wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device to execute a second association procedure with the second AP for the third wireless communication device.

Aspect 56: A method for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising: while communicating with the first wireless communication device via a first AP and a first wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the first AP and using a first IP address for the first wireless communication device for the first wireless communication link, receiving an indication of a second IP address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second AP, the indication of the second IP address being received via the first AP and the first wireless communication link; receiving a roaming indication from the first wireless device via the first AP and the first wireless communication link; and in response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP using the second IP address.

Aspect 57: The method according to aspect 56 also includes: receiving an indication of a MAC address for the first wireless communication device for the second wireless communication link from the first wireless device via the first AP and the first wireless communication link, and the communication of data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP also uses the MAC address.

Aspect 58: The method according to any one of aspects 56 to 57 also includes: sending a confirmation in response to the roaming indication to the first wireless device via the first AP and the first wireless communication link, and communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP in response to the confirmation.

Aspect 59: The method according to any one of aspects 56 to 58 also includes: adjusting at least one of the audio delay or the audio bit rate in response to the roaming indication, and using the adjusted audio delay or the adjusted audio bit rate for data communication with the first wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the second AP.

Aspect 60: A first wireless communication device, comprising: a processing system, the processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless communication device to execute the method described in any one of aspects 1 to 14.

Aspect 61: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising at least one unit for executing the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 14.

Aspect 62: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 1 to 14.

Aspect 63: A second wireless communication device, comprising: a processing system, the processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the second wireless communication device to execute the method described in any one of aspects 15 to 21.

Aspect 64: An apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising at least one unit for executing the method according to any one of aspects 15 to 21.

Aspect 65: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 15 to 21.

Aspect 66: A first wireless communication device, comprising: a processing system, the processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless communication device to execute the method described in any one of aspects 22 to 27.

Aspect 67: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising at least one unit for executing the method according to any one of aspects 22 to 27.

Aspect 68: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 22 to 27.

Aspect 69: A second wireless communication device, comprising: a processing system, the processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the second wireless communication device to execute the method described in any one of aspects 28 to 31.

Aspect 70: An apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising at least one unit for executing the method according to any one of aspects 28 to 31.

Aspect 71: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 28 to 31.

Aspect 72: A first wireless communication device, comprising: a processing system, the processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless communication device to execute the method described in any one of aspects 32 to 42.

Aspect 73: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising at least one unit for executing the method according to any one of aspects 32 to 42.

Aspect 74: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 32 to 42.

Aspect 75: A second wireless communication device, comprising: a processing system, the processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the second wireless communication device to execute the method described in any one of aspects 43 to 47.

Aspect 76: An apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising at least one unit for executing the method described in any one of aspects 43 to 47.

Aspect 77: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 43 to 47.

Aspect 78: A first wireless communication device, comprising: a processing system, the processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless communication device to execute the method described in any one of aspects 48 to 55.

Aspect 79: An apparatus for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising at least one unit for performing the method described in any one of aspects 48 to 55.

Aspect 80: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 48 to 55.

Aspect 81: A second wireless communication device, comprising: a processing system, the processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to enable the second wireless communication device to execute the method described in any one of aspects 56 to 59.

Aspect 82: An apparatus for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising at least one unit for executing the method according to any one of aspects 56 to 59.

Aspect 83: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform the method according to any one of aspects 56 to 59.

As used herein, the term "determine" or "determining" includes a wide variety of operations, and thus, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, inferring, investigating, viewing (e.g., by viewing in a table, database, or another data structure), reasoning, determining, measuring, etc. In addition, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data stored in a memory), sending (e.g., sending information), etc. In addition, "determining" may also include solving, selecting, obtaining, choosing, establishing, and other similar actions.

As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items represents any combination of those items, including single members. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c. As used herein, "or" is intended to be inclusive unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, "a or b" may include only a, only b, or a combination of a and b.

In some implementations, one or more memories of the plurality of memories may be configured to store processor executable code that, when executed, may configure one or more processors of the plurality of processors to perform the various functions described herein (as part of a processing system). In some other implementations, the processing system may be preconfigured to perform the various functions described herein.

The functions described herein may be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium or sent via a computer-readable medium. Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the present case and the attached claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described herein may be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hard wiring, or a combination of any of these items. Features that implement the functions may also be physically located at various locations, including being distributed so that portions of the functions are implemented at different physical locations. In addition, as used herein, "or" as used in a list of terms, including in a claim (e.g., a list of terms preceded by a phrase such as "at least one of" or "one or more of") indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A, or B, or C, or AB, or AC, or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). In addition, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step described as "based on condition A" can be based on both condition A and condition B without departing from the scope of the present case. In other words, as used herein, unless expressly indicated otherwise, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrases "based at least in part on," "associated with...", or "according to..." Specifically, unless the phrase refers to "based solely on 'a'" or an equivalent in context, whether "based on 'a'" or "based at least in part on 'a'" can be based on "a" alone or on a combination of "a" and one or more other factors, conditions, or information.

The various illustrative components, logic, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic procedures described in conjunction with the examples disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents. The interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software has been described overall around functionality and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and procedures described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

Various modifications to the examples described in the present invention may be obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein, but are to be given the broadest scope consistent with the present invention, the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

In addition, various features described in this specification in the context of separate examples may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple examples individually or in any appropriate subgroup combination. As such, although features may be described above as acting in a particular combination, and even initially claimed as such, in some cases one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subgroup combination or a variation of a subgroup combination.

Similarly, although operations are illustrated in a particular order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be understood as advocating that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order or that all operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In addition, the accompanying drawings may schematically illustrate one or more example programs in the form of a flow chart or a program block diagram. However, other operations not illustrated may be incorporated into the schematically illustrated example programs. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the operations shown. In some cases, multiplexing and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of individual system components in the examples described above should not be understood as advocating such separation in all examples, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product, or packaged into multiple software products.

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1925: Program 1930: Program 1935: Program 1940: Program 1945: Program 1950: Program 1955: Program 1960: Program 2000: XPAN Scene 2005: Arrow 2010: Arrow 2015: Arrow 2100: Program Flow 2105: Program 2110: Program 2115: Program 2120: Program 2125: Program Sequence 2130: Program 2135: Program 2140: Program 2145: Program 2150: Program 2155: Program 2160: Program 2200: Block Diagram 2205: Device 2210: Receiver 2215: Transmitter 2220: Communication Manager 2300: Block Diagram 2305: Device 2310: Receiver 2315: Transmitter 2320: Communication Manager 2325: IP Address Manager 2330: Roaming Indication Management 2335:AP Link Communication Manager 2340:Link Quality Controller 2345:Beacon/Probe Manager 2350:HS Association Manager 2355:Disassociation Manager 2360:P2P Link Communication Manager 2400:Block 2420:Communication Manager 2425:IP Address Manager 2430:Roaming Indication Manager 2435:AP Link Communication Manager 2440:Link Quality Controller 2445: Beacon/Detection Manager 2450: HS Association Manager 2455: Disassociation Manager 2460: P2P Link Communication Manager 2465: AP Association Manager 2470: Utility Manager 2475: Channel Scan Manager 2480: BT Manager 2485: AP Selection Manager 2500: System 2505: Device 2510: I/O Controller 2515: Transceiver 2520: Communication Manager 252 5: Antenna 2530: Memory 2535: Code 2540: Processor 2545: Bus 2600: Method 2605: Block 2610: Block 2615: Block 2700: Method 2705: Block 2710: Block 2715: Block 2800: Method 2805: Block 2810: Block 2815: Block 2900: Method 2905: Block 2910: Block 2915: Block 2920: Block 3 000:Method 3005:Block 3010:Block 3015:Block 3020:Block 3100:Method 3105:Block 3110:Block 3115:Block 3200:Method 3205:Block 3210:Block 3215:Block 3220:Block 3225:Block 3300:Method 3305:Block 3310:Block 3315:Block 3400:Program Flow 3405:Program 3410:Program 3 415: program 3420: program 3425: program 3430: program 3435: program 3440: program 3445: program 3450: program 3455: program 3460: program 3465: program 3470: program 3475: program 3480: program 3485: program 3500: program flow 3505: program 3510: program 3515: program 3520: program 3525: program 3530: program 3 535: program 3540: program 3545: program 3550: program 3555: program 3560: program 3565: program 3570: program 3575: program 3580: program 3585: program 3590: program 3595: program 3600: program flow 3605: program 3610: program 3615: program 3620: program 3625: program 3630: program 3635: program 3640: program 3 645: program 3650: program 3655: program 3660: program 3665: program 3670: program 3675: program 3680: program 3700: program flow 3705: program 3710: program 3715: program 3720: program 3725: program 3730: program 3735: program 3740: program 3745: program 3750: program 3755: program 3760: program 3765: program 3 770: Program 3775: Program 3780: Program 3785: Program 3790: Program 3800: Program flow 3805: Program 3810: Program 3815: Program 3820: Program 3825: Program 3830: Program 3835: Program 3840: Program 3845: Program 3850: Program 3855: Program 3860: Program 3865: Program 3870: Program 3875: Program 3880: Program a ₀ : Wireless communication link a ₁ : Wireless communication link a ₂ : Wireless communication link b ₀ : Wireless communication link b ₁ : Wireless communication link b ₂ : Wireless communication link b' ₂ : Wireless communication link b ₃ : Wireless communication link

FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of an example wireless communication network.

2a, 2b, 2c and 2d illustrate examples of extended personal area network (XPAN) scenarios including personal wireless communication devices, access points (APs), application servers and personal audio devices.

FIG3 illustrates an example of the transition between peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless connection and personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario.

FIG4 illustrates an example of the transition between a personal audio device-AP connection and a P2P wireless connection in an XPAN scenario.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of transition between a personal audio device-first AP connection and a personal audio device-second AP connection in an XPAN scenario.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario in which a personal audio device is within the range of a personal wireless communication device but out of the range of an AP serving the personal wireless communication device.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario in which a personal audio device is within the 2.4G range of a personal wireless communication device but outside the 5G/6G range of the personal wireless communication device.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario in which a personal wireless communication device is connected to a cellular base station and a personal audio device is within range of the personal wireless communication device.

FIG. 9a illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario where a personal audio device is within the 5G/6G range of an AP but outside the 2.4G range of a personal wireless communication device.

FIG. 9 b illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario in which the personal audio device is within the 2.4G range of the AP but outside the 2.4G range of the personal wireless communication device 2 and the 5G/6G range of the AP.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario in which a personal audio device is within the 2.4G range of a personal wireless communication device but outside the 5G/6G range of the personal wireless communication device.

FIG. 11a illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario in which a personal wireless communication device relays audio data to a personal audio device via the same basic service set (BSS).

FIG. 11b illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario, where a personal wireless communication device relays audio data (such as voice calls or offline streaming) to a personal audio device via an extended service set (ESS), where the personal wireless communication device and the personal audio device are in the same L2/L3 network.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an XPAN scenario, where a personal wireless communication device relays audio data to a personal audio device via an ESS, where the personal wireless communication device and the personal audio device are in different L2/L3 networks.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of transition between P2P wireless connection and personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a process flow for switching between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario.

15 illustrates an example of a program flow for a transition between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection at a first time in an XPAN scenario, where the personal wireless communication device assists in initiating the transition.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of transitioning between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario, where the personal wireless communication device performs an association procedure with the AP for the personal audio device.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a procedure flow for transitioning between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario, where the personal wireless communication device performs an association procedure with the AP for the personal audio device.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of transitioning between a personal audio device-AP connection and a P2P wireless connection in an XPAN scenario.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a process flow for transitioning between a personal audio device-AP connection and a P2P wireless connection in an XPAN scenario.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of transitioning between a personal audio device—a first AP connection and a personal audio device—a second AP connection in an XPAN scenario.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a procedure flow for transitioning between a personal audio device—first AP connection and a personal audio device—second AP connection in an XPAN scenario.

Figures 22 and 23 illustrate block diagrams of devices that can support flawless switching for XPAN overlays.

FIG. 24 illustrates a block diagram of a communication manager that can support seamless transition for an XPAN overlay.

FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system including devices that can support flawless switching for XPAN coverage.

26 to 33 show flow charts illustrating methods of supporting seamless transition for XPAN coverage.

FIG. 34 illustrates an example of a process flow for transitioning between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario.

35 illustrates an example of a program flow for a transition between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection at a first time in an XPAN scenario, where the personal wireless communication device assists in initiating the transition.

36 illustrates an example of a procedure flow for transitioning between a P2P wireless connection and a personal audio device-AP connection in an XPAN scenario, where the personal wireless communication device performs an association procedure with the AP for the personal audio device.

FIG. 37 illustrates an example of a procedure flow for transitioning between a personal audio device-AP connection and a P2P wireless connection in an XPAN scenario.

FIG. 38 illustrates an example of a procedure flow for transitioning between a personal audio device—first AP connection and a personal audio device—second AP connection in an XPAN scenario.

Like reference numbers and naming in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Domestic storage information (please note in the order of storage institution, date, and number) None Foreign storage information (please note in the order of storage country, institution, date, and number) None

102-b:AP

204-a: Personal wireless communication equipment

210-c: Personal audio equipment

300: First time

305: Second time

310:2.4G range

315:5G/6G range

320:2.4G range

325:5G/6G range

Claims (42)

A first wireless communication device, comprising: A processing system, comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: When communicating with a second wireless communication device on a peer-to-peer wireless communication link, receiving an Internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device from an access point associated with the second wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the access point; In response to a first link quality of the peer-to-peer wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link; and In response to the roaming instruction, data is communicated with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the access point. According to the first wireless communication device of claim 1, the processing system is further configured to enable the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the first link quality falling below a second threshold, execute an association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Protocol address. According to the first wireless communication device of claim 2, the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: Receive a message from the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below the second threshold. A first wireless communication device according to claim 3, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: Receive an indication of a service access point for the second wireless communication device together with the message. A first wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the first link quality falling below the second threshold, sending a request for a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link; In response to the request, receiving a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link from the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link; and In response to the channel scan result indicating that a second link quality of the second wireless communication link meets a third threshold, executing the association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Coordination Location Address. According to the first wireless communication device of claim 5, the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the request, receiving a channel scan result set for a wireless communication link set corresponding to an access point set from the second wireless communication device on the peer wireless communication link, the access point set including the access point; and In response to the channel scan result set, selecting the access point from the access point set. According to the first wireless communication device of claim 2, the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the first link quality falling below the second threshold, receiving a beacon from the access point on the second wireless communication link; Using the beacon to determine a second link quality of the second wireless communication link; and In response to the second link quality satisfying a third threshold, executing the association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Coordination Location Address. According to the first wireless communication device of claim 2, the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the first link quality falling below the second threshold, send a probe request to the access point; In response to the probe request, receive a probe response from the access point; Use the probe response to determine a second link quality of the second wireless communication link; and In response to the second link quality satisfying a third threshold, perform the association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Coordination Location Address. According to the first wireless communication device of claim 2, the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: Sending an indication of the Internet Protocol address or a media access control address of the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link. According to the first wireless communication device of claim 2, the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the quality of the first link falling below the second threshold, sending an indication of the access point to a third wireless communication device on a Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device. According to the first wireless communication device of claim 1, the processing system is further configured to enable the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the roaming indication, communicate a disassociation message with the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link. A first wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: Determine, based on a utility function, that a second link quality of the second wireless communication link is better than the first link quality; and In response to determining that the second link quality is better than the first link quality, execute an association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Protocol Address. A first wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein the utility function includes at least one of the following items: a channel type for each of the peer wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value for each of the peer wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the peer wireless communication link. According to the first wireless communication device of claim 12, the processing system is further configured to cause the first wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the association procedure, switch a channel of the peer wireless communication link to a channel that is the same as the second wireless communication link. A second wireless communication device, comprising: A processing system, comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the second wireless communication device to perform the following operations: When communicating with a first wireless communication device on a peer-to-peer wireless communication link, and when communicating with an access point on a third wireless communication link, receiving from the first wireless communication device an Internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the access point; In response to a first link quality of the peer-to-peer wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link; and In response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the first wireless communication device via the third wireless communication link and the access point using the internet protocol address for the first wireless communication device. A second wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the second wireless communication device to perform the following operations: Sending a message to the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a second threshold, and receiving the Internet Protocol address is in response to the message. A second wireless communication device according to claim 16, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the second wireless communication device to perform the following operations: Sending an indication of a service access point for the second wireless communication device together with the message. A second wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the second wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the first link quality falling below a second threshold, receiving a request for a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link from the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link; and In response to the request, sending a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link, wherein the reception of the Internet Coordination Address is in response to the channel scan result indicating that a second link quality of the second wireless communication link meets a third threshold. A second wireless communication device according to claim 18, wherein the processing system is further configured to cause the second wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the request, send a channel scan result set for a wireless communication link set corresponding to an access point set to the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link, the access point set including the access point. According to the second wireless communication device of claim 15, the processing system is further configured to enable the second wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to the roaming indication, communicate a disassociation message with the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link. According to the second wireless communication device of claim 15, the processing system is further configured to cause the second wireless communication device to perform the following operations: In response to receiving the Internet protocol address, switch a channel of the peer wireless communication link to a channel that is the same as the second wireless communication link. A method for wireless communication at a first wireless communication device, comprising the following steps: When communicating with a second wireless communication device on a peer-to-peer wireless communication link, receiving an Internet Protocol address for the first wireless communication device for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the access point from an access point associated with the second wireless communication device; In response to a first link quality of the peer-to-peer wireless communication link falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link; and In response to the roaming indication, communicating data with the second wireless communication device via the second wireless communication link and the access point. The method according to claim 22 also includes the following steps: In response to the quality of the first link falling below a second threshold, executing an association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Protocol address. The method according to claim 23 also includes the following steps: Receiving a message from the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below the second threshold. The method of claim 24 also includes the following steps: Receiving an indication of a service access point for the second wireless communication device together with the message. The method according to claim 23 also includes the following steps: In response to the first link quality falling below the second threshold, sending a request for a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link; In response to the request, receiving a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link from the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link; and In response to the channel scan result indicating that a second link quality of the second wireless communication link meets a third threshold, performing the association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Coordination Location Address. The method according to claim 26 also includes the following steps: In response to the request, receiving a channel scan result set for a wireless communication link set corresponding to an access point set from the second wireless communication device on the peer wireless communication link, the access point set including the access point; and In response to the channel scan result set, selecting the access point from the access point set. The method according to claim 23 also includes the following steps: In response to the first link quality falling below the second threshold, receiving a beacon from the access point on the second wireless communication link; Using the beacon to determine a second link quality of the second wireless communication link; and In response to the second link quality satisfying a third threshold, performing the association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Coordination Location Address. The method according to claim 23 also includes the following steps: In response to the first link quality falling below the second threshold, sending a probe request to the access point; In response to the probe request, receiving a probe response from the access point; Using the probe response to determine a second link quality of the second wireless communication link; and In response to the second link quality satisfying a third threshold, executing the association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Coordination Location Address. The method according to claim 23 also includes the following steps: Sending an indication of the Internet Protocol address or a media access control address of the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link. The method according to claim 23 also includes the following steps: In response to the quality of the first link falling below the second threshold, sending an indication of the access point to a third wireless communication device on a Bluetooth wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the third wireless communication device. The method according to claim 22 also includes the following steps: In response to the roaming indication, communicate a disassociation message with the second wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link. The method according to claim 22 also includes the following steps: Determining, based on a utility function, that a second link quality of the second wireless communication link is better than the first link quality; and In response to determining that the second link quality is better than the first link quality, executing an association procedure with the access point to receive the Internet Protocol Address. A method according to claim 33, wherein the utility function includes at least one of the following items: a channel type for each of the peer wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, a received signal strength indicator value for each of the peer wireless communication link and the second wireless communication link, and a bias factor for the peer wireless communication link. The method according to claim 33 also includes the following steps: In response to the association procedure, switching a channel of the peer wireless communication link to a channel that is the same as the second wireless communication link. A method for wireless communication at a second wireless communication device, comprising the following steps: When communicating with a first wireless communication device on a peer-to-peer wireless communication link, and when communicating with an access point on a third wireless communication link, receiving from the first wireless communication device an Internet protocol address for a second wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the access point; In response to a first link quality of the peer-to-peer wireless communication link between the first wireless communication device and the second wireless communication device falling below a first threshold, communicating a roaming indication with the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link; and In response to the roaming indication, the first wireless communication device is communicated with the first wireless communication device via the third wireless communication link and the access point using the IP address for the first wireless communication device. The method according to claim 36 also includes the following steps: Sending a message to the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link indicating that the quality of the first link has dropped below a second threshold, and receiving the Internet Protocol address is in response to the message. The method of claim 37 also includes the following steps: Sending an indication of a service access point for the second wireless communication device along with the message. The method according to claim 36 also includes the following steps: In response to the first link quality falling below a second threshold, receiving a request for a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link from the first wireless communication device on the peer wireless communication link; and In response to the request, sending a channel scan result associated with the second wireless communication link to the first wireless communication device on the second wireless communication link, and receiving the IP address is in response to the channel scan result indicating that a second link quality of the second wireless communication link meets a third threshold. The method according to claim 39 also includes the following steps: In response to the request, sending a channel scan result set for a wireless communication link set corresponding to an access point set to the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link, the access point set including the access point. The method according to claim 36 also includes the following steps: In response to the roaming indication, communicate a disassociation message with the first wireless communication device on the peer-to-peer wireless communication link. The method according to claim 36 also includes the following steps: In response to receiving the IP address, switching a channel of the peer wireless communication link to a channel identical to the second wireless communication link.