DESC:The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-

This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 1167/CHE/2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications and more particularly to sharing of network resources in a wireless communication network.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] Currently, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 architecture comprises of a plurality of components that interact to provide a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), such as an Access Point (AP). Basic Service Set (BSS) is the basic building block of an IEEE 802.11 LAN. Both non-overlapping and overlapping BSS (OBSS) may exist in a WLAN. The objective of existing OBSS management is to enable cooperative sharing of the medium between APs that operate in the same channel and that are able to receive or obtain frames from each other, including Beacon frames. These frames can be received directly or through associated STAs (stations).
[003] When two neighboring APs operate on two different primary channels in the non-overlapping BSS scenario, the existing solutions do not have a provision for communication/message exchange between APs for load balancing and co-existence. The coexistence of non-overlapping OBSS is necessary, because it is likely that secondary channel of a BSS is same as the primary channel of neighbor BSS. Hence, the communication in two independent BSS will interfere with each other. Existing methods use passive scanning and indirect inferencing (Collision, ACK failure rate, and so on) to perform load balancing (Qload element), however they have following issues:
- Passive scanning to get load information: Elements like Qload and extended BSS are optionally present in the beacon frame
- Even if Qload and Extended BSS information are received in beacon frame during passive scanning, frame timings of two APs cannot be aligned/synchronized appropriately to make use of the information.
- Indirect inferencing: Stand-alone inferencing of load in other BSS based on packet error rate is not sufficient as packet failures may be due to bad channel condition and not because of collisions from other AP.
[004] Hence, communication/message exchange between two APs (with different primary channel) is essential to ensure proper load balancing and scheduling which are not supported by existing OBSS schemes.
[005] Overlapping BSS (OBSS) problem refers to situations that two or more BSS, unrelated to each other, are operating in the same channel and are close enough to hear each other physically. The number of OBSS and non-OBSS are growing due to the expansion of the number of WLAN devices and the increased channel bandwidth makes OBSS problem an important research challenge.
[006] Existing OBSS management provides the means to
- Provide additional information for channel selection
- Extend the admission control mechanism to a distributed environment.
- Enable the coordination of scheduled TXOPs between OBSS.
[007] OBSS management enables stationary and portable APs to provide to neighboring APs information for the selection of a channel and for the cooperative sharing of that channel. The main component of OBSS management is the QLoad report that provides information on
- The reporting AP’s overlap situation
- The reporting AP’s QoS traffic load
- The total QoS traffic load of BSS directly overlapping the reporting AP’s BSS.
[008] This information can be used by AP when searching for a channel and also when sharing a channel in an overlap situation.
[009] When two neighboring APs operate on two different primary channels in the non-overlapping BSS scenario, the existing schemes do not solve the problem of coexistence and load balancing between APs. Existing method can rely on passive scanning and indirect inferencing (Collision, ACK failure rate, etc.) to perform load balancing (Qload element), however they have following issues:
- Passive scanning: Elements like Qload and extended BSS are optionally present in the beacon frame
- Indirect inferencing: a) Stand-alone inferencing is not sufficient as failures may be due to bad channel condition and not because of collisions from other AP.
- Frame timings of two APs cannot be aligned/synchronized appropriately to make use of the Qload and Extended BSS information received in beacon frame during passive scanning.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[0010] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide methods and systems for enabling communication between a plurality of Access Points (APs), to enable sharing of BSS (Basic Service Set) among the plurality of APs.
[0011] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide methods and systems for enabling communication between a plurality of Access Points (APs) to support communication between the APs for information exchange such as primary channel selection, Qload information, interference management and so on.
[0012] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide methods and systems for enabling communication between an Access Point (AP) and at least one station (STA) by exchanging messages between the AP and the STAs and solve the coexistence issue in non-overlapping OBSS scenario.
[0013] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide methods and systems for AP coordination in the scenarios where APs operate on different primary channels and when APs are within the coverage range of each other.
[0014] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide methods and systems for AP coordination in the scenarios where APs operate on different primary channels and when APs are outside the coverage range of each other.

SUMMARY
[0015] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a method for coordination between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network to enable sharing of Basic Service Set (BSS), the method comprising sending a first Primary Channel Report Action (PCRA) frame to a second AP, wherein the PCRA frame comprises information about a first primary channel selected by a first AP and the PCRA frame is sent by at least one of the first AP; and a station connected to the first AP using the first primary channel.
[0016] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide an Access Point (AP) in a wireless communication network, the AP configured for sending a first Primary Channel Report Action (PCRA) frame to a second AP, wherein the PCRA frame comprises information about a first primary channel selected by a first AP and the PCRA frame is sent by at least one of the first AP; and a station connected to the first AP using the first primary channel.
[0017] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a station in a wireless communication network, the station connected to a first Access Point (AP), the station configured for detecting interference by at least one station connected to the first AP, wherein on the at least one station on detecting interference, the station is further configured for generating a PCRA frame based on information related to a second primary channel used by a second AP; and sending the generated PCRA frame to the first AP.
[0018] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide an Access Point (AP) in a wireless communication network, the AP configured for sending a Primary Channel Report Action (PCRA) frame to at least one of a station; and a first AP, in response to a PCRA frame received from at least one of the station; or the first AP.
[0019] These and other aspects of the example embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating example embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the example embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the example embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0020] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0021] FIGs. 1a, 1b and 1c illustrate a plurality of APs, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] FIGs. 2a, 2b and 2c depict examples of a PCRA frame, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting the process of a first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to a second AP on selecting the primary channel, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram depicting the process of a first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to a second AP on selecting the primary channel, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram depicting the process of a first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to a second AP on the first AP detecting interference, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram depicting the process of a first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to a second AP on at least one STA detecting interference, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0027] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram depicting the process of a first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to a second AP on at least one STA detecting interference, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0028] The example embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The description herein is intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the example embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the example embodiments herein. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the example embodiments herein.
[0029] The embodiments herein achieve methods and systems for enabling communication between a plurality of Access Points (APs), to enable sharing of BSS (Basic Service Set) among the plurality of APs. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 7, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown example embodiments.
[0030] Access Point (AP) herein can be a device configured for setting up a WLAN network using 802.11 standards. In an embodiment herein, the AP can be a dedicated device, such as a router, a modem, a dongle, or any other suitable device. In an embodiment herein, the AP can be a generic device, such as a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, a wearable computing device, or any other suitable device.
[0031] The station (STA) can be a device configured to communicate using 802.11 networks. Examples of the STA can be a computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a wearable computing device, a phone using IP (Internet Protocol), a device/appliance connected and/or configured to connect to the IoT (Internet of Things), and so on.
[0032] Embodiments disclosed herein enable communication between two APs (wherein the APs use the same or different primary channels) and ensure load balancing and scheduling between the APs. Embodiments herein propose an action frame, hereinafter referred to as a Primary Channel Report (PCRA) frame to enable communication between the two APs.
[0033] FIGs. 1a, 1b and 1c illustrate a plurality of APs. The APs 101 can use different primary channels. The APs 101 can have one or more overlapping regions (as depicted in FIG. 1a), wherein the dotted region depicts the coverage area for each of the APs. The APs 101 can be in communication range of each other (as depicted in FIG. 1b). The APs 101 can be out of range of each other, but can have at least one STA 102 in at least one overlapping region (as depicted in FIG. 1c). One or more of the APs 101 can use the same primary channel. Each of the APs 101 can be connected to one or more STAs 102. The STAs 102 can receive signals from one or more APs 101. The STAs 102 can receive signals from one or more APs 101 (as depicted in FIG. 1c), even if the STA 102 is not currently communicating with the AP 101. This is because more than one AP 101 can use the same primary channel, as being used by the STA 102 for communication.
[0034] Embodiments herein disclose a frame (hereinafter referred to as a Primary Channel Report Action (PCRA) Frame), which is used by the first AP 101a to inform at least one other AP about the selected primary channel. The PCRA frame contents can be Channel switch announcement element (comprising of the selected primary channel number), QLoad Report Element, Timing Advertisement Element, and Extended BSS load element (its secondary utilization) (as depicted in FIGs. 2a, 2b, and 2c). In an example herein, the contents of the PCRA frame can be a QLoad Report Element (23 octets + variable), a timing Advertisement element (3-19 octets), an extended BSS load element (Secondary channel utilization) (8 Octets), a quiet element (8 Octets), and an optional STA selection element (4 Octets), as depicted in FIG. 2b. The address fields can be decided as follows (as depicted in FIG. 2a):
- Address 1: RA(=DA) and is determined as the destination of the frame.
- Address 2: TA (=SA) address of STA transmitting the frame.
- Address 3: If STA is transmitting the action frame to an AP, then Address field is the BSSID
- Address 3:
Case 1: When AP is sending, address 3 is the BSSID of transmitting AP
Case 2: When STA is sending, address 3 is the BSSID of AP from which STA extracted PCRA elements
- Frame body contains the category, Action and PCRA elements fields.
[0035] PCRA frame falls under the category of spectrum management. The details are as below.
Category: Spectrum management
Action: Value 5
Elements: Channel switch announcement, QLoad Report, Timing Advertisement, Extended BSS load, BSSID of transmitting BSSID/receiving BSSID. The following additional elements can also be included
1) Measurement report element
2) Number of times RTS/CTS received from other BSS
3) PER at STA
[0036] FIG. 2c depicts the spectrum management action field (as depicted in FIG. 2a) with action field value as 5.
[0037] A first AP 101a for selecting a primary channel, performs scanning and obtains information like QLoad element, Extended BSS load element and so on from a second AP 101b. If low load is observed on the primary channel of the second AP 101b, then the first AP 101a can select the same primary channel as used by the second AP 101b, as its primary channel. If high load is observed on the primary channel of the second AP 101b, then the first AP 101a can select a different primary channel from the primary channel used by the second AP 101b, as its primary channel, based on the channel selection criteria specified in 802.11 standards.
[0038] The first AP 101a can inform the second AP 101b about the selected primary channel, channel utilization and QLoad of the selected primary channel on the primary channel of the second AP 101b, using the PCRA frame. The first AP 101a can transmit the PCRA frame within same BSS at a suitable time. The suitable time can be either during a Contention Free Period (CFP) (using the Quiet Interval) or a Contention Period (CP) (using a public action frame such as RTS/CTS ((Request to Send / Clear to Send)) where a sending entity is not associated). The first AP 101a can transmit the PCRA frame across BSS during the CP (using a public action frame such as RTS/CTS where sending entity is not associated). In an embodiment herein, the first AP 101a can send the PCRA frame, on the first AP 101a and/or the STA 102 detecting interference. In an embodiment herein, the first AP 101a can aggregate the PCRA from with data frames, like A-MPDU aggregation mechanism. In an embodiment herein, the first AP 101a can use a single RF chain. In an embodiment herein, the first AP 101a can use multiple RF chains with simultaneous transmission of data and PCRA frame; wherein the primary channel is used for transmission of data to its STAs and a secondary channel for PCRA transmission to the second AP (either directly or via at least one STA 102). On receiving the PCRA frame from the first AP 101a (either directly from the first AP 101a or through a STA 102), the second AP 101b can update the load and utilization factor of the selected primary channel.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting the process of the first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to the second AP on selecting the primary channel. The first AP 101a sends (301) the PCRA frame to the second AP 101b. The first AP 101a can send the PCRA frame to the second AP 101b on the first AP 101a selecting a primary channel. The first AP 101a can send the PCRA frame to the second AP 101b on the first AP 101a and/or at least one STA 102 detecting interference. The first AP 101a can send the PCRA frame to the second AP 101b, using the primary channel selected by the first AP 101a. The first AP 101a can send the PCRA frame directly to the second AP 101b. The first AP 101a can send the PCRA frame to the second AP 101b, using at least one STA 102 wherein the STA acts as a relay and forwards the PCRA frame received from the first AP 101a to the second AP 101b. On receiving the PCRA frame from the first AP 101a, the second AP 101b responds (302) with the PCRA frame of the second AP 101b. Then second AP 101b can use the primary channel of the second AP 101b for the response. The second AP 101b can send the PCRA frame directly to the first AP 101a. The second AP 101b can send the PCRA frame to the first AP 101a, using at least one STA 102 wherein the STA acts as a relay and forwards the PCRA frame received from the second AP 101b to the first AP 101a. Further, the second AP 101b updates (303) the load and utilization factor of the selected primary channel. On receiving the response from the second AP 101b, the first AP 101a performs (304) tasks. The tasks can comprise of performing channel switching and sending a channel switch announcement frame to the second AP 101b, if a channel switch is required. If channel switching is not required, the first AP 101a can perform load balancing, change the transmission time, modify the transmission beam, and so on. In an embodiment herein, the second AP 101b need not send a response to the first AP 101a, on receiving the PCRA frame from the first AP 101a. The various actions in method 300 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 3 may be omitted.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram depicting the process of the first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to the second AP on selecting the primary channel. The first AP 101a scans for information like QLoad element, Extended BSS load element and so on. Based on the scan, the first AP 101a selects the primary channel, wherein the selected primary channel is used as the secondary channel by the second AP 101b. On selecting the primary channel, the first AP 101a sends the PCRA frame to the second AP 101b using the primary channel selected by the first AP 101a. On receiving the PCRA frame from the first AP 101a, the second AP 101b responds with the PCRA frame of the second AP 101b using the primary channel of the second AP 101b. Further, the second AP 101b updates the load and utilization factor of the selected primary channel. On receiving the response from the second AP 101b, the first AP 101a can check if channel switching is required. If channel switching is required, the first AP 101a can perform channel switching and send a channel switch announcement frame to the second AP 101b. If channel switching is not required, the first AP 101a can perform load balancing, change the transmission time, modify the transmission beam, and so on. In an embodiment herein, the second AP 101b need not send a response to the first AP 101a, on receiving the PCRA frame from the first AP 101a.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram depicting the process of the first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to the second AP on the first AP detecting interference. The first AP 101a scans for information like QLoad element, Extended BSS load element and so on. Based on the scan, the first AP 101a selects the primary channel, wherein the selected primary channel is used as the secondary channel by the second AP 101b. Consider a scenario wherein the first AP 101a encounters interference on the selected primary channel, when the first AP 101a is communicating with a STA 102. The first AP 101a can check if the interference is greater than a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold can be based on channel measurements, collisions, and any other equivalent means. If the interference is greater than the predefined threshold, the first AP 101a sends the PCRA frame to the STA 102 using the primary channel selected by the first AP 101a. The first AP 101a can select a STA 102, based on parameters such as interference detected when communicating with the STA 102, as increased interference can indicate that the STA 102 is closer to the source of interference (i.e., the second AP 101b). The STA 102 acts as a relay and forwards the received PCRA frame to the second AP 101b. On receiving the PCRA frame, the second AP 101b responds to the STA 102 with the PCRA frame of the second AP 101b using the primary channel of the second AP 101b. The STA 102 acts as a relay and forwards the received PCRA frame to the first AP 101a. Further, the second AP 101b updates the load and utilization factor of the selected primary channel. On receiving the response from the second AP 101b, the first AP 101a can check if channel switching is required. If channel switching is required, the first AP 101a can perform channel switching and send a channel switch announcement frame to the second AP 101b. If channel switching is not required, the first AP 101a can perform load balancing, change the transmission time, modify the transmission beam, and so on. In an embodiment herein, the second AP 101b need not send a response to the first AP 101a, on receiving the PCRA frame from the first AP 101a.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram depicting the process of a first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to a second AP on at least one STA detecting interference. The first AP 101a scans for information like QLoad element, Extended BSS load element and so on. Based on the scan, the first AP 101a selects the primary channel, wherein the selected primary channel is used as the secondary channel by the second AP 101b. Consider a scenario that at least one of the STAs 102 communicating with the first AP 101a encounters interference on the selected primary channel, when the first AP 101a is communicating with a STA 102. The STA 102 can check if the interference is greater than a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold can be based on channel measurements, collisions, and any other equivalent means. If the interference is greater than a predefined threshold, the STA 102 can trigger autonomous reporting about the interference to the first AP 101a, wherein the STA 102 sends a radio measurement report frame to the first AP 101a. Based on received radio measurement report frames, the first AP 101a selects at least one STA 102 to act as the relay, wherein the selected STA 102 can be STA 102 that detects higher interference (as this can indicate proximity to the interference source (i.e., the second AP 101b)). The first AP 101a can then generate the PCRA frame and determine a suitable mode for transmitting the PCRA frame (such as standalone, aggregated with a data frame, and so on). The first AP 101a sends the PCRA frame to the selected STA 102 using the primary channel selected by the first AP 101a. The STA 102 acts as a relay and forwards the received PCRA frame to the second AP 101b. On receiving the PCRA frame, the second AP 101b responds to the STA 102 with the PCRA frame of the second AP 101b using the primary channel of the second AP 101b. The STA 102 acts as a relay and forwards the received PCRA frame to the first AP 101a. Further, the second AP 101b updates the load and utilization factor of the selected primary channel. On receiving the response from the second AP 101b, the first AP 101a can check if channel switching is required. If channel switching is required, the first AP 101a can perform channel switching and send a channel switch announcement frame to the second AP 101b. If channel switching is not required, the first AP 101a can perform load balancing, change the transmission time, modify the transmission beam, and so on. In an embodiment herein, the second AP 101b need not send a response to the first AP 101a, on receiving the PCRA frame from the first AP 101a.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram depicting the process of a first AP communicating information related to the primary channel to a second AP on at least one STA detecting interference. The first AP 101a scans for information like QLoad element, Extended BSS load element and so on. Based on the scan, the first AP 101a selects the primary channel, wherein the selected primary channel is used as the secondary channel by the second AP 101b. Consider a scenario that at least one of the STAs 102 communicating with the first AP 101a encounters interference on the selected primary channel, when the first AP 101a is communicating with a STA 102. The STA 102 can check if the interference is greater than a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold can be based on channel measurements, collisions, and any other equivalent means. If the interference is greater than a predefined threshold, the STA 102 sends the radio measurement report to the first AP 101a. Based on received reports from multiple STAs, AP first AP 101a 2 decides scanning frequencies, number of stations and instructs the STAs 102 to scan the required frequencies. The STAs 102 obtain the BSSID (Basic Service Set Identification) from the scanning. The STAs 102 that did not receive extended BSS element and QLoad from scanning sends probe request to the second AP 101b with the corresponding BSSID. The second AP 101b responds with a probe response, wherein the probe response comprises of an extended BSS element and QLoad report element. The STA 102 extracts the extended BSS load element, Qload and other information from the received probe response, and generates a PCRA frame to transmit to the first AP 101a. Upon receiving the PCRA frame from the STA 102, the first AP 101a can check if channel switching is required. If channel switching is required, the first AP 101a can perform channel switching and send a channel switch announcement frame to the second AP 101b. If channel switching is not required, the first AP 101a can perform load balancing, change the transmission time, modify the transmission beam, and so on.
[0044] Embodiments herein communication/message exchange between two APs (with different primary channels) and ensures proper load balancing and scheduling, which is not supported by existing OBSS schemes.
[0045] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements. The elements shown in Fig. 1 can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0046] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A method for coordination between a plurality of Access Points (APs) in a wireless communication network to enable sharing of Basic Service Set (BSS), the method comprising
sending a first Primary Channel Report Action (PCRA) frame to a second AP, wherein the PCRA frame comprises information about a first primary channel selected by a first AP and the PCRA frame, wherein the PCRA frame is sent by at least one of the first AP and a station connected to the first AP, using the first primary channel.
2. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first PCRA frame is sent on at least one of
selecting the primary channel of second AP by the first AP;
detecting interference by the first AP;
detecting interference by at least one station connected to the first AP, wherein on the at least one station on detecting interference, the method further comprises
sending a measurement report frame by the station to the first AP;
generating the PCRA frame by the first AP on receiving the measurement report frame; and
detecting interference by at least one station connected to the first AP, wherein on the at least one station on detecting interference, the method further comprises
generating a PCRA frame by the station based on information related to a second primary channel used by the second AP; and
sending the generated PCRA frame by the station to the first AP.
3. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the PCRA frame is sent as at least one of a standalone frame and aggregated with at least one other data frame.
4. The method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method further comprises of
performing a channel switching and sending a channel switch announcement frame by the first AP, on receiving a PCRA frame from the second AP in response to the first PCRA frame;
performing load balancing, modifying transmission time; and
modifying transmission beam by the first AP, on receiving a PCRA frame from the second AP in response to the first PCRA frame if channel switching is not performed.
5. An Access Point (AP) in a wireless communication network, the AP configured for
sending a first Primary Channel Report Action (PCRA) frame to a second AP, wherein the PCRA frame comprises information about a first primary channel selected by a first AP, wherein the PCRA frame is sent by at least one of the first AP and a station connected to the first AP, using the first primary channel.
6. The AP, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the AP is configured for sending the first PCRA frame on at least one of
selecting the primary channel of second AP;
detecting interference; and
detecting interference by at least one station connected to the first AP, wherein the AP is further configured for generating the first PCRA frame on receiving a measurement report frame from the station.
7. The AP, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the AP is configured for sending the first PCRA frame as at least one of a standalone frame and aggregated with at least one other data frame.
8. The AP, as claimed in claim 5, wherein the AP is further configured for
performing channel switching and sending a channel switch announcement frame, on receiving a PCRA frame from the second AP in response to the first PCRA frame;
performing load balancing, modifying transmission time; and modifying transmission beam, on receiving a PCRA frame from the second AP in response to the first PCRA frame if channel switching is not performed.
9. A station in a wireless communication network, the station connected to a first Access Point (AP), the station configured for detecting interference by at least one station connected to the first AP, wherein on the at least one station on detecting interference, the station is further configured for
generating a PCRA frame based on information related to a second primary channel used by a second AP; and
sending the generated PCRA frame to the first AP.
10. An Access Point (AP) in a wireless communication network, the AP configured for
sending a Primary Channel Report Action (PCRA) frame to at least one of a station and a first AP, in response to a PCRA frame received from at least one of the station and the first AP.

Dated this 10th of March, 2016
Signature:
Name of the Signatory: Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy