Method and apparatus for transmitting / receiving null data packet announcement frame

Abstract

This application discloses a method and apparatus for sending / receiving Null Data Packet Declaration (NDPA) frames. An Access Point (AP) sends an NDPA frame, in which first indication information in its probe session token indicates whether the NDPA frame is an EHT probe or an HE probe. The first bit of its first site information field includes second indication information, indicating whether the first site information field corresponds to an EHT site or an HE site. The Station Target (STA) identifies the EHT site corresponding to the first site information field based on the first and second indication information, and performs EHT probing to obtain the N... c The application provides an NDPA frame structure that enables the STA to accurately identify the NDPA frame as an EHT probe and perform EHT probes. This information is then fed back to the AP.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a method and apparatus for transmitting / receiving a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame in a wireless local area network (WLAN). BACKGROUND

[0002] In a wireless system such as a WLAN, an access point (AP) needs to obtain channel state information (CSI) for beamforming (BF), rate control, resource allocation, etc. In a WLAN, the process of obtaining channel state information is referred to as channel sounding.

[0003] In the channel sounding process of 802.11ac (also known as very high throughput (VHT)), an AP (as the initiator of channel sounding, referred to as a beamformer, abbreviated as BFer) sends an NDPA frame to inform a STA (as the responder of channel sounding, referred to as a beamformee, abbreviated as BFee) and related channel sounding parameters. Since there is only one type of NDPA frame in the VHT standard stage, VHT STAs do not need to distinguish which type of NDPA frame it is.

[0004] Further, in the 802.11ax (also known as high efficient (HE)) standard stage, the station information field of the HE NDPA frame is extended to 4 bytes compared to the VHT NDPA frame, and the second bit in the 1-byte sounding dialog token of the NDPA frame introduces an HE indication, which is used to indicate whether the NDPA frame is an HE NDPA frame or a VHT NDPA frame.

[0005] However, the 802.11be (also known as extremely high throughput (EHT)) standard considers introducing larger bandwidths (such as 240MHz, 320MHz, etc.) and more spatial stream numbers (such as 9-16 spatial streams). There is currently no design scheme for an EHT NDPA frame to support channel sounding with larger bandwidths and more stream numbers, and to enable STAs to distinguish different variants of NDPA frames. SUMMARY

[0006] The application provides a method and device for sending / receiving an empty data packet declaration frame, so that a STA can accurately identify an EHT NDPA frame.

[0007] In a first aspect, a method for sending an empty data packet declaration frame is provided. The method includes: sending an empty data packet declaration NDPA frame, wherein the NDPA frame includes a probe session token and a first station information field, the probe session token includes first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the NDPA frame is an extremely high throughput EHT probe or a high efficiency HE probe, a first bit of the first station information field includes second indication information, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station or an HE station, and when the second indication information indicates that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station, receiving channel state information of N c space streams from the EHT station, N c is a positive integer, and the maximum value of N c is 16. In this aspect, an EHT NDPA frame structure is provided, which first makes a station of HE and above versions consider that the NDPA frame is an EHT probe or an HE probe, and then identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station according to the second indication information of the first bit of the first station information field, so that the EHT station can accurately identify the EHT NDPA frame and perform an EHT probe, and the HE station does not mistakenly consider that the first station information field corresponds to an HE station.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the NDPA frame further includes a second station information field corresponding to the HE station, and the method further includes: receiving channel state information of M space streams from the HE station, M is a positive integer, and the maximum value of M is 8. In this implementation, the NDPA frame can indicate aggregated transmission of HE stations and EHT stations, that is, the NDPA frame can include the first station information field corresponding to the EHT station and the second station information field corresponding to the HE station, so that the information transmission efficiency is improved.

[0009] Secondly, a method for receiving a Null Data Packet Declaration (NDPA) frame is provided. The method includes: receiving an NDPA frame, wherein the NDPA frame includes a probe session token and a first site information field; the probe session token includes first indication information, which indicates that the NDPA frame is an extremely high throughput EHT probe or an efficient HE probe; a first bit of the first site information field includes second indication information, which indicates that the first site information field corresponds to an EHT site or an HE site; identifying the EHT site corresponding to the first site information field based on the first indication information and the second indication information; and performing EHT probe to obtain N... c Channel state information of N spatial streams c N is a positive integer. c The maximum value is 16; and the N obtained by sending c Channel state information of a spatial stream.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the EHT probe is performed to obtain N. c The channel state information of a spatial stream includes any one of the following operations: obtaining the channel state information of the number of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information at the frequency domain position of the main resource unit indicated by the resource unit offset value and at the resource unit corresponding to the size of the resource unit, wherein the frequency domain position of the main resource unit belongs to the first segment or the second segment; obtaining the channel state information of the number of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information at the frequency domain position of each of the plurality of 996RUs indicated by the resource unit offset value and at the main resource unit corresponding to the size of the resource unit; wherein the resource unit offset value is used to indicate that the main resource unit is configured with the auxiliary resource unit, and the channel state information of the number of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information is obtained at the frequency domain position of the main resource unit indicated by the resource unit offset value, at the main resource unit corresponding to the size of the resource unit, and at the auxiliary resource unit.

[0011] In another possible implementation, the NDPA frame further includes a second site information field, and the method further includes: identifying the second site information field corresponding to the HE site; performing HE probing to obtain channel state information of M spatial streams, where M is a positive integer and the maximum value of M is 8; and sending the obtained channel state information of the M spatial streams.

[0012] In a third aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a transceiver; the transceiver configured to transmit a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, wherein the NDPA frame comprises a sounding dialogue token and a first station information field, the sounding dialogue token comprises first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the NDPA frame is an extremely high throughput (EHT) sounding or a high efficiency (HE) sounding, and a first bit of the first station information field comprises second indication information, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station or an HE station; and the transceiver is further configured to receive channel state information of N c spatial streams from the EHT station when the second indication information is used to indicate that the first station information field corresponds to the EHT station, N c is a positive integer, and a maximum value of N c is 16.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the NDPA frame further comprises a second station information field corresponding to the HE station; and the transceiver is further configured to receive channel state information of M spatial streams from the HE station, M is a positive integer, and a maximum value of M is 8.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: a transceiver and a processing unit; the transceiver is configured to receive a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, wherein the NDPA frame comprises a sounding dialogue token and a first station information field, the sounding dialogue token comprises first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the NDPA frame is an extremely high throughput (EHT) sounding or a high efficiency (HE) sounding, and a first bit of the first station information field comprises second indication information, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station or an HE station; the processing unit is configured to identify that the first station information field corresponds to the EHT station according to the first indication information and the second indication information; the processing unit is further configured to perform EHT sounding to obtain channel state information of N c spatial streams, N c is a positive integer, and a maximum value of N c is 16; and the transceiver is further configured to transmit the obtained channel state information of the N c spatial streams.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to perform any one of the following operations: acquire channel state information of a quantity of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information on a resource unit corresponding to a size of the resource unit and a frequency domain location of a primary resource unit indicated by the resource unit offset value, the frequency domain location of the primary resource unit belonging to the first segment or the second segment; acquire channel state information of the quantity of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information on a primary resource unit corresponding to the size of the resource unit and a frequency domain location of each of a plurality of 996RUs indicated by the resource unit offset value; and acquire channel state information of the quantity of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information on the primary resource unit corresponding to the size of the resource unit and the secondary resource unit, the resource unit offset value being used to indicate that the primary resource unit is configured with the secondary resource unit.

[0016] In another possible implementation, the NDPA frame further includes a second station information field, and the processing unit is further configured to identify that the second station information field corresponds to the HE station; the processing unit is further configured to perform HE sounding to acquire channel state information of M spatial streams, the M being a positive integer, and a maximum value of the M being 8; and the transceiver is further configured to send the acquired channel state information of the M spatial streams.

[0017] With reference to the first aspect to the fourth aspect, in another possible implementation, the first bit corresponds to a highest bit and a second highest bit of a resource unit RU end index of a station information field of the HE station; or the first bit corresponds to a highest bit and a second highest bit of a resource unit start index of the station information field of the HE station; or the first bit corresponds to a highest bit of the resource unit start index and a highest bit of the resource unit end index of the station information field of the HE station. In this implementation, by setting the highest bit and the second highest bit of the RU end index to both be “1”, or setting the highest bit and the second highest bit of the RU start index to both be “1”, or setting the highest bit of the RU start index to be “1” and setting the highest bit of the RU end index to be “0”, the HE version or later station is prevented from mistakenly considering that the first station information field corresponds to the HE station.

[0018] With reference to the first aspect to the fourth aspect, in another possible implementation, the first bit is the 24th and 25th bit of the first station information field; or the first bit is the 17th and 18th bit of the first station information field; or the first bit is the 18th and 25th bit of the first station information field.

[0019] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first station information field further includes a size of a resource unit, the size of the resource unit being used to indicate a size of any one of the following primary resource units: 26RU, 52RU, 106RU, 242RU, 484RU, 996RU; the first station information field further includes a resource unit offset value, the resource unit offset value being used to indicate a frequency domain location of the primary resource unit, the frequency domain location of the primary resource unit being within the first segment or the second segment, or, when the primary resource unit includes a plurality of 996RUs, the resource unit offset value being used to indicate a frequency domain location of each 996RU in the plurality of RUs, or, the resource unit offset value being used to indicate the frequency domain location of the primary resource unit and a configuration of a secondary resource unit combined with the primary resource unit. In this implementation, the first station information field further includes the size of the resource unit and the resource unit offset value, which are used to indicate a specific resource unit on which the station performs channel sounding, and / or to combine the primary resource unit and the secondary resource unit, thereby improving the utilization of bandwidth. The size of the resource unit is various.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first station information field further includes a resource unit start index and a resource unit end index, where the resource unit start index includes 8 bits and the resource unit end index includes 8 bits; the first station information field further includes a resource unit offset value, the resource unit offset value being used to indicate a frequency domain location of the primary resource unit, the frequency domain location of the primary resource unit being within the first segment or the second segment, or, when the primary resource unit includes a plurality of 996RUs, the resource unit offset value being used to indicate a frequency domain location of each 996RU in the plurality of RUs, or, the resource unit offset value being used to indicate the frequency domain location of the primary resource unit and a configuration of a secondary resource unit combined with the primary resource unit. In this implementation, the first station information field includes 8 bytes, and thus can contain more information.

[0021] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first station information field further includes third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate a number of the spatial streams, and the third indication information including 4 bits. In this implementation, 802.11be supports a larger bandwidth and a larger number of spatial streams, and thus the number of the spatial streams indicated by the third indication information can be greater than 8, and can be up to 16. The number of the spatial streams is the number of columns of a beamforming matrix.

[0022] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first station information field includes 4 bytes or 8 bytes.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect to the fourth aspect, in yet another possible implementation, when the first station information field includes 8 bytes, the first station information field includes a first association identification (AID) and a second AID, where the second AID has the same value as the first AID, or the second AID has a value belonging to 2008-2046. In this implementation, the second AID can further cause the station of HE and above versions to avoid misrecognizing the first station information field as corresponding to an HE station.

[0024] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can be an information transmission device, and the communication apparatus includes a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to support the communication apparatus to perform the steps of sending an NDPA frame and receiving channel state information of N spatial streams from the EHT station. c The transceiver is further configured to support the communication apparatus to perform the step of receiving channel state information of M spatial streams from the HE station. Optionally, the communication apparatus can further include a processor and a memory.

[0026] In yet another possible implementation, the communication apparatus can be an information transmission single board, and the communication apparatus includes a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to support the communication apparatus to perform the steps of sending an NDPA frame and receiving channel state information of N spatial streams from the EHT station. c The transceiver is further configured to support the communication apparatus to perform the step of receiving channel state information of M spatial streams from the HE station. Optionally, the communication apparatus can further include a processor and a memory.

[0027] In yet another possible implementation, the communication apparatus is implemented by a general-purpose processor, commonly known as a chip. The general-purpose processor includes a processing circuit and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to perform the steps of sending an NDPA frame and receiving channel state information of N spatial streams from the EHT station. c The communication interface is further configured to perform the step of receiving channel state information of M spatial streams from the HE station.

[0028] Optionally, the general-purpose processor can further include a storage medium. The processing circuit communicates with the outside through the communication interface. The communication interface can be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be embodied as a processing circuit or a logic circuit. The storage medium is used to store program code, and the communication interface is used to support the communication apparatus to communicate. When the program code is executed by the processor, it is used to control the communication interface to perform the steps of sending an NDPA frame and receiving channel state information of N spatial streams from the EHT station. cThe step of receiving channel state information of M spatial streams from the HE station can also be used to control the communication interface to perform the step of receiving channel state information of M spatial streams from the HE station.

[0029] In yet another possible implementation, the communication apparatus can also be implemented using one or more FPGAs, PLDs, controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuitry, or any combination of circuitry capable of carrying out the various functions described throughout this application.

[0030] In a sixth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the communication apparatus can be an information transmission device, which comprises a processor and a transceiver; the processor is configured to control and manage actions of the communication apparatus, for example, to support the communication apparatus to perform the steps of identifying that the first station information field corresponds to the EHT station according to the first indication information and the second indication information, and performing EHT sounding to obtain channel state information of N c spatial streams, and / or other technical processes described herein; and the transceiver is configured to support the communication apparatus to perform the steps of receiving an NDPA frame, and transmitting the obtained channel state information of N c spatial streams. Optionally, the communication apparatus can further comprise a memory.

[0032] In yet another possible implementation, the communication apparatus can be an information transmission single board, which comprises a processor and a transceiver; the processor is configured to control and manage actions of the communication apparatus, for example, to support the communication apparatus to perform the steps of identifying that the first station information field corresponds to the EHT station according to the first indication information and the second indication information, and performing EHT sounding to obtain channel state information of N c spatial streams, and / or other technical processes described herein; and the transceiver is configured to support the communication apparatus to perform the steps of receiving an NDPA frame, and transmitting the obtained channel state information of N c spatial streams. Optionally, the communication apparatus can further comprise a memory.

[0033] In yet another possible implementation, the communication apparatus can also be implemented by a general-purpose processor, commonly known as a chip. The general-purpose processor comprises: processing circuitry configured to perform the steps of identifying that the first station information field corresponds to the EHT station according to the first indication information and the second indication information, and performing EHT sounding to obtain channel state information of N c spatial streams; and a communication interface configured to perform the steps of receiving an NDPA frame, and transmitting the obtained channel state information of Nc a step of receiving channel state information of N

[0034] Optionally, the general processor can further include a storage medium. The processing circuit utilizes the communication interface to communicate with the outside. The communication interface can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin or related circuit on the chip or chip system, etc. The processor can also be embodied as a processing circuit or logic circuit. The storage medium is used to store program code, and the communication interface is used to support the communication device to communicate, and when the program code is executed by the processor, it is used to execute the method according to the first indication information and the second indication information, identify that the first station information field corresponds to the EHT station, and perform EHT detection to obtain the channel state information of N c a step of receiving channel state information of N c a step of receiving channel state information of N

[0035] In yet another possible implementation, the communication device can also be implemented using one or more FPGAs, PLDs, controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuitry, or any combination thereof capable of performing the various functions described throughout this application.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, having instructions stored therein, which when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any of the above aspects.

[0037] In an eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, having instructions stored therein, which when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any of the above aspects.

[0038] It can be understood that any of the above provided communication devices, computer storage media or computer program products are used to execute the corresponding method provided above, and therefore the beneficial effects that can be achieved are referred to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method provided above, which will not be described here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 Channel sounding procedure for 802.11ac;

[0040] Figure 2 Structure of VHT NDPA frame;

[0041] Figure 3 Single user feedback channel state information in 802.11ax;

[0042] Figure 4An illustration of a multi-user feedback channel state information in 802.11ax;

[0043] Figure 5 An illustration of a structure of a HE NDPA frame;

[0044] Figure 6 An illustration of a structure of a sounding dialog token field in a NDPA frame;

[0045] Figure 7 An illustration of preventing a VHT STA from misreading a HE NDPA frame;

[0046] Figure 8 An illustration of a network structure to which a method for transmitting / receiving an empty data packet declaration frame described in the present application is applicable;

[0047] Figure 9 An illustration of a structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 10 An illustration of a structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 11 An illustration of a flow of a method for transmitting / receiving an empty data packet declaration frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figures 12a-12d An illustration of a structure of a first station information field of 4 bytes in an EHT NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 13 An illustration of subcarrier division under an 802.11be 80MHz bandwidth;

[0052] Figures 14a-14c An illustration of a structure of a first station information field of 8 bytes in an EHT NDPA frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 15 An illustration of a flow of another method for transmitting / receiving an empty data packet declaration frame provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 16 An illustration of a structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 17 An illustration of a structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 18 An illustration of a structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 19This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Bandwidth and number of spatial streams allowed for transmission by various WLAN standards

[0060] Starting with 802.11a / g, and progressing through 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, and now 802.11be, the allowed bandwidth and number of spatial streams for WLAN transmission are shown in Table 1 below:

[0061] Table 1

[0062]

[0063] The 802.11n standard is also known as high throughput (HT); while standards prior to HT, such as 802.11a / b / g, are collectively referred to as non-high throughput (Non-HT); the 802.11ac standard is also known as VHT; the 802.11ax standard is also known as HE; and the 802.11be standard is also known as EHT. The 802.11b standard uses non-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) mode and is therefore not listed in Table 1.

[0064] Channel sounding procedure for 802.11ac

[0065] like Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the 802.11ac channel detection process. First, the AP sends an NDPA frame to notify the STA that needs to perform channel detection of the relevant channel detection parameters. Then, after a short inter-frame space (SIFS), a null data packet (NDP) is sent.

[0066] The STA performs channel estimation on the NDP and generates a beamforming report (BFreport). Then, it feeds back channel state information via beamforming report frames. Specifically, according to a certain reporting order, STA1 first feeds back its channel state information via a beamforming report frame. Then, the AP sends beamforming report poll frames to STA2 to retrieve its unreported channel state information, and so on, until all STAs have reported their channel state information. Additionally, the AP can also retrieve channel state information from STAs that have reported incorrectly via beamforming report poll frames.

[0067] In 802.11ac, NDPA frames are called VHT NDPA frames. For example... Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of a VHT NDPA frame, which includes frame control, duration, receiving address (RA), transmitting address (TA), sounding dialog token, STA information (1...N), and frame control sequence (FCS) fields. The frame control field includes frame type and subtype fields, indicating that the frame is an NDPA frame. For example, a frame type of 01 indicates a control frame; a subtype of 0101 indicates an NDPA frame within a control frame. The sounding dialog token is used to index the channel probe sequence number. An NDPA frame may include one or more STA site information fields, each 2 bytes long. Specifically, the site information fields include an association identifier (AID), feddback type, and number of columns (N). c The three subfields are: Site Association Identifier (SAI) to identify the associated site; Feedback Type (Single-User Feedback or Multi-User Feedback); Column Count to indicate the number of spatial streams fed back by the STA; FCS field for verifying NDPA frames; Receive Address field to indicate the receiver of the Medium Access Control (MAC) frame; and Send Address field to indicate the sender of the MAC frame.

[0068] Channel sounding procedure for 802.11ax

[0069] likeFigure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic of single-user feedback channel state information in 802.11ax. In this diagram, for one channel probe process, only one STA (STA1 in the figure) provides a beamforming report.

[0070] If multiple STA feedback beamforming reports are required, such as Figure 4 As shown, 802.11ax also introduces a multi-user uplink transmission mechanism based on trigger frames. After the AP sends the NDP, it can send a trigger frame after a short frame interval to trigger multiple STAs (STA1 to STA3 in the figure) to perform uplink multi-user transmission simultaneously, which improves the efficiency of channel detection.

[0071] NDPA frames in 802.11ax are called HE NDPA frames. For example... Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of a HE NDPA frame. Compared to a VHT NDPA frame, the site information field in a HE NDPA frame is expanded to 4 bytes, introducing partial bandwidth (PBW) information. This partial bandwidth information is used to indicate the channel state information fed back by the STA for a portion of the bandwidth. Specifically, the partial bandwidth is represented by the start index to the end index of a resource unit (RU), indicating a continuous segment of resource units. The maximum bandwidth of 802.11ax is 160MHz, comprising 74 resource units of 26 subcarriers each (26-tone RU, or 26RU for short). Therefore, 7 bits are needed to indicate which resource unit among the 74 resource units to start from, and another 7 bits are needed to indicate which resource unit among the 74 resource units to end from. c Similar to 802.11ac, in 802.11ac and 802.11ax, the STA side can define a maximum of 8 antennas and support a maximum of 8 spatial streams, thus requiring 3 bits of N. c The column number indicating feedback is a value from 1 to 8, representing the channel state information of the spatial stream that the STA can report for the corresponding value. Additionally, the site information field in the HENDPA frame also includes the number of groupings (N). g ), used to indicate N in a RU g The subcarriers are grouped together, and each group only needs to feed back a single channel state information, thus reducing feedback overhead. Additionally, the site information field of the HE NDPA frame includes a codebook size, which indicates the quantization precision; different levels of precision correspond to different feedback overheads.

[0072] NDPA frame in 802.11az standard

[0073] The 802.11az standard is used for ranging. The NDPA frames in 802.11az are called ranging NDPA frames, and their frame format still follows that of VHT NDPA frames. Similar to HE NDPA frames, the station information field is 4 bytes. The specific frame format will not be detailed here.

[0074] Preventing misinterpretation of HE NDPA frame or ranging NDPA frame

[0075] As can be seen from the above, with the evolution of the standard, there are multiple variants of NDPA frames, such as the VHT NDPA frame, HENDPA frame, and ranging NDPA frame mentioned above. Therefore, the receiver needs to be able to distinguish between the various variants of NDPA frames to prevent older versions of STA from misreading newer versions of NDPA frames.

[0076] During the VHT standard phase, since there was only one type of NDPA frame, no means were provided to distinguish NDPA frames, and the VHT STA at that time could not distinguish which variant of NDPA frame it was.

[0077] In the HE standard stage, such as Figure 6 The diagram showing the probe session token field structure introduces an HE indicator in the second bit of the 1-byte probe session token. This indicator is used to distinguish whether the NDPA frame is an HE NDPA frame, thus differentiating it from a VHT NDPA frame. HE STA can understand both types of NDPA frames and uses this bit indicator to identify which type it is. Older versions of VHT STA, however, do not differentiate between them and will interpret HE NDPA frames as VHT NDPA frames.

[0078] Still for reference Figure 6 The diagram showing the probe dialog token field structure illustrates that in 802.11az, the ranging standard phase, the first bit of the 1-byte probe dialog token introduces a ranging indicator to indicate whether the NDPA frame is a ranging NDPA frame. STAs supporting ranging will simultaneously use two bits (the ranging indicator bit and the HE indicator bit) to distinguish which of the three variants (VHT NDPA frame, HE NDPA frame, and ranging NDPA frame) the NDPA frame belongs to. Specifically, Table 2 below shows examples of NDPA frame variant indicator information:

[0079] Table 2

[0080] Ranging bit HE bit Variants of NDPA frame 0 0 VHT NDPA frame 0 1 HE NDPA frame 1 0 Ranging NDPA frame 1 1 Not defined

[0081] The previous VHT STA will not identify which NDPA frame is, and will understand the ranging NDPA frame as a VHT NDPA frame.

[0082] The STA identifies whether the NDPA frame is sent to itself through the association identifier of the station information. Because the old version of the STA will not identify the new NDPA variant, it is necessary to prevent the old version of the STA from mistakenly considering part of the new variant NDPA frame as being sent to itself. If misreading occurs, the old version of the STA will perform unnecessary channel information calculation, causing waste of cache and power consumption. For example Figure 7 The diagram for preventing VHT STA misreading HE NDPA frame is shown in FIG. 1. Taking an old version of VHT STA reading an HE NDPA as an example, it will consider the second 2 bytes (3rd byte to 4th byte) of the 4-byte HE NDPA frame of the station information as the second station information of a VHT NDPA frame. And consider the first 12 bits of information as a 12-bit association identifier subfield. If the last 9 bits of the partial bandwidth information + 2 bits of the feedback type and grouping subfield + 1 bit of the disambiguation bit happen to match the AID of an old version of VHT STA, misreading will occur. Therefore, a disambiguation bit is introduced in the HE NDPA frame, and the bit is required to be set to 1. The bit corresponds to the most important bit (the highest bit) of a 12-bit AID. At this time, the VHT STA will read the 12 bits as an AID greater than 2047. Since the 802.11 standard has not defined an AID greater than 2047, the old version of VHT STA will consider the AID greater than 2047 as the AID of another STA, and it is impossible to be its own, so misreading will not occur. Because the 802.11 standard has not defined an AID greater than 2047, the HE NDPA frame reduces the number of bits of the association identifier to 11 bits, and uses the saved 1 bit to transmit information.

[0083] For the ranging NDPA frame, the station information is the same as that of the HE NDPA frame, and the disambiguation bit is introduced to prevent misreading by the old version of VHT STA. For the HE STA, because the association identifier information of the HE NDPA frame and the ranging NDPA frame is the same, and the initiator of the channel probe will not send a ranging NDPA frame to an old version of HE STA that does not understand ranging, misreading will not occur.

[0084] However, the above scheme does not involve the design of the EHT NDPA frame to support larger bandwidth and more stream number channel probes, and does not involve how to prevent the old version of STA from misreading the new variant of NDPA frame.

[0085] Therefore, the embodiment of the present application provides a method and device for sending / receiving an empty data packet declaration frame, an EHT NDPA frame is designed, so that the STA considers it as HE probe when receiving the EHT NDPA frame, and further, according to the indication of the first bit of the first station information in the EHT NDPA frame, the NDPA frame is determined as an EHT NDPA frame, so as to perform EHT probe and obtain and feed back more channel state information of the flow number.

[0086] For example, the network structure to which the method for sending / receiving an empty data packet declaration frame provided in the present application is applicable is described. Figure 8 Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the network structure provided by the embodiment of the present application, which can include one or more access point (AP) type stations and one or more non-access point type stations (non-AP STA). For ease of description, the access point type station is referred to as an access point (AP) and the non-access point type station is referred to as a station (STA) in this paper. The AP is, for example, AP1 and AP2 in Figure 8 , and the STA is, for example, STA1, STA2 and STA3 in Figure 8 .

[0087] The access point can be an access point for a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) to enter a wired (or wireless) network, and is mainly deployed in a family, a building and a park, and has a typical coverage radius of tens of meters to hundreds of meters, and of course, can also be deployed outdoors. The access point is equivalent to a bridge connecting the wired network and the wireless network, and mainly functions to connect various wireless network clients together and then access the wireless network to the Ethernet. Specifically, the access point can be a terminal device (such as a mobile phone) or a network device (such as a router) with a WiFi chip. The access point can be a device supporting the 802.11be standard. The access point can also be a device supporting multiple wireless local area network (WLAN) standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b and 802.11a. The access point in the present application can be an HE AP or an EHT AP, and can also be an access point applicable to a future generation of WiFi standards.

[0088] The access point can include a processor and a transceiver, the processor is configured to control and manage the actions of the access point, and the transceiver is configured to receive or send information.

[0089] ​The station can be a wireless communication chip, a wireless sensor, or a wireless communication terminal, and can also be referred to as a user. For example, the station can be a mobile phone supporting WiFi communication function, a tablet computer supporting WiFi communication function, a set-top box supporting WiFi communication function, a smart television supporting WiFi communication function, a smart wearable device supporting WiFi communication function, a vehicle-mounted communication device supporting WiFi communication function, and a computer supporting WiFi communication function, and the like. Alternatively, the station can support the 802.11be standard. The station can also support various WLAN standards of the 802.11 family, such as 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

[0090] The station can include a processor for controlling and managing the actions of the station, and a transceiver for receiving or sending information.

[0091] The station in this application can be an HE STA or an EHT STA, and can also be an STA applicable to a future generation of WiFi standards.

[0092] For example, the access point and the station can be devices applied to the Internet of Vehicles, Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, sensors, smart cameras in smart homes, smart remote controllers, smart water and electricity meters, and sensors in smart cities.

[0093] The access point and the station involved in the embodiments of the present application can also be collectively referred to as a communication device, which can include hardware structures, software modules, and implement the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures plus software modules. A certain function in the above functions can be implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures plus software modules.

[0094] Figure 9 A structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 2. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 200 can include a processor 201, a transceiver 205, and optionally a memory 202.

[0095] The transceiver 205 can be referred to as a transceiving unit, a transceiver, or a transceiving circuit, and is used to implement the transceiving function. The transceiver 205 can include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver can be referred to as a receiver or a receiving circuit, and is used to implement the receiving function. The transmitter can be referred to as a transmitter or a transmitting circuit, and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0096] The memory 202 can store computer programs or software codes or instructions 204, which can also be referred to as firmware. The processor 201 can control the MAC layer and the physical (PHY) layer by running the computer programs or software codes or instructions 203 therein, or by invoking the computer programs or software codes or instructions 204 stored in the memory 202, to implement the methods described in the embodiments disclosed herein to send / receive null data packet declaration frames. The processor 201 can be a central processing unit (CPU), and the memory 302 can be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM).

[0097] The processor 201 and the transceiver 205 described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented on an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a mixed-signal IC, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, etc.

[0098] The communication apparatus 200 described above can further include an antenna 206. The modules included in the communication apparatus 200 are merely illustrative, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited in this regard.

[0099] As described above, the communication apparatus 200 described in the above embodiments can be an access point or a station, but the scope of the communication apparatus described in the embodiments disclosed herein is not limited in this regard, and the structure of the communication apparatus can not be limited in the Figure 9 embodiments disclosed herein. The communication apparatus can be a standalone device or can be a part of a larger device. For example, the communication apparatus can be implemented in the form of:

[0100] (1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage means for storing data, instructions; (3) a module that can be embedded within other devices; (4) a receiver, a smart terminal, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a car device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (5) other, etc.

[0101] For the case where the implementation form of the communication apparatus is a chip or a chip system, the structure of the chip can be seen from the structure diagram of the chip shown in Figure 10 Figure 10 ​The chip shown includes a processor 301 and an interface 302. Among them, the number of processors 301 can be one or more, and the number of interfaces 302 can be multiple. Optionally, the chip or chip system can include a memory 303.

[0102] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the protection scope and applicability of the claims. Those skilled in the art can adapt the functions and deployment of the elements involved in the present application, or omit, replace or add various processes or components as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0103] As Figure 11 The flowchart shown is a flowchart of a method for transmitting / receiving an empty data packet declaration frame according to an embodiment of the present application. The method includes the following steps:

[0104] S101, the AP transmits an NDPA frame. The NDPA frame includes a probe session token and a first station information field. The probe session token includes first indication information, which indicates that the NDPA frame is an EHT probe or an HE probe. The first bit of the first station information field includes second indication information, which indicates that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station or an HE station.

[0105] It can be understood that the above-mentioned first station information field can be one or more. Each first station information field corresponds to one STA.

[0106] Correspondingly, the STA attempts to receive the NDPA frame, and when it is found that the association identifier contained in the first station information field is the same as itself, it continues to parse the first station information field to obtain other information.

[0107] In this embodiment, the AP instructs the STA to perform EHT probe. As Figure 6 The frame structure of the EHT NDPA frame is shown in the figure. The EHT NDPA frame includes a frame control field, a duration, a receiving address, a sending address, a probe session token, N station information fields, and a frame check sequence field. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The difference between the EHT NDPA frame and the VHT NDPA frame or the HE NDPA frame is mainly in the first station information field. In addition, the information for indicating ranging and the information for indicating high efficiency included in the probe session token are also different from the above-mentioned VHT NDPA frame or HE NDPA frame. Therefore, this embodiment focuses on the description of the probe session token field and the first station information field, and the meanings of other fields can be referred to the description above.

[0108] The detection dialogue token occupies 1 byte, and the detection dialogue token includes information indicating ranging, information indicating HE, and information indicating the number of detection dialogue tokens. The information indicating ranging occupies 1 bit, the information indicating HE occupies 1 bit, and the information indicating the number of detection dialogue tokens occupies 6 bits. Of course, the present embodiment is not limited to this.

[0109] In the present embodiment, the detection dialogue token includes first indication information for indicating EHT detection or HE detection, so that the STA of HE and above versions regards the NDPA frame as EHT detection or HE detection. Specifically, the first indication information includes the information indicating ranging and the information indicating HE. According to the above table 2 and the further extension of the first indication information in the present embodiment, the STA regards it as EHT detection or HE detection when the bit position of the information indicating ranging is “0” and the bit position of the information indicating HE is “1”.

[0110] After the STA regards it as EHT detection or HE detection, further, the first station information field is used to confirm that the first station information field corresponds to an HE station or an EHT station. In the present embodiment, the NDPA frame includes the first station information field, and the first bit position of the first station information field includes second indication information for indicating that the first station information field corresponds to an HE station or an EHT station.

[0111] In a possible implementation, the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame includes 4 bytes. As shown in Figures 12a-12d , four first station information fields of EHT NDPA frames are provided. Of course, the present application is not limited to these four EHT NDPA frame structures, and the EHT NDPA frame structures obtained according to the principles of the present application are all within the protection scope of the present application.

[0112] As shown in the example of Figure 12a , the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2…B31. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B23, B24 (i.e., the 24th and 25th bits in the first station information field), and in Figure 12aIn the HE NDPA frame structure shown in FIG. 3, the first bit of the first station information field is B0. If bit positions B23 and B24 are both set to "1", the STA identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT STA when parsing the first station information field and obtaining the second indication information. If B23 and B24 are set to other values, the STA identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an HE STA. That is, B23 and B24 are used to distinguish whether the first station information field is an HE STA or an EHT STA, or whether the NDPA frame is an HE NDPA frame or an EHT NDPA frame. In the HE NDPA frame structure shown in FIG. 3, B23 and B24 correspond to the second highest bit and the highest bit of the resource unit end index in the HE NDPA frame, respectively. If the second highest bit and the highest bit of the resource unit end index are both set to "1", the bit value of the resource unit end index is greater than or equal to 96, which does not conform to the indication rule of the HE NDPA, so the HE STA will not misread the first station information field. Figure 5 In the HE NDPA frame structure shown in FIG. 3, the first bit of the first station information field is B0. If bit positions B23 and B24 are both set to "1", the STA identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT STA when parsing the first station information field and obtaining the second indication information. If B23 and B24 are set to other values, the STA identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an HE STA. That is, B23 and B24 are used to distinguish whether the first station information field is an HE STA or an EHT STA, or whether the NDPA frame is an HE NDPA frame or an EHT NDPA frame. In the HE NDPA frame structure shown in FIG. 3, B23 and B24 correspond to the second highest bit and the highest bit of the resource unit end index in the HE NDPA frame, respectively. If the second highest bit and the highest bit of the resource unit end index are both set to "1", the bit value of the resource unit end index is greater than or equal to 96, which does not conform to the indication rule of the HE NDPA, so the HE STA will not misread the first station information field.

[0113] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2, …, B31. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B16 and B17 (i.e., the 17th and 18th bits in the first station information field), and the first station information field is identified as an HE STA when the STA parses the first station information field and obtains the second indication information. Figure 12b As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2, …, B31. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B16 and B17 (i.e., the 17th and 18th bits in the first station information field), and the first station information field is identified as an HE STA when the STA parses the first station information field and obtains the second indication information. Figure 12c In the HE NDPA frame structure shown in FIG. 3, the first bit of the first station information field is B0. If bit positions B23 and B24 are both set to "1", the STA identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT STA when parsing the first station information field and obtaining the second indication information. If B23 and B24 are set to other values, the STA identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an HE STA. That is, B23 and B24 are used to distinguish whether the first station information field is an HE STA or an EHT STA, or whether the NDPA frame is an HE NDPA frame or an EHT NDPA frame. In the HE NDPA frame structure shown in FIG. 3, B23 and B24 correspond to the second highest bit and the highest bit of the resource unit end index in the HE NDPA frame, respectively. If the second highest bit and the highest bit of the resource unit end index are both set to "1", the bit value of the resource unit end index is greater than or equal to 96, which does not conform to the indication rule of the HE NDPA, so the HE STA will not misread the first station information field. Figure 12b In the HE NDPA frame structure shown in FIG. 3, the first bit of the first station information field is B0. If bit positions B23 and B24 are both set to "1", the STA identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT STA when parsing the first station information field and obtaining the second indication information. If B23 and B24 are set to other values, the STA identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an HE STA. That is, B23 and B24 are used to distinguish whether the first station information field is an HE STA or an EHT STA, or whether the NDPA frame is an HE NDPA frame or an EHT NDPA frame. In the HE NDPA frame structure shown in FIG. 3, B23 and B24 correspond to the second highest bit and the highest bit of the resource unit end index in the HE NDPA frame, respectively. If the second highest bit and the highest bit of the resource unit end index are both set to "1", the bit value of the resource unit end index is greater than or equal to 96, which does not conform to the indication rule of the HE NDPA, so the HE STA will not misread the first station information field. Figure 12c Figure 5

[0114] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2, …, B31. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B16 and B17 (i.e., the 17th and 18th bits in the first station information field), and the first station information field is identified as an HE STA when the STA parses the first station information field and obtains the second indication information. Figure 12d ​​In the example shown, the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2…B31. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B17, B24 (i.e., the 18th and 25th bits in the first station information field), and in Figure 12d In the example shown, the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2…B31. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B17, B24 (i.e., the 18th and 25th bits in the first station information field), and in Figure 5 In the HE NDPA frame structure shown, B17 corresponds to the highest bit of the resource unit start index in the HE NDPA frame, and B24 corresponds to the highest bit of the resource unit end index in the HE NDPA frame. Since B17 is set to “1” and B24 is set to “0”, the resource unit start index will be greater than the resource unit end index, which no longer meets the indication rule of the HE NDPA, so the HE STA will not misread the first station information field as corresponding to the HE STA.

[0115] In the above Figures 12a-12d In the above

[0116] 1) AID information, used to identify the associated station, specifically used to indicate the station number, which can generally be located in the first subfield in the first station information field. The AID information can occupy 11 bits, i.e., B0-B10. Of course, the size of the AID information can not be limited, and the bit position where the AID information is located can also not be limited.

[0117] 2) Resource unit size (RU size), used to indicate the size of the RU allocated by the AP to the STA for channel sounding, which can occupy 3 bits, i.e., B11-B13. Of course, the size of the resource unit can not be limited, and the bit position used to indicate the size of the resource unit can also not be limited. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13 In the example shown, the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2…B31. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B17, B24 (i.e., the 18th and 25th bits in the first station information field), and in Figure 13As shown, if all subcarriers within the 80MHz bandwidth are divided into one RU, a 996-tone RU (996RU for short) is formed, containing 996 subcarriers. Meanwhile, the 80MHz bandwidth can also be divided into more RUs, and the more RUs the 80MHz bandwidth is divided into, the fewer subcarriers each RU contains. For example, the 80MHz bandwidth can be divided into 2 484-tone RUs (484RU for short), each containing 484 subcarriers; or divided into 4 242-tone RUs (242RU for short), or 8 106-tone RUs (106RU for short), or 16 52-tone RUs (52RU for short), or 36 26-tone RUs. The 802.11be supports bandwidths of 160MHz or above, such as 240MHz, 320MHz, and the RU division for bandwidths of 240MHz and 320MHz is performed in the same manner as described above. Taking the 320MHz bandwidth as an example, when divided into 26-tone RUs, a maximum of 144 RUs can be divided; when divided into 52-tone RUs, a maximum of 64 RUs can be divided; when divided into 106-tone RUs, a maximum of 32 RUs can be divided; when divided into 242-tone RUs, a maximum of 16 RUs can be divided; when divided into 484-tone RUs, a maximum of 8 RUs can be divided; and when divided into 996-tone RUs, a maximum of 4 RUs can be divided. Each first station information includes a primary resource unit, i.e., the AP allocates a primary resource unit to each STA, and the size of the resource unit is used to indicate the size of any one of the following primary resource units: 26RU, 52RU, 106RU, 242RU, 484RU, and 996RU.

[0118] The primary resource unit here refers to a primary resource unit relative to a secondary resource unit, and the secondary resource unit generally contains fewer subcarriers than the primary resource unit, e.g., the secondary resource unit is generally a next-level resource unit of the primary resource unit. For example, the primary resource unit is a 52-tone RU, and the secondary resource unit is a 26-tone RU.

[0119] 3) Resource unit offset (RU offset).

[0120] In a possible implementation, the resource unit offset value is used to indicate the frequency domain position of the primary resource unit, and the frequency domain position of the primary resource unit belongs to the first segment or the second segment. Here, the "segment" refers to the range of the number of primary resource units indicated by the resource unit offset value. This embodiment takes the support of a 320 MHz bandwidth as an example. The 320 MHz bandwidth includes 144 26-tone RUs. According to the size of the resource unit offset value and / or the number of bits required to indicate the MRU, it is determined whether the 144 26-tone RUs are further divided into the first segment and the second segment, specifically, whether the 144 26-tone RUs included in the 320 MHz are further divided into different ranges of the number of RUs. For example, if the resource unit offset value includes 8 bits, the 8 bits can indicate the position of the 144 26-tone RUs, and the position of any one of the 144 26-tone RUs can be indicated by the 8 bits. If the resource unit offset value includes 7 bits, the 7 bits can only indicate the position of 128 26-tone RUs, and the 144 26-tone RUs are divided into 0-127 26-tone RUs (the first segment) and 128-143 26-tone RUs (the second segment). Then, in combination with the indication information of the size of the resource unit, it is determined whether the frequency domain position of the primary resource unit indicated by the resource unit offset value belongs to the first segment or the second segment.

[0121] For another example, the 320 MHz bandwidth includes 64 52-tone RUs. According to the size of the resource unit offset value and / or the number of bits required to indicate the MRU, it is determined whether the 64 52-tone RUs are further divided into the first segment and the second segment, specifically, whether the 64 52-tone RUs included in the 320 MHz are further divided into different ranges of the number of RUs. For example, if the resource unit offset value indicates the position of the primary resource unit by using 6 bits, the 6 bits can indicate the position of the 64 52-tone RUs, and the position of any one of the 64 52-tone RUs can be indicated by the 6 bits. If the resource unit offset value indicates the position of the primary resource unit by using 5 bits, the 5 bits can only indicate the position of 32 52-tone RUs, and the 64 52-tone RUs are divided into 0-31 52-tone RUs (the first segment) and 32-63 52-tone RUs (the second segment). Then, in combination with the indication information of the size of the resource unit, it is determined whether the frequency domain position of the primary resource unit indicated by the resource unit offset value belongs to the first segment or the second segment.

[0122] In yet another possible implementation, when the primary resource unit includes multiple 996-tone RUs, the resource unit offset value is used to indicate the frequency domain locations of the individual 996-tone RUs in the multiple RUs. Specifically, when the size of the resource unit is 2*996-tone RU, 3*996-tone RU, or 4*996-tone RU, the resource unit offset value is a bitmap of one bit, which is used to indicate whether a 996-tone RU is configured at the frequency domain location. Generally, 4 bits are used to indicate the frequency domain locations of the individual 996-tone RUs in the multiple RUs. For example, when the resource unit offset value is "1110", it indicates that the size of the resource unit is 3*996-tone RU and the frequency domain locations of the three 996-tone RUs are indicated; for another example, when the resource unit offset value is "0011", it indicates that the size of the resource unit is 2*996-tone RU and the frequency domain locations of the two 996-tone RUs are indicated.

[0123] In yet another possible implementation, the resource unit offset value is used to indicate the frequency domain location of the primary resource unit and the configuration of the secondary resource unit merged with the primary resource unit. Specifically, in order to further improve the utilization efficiency of the bandwidth and provide a larger bandwidth, MRU merging can be performed in this embodiment. Part of the bits in the resource unit offset value are used to indicate the frequency domain location of the primary resource unit, and the remaining bits are used to indicate the configuration of the secondary resource unit merged with the primary resource unit. The remaining bits can also be a bitmap, which is used to indicate whether a secondary resource unit is configured at the frequency domain location. For example, 2 bits are used to indicate whether a secondary resource unit is configured on the left and right sides of the primary resource unit, respectively. If the first bit is set to "1", it indicates that a secondary resource unit is configured on the left side of the primary resource unit; if the first bit is set to "0", it indicates that no secondary resource unit is configured on the left side of the primary resource unit; if the second bit is set to "1", it indicates that a secondary resource unit is configured on the right side of the primary resource unit; and if the second bit is set to "0", it indicates that no secondary resource unit is configured on the right side of the primary resource unit.

[0124] The following will be described by specific examples respectively:

[0125] In one example, the RU size includes 3 bits and the RU offset includes 8 bits. The specific meanings of the RU size and the RU offset indication information are shown in Table 3 as follows:

[0126] Table 3

[0127]

[0128] In Table 3, it can be seen that when the primary RU adopts a 26-tone RU, 320MHz can be divided into 144 26-tone RUs, and an 8-bit RU offset can be used to indicate the position of a 26-tone RU allocated to a STA. At this time, there is no secondary RU on both sides of the primary RU. Here, the 8-bit RU offset can indicate 144 26-tone RUs, so the 144 26-tone RUs are not further divided into different bandwidth ranges.

[0129] When the primary RU adopts a 52-tone RU, 320MHz can be divided into 64 52-tone RUs, and 6 bits can be used to indicate the position of a 52-tone RU. In addition, as shown in Table 3, on the left or right side of some 52-tone RUs, there can also be smaller RUs, i.e., 26-tone RUs, which can be merged into the 52-tone RUs as secondary RUs. At this time, the remaining 2 bits can be used to indicate whether there is a 26-tone RU on the left or right side of the 52-tone RU. For example, as shown in Table 3, the 2 bits can be B20, B21, then B20 can be used to indicate whether there is a 26-tone RU on the left side of the 52-tone RU, if the bit value of B20 is set to "1", it indicates that there is a 26-tone RU on the left side of the 52-tone RU, if the bit value of B20 is set to "0", it indicates that there is no 26-tone RU on the left side of the 52-tone RU; B21 can be used to indicate whether there is a 26-tone RU on the right side of the 52-tone RU, if the bit value of B21 is set to "1", it indicates that there is a 26-tone RU on the right side of the 52-tone RU, if the bit value of B21 is set to "0", it indicates that there is no 26-tone RU on the right side of the 52-tone RU. Here, the 6-bit RU offset can indicate 64 52-tone RUs, so the 64 52-tone RUs are not further divided into different bandwidth ranges. Figure 13 Figure 12a

[0130] When the primary RU adopts a 106-tone RU, 320MHz can be divided into 32 106-tone RUs, and 5 bits can be used to indicate the position of a 106-tone RU allocated to a STA. In addition, as shown in Table 3, on the left or right side of some 106-tone RUs, there can also be smaller RUs, i.e., 52-tone RUs, which can be merged into the 106-tone RUs as secondary RUs. At this time, the remaining 1 bit can be used to indicate whether there is a 52-tone RU on the left or right side of the 106-tone RU. For example, as shown in Table 3, the 1 bit can be B22, then B22 can be used to indicate whether there is a 52-tone RU on the left side of the 106-tone RU, if the bit value of B22 is set to "1", it indicates that there is a 52-tone RU on the left side of the 106-tone RU, if the bit value of B22 is set to "0", it indicates that there is no 52-tone RU on the left side of the 106-tone RU. Here, the 5-bit RU offset can indicate 32 106-tone RUs, so the 32 106-tone RUs are not further divided into different bandwidth ranges. Figure 13 ​​As shown, on the left or right side of the 106-tone RU, there can also exist a smaller RU, i.e., a 26-tone RU, which can be merged into the 106-tone RU as a secondary RU. At this time, the remaining 3 bits or fewer bits can be used to indicate whether there is a 26-tone RU on the left or right side of the 106-tone RU. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, 2 bits are used to indicate whether there is a 26-tone RU on the left or right side of the 106-tone RU. The 2 bits can be B20, B21, then B20 can be used to indicate whether there is a 26-tone RU on the left side of the 106-tone RU, if the bit value of B20 is set to "1", it indicates that there is a 26-tone RU on the left side of the 106-tone RU, if the bit value of B20 is set to "0", it indicates that there is no 26-tone RU on the left side of the 106-tone RU; B21 is used to indicate whether there is a 26-tone RU on the right side of the 106-tone RU, if the bit value of B21 is set to "1", it indicates that there is a 26-tone RU on the right side of the 106-tone RU, if the bit value of B21 is set to "0", it indicates that there is no 26-tone RU on the right side of the 106-tone RU. Figure 12a

[0131] When the primary RU is a 242-tone RU, 320MHz can be divided into 16 242-tone RUs, 4 bits can be used to indicate the position of a 242-tone RU allocated to a STA. In addition, the remaining 4 bits or fewer bits can be used to indicate whether there is a smaller RU than the 242-tone RU on the left or right side of the 242-tone RU. The indication method is similar to the above.

[0132] When the primary RU is a 484-tone RU, 320MHz can be divided into 8 484-tone RUs, 3 bits can be used to indicate the position of a 484-tone RU allocated to a STA. In addition, the remaining 5 bits or fewer bits can be used to indicate whether there is a smaller RU than the 484-tone RU on the left or right side of the 484-tone RU. The indication method is similar to the above.

[0133] ​320MHz can be divided into 4 996-tone RUs, and 4 bits can be used to indicate the position of each 996-tone RU in one or more 996-tone RUs allocated to one STA. When the size of the resource unit is 2*996-tone RU, 3*996-tone RU or 4*996-tone RU, the resource unit offset value is a bitmap of one bit, which is used to indicate whether a 996-tone RU is configured at the frequency domain position. Generally, 4 bits are used to indicate the frequency domain position of each 996-tone RU in multiple RUs, for example, the resource unit offset value is "1110", which indicates that the size of the resource unit is 3*996-tone RU and the frequency domain position of each of the 3 996-tone RUs is indicated; for another example, the resource unit offset value is "1001", which indicates that the size of the resource unit is 2*996-tone RU and the frequency domain position of each of the 2 996-tone RUs is indicated. In addition, the remaining 4 bits or fewer bits can be used to indicate whether there is a RU smaller than the 996-tone RU on the left or right side of the 996-tone RU.

[0134] In Figure 12a In the station field structure shown in FIG. 6, the RU offset field can occupy 8 consecutive bits of B14-B21.

[0135] In Figure 12b In the station field structure shown in FIG. 6, the RU offset field can occupy 8 bits of B14-B15 and B18-B23.

[0136] In Figure 12c In the station field structure shown in FIG. 6, the RU offset field can occupy 8 consecutive bits of B18-B25.

[0137] In Figure 12d In the station field structure shown in FIG. 6, the RU offset field can occupy 8 bits of B14-B16 and B18-B22.

[0138] In another example, the RU size includes 3 bits and the RU offset includes 7 bits. Compared with the previous example, the RU offset occupies 1 bit less, and the 1 bit can be used to indicate the codebook size, the feedback type and Ng, thereby increasing the type of channel state information feedback; or the 1 bit can also be reserved. The specific meanings of the RU size and RU offset indication information are shown in Table 4:

[0139] Different from the example of Table 3, the resource unit offset value is 7 bits, if the RU size indicates the primary RU is a 26-tone RU, since 320MHz includes 144 26-tone RUs, and the 7-bit resource unit offset value can only indicate 128 26-tone RUs, therefore, the 144 26-tone RUs are divided into 0-127 26-tone RUs (corresponding to the first segment) and 128-143 26-tone RUs (corresponding to the second segment). Then, in combination with the indication of the size of the resource unit, it is determined whether the primary RU belongs to the first segment or the second segment. For example, the bit value of the size of the resource unit is "000" (converted to decimal "0"), which indicates that the primary RU belongs to the range of 0-127 26-tone RUs, and the bit value of the size of the resource unit is "001" (converted to decimal "1"), which indicates that the primary RU belongs to the range of 128-143 26-tone RUs.

[0140] In addition, the bits in the resource unit offset value for indicating the MRU are less than 1 bit compared to Table 3.

[0141] Table 4

[0142]

[0143] In yet another example, the RU size includes 3 bits, and the RU offset includes 7 bits. Compared to the previous example, the RU offset occupies 1 bit less, and the 1 bit can be used to indicate the codebook size, the feedback type, and Ng, thereby increasing the type of channel state information feedback; or the 1 bit can also be reserved. The specific meanings of the RU size and RU offset indication information are shown in Table 5 as follows:

[0144] Table 5

[0145]

[0146]

[0147] Compared to Table 4, in Table 5, since 320MHz includes 64 52-tone RUs, 5 bits are used to indicate the location of the main RU, and 2 bits are used to indicate the location of the auxiliary RUs. However, only 5 bits can be used to indicate the location of 32 52-tone RUs. Therefore, the 64 52-tone RUs are divided into 0–31 52-tone RUs (corresponding to the first segment) and 32–63 52-tone RUs (corresponding to the second segment). Then, combined with the resource unit size indication information, for example, if the bit value of the resource unit size is "010" (converted to decimal "2"), the main RU belongs to the range of 0–31 52-tone RUs; if the bit value of the resource unit size is "011" (converted to decimal "3"), the main RU belongs to the range of 32–63 52-tone RUs.

[0148] 4) Number of columns N c , used to indicate the number of spatial streams performing channel sensing. Specifically, when beamforming reports are used to feed back channel state information for multiple spatial streams, Nc is specifically used to indicate the number of columns in the feedback beamforming matrix. Used to represent N c The information can include 4 bits, that is Figures 12a-12d As shown in Figures B28 to B31, since 802.11be supports 1 to 16 spatial streams, 4 bits are needed to indicate which spatial streams' channel state information is being fed back. This channel state information is reported in the form of beamforming reports, and is also used to indicate the number of columns in the feedback beamforming matrix.

[0149] 5) Codebook size, feedback type, and number of groups N g The codebook size occupies 1 bit, and the feedback type and number of groups N are... g It occupies 2 bits. The codebook size is 1 bit, and the feedback type and number of blocks N are 2 bits. g Together, they indicate the quantization bits of the feedback beamforming matrix, the subcarrier combining format, and the feedback content, among other joint information.

[0150] 6) Disambiguation information, which occupies 1 bit. Based on this disambiguation information, VHT stations can avoid misreading the information of the first station. The principle can be referred to the description above.

[0151] In another possible implementation, the first site information field in the EHT NDPA frame includes 8 bytes, allowing more resources to be used to indicate more detailed information. For example... Figures 14a-14c As shown, three types of EHT NDPA frame first site information fields are provided. Of course, this application is not limited to these three EHT NDPA frame structures; any EHT NDPA frame structure obtained based on the principles of this application is within the protection scope of this application.

[0152] In Figures 14a-14c the structure of the first station information field shown, the first bit of the first station information field, or the bit position of the second indication information, is still the same as Figures 12a-12d . That is, in Figure 14a , the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2…B63. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B23, B24 (i.e. the 24th and 25th bits in the first station information field). In Figure 14b , the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2…B63. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B16, B17 (i.e. the 17th and 18th bits in the first station information field). In Figure 14c , the bits of the first station information field in the EHT NDPA frame are sequentially identified as B0, B1, B2…B63. Among them, the second indication information in the first station information field is located at B17, B24 (i.e. the 18th and 25th bits in the first station information field).

[0153] Different from the field structure shown in Figures 12a-12d , in the example shown in Figures 14a-14c , the first AID and the second AID are included, for example, the first AID is located at bit positions B0-B10, and the second AID is located at bit positions B32-B42. Among them, the first AID is used to indicate the associated station, and the value of the second AID can be the same as the first AID, or the value belongs to 2008-2046. Since the value range of the AID is usually 0-2007, when the HE and above version STA reads B32-B42, it recognizes that the value range of B32-B42 is greater than 2007, so it will not be mistaken that the first station information field belongs to the HE station; or for the EHT STA, when reading B32-B42, the same value as B0-B10 is read, then it is considered that this is the station information field sent to the same STA. Thus, the STA can more accurately identify the EHT NDPA frame.

[0154] In addition, in the field structure shown in Figures 12a-12d , the first station information field includes the size of the resource unit, while in the example shown in Figures 14a-14c , the first station information field includes the resource unit start index and the resource unit end index. Specifically, the resource unit start index occupies 8 bits, which is used to indicate the starting position of the measurement subcarrier that needs to be fed back, and the resource unit end index occupies 8 bits, which is used to indicate the ending position of the measurement subcarrier that needs to be fed back.

[0155] In Figures 12a-12d In the field structure shown in FIG. 6, the first station information field includes a resource unit offset value, and in the field structure shown in FIG. 7, the first station information field includes an MRU. The MRU is used to indicate the merging information of multiple RUs. For example, the MRU occupies 8 bits, which is used to indicate the existence of a secondary RU in which position of the primary RU indicated by the resource unit start index and the resource unit end index. The specific indication manner can refer to the related description of the MRU in the foregoing description. Figures 14a-14c In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first station information field includes an MRU. The MRU is used to indicate the merging information of multiple RUs. For example, the MRU occupies 8 bits, which is used to indicate the existence of a secondary RU in which position of the primary RU indicated by the resource unit start index and the resource unit end index. The specific indication manner can refer to the related description of the MRU in the foregoing description.

[0156] S102, the STA identifies the EHT station corresponding to the first station information field according to the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0157] After the STA receives the NDPA frame sent to itself, the STA parses the probe session token in the NDPA frame to obtain the first indication information, that is, the information used to indicate the ranging and the information used to indicate the high efficiency. If the first indication information is used to indicate the EHT probe or the HE probe, that is, the information bit used to indicate the ranging is set to “0”, and the information bit used to indicate the high efficiency is set to “1”, the STA identifies the EHT probe or the HE probe.

[0158] Further, the STA parses the second indication information contained in the first station information field. Specifically, if the AP adopts the first station information field structure as shown in FIG. 6, the STA parses the bit values of B23 and B24. If B23 and B24 are both set to “1”, the STA identifies the NDPA frame as the EHT NDPA frame, and will not mistakenly think it is the HE NDPA frame. If the AP adopts the first station information field structure as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the STA parses the bit values of B16 and B17. If B16 and B17 are both set to “1”, the STA identifies the NDPA frame as the EHT NDPA frame, and will not mistakenly think it is the HE NDPA frame. If the AP adopts the first station information field structure as shown in FIG. 9, the STA parses the bit values of B17 and B24. If B17 is set to “1” and B24 is set to “0”, the STA identifies the NDPA frame as the EHT NDPA frame, and will not mistakenly think it is the HE NDPA frame. Figure 12a Figure 12b Figure 12c Figure 12d

[0159] S103, the AP sends an NDP.

[0160] Correspondingly, the STA receives the NDP.

[0161] Specifically, the AP can send the NDP after a short interframe space after sending the NDPA frame.

[0162] S104, the AP sends a trigger frame. ​​​​

[0163] Accordingly, the STA receives the trigger frame.

[0164] In particular, the AP can send the trigger frame after one short interframe space after sending the NDP. The trigger frame is used to trigger the STA to feed back the channel state information. When the NDPA frame includes multiple first station information fields, in one possible implementation, the trigger frame can also trigger multiple STAs to feed back the channel state information acquired respectively, as shown in Figure 4 In another possible implementation, the AP can also send different trigger frames, for example, a first trigger frame is used to trigger a first STA to feed back the acquired channel state information, and a second trigger frame is used to trigger a second STA to feed back the acquired channel state information. The AP can itself determine the time sequence of sending the above different trigger frames.

[0165] Alternatively, the STA can also perform single-user feedback as shown in Figure 3 The AP can also not send the trigger frame. After acquiring the channel state information, the STA feeds back the acquired channel state information to the AP. That is, step S104 is optional, which is represented by a dashed line in the figure.

[0166] Alternatively, when the NDPA frame includes multiple first station information fields, as shown in Figure 1 The AP can also send a beamforming report polling frame after one short interframe space after receiving the channel state information fed back by one STA, one polling frame triggers one STA to feed back the acquired channel state information; if there are multiple STAs that need to feed back the channel state information, the polling frame can be sent after one short interframe space after receiving the channel state information fed back by a second STA. And so on.

[0167] S105, the STA performs EHT sounding to acquire channel state information of N c spatial streams, N c is a positive integer, and the maximum value of N c is 16.

[0168] After identifying the NDPA frame as an EHT NDPA frame, and after receiving the NDP and the trigger frame, the STA performs EHT channel sounding, that is, channel estimation is performed through the NDP. 802.11be supports channel sounding of 1-16 spatial streams, therefore, the STA can acquire channel state information of N c spatial streams.

[0169] Specifically, the STA can obtain the channel state information of N c space streams according to the size of the resource unit and the resource unit offset value indicated by the first station information field, at the location of the primary resource unit, or the location of the plurality of primary resource units, or the location of the primary resource unit and the secondary resource unit when the resource unit offset value indicates that the secondary resource unit is configured. c .

[0170] S106, the STA sends the obtained channel state information of N c space streams to the AP.

[0171] Correspondingly, the AP receives the channel state information of N c space streams fed back by the STA.

[0172] Specifically, the STA feeds back a beamforming report to the AP. The beamforming report is a beamforming matrix containing the channel state information of N c space streams. The number of columns of the beamforming matrix is N c .

[0173] According to the method for sending / receiving an empty data packet declaration frame provided by the embodiment of the application, an EHT NDPA frame structure is provided, first, let the stations of HE and above versions think that the NDPA frame is an EHT probe or an HE probe, then, according to the second indication information of the first bit of the first station information field, identify that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station, so that the EHT station can accurately identify the EHT NDPA frame and perform EHT probe, avoiding that the HE station mistakenly thinks that the first station information field corresponds to an HE station.

[0174] Further, the EHT physical layer protocol data unit (physical protocol protocol data unit, PPDU) can also form an aggregated PPDU (aggregation-PPDU, A-PPDU) transmission with other WLAN standard PPDUs. Under the A-PPDU mechanism, the HE STA and the EHT STA can simultaneously transmit data on orthogonal resource blocks.

[0175] As Figure 15 shown, a flowchart of a method for sending / receiving an empty data packet declaration frame provided by the embodiment of the application is shown. The method includes the following steps:

[0176] S201a-S201b, the AP sends an NDPA frame.

[0177] andFigure 11 The NDPA frame includes a first station information field and a second station information field. The first station information field corresponds to an EHT station, and the second station information field corresponds to an HE station. It can be understood that the NDPA frame can include one or more first station information fields and one or more second station information fields. In this way, the probes of different types of stations can be supported in one NDPA frame, and additional NDPA frames do not need to be sent, thereby improving efficiency. The field structure of the first station information field can refer to the description of the embodiment shown in Figure 11 The structure of the second station information field is different from that of the first station information field. The structure of the second station information field adopts the structure of the station information field in the HE NDPA frame shown in Figure 5 The second station information field includes an AID, partial bandwidth information, a feedback type and grouping, disambiguation, a codebook size, and the number of columns. The second station information field includes 4 bytes. The partial bandwidth information includes a resource unit start index and a resource unit end index, the resource unit start index belongs to a resource unit with an index number of 0-73, the resource unit end index belongs to a resource unit with an index number of 0-73, and the resource unit start index is less than or equal to the resource unit end index.

[0178] Correspondingly, in S201a, STA1 attempts to receive the NDPA frame, and when it is found that the association identifier contained in the first station information field is the same as itself, the first station information field is further parsed to obtain other information.

[0179] In S201b, STA2 attempts to receive the NDPA frame, and when it is found that the association identifier contained in the second station information field is the same as itself, the second station information field is further parsed to obtain other information.

[0180] S202a, STA1 identifies that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station according to the first indication information and the second indication information.

[0181] That is, the STA1 is an EHT station. The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S102 of the embodiment shown in Figure 11

[0182] S202b, STA2 identifies that the second station information field corresponds to an HE station.

[0183] ​This means that STA2 is an HE site. Upon receiving an NDPA frame sent to itself, STA2 identifies it as either an EHT probe or an HE probe based on the first indication information included in the probe dialog token. Further, it reads the second site information field, identifying that the resource unit start index and resource unit end index are both between 0 and 73, and that the resource unit start index is less than or equal to the resource unit end index. If the second site information field corresponds to an HE site, then STA2 identifies it as an EHT probe or an HE probe based on the first indication information. For example, if STA2 determines it is an EHT probe or an HE probe based on the first indication information, it continues to interpret the resource unit start index and resource unit end index fields according to the HE NDPA frame structure. If it can be read correctly (or the read result conforms to the standard), it fully interprets the structure and performs subsequent processing; if it does not conform to the standard, it stops processing.

[0184] S203a~S203b, AP sends NDP.

[0185] Accordingly, in S203a, STA1 receives the NDP.

[0186] In S203b, STA2 receives the NDP.

[0187] Specifically, the AP broadcasts the NDP, and STA1 and STA2 receive the NDP.

[0188] S204a~S204b, AP sends trigger frames.

[0189] Accordingly, in S204a, STA1 receives the trigger frame.

[0190] In S204b, STA2 receives the trigger frame.

[0191] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, this trigger frame can also trigger STA1 and STA2 to simultaneously feed back their respective acquired channel state information. In another possible implementation, the AP can also send different trigger frames; for example, the first trigger frame is used to trigger STA1 to feed back its acquired channel state information, and the second trigger frame is used to trigger STA2 to feed back its acquired channel state information. The AP can determine the order in which these different trigger frames are sent.

[0192] For details on how to implement this step, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 11 Step S104 of the illustrated embodiment.

[0193] S205a and STA1 performed EHT detection to obtain N. c Channel state information of a spatial stream.

[0194] The specific implementation of this step can refer to step S104 of the embodiment shown in Figure 11 Step S105 of the embodiment shown in

[0195] S205b, STA2 performs HE sounding to obtain channel state information of M spatial streams.

[0196] In the 802.11ax standard, the maximum supported bandwidth is 160MHz, and the maximum number of supported spatial streams is 8. Therefore, the number of spatial streams M indicated by the AP in the second station information field is not more than 8, and M is a positive integer. The STA obtains the channel state information of the indicated M spatial streams. Specifically, STA2 performs channel state information measurement at the resource unit position indicated by the resource unit start index and the resource unit end index.

[0197] S206a-s206b, STA1 and STA2 simultaneously send the channel state information of N c spatial streams and the channel state information of M spatial streams obtained respectively to the AP according to the indication of the trigger frame.

[0198] The specific implementation of step S206a can refer to step S106 of the embodiment shown in Figure 11

[0199] In step S206b, STA2 feeds back the measured channel state information to the AP. Specifically, STA2 feeds back a beamforming report to the AP. The beamforming report is a beamforming matrix, which contains the channel state information of M spatial streams. The number of columns of the beamforming matrix is M described above.

[0200] If the trigger frame indicates that STA1 and STA2 feed back the channel state information simultaneously, steps S206a and S206b are performed simultaneously. STA1 and STA2 can simultaneously transmit the obtained channel state information on orthogonal resource blocks.

[0201] According to the method for sending / receiving an NDPA frame provided in the embodiments of the present application, the NDPA frame can include a first station information field and a second station information field, an EHT station identifies the EHT station corresponding to the first station field, and an HE station identifies the HE station corresponding to the second station information field, so that EHT sounding and HE sounding are performed respectively, and then the channel state information obtained respectively is fed back to the AP, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying the NDPA frame and the efficiency of information transmission.

[0202] ​The foregoing has described the solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, a communication device (e.g., an AP or a STA) includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0203] This application embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The functional modules can be implemented in hardware or software. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. The following description uses the division of functional modules according to their corresponding functions as an example:

[0204] A possible structural diagram of a communication device is shown below. Figure 16 As shown, the communication device 300 includes a transceiver unit 31. The transceiver unit 31 is used to support the communication device in performing... Figure 11 Steps S101 and S105 in the illustrated embodiment can also be used to support the communication device in performing [the following actions]. Figure 11 Steps S103 and S104 in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 31 is used to support the communication device in performing these steps. Figure 15 Steps S201a-S201b, S203a-S204b, and S206a-S206b in the illustrated embodiment. All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiment can be referred to in the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0205] A possible structural diagram of a communication device is shown below. Figure 17 As shown, the communication device 400 includes a transceiver unit 41 and a processing unit 42. The transceiver unit 41 is used to support the communication device in performing... Figure 11 Steps S101 and S105 in the illustrated embodiment can also be used to support the communication device in performing [the following actions]. Figure 11 Steps S103 and S104 in the illustrated embodiment; processing unit 42 is used to support the communication device in execution. Figure 11 Steps S102 and S104 in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 41 is used to support the communication device in performing these steps.Figure 15 Steps S201a / S201b, S203a / S203b, S204a / S204b and S206a / S206b in the embodiments shown; the processing unit 42 is configured to enable the communication device to perform Figure 15 Steps S202a / S202b and S205a / S205b in the embodiments shown. All the relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be cited to the function description of the corresponding functional module, which will not be repeated here.

[0206] Figure 18 The structural diagram of a possible product form of the communication device described in the embodiments of the present application.

[0207] As a possible product form, the communication device can be an information transmission device, which comprises a transceiver 53; the transceiver 53 is configured to enable the information transmission device to perform Figure 11 Steps S101 and S105 in the embodiments shown, and also can be configured to enable the information transmission device to perform Figure 11 Steps S103 and S104 in the embodiments shown. Alternatively, the transceiver 53 is configured to enable the information transmission device to perform Figure 15 Steps S201a-S201b, S203a-S204b, S206a-S206b in the embodiments shown. Alternatively, the information transmission device can further comprise a memory 51 and a processor 52.

[0208] As another possible product form, the communication device can be an information transmission single board, which comprises a transceiver 53; the transceiver 53 is configured to enable the information transmission single board to perform Figure 11 Steps S101 and S105 in the embodiments shown, and also can be configured to enable the information transmission single board to perform Figure 11 Steps S103 and S104 in the embodiments shown. Alternatively, the transceiver 53 is configured to enable the information transmission single board to perform Figure 15 Steps S201a-S201b, S203a-S204b, S206a-S206b in the embodiments shown. Alternatively, the information transmission single board can further comprise a memory 51 and a processor 52.

[0209] As another possible product form, the communication device is also implemented by a general-purpose processor, that is, a chip commonly known as. The general-purpose processor comprises: a processing circuit 52 and a communication interface 53; optionally, the general-purpose processor can further comprise a storage medium 51.

[0210] As another possible implementation, the communication device can also be implemented using one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuitry, or any combination of circuitry that can perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure.

[0211] The processor 52 can be a central processing unit, a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, transistor logic, hardware components that perform a particular function directly, or any combination thereof. It can implement or perform various example logical blocks, modules, and circuits described throughout this disclosure in connection with the processes and functions described therein. The processor can also be a combination of computing functionality, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, etc. The bus 54 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of presentation, Figure 18 Only one bus is shown in the figure, but there can be more than one bus, or types of buses.

[0212] Figure 19 A structural diagram of possible product forms of the communication device described in the embodiments of the present application.

[0213] As one possible product form, the communication device can be an information transmission device, which includes a processor 62 and a transceiver 63; the processor 62 is configured to control and manage the actions of the communication device, for example, configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S102 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, or configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S202a / S202b and S205a / S205b in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and / or configured to support the communication device to perform other technical processes described herein; the transceiver 63 is configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S101 and S105 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and also can be configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2; or the transceiver 63 is configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S101 and S105 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and also can be configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Figure 11 The steps S102 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, or configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S202a / S202b and S205a / S205b in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and / or configured to support the communication device to perform other technical processes described herein; the transceiver 63 is configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S101 and S105 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and also can be configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2; or the transceiver 63 is configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S101 and S105 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and also can be configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Figure 15 The steps S202a / S202b and S205a / S205b in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and / or configured to support the communication device to perform other technical processes described herein; the transceiver 63 is configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S101 and S105 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and also can be configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2; or the transceiver 63 is configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S101 and S105 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and also can be configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Figure 11 The steps S101 and S105 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and also can be configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2; or the transceiver 63 is configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S101 and S105 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and also can be configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Figure 11 The steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2; or the transceiver 63 is configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S101 and S105 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and also can be configured to support the communication device to perform the steps S103 and S104 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Figure 15Steps S201a / S201b, S203a / S203b, S204a / S204b and S206a / S206b in the illustrated embodiment. Optionally, the information transmission device can further include a storage 61.

[0214] As another possible product form, the communication apparatus can be an information transmission single board including a processor 62 and a transceiver 63; the processor 62 is configured to control and manage actions of the communication apparatus, for example, configured to support the communication apparatus to perform Figure 11 Steps S102 and S104 in the illustrated embodiment, configured to support the communication apparatus to perform Figure 15 Steps S202a / S202b and S205a / S205b in the illustrated embodiment, and / or configured to support the communication apparatus to perform other technical processes described herein; the transceiver 63 is configured to support the communication apparatus to perform Figure 11 Steps S101 and S105 in the illustrated embodiment, and / or configured to support the communication apparatus to perform Figure 11 Steps S103 and S104 in the illustrated embodiment, or, configured to support the communication apparatus to perform Figure 15 Steps S201a / S201b, S203a / S203b, S204a / S204b and S206a / S206b in the illustrated embodiment. Optionally, the information transmission single board can further include a storage 61.

[0215] As another possible product form, the communication apparatus can also be implemented by a general-purpose processor, i.e., a chip. The general-purpose processor includes a processing circuit 62 and a communication interface 63; optionally, the general-purpose processor can further include a storage medium 61.

[0216] As another possible product form, the communication apparatus can also be implemented by using one or more FPGAs, PLDs, controllers, state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware components, any other suitable circuits, or any combination of circuits capable of performing the various functions described throughout this disclosure.

[0217] The above processor 62 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, transistor logic, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the disclosure. The processor can also be a combination of implementing computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, and the like. The bus 64 can be a PCI bus or an EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 19Only one bus or only one type of bus can exist, however.

[0218] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned method embodiments can be completed by program instruction related hardware, and the aforementioned program instruction can be stored in a computer readable storage medium, and the program instruction is executed to perform the steps of the above-mentioned method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk or an optical disk and various storage program codes.

[0219] In one aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a readable storage medium, and the readable storage medium stores computer execution instructions, and when a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, a controller, etc.) or a processor executes the steps in the method for sending / receiving an NDPA frame provided by the present application.

[0220] In one aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product, and the computer program product includes computer execution instructions, and the computer execution instructions are stored in a computer readable storage medium; at least one processor of a device can read the computer execution instructions from the computer readable storage medium, and the at least one processor executes the computer execution instructions to make the device execute the steps in the method for sending / receiving an NDPA frame provided by the present application.

[0221] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-mentioned system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described here.

[0222] In the several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of the unit is only a logical function division, and another division mode can be used in actual implementation, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. The coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0223] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of the present application.

[0224] In the foregoing embodiments, the whole or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, the whole or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the whole or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. The computer instructions can be stored in or transmitted from a computer readable storage medium. The computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through a wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) manner. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media. The available medium can be a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM), or a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, or an optical medium, such as a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state disk (SSD), etc.

Claims

1. A method of transmitting an empty data packet declaration frame, characterized by, The method comprises: sending a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, wherein the NDPA frame comprises a sounding dialogue token and a first station information field, the sounding dialogue token comprises first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the NDPA frame is an extremely high throughput (EHT) sounding or a high efficiency (HE) sounding, and a first bit of the first station information field comprises second indication information, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station or an HE station; The second indication information is used for indicating that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station, and channel state information of N c space streams from the EHT station is received, wherein N c is a positive integer, and the maximum value of N c is 16. the first station information field further comprises a resource unit offset value, the resource unit offset value is used to indicate a frequency domain position of a main resource unit, the frequency domain position of the main resource unit belongs to a first segment or a second segment, or, when the main resource unit comprises a plurality of 996 RUs, the resource unit offset value is used to indicate a frequency domain position of each 996 RU in the plurality of RUs, or, the resource unit offset value is used to indicate the frequency domain position of the main resource unit and a configuration of a secondary resource unit combined with the main resource unit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first bit corresponds to the highest bit and the second highest bit of a resource unit (RU) end index of a station information field of the HE station; or the first bit corresponds to the highest bit and the second highest bit of a resource unit start index of a station information field of the HE station; or the first bit corresponds to the highest bit of the resource unit start index and the highest bit of the resource unit end index of the station information field of the HE station.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the first bit is the 24th and 25th bit of the first station information field; or the first bit is the 17th and 18th bit of the first station information field; or the first bit is the 18th and 25th bit of the first station information field.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the first station information field further comprises a size of a resource unit, and the size of the resource unit is used to indicate a size of any one of the following main resource units: 26 RUs, 52 RUs, 106 RUs, 242 RUs, 484 RUs, and 996 RUs.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the first station information field further comprises a resource unit start index and a resource unit end index, wherein the resource unit start index comprises 8 bits, and the resource unit end index comprises 8 bits.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first station information field further comprises third indication information, the third indication information is used to indicate a number of spatial streams, and the third indication information comprises 4 bits.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the first station information field comprises 4 bytes or 8 bytes.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, when the first station information field comprises 8 bytes, the first station information field comprises a first association identifier (AID) and a second AID, wherein a value of the second AID is the same as that of the first AID, or the value of the second AID belongs to 2008-2046.

9. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the NDPA frame further comprises a second station information field, and the second station information field corresponds to the HE station; the method further comprises: receiving channel state information of M spatial streams from the HE station, wherein M is a positive integer, and the maximum value of M is 8.

10. A method of receiving an empty data packet announcement frame, characterized by, the method comprises: receive a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame, wherein the NDPA frame comprises a sounding dialogue token and a first station information field, the sounding dialogue token comprises first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the NDPA frame is an extremely high throughput (EHT) sounding or a high efficiency (HE) sounding, a first bit of the first station information field comprises second indication information, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first station information field corresponds to an EHT station or an HE station, and the first station information field further comprises a resource unit offset value, the resource unit offset value is used to indicate a frequency domain position of a primary resource unit, the frequency domain position of the primary resource unit belongs to a first segment or a second segment, or the resource unit offset value is used to indicate a frequency domain position of each 996 RU in a plurality of 996 RUs, or the resource unit offset value is used to indicate the frequency domain position of the primary resource unit and a configuration of a secondary resource unit combined with the primary resource unit; identify, according to the first indication information and the second indication information, that the first station information field corresponds to the EHT station; performing EHT sounding to obtain channel state information of N c space streams, N c is a positive integer, and a maximum value of N c is 16; transmit the obtained channel state information of the N c space streams.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, the first bit corresponds to the most significant bit and the second most significant bit of a resource unit (RU) end index of a station information field of an HE station; or the first bit corresponds to the most significant bit and the second most significant bit of a resource unit start index of a station information field of an HE station; or the first bit corresponds to the most significant bit of the resource unit start index and the most significant bit of the RU end index of the station information field of the HE station.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, the first bit is the 24th and 25th bit of the first station information field; or the first bit is the 17th and 18th bit of the first station information field; or the first bit is the 18th and 25th bit of the first station information field.

13. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, the first station information field further comprises a size of a resource unit, and the size of the resource unit is used to indicate a size of any one of the following primary resource units: 26 RUs, 52 RUs, 106 RUs, 242 RUs, 484 RUs, and 996 RUs.

14. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, the first station information field further comprises a resource unit start index and a resource unit end index, wherein the resource unit start index comprises 8 bits, and the resource unit end index comprises 8 bits.

15. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, the first station information field further comprises third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate a number of spatial streams, and the third indication information comprises 4 bits.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The EHT probe is performed to obtain channel state information of N c space streams, including any one of the following operations: obtain channel state information of the number of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information on the primary resource unit at the frequency domain position indicated by the resource unit offset value and on a resource unit corresponding to the size of the resource unit, wherein the frequency domain position of the primary resource unit belongs to the first segment or the second segment; obtain channel state information of the number of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information on each 996 RU in the plurality of 996 RUs at the frequency domain position indicated by the resource unit offset value and on a primary resource unit corresponding to the size of the resource unit; and obtain channel state information of the number of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information on each 996 RU in the plurality of 996 RUs at the frequency domain position indicated by the resource unit offset value and on a primary resource unit corresponding to the size of the resource unit. The resource unit offset value is used for indicating that the primary resource unit is configured with the secondary resource unit, and channel state information of a quantity of spatial streams indicated by the third indication information is acquired on the primary resource unit corresponding to a frequency domain position of the primary resource unit indicated by the resource unit offset value and a size of the resource unit, and on the secondary resource unit.

17. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The NDPA frame further includes a second station information field, and the method further includes: identifying that the second station information field corresponds to the HE station; performing HE sounding to acquire channel state information of M spatial streams, where M is a positive integer, and the maximum value of M is 8; sending the acquired channel state information of the M spatial streams.

18. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The first station information field includes 4 bytes or 8 bytes.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, When the first station information field includes 8 bytes, the first station information field includes a first association identifier (AID) and a second AID, where the value of the second AID is the same as that of the first AID, or the value of the second AID belongs to 2008-2046.

20. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The NDPA frame further includes a second station information field, and the second station information field corresponds to the HE station.

21. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus includes modules for performing the method of any one of claims 1-9.

22. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus includes modules for performing the method of any one of claims 10-20.

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