Coexistence of users with different latency requirements

Abstract

A method of an access point is disclosed. The access point is adapted to communicate (using a frequency bandwidth comprising one or more sub-bands) with wireless communication devices associated with the access point. Each of the wireless communication devices is adapted to operate under at least one of first and second latency requirements, wherein the first latency requirement is lower than the second latency requirement. Each of the wireless communication devices is also adapted to use a listen-before-talk approach (e.g. carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance—CSMA/CA) to access a sub-band for transmission. The method comprises (for each of the sub-bands) allowing at most one wireless communication device operating under the first latency requirement to attempt accessing the sub-band and (for each sub-band where a wireless communication device operating under the first latency requirement is allowed to attempt accessing the sub-band) allowing also one or more wireless communication device operating under the second latency requirement to attempt accessing the sub-band. The method also comprises enforcing a maximum duration of time for each transmission of a wireless communication device operating under the second latency requirement using a sub-band where a wireless communication device operating under the first latency requirement is allowed to attempt accessing the sub-band, wherein the maximum duration of time is based on the first latency requirement. Corresponding method for a wireless communication device, arrangements, access point, wireless communication device and computer program products are also disclosed.