WO2014172846A1

WO2014172846A1 - Method and apparatus for protecting network performance

Info

Publication number: WO2014172846A1
Application number: PCT/CN2013/074577
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wei Hong; Juho Mikko Oskari Pirskanen; Na WEI; Haiming Wang
Original assignee: Broadcom Corporation
Priority date: 2013-04-23
Filing date: 2013-04-23
Publication date: 2014-10-30

Abstract

A method, apparatus and computer program for protecting WLAN performance from IDC interference. An example method for use in an access point or station may comprise causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE e NB configures a TDM pattern, and causing an indication of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period to be provided in an IDC capability information element.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING NETWORK PERFORMANCE

TECFFNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a method, apparatus, and computer program product for protecting wireless land area networks (WLAN) performance from in-device cooperation (IDC) interference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Recent growth in data traffic driven by mobile applications on smart phone devices, tablets, etc. has continued to strain the capacity of today's cellular networks. Therefore, network operators are increasingly utilizing un-licensed spectrum by Wi-Fi network to cope with such network congestion, and this trend may accelerate further as traffic demand continues to grow. Therefore, interworking and cooperation between wireless land area networks (WLAN), e.g., Wi-Fi networks, and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) will be a rising trend in future.

[0003] In order to allow users to access various networks and services ubiquitously, an increasing number of UEs are equipped with multiple radio transceivers. For example, subscriber devices today are typically equipped with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)/ Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), 3G/ High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Wi- Fi, and Bluetooth transceivers, and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Presence of long-term evolution (LTE) in devices is increasing rapidly and other positioning receivers are become also available in addition to GPS introducing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). One resulting challenge may lie in trying to avoid coexistence interference between those collocated radio transceivers, which is called In-Device Coexistence (IDC) interference in 3GPP. IDC is one topic that may be studied in 3GPP Release 1 1 focused on the coexistence interference scenarios between LTE radio and other radio technologies. Two such scenarios may be considered herein, devices configured for LTE and configured for Wi-Fi portable router and devices configured for both LTE and Wife offload. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] A method, apparatus and computer program product are therefore provided according to an example embodiment of the present invention for addressing in-device interference problems when multiple radio access technologies operate in nearby frequency bands. An example method may be provided for protecting WLAN performance from IDC interference.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for use in an access point (AP) having at least two wireless communication modules is provide, comprising causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB configures a TDM pattern, and causing an indication of a high in-device interference period and/or a low in-device interference period to be provided in an IDC capability information element.

[0006] In one embodiment, the IDC capability is indicated in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame. In one embodiment, the indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period is provided in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame. In one embodiment, a time domain of the indication may be relative to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines and indicates that during a high interference time that a quality of a transmission opportunity of the access point is reduced due to interference or indicates that transmission or reception are not possible.

[0007] In one embodiment, the indication comprises information indicating that access point transmitting and receiving power is reduced during the high interference period. In another embodiment, the indication comprises information indicating that associated stations may sleep during high interference period and information indicating that the associated stations may not send traffic to the AP during high interference period. In one embodiment, the AP indicates the high interference period in one of a new defined action frame, or extended data, control or management frames.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for use in a station (STA) having at least two wireless communication modules is provided, comprising causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, wherein the IDC capability indication is provided in at least one of a probe request frame, an association request frame and a reassociation request frame, calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB has assigned a TDM pattern to the STA, the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period calculated in reference to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines used by an AP that the station is communicating with, and in an instance where the STA having both LTE and WLAN , causing an indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period to be provided to an AP.

[0009] In one embodiment, the high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period is indicated in the association and reassociation request frames. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise causing transmission of the reassociation request frame to a second AP, indicating to the new AP that the STA has an IDC problem and associating the STA with a higher priority. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise causing transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP of which the STA is associated with, wherein the AP does not transmit packets to the STA in the high in- device interference period. In one embodiment, an instance where the STA is working in a power save mode and enters a high interference period after sending a PS-Poll frame, the AP does not transmit one or more buffered packets to STA after receiving PS-Poll.

[0010] In one embodiment, the STA delays sending a PS-Poll frame, allowing the AP a time period to send a response before a next high in-device interference period. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise causing an indication of the new high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period to the AP in a new defined action frame or by extending data, control or management frames.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code is provided, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to at least cause an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB configures a TDM pattern, and cause an indication of a high in-device interference period and/or a low in-device interference period to be provided in an IDC capability information element. [0012] In one embodiment, the IDC capability is indicated in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame. In one embodiment, the indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period is provided in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame. In one embodiment a time domain of the indication is relative to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines and indicates that during a high interference time that a quality of a transmission opportunity of the access point is reduced due to interference or indicates that transmission or reception are not possible.

[0013] In one embodiment, the indication comprises information indicating that access point transmitting and receiving power is reduced during the high interference period. In one embodiment, the indication comprises information indicating that associated stations may sleep during high interference period and information indicating that the associated stations may not send traffic to the AP during high interference period. In one embodiment, the AP indicates the high interference period in one of a new defined action frame , or extended data, control or management frames.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus may be provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to at least cause an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, wherein the IDC capability indication is provided in at least one of a probe request frame, an association request frame and a reassociation request frame, calculate at least one of a high in- device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB has assigned a TDM pattern to the STA, the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period calculated in reference to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines used by an AP that the station is communicating with, and in an instance where the STA having both LTE and WLAN , cause an indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period to be provided to an AP.

[0015] In one embodiment, the high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period is indicated in the association and reassociation request frames. In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP, indicating to the new AP that the STA has an IDC problem and associating the STA with a higher priority. In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP of which the STA is associated with, wherein the AP does not transmit packets to the STA in the high in-device interference period.

[0016] In one embodiment, in an instance where the STA is working in a power save mode and enters a high interference period after sending a PS-Poll frame, the AP does not transmit one or more buffered packets to STA after receiving PS-Poll. In one embodiment, the STA delays sending a PS-Poll frame, allowing the AP a time period to send a response before a next high in- device interference period. In one embodiment, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause an indication of the new high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period to the AP in a new defined action frame or by extending data, control or management frames.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product may be provided comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portions comprising program code instructions for causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB configures a TDM pattern, causing an indication of a high in-device interference period and/or a low in-device interference period to be provided in an IDC capability information element.

[0018] In one embodiment, the IDC capability is indicated in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame. In one embodiment, the indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period is provided in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame. In one embodiment, a time domain of the indication is relative to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines and indicates that during a high interference time that a quality of a transmission opportunity of the access point is reduced due to interference or indicates that transmission or reception are not possible. In one embodiment, the indication comprises information indicating that access point transmitting and receiving power is reduced during the high interference period. In one embodiment, the indication comprises information indicating that associated stations may sleep during high interference period and information indicating that the associated stations may not send traffic to the AP during high interference period. In one embodiment, the AP indicates the high interference period in one of a new defined action frame , or extended data, control or management frames.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product may be provided comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portions comprising program code instructions for causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, wherein the IDC capability indication is provided in at least one of a probe request frame, an association request frame and a reassociation request frame, calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB has assigned a TDM pattern to the STA, the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period calculated in reference to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines used by an AP that the station is communicating with, and in an instance where the STA having both LTE and WLAN , causing an indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period to be provided to an AP.

[0020] In one embodiment, the high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period is indicated in the association and reassociation request frames. In one embodiment, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP, indicating to the new AP that the STA has an IDC problem and associating the STA with a higher priority. In one embodiment, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP of which the STA is associated with, wherein the AP does not transmit packets to the STA in the high in-device interference period.

[0021] In one embodiment, in an instance where the STA is working in a power save mode and enters a high interference period after sending a PS-Poll frame, the AP does not transmit one or more buffered packets to STA after receiving PS-Poll. In one embodiment, the STA delays sending a PS-Poll frame, allowing the AP a time period to send a response before a next high in- device interference period. In one embodiment, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to cause an indication of the new high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period to the AP in a new defined action frame or by extending data, control or management frames.

[0022] In one embodiment, an apparatus is provide for use as an access point (AP) having at least two wireless communication modules, comprising means for causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, means for calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB configures a TDM pattern, and means for causing an indication of a high in-device interference period and/or a low in-device interference period to be provided in an IDC capability information element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the IDC capability is indicated in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame. In one embodiment, the indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period is provided in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame. In one embodiment, a time domain of the indication may be relative to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines and indicates that during a high interference time that a quality of a transmission opportunity of the access point is reduced due to interference or indicates that transmission or reception are not possible.

[0024] In one embodiment, the indication comprises information indicating that access point transmitting and receiving power is reduced during the high interference period. In another embodiment, the indication comprises information indicating that associated stations may sleep during high interference period and information indicating that the associated stations may not send traffic to the AP during high interference period. In one embodiment, the AP indicates the high interference period in one of a new defined action frame, or extended data, control or management frames.

[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provide for use as a station (STA) having at least two wireless communication modules, the apparatus comprising means for causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, wherein the IDC capability indication is provided in at least one of a probe request frame, an association request frame and a reassociation request frame, means for calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB has assigned a TDM pattern to the STA, the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period calculated in reference to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines used by an AP that the station is communicating with, and in an instance where the STA having both LTE and WLAN , means for causing an indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period to be provided to an AP.

[0026] In one embodiment, the high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period is indicated in the association and reassociation request frames. In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise means for causing transmission of the reassociation request frame to a second AP, indicating to the new AP that the STA has an IDC problem and associating the STA with a higher priority. In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise means for causing transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP of which the STA is associated with, wherein the AP does not transmit packets to the STA in the high in-device interference period. In one embodiment, an instance where the STA is working in a power save mode and enters a high interference period after sending a PS-Poll frame, the AP does not transmit one or more buffered packets to STA after receiving PS-Poll.

[0027] In one embodiment, the STA delays sending a PS-Poll frame, allowing the AP a time period to send a response before a next high in-device interference period. In one embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise means for causing an indication of the new high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period to the AP in a new defined action frame or by extending data, control or management frames. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 is block diagram of a system that may be specifically configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; [0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may be specifically configured in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 is an example flowchart illustrating a method of operating an example apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figures 4A is an example diagram showing a beacon frame body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4B shows an example diagram showing a table of element IDs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4C shows an example diagram of a IDC Capability element format in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4D shows a MAC control element to indicate the high-low in-device interference period in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 is an example flowchart illustrating a method of operating an example apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 is an example illustration of a table showing a reassociation request frame body used in a method of operating an example apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0038] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example embodiment for use in calculating an in- device interference period in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Some example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the example embodiments may take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terms "data," "content," "information," and similar terms may be used interchangeably, according to some example embodiments, to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received, operated on, and/or stored. Moreover, the term "exemplary", as may be used herein, is not provided to convey any qualitative assessment, but instead merely to convey an illustration of an example. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the following: (a)hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

[0041] This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or application specific integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[0042] A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention in order to allow discovery of UEs and application users in proximity of each other, using direct radio signals exchanged between UEs on a common discovery channel, while trying to limit the amount of signaling on this channel, without jeopardizing the confidentiality and privacy of the permanent identities of the UE in the EPS (such as IMSI, IMEI) and of the Application user identity.

[0043] Referring now to Figure 1, which illustrates an example system that supports communications between a plurality of stations 10 and one or more access points 12, each access point may communicate with one or more stations and, in one embodiment, may communicate with a large number of stations, such as 6,000 or more stations. The access points may, in turn, communicate with a network 14. While the access points may communicate via an Long Term Evolution (LTE) or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network, other networks may support communications between the access points including those configured in accordance with wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), CDMA2000, global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), the IEEE 802.11 standard including, for example, the IEEE 802.11 ah or 802.1 lac standard or other newer amendments of the standard, wireless local access network (WLAN), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) protocols, universal mobile telecommunications systems (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) and/or the like.

[0044] The access points 12 and the stations 10 may communicate via wireline communications, but most commonly communicate via wireless communications. For example, the access points and the stations may communicate in a sub 1 GHz band as defined by IEEE 802.1 lah standard or in a 5GHz band, which may be defined by, for example, IEEE 802.1 lac standard. The access point may be embodied by any of a variety of network entities, such as an access point, a base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a radio network controller (RNC), a mobile device (e.g., mobile telephones, smart phones, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, tablet computers or any of numerous other hand held or portable communication devices, computation devices, content generation devices, content consumption devices, or combinations thereof), or the like. The stations may also be embodied by a variety of devices, such as sensors, meters or the like. The sensors and meters may be deployed in a variety of different applications including in utility applications to serve as a gas meter, a water meter, a power meter or the like, in environmental and/or agricultural monitoring applications, in industrial process automation applications, in healthcare and fitness applications, in building automation and control applications and/or in temperature sensing applications. Stations that are embodied by sensors or meters may be utilized in some embodiments to backhaul sensor and meter data. Alternatively, the stations may be embodied by mobile terminals or user equipment(s) (UE), such as mobile communication devices, e.g., mobile telephones, smart phones, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, tablet computers or any of numerous other hand held or portable communication devices, computation devices, content generation devices, content consumption devices, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment in which the station is embodied by a mobile terminal, the communication between an access point and the station may serve to extend the range of wi-fi or another wireless local area network (WLAN), such as by extending the range of a hotspot, and to offload traffic that otherwise would be carried by a cellular or other network. [0045] The access point 12 and/or the station 10 may be embodied as or otherwise include an apparatus 20 that is specifically configured to perform the functions of the respective device, as generically represented by the block diagram of Figure 2. While the apparatus may be employed, for example, by an access point or a station, it should be noted that the components, devices or elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. Additionally, some embodiments may include further or different components, devices or elements beyond those shown and described herein.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 20 may include or otherwise be in communication with processing circuitry 22 that is configurable to perform actions in accordance with example embodiments described herein. The processing circuitry may be configured to perform data processing, application execution, signal processing, measurements and report generation, and/or other processing and management services according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus or the processing circuitry may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus or the processing circuitry may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or as a single "system on a chip." As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein. Alternatively or additionally, a processing system may be embodied by or have similar functionality to the processing circuitry.

[0047] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 22 may include a processor 24 and memory 26 that may be in communication with or otherwise control a communication interface 28 and, in some cases, a user interface 30. As such, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a circuit chip (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) configured (e.g., with hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software) to perform operations described herein. However, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry may be embodied as a portion of the mobile terminal 10. [0048] The user interface 30 (if implemented) may be in communication with the processing circuitry 22 to receive an indication of a user input at the user interface and/or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical or other output to the user. In this regard, the user interface and/or the processing circuitry 22 may include user interface circuitry configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions based upon user input. The user interface may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a display, a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker, and/or other input/output mechanisms. The apparatus 20 need not always include a user interface.

[0049] The communication interface 28 may include one or more interface mechanisms for enabling communication with other devices and/or networks, such as for enabling communication between an access point 12 and a station 10 or between two or more stations. In some cases, the communication interface may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware, or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to a network and/or any other device or module in communication with the processing circuitry 22. In this regard, the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network and/or a communication modem or other hardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet or other methods.

[0050] In an example embodiment, the memory 26 may include one or more non-transitory memory devices such as, for example, volatile and/or no n- volatile memory that may be either fixed or removable. The memory may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions or the like for enabling the apparatus 20 to carry out various functions in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention. For example, the memory may be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor 24. Additionally or alternatively, the memory could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor. As yet another alternative, the memory may include one of a plurality of databases that may store a variety of files, contents or data sets. Among the contents of the memory, applications may be stored for execution by the processor in order to carry out the functionality associated with each respective application. In some cases, the memory may be in communication with the processor via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus. [0051] The processor 24 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor may be embodied as various processing means such as one or more of a microprocessor or other processing element, a coprocessor, a controller or various other computing or processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. In an example embodiment, the processor may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 26 or otherwise accessible to the processor. As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry - in the form of processing circuitry 22) capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the operations described herein.

[0052] A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention in order to protect WLAN performance from IDC interference. Furthermore, a method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention in order to utilizing Wi-Fi networks for cellular offload while minimizing or problems related to in-device interference when multiple radio access technologies operate in nearby frequency bands.

[0053] In one example embodiment, a device having both cellular and WLAN modems active on frequency band causing high in-device interference level and having a LTE network configured TDM pattern calculates this LTE TDM pattern to WLAN according to the WLAN time domain (e.g. target beacon transmission time (TBTT)) and may indicate high and/or low in- device interference periods to the other STAs (AP or non-AP STAs) which it is communicating with..

[0054] Figures 3 and 5 illustrate an example flowchart of the example operations performed by a method, apparatus and computer program product in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry and/or other device associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory 26 of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the present invention and executed by a processor 24 in the apparatus. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus provides for implementation of the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). As such, the operations of Figures 3 and 5 when executed, convert a computer or processing circuitry into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, the operations of Figures 3 and 5 define an algorithm for configuring a computer or processing to perform an example

embodiment. In some cases, a general purpose computer may be provided with an instance of the processor which performs the algorithms of Figures 3 and 5 to transform the general purpose computer into a particular machine configured to perform an example embodiment.

[0055] Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware -based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. [0056] In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations herein may be modified or further amplified as described below. Moreover, in some embodiments additional optional operations may also be included. It should be appreciated that each of the modifications, optional additions or amplifications below may be included with the operations above either alone or in combination with any others among the features described herein.

FIRST EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0057] Referring now to Figure 3, operations are shown for a first example embodiment, such as where a device with a WLAN module configured as a WLAN AP and a LTE modem. In one embodiment, a device's WLAN module may be configured to operate as a WLAN AP and a LTE modem to provide backhaul link to the internet for WLAN connection(s). STAs configured to operate under existing IEEE802.i l standards associated to an AP may not know a TDM pattern of the LTE backhaul. Figure 3 shows a method of operation avoiding a situation where STAs transmit packets to AP during LTE ON period, which may result in high packet loss at AP due to interference from LTE module. Additionally, the method of Figure 3 may avoid a situation where if the reception of the packet transmitted by STA is successful in AP, WLAN AP would need to send ACK after SIFS time back to the STA. This may also cause high interference to the LTE reception.

[0058] Referring now to the operations of Figure 3, the operations performed by an apparatus 20, such as illustrated in Figure 2, embodied by a computing device 10 are illustrated and will be hereinafter described. Figure 3 is an example flowchart illustrating a method for use in an AP for determining and providing an indication of the high interference time to protect WLAN performance from IDC interference.

[0059] Referring now to block 305 of Figure 3, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for causing an indication of IDC capability to be provided in at least one of a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame.

[0060] Referring now to block 310 of Figure 3, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for calculating the high and low in-device interference periods from LTE TDM pattern according to the WLAN time domain. In one embodiment, timing reference points may be the next Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) for example, and transmitting the pattern in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, existing management frames may be extended to include high and low in-device interference periods or new management frames may be introduced. In another embodiment, the reference time moment may set the transmission time of the ACK frame transmitted by the STA when receiving the high and low in-device interference periods from AP. This would provide high timing resolution as STA transmitting the management frame may know the exact, or near exact, time moment when message transmission is completed and receiver sends the corresponding ACK frame after SIFS time, any extra consume time is the air- interface Round Trip Time (RTT) as shown in Figure 7.

[0061] Referring now to block 315 of Figure 3, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for causing an indication of the high and low in-device interference periods to be provided.

[0062] Referring now to block 320 of Figure 3, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for causing an indication that reception is not possible or that reception (RX)/transmission (TX) power is reduced during a high interference period to be provided.

[0063] Referring now to block 325 of Figure 3, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for causing an indication to be provided instruction one or more stations to sleep and/or not transmit data to the AP during a high interference period.

[0064] Referring now to block 330 of Figure 3, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for providing one or more indications in a defined action frame or by extending data, control or management frames.

[0065] In one embodiment, in an instance where a QoS Basic Service Set (QBSS), then the QoS AP (QAP) may send a new schedule frame to fit the schedule period(SP) into the Time- division multiplex (TDM) pattern to avoid interference.

[0066] In one embodiment, the AP initiate transmission opportunity (TXOP) period, which is granted by Hybrid Coordinator (HC) in such manner that it starts transmitting downlink frames when in device interference levels is low and stops transmitting data frames and request block ACK frame before APs high interference period is started and AP is able to receive block ACK frame and transmit corresponding ACK frame.

[0067] In one embodiment, the AP receives frame initiating transmission opportunity (TXOP) request period. The AP negotiates with Hybrid coordination that TXOP is configured such manner that STA start transmitting uplink frames when in device interference levels is low and stops transmitting data frames and request block ACK frame before APs high interference period is started. Additionally AP has time to send block ACK frame and receive corresponding ACK frame.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, in such an instance where a device having both LTE and WLAN modules and operating as an AP is enduring an IDC problem and LTE assigns an IDC TDM pattern to it, the device may broadcast its IDC capability and related high and low in-device interference periods/pattern in a beacon frame using a newly defined IDC Capability Information Element as shown below Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C. Figures 4A is an example diagram showing a beacon frame body. As shown in Figure 4A, the beacon frame body may comprise IDC capability 405. In one embodiment, IDC capability element 405 may be present if dotl HdcOptionlmplemented is true. Figure 4B shows an example diagram an IDC capability element format. As shown, IDC capability element 410 may be included. Figure 4C shows an example diagram of a IDC capability element format, which may comprise one or more of element ID 415, length 420, IDC avoidance capability 425, and IDC TDM pattern 430.

[0069] After indicating its IDC capability the AP may send the high and low in-device interference period by MAC control element, an example MAC control element being shown in Figure 4D. MAC control element may comprise one or more of element ID 435, length 440, offset 445, duration 450, period 455, validity 460, and extension 465. The Offset field 445 in Figure 4D may indicate the start of the first high interference period in time units (TUs). In one embodiment, each time unit may be a time equal to 1024 μ& from next target beacon time interval or from the transmission time of the ACK frame that is transmitted by the STA, when receiving the management frame containing the MAC control element shown in Figure 4D. Duration 450 may indicate the time duration of high interference time in TU and Period 455 may indicate in TU the repetition time of the next high interference period. One skilled in the art would appreciate that signaling may additionally or alternatively indicate low interference periods or that an additional element may be used to indicate which option is signaled. Validity field 460 may indicate how long this singling is valid for the receiver. One skilled in the art may also appreciate that other optional fields may also be used. When a STA associated to the AP receives the high and low in-device interference period signaling, the STA may then avoid transmission of data or packets to the AP during high interference period.

SECOND EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0070] Referring now to Figure 5, operations are shown for a second example embodiment, such as for example, an embodiment comprise a device with a WLAN module configured as a WLAN STA and a LTE module. In such a scenario where, for example, a device's WLAN module may be configured to work as a WLAN STA and a LTE module of the device may be connected to the LTE eNB. In one embodiment, a part of the data transmitted to/from device may be transmitted via LTE radio technology and a part of the data may be transmitted via WLAN radio technology. A LTE eNB may configure and/or have configured a TDM pattern to a LTE radio to avoid extensive in-device interference from LTE to WLAN. The device may have knowledge of that but the AP to which the STA (WLAN module of the device) is associated, may not have knowledge of the configured TDM pattern. Figure 5 shows a method of operation avoiding a situation where the AP will still poll the STA or transmit packet packets to the STA during LTE ON period, which would result in high packet loss at the STA side due to interference from LTE module. Additionally, the method of Figure 5 may avoid a situation where if the reception of the packet transmitted by AP is successful in the STA, the STA needs to send ACK after SIFS time back to the AP, which may cause high interference to the LTE reception.

[0071] Referring now to the operations of Figure 5, the operations performed by an apparatus 20, such as illustrated in Figure 2, embodied by a computing device 10 are illustrated and will be hereinafter described. Figure 5 is an example flowchart illustrating a method for use in a STA for determining a high interference time, providing an indication of the high interference time to protect WLAN performance from IDC interference, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0072] Referring now to block 505 of Figure 5, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for causing an indication of IDC capability to be provided in at least one of probe request frame, association request frame and reassociation request frame.

[0073] Referring now to block 510 of Figure 5, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for calculating the high and low in-device interference periods in reference to WLAN timeline.

Possible timing reference points may be the next Target Beacon Transmission Time (TBTT) for example, of the AP to which STA is associating. Additionally, existing management frames may be extended to include high and low in-device interference periods or new management frames could be introduced. Alternatively the reference time moment may be set to the transmission time of the ACK frame transmitted by the AP when receiving the high and low in-device interference periods from STA. This would provide high timing resolution as STA transmitting the management frame may now the exact, or near exact, time moment when message

transmission is completed and receiver (AP) sends the corresponding ACK frame after SIFS time, any extra consume time is the air-interface Round Trip Time (RTT).

[0074] Referring now to block 515 of Figure 5, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for causing an indication of the high and low in-device interference periods to be provided.

[0075] Referring now to block 520 of Figure 5, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for causing an indication that if the (re)association request frame is sent to a new AP, then the new AP will know the STA is having an IDC problem and may associate and/or serve STA with higher priority and/or not transmit packets to STA during a high interference period.

[0076] Referring now to block 525 of Figure 5, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for causing an indication to be provided if the (re)association request frame is sent to the AP to which STA is already associated, that the AP may not transmit packets to STA in a high interference period.

[0077] Referring now to block 530 of Figure 5, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for causing an indication if the STA is working in power save mode and will enter a high interference period after sending PS-Poll frame, that the AP will not send buffered packets to STA after receiving PS-Poll.

[0078] Referring now to block 535 of Figure 5, the apparatus may include means, such as the processing circuitry 22, the processor 24, the communication interface 28 or the like, for providing one or more indications in a defined action frame or by extending data, control or management frames.

[0079] In one embodiment, the AP initiate transmission opportunity (TXOP) period, which is granted by Hybrid Coordinator (HC) in such manner that it starts transmitting downlink frames when in device interference levels is low and stops transmitting data frames and request block ACK frame before APs high interference period is started and AP is able to receive block ACK frame and transmit corresponding ACK frame.

[0080] In one embodiment, the AP receives frame initiating transmission opportunity (TXOP) request period. The AP negotiates with Hybrid coordination that TXOP is configured such manner that STA start transmitting uplink frames when in device interference levels is low and stops transmitting data frames and request block ACK frame before APs high interference period is started. Additionally AP has time to send block ACK frame and receive corresponding ACK frame.

[0081] In one embodiment, a device having both LTE and WLAN modules and operating as a STA supporting IDC capability may have a LTE enhanced node B (eNB) assign an IDC TDM pattern to it. However a current AP with which the STA is associated with may not support IDC capability, and the STA may find another AP (e.g., a second AP or AP2) that does have IDC capability. The STA may perform mobility towards that AP. In such an instance, the STA may send the (re)association request frame with a newly defined IDC Capability Information Element to report its IDC problem and related LTE TDM pattern information as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example illustration of a table showing a (re)association request frame body.

[0082] In one embodiment, after receiving a STA's (re)association request frame, AP2 with IDC capability may accept its (re)association request and the STA may then send the high and low in-device interference pattern to the AP2 by information element, such as that shown in Figures 4A-4D. This IE may be also included in (re)association request frame. The AP then avoids sending packets to or poll STA during LTE ON period to avoid interference. [0083] After associating to a AP that support IDC capability the STA may send the high and low in-device interference period by MAC control element, an example MAC control element being shown in Figure 4D. MAC control element may comprise one or more of element ID 435, length 440, offset 445, duration 450, period 455, validity 460, and extension 465. The Offset field 445 in Figure 4D may indicate the start of the first high interference period in time units (TUs). In one embodiment, each time unit may be a time equal to 1024 μ& from next target beacon time interval or from the transmission time of the ACK frame that is transmitted by the AP, when receiving the management frame containing the MAC control element shown in Figure 4D. Duration 450 may indicate the time duration of high interference time in TU and Period 455 may indicate in TU the repetition time of the next high interference period. One skilled in the art would appreciate that signaling may additionally or alternatively indicate low interference periods or that an additional element may be used to indicate which option is signaled. Validity field 460 may indicate how long this singling is valid for the receiver. One skilled in the art may also appreciate that other optional fields may also be used. When a STA associated to the AP receives the high and low in-device interference period signaling, the STA may then avoid transmission of data or packets to the AP during high interference period.

[0084] In one embodiment, whether the apparatus is a STA or AP, reason code may be added. For example, reason code may comprise an indication being provided which may be used to indicate IDC interference as the reason that an unsolicited notification management frame of type disassociation, deauthentication, delete TS (DELTS), delete block acknowledgement (DELBA), or Direct Link Setup (DLS) Teardown was generated. In another embodiment, status code may be provided, which may be used in a response management frame to indicate the failure of a requested operation caused by IDC interference.

[0085] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for use in an access point (AP) having at least two wireless communication modules comprising:

causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided;

calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB configures a TDM pattern;

causing an indication of a high in-device interference period and/or a low in-device interference period to be provided in an IDC capability information element.

2. The method according to Claim 1, wherein the IDC capability is indicated in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period is provided in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a time domain of the indication is relative to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines and indicates that during a high interference time that a quality of a transmission opportunity of the access point is reduced due to interference or indicates that transmission or reception are not possible.

5. The method according to Claim 4, wherein the indication comprises information indicating that access point transmitting and receiving power is reduced during the high interference period.

6. The method according to Claim 4, wherein the indication comprises information indicating that associated stations may sleep during high interference period and information indicating that the associated stations may not send traffic to the AP during high interference period.

The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the AP indicates the high interference period in one of a new defined action frame; or extended data, control or management frames.

8. A method for use in a station (STA) having at least two wireless communication modules comprising:

causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, wherein the IDC capability indication is provided in at least one of a probe request frame, an association request frame and a reassociation request frame;

calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB has assigned a TDM pattern to the STA, the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period calculated in reference to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines used by an AP that the station is communicating with; and

in an instance where the STA having both LTE and WLAN , causing an indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period to be provided to an AP.

9. The method according to Claim 8, wherein the high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period is indicated in the association and reassociation request frames.

10. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 9, further comprising causing transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP, indicating to the new AP that the STA has an IDC problem and associating the STA with a higher priority.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein comprising causing transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP of which the STA is associated with, wherein the AP does not transmit packets to the STA in the high in- device interference period.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 1 1, wherein in an instance where the STA is working in a power save mode and enters a high interference period after sending a PS-Poll frame, the AP does not transmit one or more buffered packets to STA after receiving PS-Poll.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the STA delays sending a PS-Poll frame, allowing the AP a time period to send a response before a next high in-device interference period.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein causing an indication of the new high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period to the AP in a new defined action frame or by extending data, control or management frames.

15. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

cause an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided;

cause an indication of a high in-device interference period and/or a low in-device interference period to be provided in an IDC capability information element.

16. The apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein the IDC capability is indicated in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein the indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period is provided in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein a time domain of the indication is relative to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines and indicates that during a high interference time that a quality of a transmission opportunity of the access point is reduced due to interference or indicates that transmission or reception are not possible.

19. The apparatus according to Claim 18, wherein the indication comprises information indicating that access point transmitting and receiving power is reduced during the high interference period.

20. The apparatus according to Claim 18, wherein the indication comprises information indicating that associated stations may sleep during high interference period and information indicating that the associated stations may not send traffic to the AP during high interference period.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the AP indicates the high interference period in one of a new defined action frame; or extended data, control or management frames.

22. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to at least:

cause an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided, wherein the IDC capability indication is provided in at least one of a probe request frame, an association request frame and a reassociation request frame; calculate at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB has assigned a TDM pattern to the STA, the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period calculated in reference to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines used by an AP that the station is communicating with; and

in an instance where the STA having both LTE and WLAN , cause an indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period to be provided to an AP.

23. The apparatus according to Claim 22, wherein the high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period is indicated in the association and reassociation request frames.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to: cause transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP, indicating to the new AP that the STA has an IDC problem and associating the STA with a higher priority.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to: cause transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP of which the STA is associated with, wherein the AP does not transmit packets to the STA in the high in-device interference period.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein in an instance where the STA is working in a power save mode and enters a high interference period after sending a PS-Poll frame, the AP does not transmit one or more buffered packets to STA after receiving PS-Poll.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the STA delays sending a PS-Poll frame, allowing the AP a time period to send a response before a next high in-device interference period.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to: cause an indication of the new high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period to the AP in a new defined action frame or by extending data, control or management frames.

29. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer- readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portions comprising program code instructions for:

causing an indication of in device coexistence (IDC) capability to be provided;

30. The computer program product according to Claim 29, wherein the IDC capability is indicated in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame.

31. The computer program product according to any one of claims 29 and 30, wherein the indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period is provided in a beacon frame, probe response frame, association response frame and reassociation response frame.

32. The computer program product according to any one of claims 29 to 31 , wherein a time domain of the indication is relative to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines and indicates that during a high interference time that a quality of a transmission opportunity of the access point is reduced due to interference or indicates that transmission or reception are not possible.

33. The computer program product according to Claim 32, wherein the indication comprises information indicating that access point transmitting and receiving power is reduced during the high interference period.

34. The computer program product according to Claim 32, wherein the indication comprises information indicating that associated stations may sleep during high interference period and information indicating that the associated stations may not send traffic to the AP during high interference period.

35. The computer program product according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the AP indicates the high interference period in one of a new defined action frame; or extended data, control or management frames.

36. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer- readable storage medium having computer-executable program code portions stored therein, the computer-executable program code portions comprising program code instructions for:

calculating at least one of a high in-device interference period and a low in-device interference period in an instance where a LTE eNB has assigned a TDM pattern to the STA, the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period calculated in reference to a beacon interval or other WLAN timelines used by an AP that the station is communicating with; and in an instance where the STA having both LTE and WLAN, causing an indication of the high in-device interference period and/or the low in-device interference period to be provided to an AP.

37. The computer program product according to Claim 36, wherein the high in-device interference period and/or low in-device interference period is indicated in the association and reassociation request frames.

38. The computer program product according to any one of claims 36 to 37, wherein the computer-executable program code portions further comprise program code instructions for causing transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP, indicating to the new AP that the STA has an IDC problem and associating the STA with a higher priority.

39. The computer program product according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the computer-executable program code portions further comprise program code instructions for causing transmission of the (re)association request frame to a second AP of which the STA is associated with, wherein the AP does not transmit packets to the STA in the high in-device interference period.

40. The computer program product according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein in an instance where the STA is working in a power save mode and enters a high interference period after sending a PS-Poll frame, the AP does not transmit one or more buffered packets to STA after receiving PS-Poll.

41. The computer program product according to any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the STA delays sending a PS-Poll frame, allowing the AP a time period to send a response before a next high in-device interference period.

42. The computer program product according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein causing an indication of the new high in-device interference period and/or low in- device interference period to the AP in a new defined action frame or by extending data, control or management frames.