A cooperative beamforming method, system and electronic device
By utilizing a cooperative beamforming strategy in a multi-AP cooperative group and combining it with channel measurement results, the interference problem of low-latency service transmission in the multi-AP cooperative group was solved, and fast and reliable transmission of low-latency services was achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411250732.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-09-06
AI Technical Summary
In multi-AP cooperative groups, existing technologies struggle to effectively coordinate and guarantee the fast and reliable transmission of low-latency services, especially in the event of interference between adjacent APs.
The second AP in the multi-AP cooperation group obtains the channel measurement results reported by the associated terminal of the first AP, and combines them with the channel measurement results of the associated terminal of the second AP to execute a cooperative beamforming strategy to ensure the timely transmission of low-latency services.
It enables timely transmission of low-latency services in multi-AP cooperative groups, reduces interference between adjacent APs, and improves the reliability and efficiency of service transmission.
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Figure CN119095155B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a cooperative beamforming method, system and electronic device. Background Technology
[0002] In future Wi-Fi systems, such as the currently discussed Wi-Fi 8 UHR, multiple access point (AP) coordination is crucial. Specific working methods include Cooperated-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (C-OFDMA), C-spatial reuse, C-Beamforming, and Joint transmission. It's generally believed that coordinated APs (C-APs) will form a coordination group. Wi-Fi 8 also supports high-reliability services. Therefore, terminal power management needs to be designed within this context, or new features need to be introduced to adapt to the requirements of C-APs and high reliability. A coordinated AP (or multiple AP coordination) can be called a multi-AP coordination group, a multi-AP coordination cluster, or simply a C-AP group. In the context of C-APs, at least one AP will serve and interact with one terminal. Each AP has its own associated parameters, and in the future, the C-AP group will also have its own associated parameters. In some cases, multi-AP collaboration isn't called a collaboration group; it's simply referred to as coordinating APs or coordinated APs because multiple APs form a collaborative relationship. Furthermore, since each AP transmits different services, and factors like high reliability and low latency support complicate terminal power management. A terminal may communicate with multiple cooperating APs, making power management even more crucial. The main purpose of C-AP research is to reduce or minimize interference between APs, i.e., interference between adjacent access points, or OBSS (overlapped BSS). Currently, there are four main C-AP methods: Cooperative Time Division Multiplexing (C-OFDMA), Cooperative Spatial Multiplexing (C-SR), Coordinated Beamforming (C-BF), and Joint Transmission.
[0003] On the other hand, low-latency services are gradually becoming a research hotspot. Applications such as V2X, virtual reality, and smart factories all require low latency for transmitting low-latency services. Therefore, Wi-Fi devices need to support low-latency services. Low-latency services require rapid transmission before a certain timeframe. Currently, discussions and research on low-latency services mainly focus on the case of a single access point (AP), such as how to quickly transmit low-latency services between two terminals under one AP.
[0004] The inventors have discovered at least the following problems in the related technologies: adjacent APs can interfere with the transmission of low-latency services of the current AP. Low-latency services require the coordinated support of multiple APs to avoid interference or to prioritize the transmission of low-latency services. Since each AP in a C-AP transmits different services, support for high reliability and low latency requires further coordination and design, which remains a technological gap in this field. How to ensure the fast and reliable transmission of low-latency services when C-APs are performing coordinated beamforming is a technical problem that has not yet been solved in this field. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooperative beamforming method, system, and electronic device that ensures the timely transmission of low-latency services in a multi-AP cooperative group by utilizing cooperative beamforming in a multi-AP cooperative group.
[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a cooperative beamforming method applied to a second AP in a multi-AP cooperative group, comprising: acquiring a first channel measurement result reported by an associated terminal of a first AP in the multi-AP cooperative group; acquiring a second channel measurement result reported by an associated terminal of the second AP; and using the first channel measurement result and the second channel measurement result, executing a corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy based on whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, and whether the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, to ensure the timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group.
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a cooperative beamforming system, comprising: at least two APs in a multi-AP cooperative group, the at least two APs in the multi-AP cooperative group including a first AP and a second AP, at least one terminal associated with the first AP, and at least one terminal associated with the second AP; the terminal associated with the first AP is used to calculate and report a first channel measurement result; the terminal associated with the second AP is used to calculate and report a second channel measurement result; the second AP is used to calculate beamforming parameters based on whether the first AP and its associated terminal have low-latency services to be transmitted, whether the second AP and its associated terminal have low-latency services to be transmitted, and based on a corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy and the first and second channel measurement results, so as to ensure the transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic device, including: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the above-described cooperative beamforming method.
[0009] In this embodiment of the invention, the second AP in the multi-AP cooperative group obtains the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperative group; the second AP obtains the second channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the second AP; the second AP uses the first channel measurement result and the second channel measurement result to select and execute the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy according to whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, and whether the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, thereby ensuring the timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group by using cooperative beamforming in the multi-AP cooperative group. Attached Figure Description
[0010] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.
[0011] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a cooperative beamforming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a cooperative beamforming process according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram illustrating how low-latency services are prioritized for transmission via an instruction, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the beam coverage of a multi-AP cooperative group according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooperative beamforming system according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details are presented in the various embodiments of the present invention to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments. The division of the various embodiments below is for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present invention. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.
[0018] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a cooperative beamforming method, which can be applied to access point devices (APs) in a multi-AP cooperative group (C-AP). In this embodiment, a second AP in the multi-AP cooperative group obtains a first channel measurement result reported by an associated terminal of a first AP in the multi-AP cooperative group; the second AP obtains a second channel measurement result reported by an associated terminal of the second AP; using the first and second channel measurement results, the second AP selects and executes a corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy based on whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, and whether the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, thereby ensuring the timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group by utilizing cooperative beamforming in the multi-AP cooperative group. The implementation details of the cooperative beamforming method of this embodiment are described in detail below. The following content is only for ease of understanding and is not necessary for implementing this solution.
[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, in step 101, the second AP in the multi-AP cooperation group obtains the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperation group;
[0020] In one example, the second AP can obtain the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperation group, and can receive the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperation group by communicating with the first AP; or, the second AP can directly receive the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP.
[0021] Specifically, consider two access points (APs), AP1 and AP2, that need to perform channel-based beamforming (C-BF). AP1 collects channel measurement results from its associated terminals and then transmits these results to AP2. AP2 performs C-BF (C-BF refers to calculating beamforming parameters for AP2's beamforming). AP2 performs C-BF based on these results and the information from terminals associated with AP2, such as STA2. The channel measurement results collected by AP1 come from at least one terminal associated with AP1. Similarly, the channel measurement results used by AP2 for C-BF include those from at least one terminal associated with AP2. In this scenario, AP1 and AP2 communicate, and AP2 performs C-BF based on the information from AP1 and the information collected by AP1 itself.
[0022] Another channel measurement method specifically involves two access points (APs), AP1 and AP2, performing channel-based bridge (C-BF). AP2 sends a channel measurement frame (e.g., an empty frame), which is then received by STA1, which directly reports the measurement results to AP2. Alternatively, STA1 first reports the channel measurement results to AP1, which then transmits these results to AP2. Meanwhile, AP2 collects the channel measurement results from its associated terminals. AP2 performs C-BF based on the channel measurement results from AP1 and the channel measurement results reported by terminals associated with AP2, such as STA2.
[0023] In step 102, the second AP in the multi-AP cooperation group acquires the second channel measurement results reported by its associated terminal. In step 103, the second AP uses the first and second channel measurement results to execute a corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy based on whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit, and whether the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit, to ensure the timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperation group. In one example, the cooperative beamforming strategy is used to coordinate the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP, or to coordinate the transmission timing of each low-latency service to be transmitted.
[0024] In one example, whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit will be sent to the second AP in the form of a low-latency service indication (LL indication). The LL indication is mainly used to inform the receiver whether the corresponding sender has low-latency services to transmit. The LL indication can be reported together with the channel measurement results. For example, the LL indication can be carried in a multi-AP cooperation negotiation frame carrying the first channel measurement results, or in a channel measurement frame carrying the first channel measurement results, or in an enhanced MU-RTS / CTS frame. An enhanced MU-RTS / CTS frame refers to an MU-RTS / CTS frame that includes the LL indication. The negotiation frame refers to the frame used to reach a consensus when multiple APs initially negotiate to establish a cooperative relationship. Specifically, in some cases, low-latency traffic (LL) and low-latency traffic indication (LL notification, LL indication) are included in the negotiation frame of multi-AP coordination beamforming (also known as C-beamforming, C-BF) or the channel measurement frame of C-BF. This includes a single bit indicating whether the current device has low-latency traffic. 1 indicates yes, and 0 indicates no. For example, this indication is included in the negotiation frame sent by the first AP (AP1) to the second AP (AP2), or in the frame reporting channel measurement results. It indicates whether AP1 has downlink low-latency traffic transmission. In some cases, this indication indicates whether the terminal has uplink low-latency traffic, and is a single bit indicating whether the current device has low-latency traffic. 1 indicates yes, and 0 indicates no. In some cases, this indication simultaneously indicates whether both uplink and downlink low-latency traffic are present, and the corresponding frame contains two bits, or two fields, to indicate uplink and downlink low-latency traffic respectively.
[0025] In addition to being reported along with channel measurement results, low-latency service indications can also be carried and reported by dedicated low-latency service reporting frames. The frame type of these dedicated low-latency service reporting frames is one of the following: ICF frame, ICR frame, trigger frame, negotiation frame, BA / ACK frame, or BSR report frame. The negotiation frame refers to the frame used to reach a consensus when multiple APs initially negotiate and establish a cooperative relationship.
[0026] In some cases, when cooperative beamforming assists in low-latency service transmission, the specific strategy to be used is determined through negotiation. This strategy is assigned a number and included in the negotiation frame, or ICF / ICR frame. For example, 00 indicates that if only one AP (first or second) has a low-latency service, that service will be prioritized for transmission, avoiding or covering a specific terminal. 01 indicates that higher-priority services will be prioritized for coverage. 10 indicates that when both the first and second APs have high-priority services, the high-priority service or the most urgent service will be transmitted first, and the other low-priority service, or a less urgent service, will be transmitted after the high-priority service has been completed. This negotiation frame, or ICF / ICR frame, is transmitted from the first AP to the second AP, and the second AP responds accordingly.
[0027] In one example, using the first and second channel measurement results, and based on whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit, and the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit, the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy is selected and executed to ensure the timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group. This can be divided into four cases, which will be illustrated below. Unless otherwise specified, in these examples, the low-latency service indication is reported together with the channel measurement results:
[0028] The first scenario: There are no low-latency services in the multi-AP collaboration group, meaning that neither the first AP or its associated terminals, nor the second AP or its associated terminals, have low-latency services. In this case, the standard cooperative beamforming procedure is executed, which will not be elaborated upon here.
[0029] The second scenario: When the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit but the second AP or its associated terminal does not, the LL (Limited Latency) only needs to be prioritized on the first AP (AP1) side. In this case, the beam coverage of the first and second APs can be coordinated using the first and second channel measurement results, so that the beam formed by the second AP avoids the physical location of the first AP or its associated terminal with low-latency services to transmit.
[0030] The third scenario: When the first AP and its associated terminals have no low-latency services to transmit, but the second AP or its associated terminals have low-latency services to transmit, the LL (Limited Access Stream) only needs to be prioritized for transmission on the second AP (AP2). In this case, the transmission timing of each pending low-latency service can be coordinated to postpone the transmission of all services of the first AP and its associated terminals.
[0031] The fourth scenario: When both the first AP or its associated terminal and the second AP or its associated terminal have low-latency services to transmit, the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy is executed according to the priority of the low-latency services to ensure the transmission of high-priority services.
[0032] To facilitate understanding, specific examples will be used to illustrate this below:
[0033] In one example, AP1 transmits downlink data to STA1, and AP2 transmits downlink data to STA2. In this case, when AP2 performs C-BF (Call-Break), the object requiring nulling (a term used to avoid or bypass) is STA1. In some situations, it's necessary to avoid multiple associated terminals of AP1. This will correspond to the following types of handling methods:
[0034] The first processing method: If neither AP1 nor AP2 reports LL at this time, or the corresponding bit is 0, then AP2 performs beamforming based on the measurement results transmitted by AP1 and the measurement results of its own affiliated terminal. AP2 ensures communication with its own terminal while avoiding the terminal on the AP1 side.
[0035] The second processing method: If AP1 reports LL, but AP2 does not report downlink LL, or uplink LL, AP2's beam avoids AP1's downlink. In this case, AP2's beam avoids the physical location of AP1's STA1. This type of processing method is further divided into two different processing modes depending on the actual situation. The first processing mode: In some cases, other conditions remain unchanged (such as the number and location of terminals on the AP1 and AP2 sides), and whether AP1 has an LL indication or not, the range of AP2's beam null is the same. The second processing mode: In some cases, other conditions remain unchanged (such as the number and location of terminals on the AP1 and AP2 sides), and whether AP1 has an LL indication or not, the range of AP2's beam null is different. The first processing mode will not be explained in detail below; the second processing mode will be illustrated with the following three examples:
[0036] In the first type of example, neither AP1 nor AP2 has an LL indication. Therefore, when AP2 performs C-BF (Cross-Border Frame Frame), the minimum nulling range is X meters around the target terminal, or the channel signal received by AP1 from AP2 is no higher than threshold 1. Threshold 1 represents the maximum value (in dB or dBm) of the interference signal received by AP1 from AP2.
[0037] In the second type of examples, if there is an LL indication on the AP1 side and no LL indication on the AP2 side, when AP2 performs C-BF, the minimum Nulling range is Y meters around the target terminal range, or the channel of AP2 received by AP1 is not higher than threshold 2. Here, X < Y. Or threshold 1 > threshold 2. In some cases, this threshold or range value is set and written in the device storage at the factory. In some cases, this threshold or range value can be negotiated and determined during the negotiation of C-BF between AP1 and AP2, and is included in the negotiation frame, or control frame, or response frame. The process of forming the collaborative beam is as Figure 2 shown. In some cases, two APs, AP1 and AP2, first form a combination through negotiation grouping, and reach a consensus to perform C-BF through ICF and ICR frames. Then, information transmission is carried out during channel sounding (in some cases, the channel sounding process includes AP1, AP2, the terminals associated with AP1, or the terminals associated with AP2). After that, collaborative beamforming is performed according to the results of channel sounding; AP1 uses C-BF to transmit information to its own terminal and performs beamformed transmission. In some cases, the negotiation process between AP1 and AP2 and the channel sounding process are combined into one process. That is, the negotiation information is included in the channel measurement frame or the channel measurement trigger frame. In some cases, during the grouping process, there is only ICF and no ICR. In some cases, the grouping process is completed by a process similar to the MU-RTS / CTS process, or an enhanced MU-RTS / CTS process, where the similar / enhanced MU-RTS is an ICF, and the similar CTS / enhanced CTS is an ICR.
[0038] In the third type of examples, in some cases, if the geographical locations of the AP1 terminal and the AP2 terminal are very close. Performing Nulling cannot guarantee the normal communication of STA2. The transmission of STA2 can be postponed to give priority to the transmission of STA1 data by AP1 first, and then the data of STA2 can be transmitted by AP2. In some cases, the signaling indicating that AP1 has priority in transmission is a bit included in the frame for communication between AP1 and AP2. 1 indicates that AP1 has priority in transmission, 0 indicates that AP1 does not have priority in transmission, or AP1 and AP2 perform spatial division transmission simultaneously.
[0039] Returning to the scenario where multiple associated terminals need to be avoided from AP1, the third approach involves the following: In some cases, LL (Limited Line) is only indicated or reported on the AP2 side. There is no LL indication or reporting on the AP1 side. In one example, a threshold method similar to the one described above, or a strategy prioritizing AP2 transmission, can be used. In some cases, AP2 prioritizing transmission and AP1 delaying transmission is a decision made by AP2 during C-BF (Conditional Baseline Frame) and communicated to AP1. This decision is contained in the frame between AP1 and AP2: 1 indicates AP2 prioritizes LL service transmission, 0 indicates AP2 does not prioritize transmission, or AP1 and AP2 simultaneously transmit their own data using C-BF.
[0040] The fourth type of processing method: LL simultaneously informs or instructs both AP1 and AP2. "Simultaneously" means receiving LL's notification or instruction some time before AP2 performs C-BF; or receiving LL's notification or instruction during the collection of data used by AP2 for C-BF; or during channel measurement results.
[0041] In one example, the specific method of coordinating the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP through the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results, so that the beam formed by the second AP avoids the physical location of the first AP or the associated terminal of the first AP with low-latency services to be transmitted, can be: confirming whether there is a physical location conflict between the associated terminal of the first AP and the associated terminal of the second AP through the physical location of the associated terminal of the first AP and the associated terminal of the second AP in the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results.
[0042] To facilitate understanding, let's illustrate physical location conflict with an example: A physical location conflict refers to a situation where terminal STA1, associated with AP1, and terminal STA2, associated with AP2, are very close, less than the aforementioned distance X meters. AP2 cannot communicate with STA2 via C-BF (Concurrent Boundary Function) while simultaneously avoiding interference with STA1. Alternatively, AP2 can communicate normally with STA2 via C-BF, but the interference received by STA1 from AP2 must not be less than a threshold of 3. In some cases, a physical location conflict is relative to one AP performing C-BF, or relative to two APs related to C-BF.
[0043] When there is no physical location conflict between the associated terminals of the first AP and the associated terminals of the second AP, beamforming parameters are calculated based on the first and second channel measurement results. This ensures that the beam formed by the second AP avoids the physical location of the associated terminal of the first AP with low-latency services to be transmitted, and the beam formed by the first AP avoids the physical location of the associated terminal of the second AP with low-latency services to be transmitted. For example, if STA1 associated with AP1 and STA2 associated with AP2 do not conflict in physical location, AP2 performs C-beamforming normally. AP1's beam covers STA1 and avoids STA2; AP2's STA covers STA2 and avoids STA1.
[0044] When there is a physical location conflict between the associated terminals of the first AP and the associated terminals of the second AP, the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP is coordinated according to the preset terminal priority or the expiration time of the low-latency service, or the transmission timing of each low-latency service to be transmitted is coordinated. The following are three examples of coping methods:
[0045] The first approach is to prioritize coverage of terminals with high-priority LL services based on their priority. AP1 or AP2 performs C-BF (Conflict-Based Frame) to either avoid or prioritize coverage of terminals with high-priority services. For example, if STA1 has a high LL service priority, coverage of STA1 is prioritized to ensure its data transmission. The conflict resolution process is included in the C-BF related frames.
[0046] The second approach is to transmit STA1 and STA2 data sequentially based on the due time of low-latency services, ensuring coverage. If the due time of the low-latency service to be transmitted allows, beamforming is used to ensure coverage by transmitting high-priority or more urgent services first. Subsequent services, or those less urgent, are then transmitted. Coverage is further guaranteed through beamforming or C-BF (Content-Based Broadcast).
[0047] The third approach is to randomly decide whether to cover a terminal device with LL service via beamforming or C-BF, or to avoid a terminal device with LL service, if the priorities are the same.
[0048] The above measures can also be used to deal with situations where both the first AP or its associated terminals and the second AP or its associated terminals have low-latency services waiting to be transmitted. In this case, the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy is executed according to the priority of the low-latency services to ensure the transmission of high-priority services.
[0049] The following describes another channel measurement method: For example, consider two access points (APs), AP1 and AP2, which need to perform Channel-Based Frame (C-BF). AP2 sends a channel measurement frame (e.g., an empty packet frame). STA1, associated with AP1, receives this frame and directly reports the measurement results to AP2. In other words, the second AP triggers the associated terminal of the first AP to report the first channel measurement result to the second AP by sending an empty packet frame to the associated terminal of the first AP. This first channel measurement result includes channel information between the associated terminal of the first AP and the second AP, including channel state information and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). After collecting the channel measurement results from its associated terminals, AP2 transmits these results to AP2. AP2 performs C-BF based on these results and the channel measurement results reported by the terminal associated with AP2, such as STA2. In one example, STA1 of AP1 communicates with AP2, and the reported frame includes whether there is a channel limit (LL) or contains an LL indication. STA2 reports the presence of LL (Limited Access) using at least one of several methods, such as triggering, polling, or sending an NDP (Nulldata Packet) feedback frame. Transmissions from STA1 to AP1 are uplink, while transmissions from AP2 to STA2 are downlink.
[0050] If terminal STA1 has no LL indication and AP2 also has no LL indication, AP2 will perform the general C-beamforming procedure.
[0051] If the LL indication is only on the STA1 side, and AP2 has no LL indication, or has not received an LL indication, AP2's downlink needs to bypass the uplink of STA1 associated with AP1. In this case, AP2 performs C-BF to avoid AP1's physical location, because AP1 receives data from STA1. Alternatively, AP2 can use a general C-BF. Or, AP2 can use the threshold method described above for C-BF, or similarly, STA1 prioritizes data transmission, with AP2 transmitting subsequently.
[0052] LL indication only applies to STA1; AP2 does not have LL indication. Services associated with STA1 are prioritized for low-latency transmission. Transmission via C-BF is delayed for AP2, and the transmission process is as follows: Figure 3As shown: When the terminal reports the channel measurement results to AP2, it also reports low-latency service support. At this time, AP2 has no low-latency service transmission. Meanwhile, AP2 discovers that it cannot bypass the service from STA1 via C-BF. Therefore, it sends an ICF to inform AP1, allowing STA1, which is associated with AP1, to transmit first. After receiving the ICF, AP1 sends an ICR to AP2 as an acknowledgment. The ICR also contains triggering information for STA1, informing STA1 to transmit the low-latency service. After STA1 transmits the low-latency service, AP1 transmits the corresponding ACK frame. The channel measurement results transmitted by STA1 are only part of the channel measurement. In some cases, this measurement result is transmitted from AP1 to AP2; in other cases, the low-latency service and the measurement result are transmitted from AP1 to AP2 together via the ICF frame. In some cases, the above ICF / ICR process involves only one ICF frame, transmitted simultaneously to both AP1 and STA1. This informs AP1 that its associated STA1 has a low-latency service to transmit, allowing AP1 to prepare for reception, and simultaneously triggers STA1 to transmit the low-latency service to AP1. Finally, after AP1 transmits the ACK frame, it informs STA1 that the low-latency service transmission is complete. At the same time, AP2 also receives the ACK frame, understands that STA1's low-latency service transmission has ended, and begins to transmit its own service using beamforming based on the channel measurement results.
[0053] If LL is only reported or indicated on the AP2 side, and neither AP1 nor STA1 reports LL, then AP2's downlink transmission should be prioritized, delaying AP2's transmission, or simultaneous transmission can be performed without prioritizing AP2's transmission. If nulling can be performed, it should be avoided if it is the physical location of AP1.
[0054] LL is reported simultaneously on both AP1 and AP2. STA1, associated with AP1, directly reports LL to AP2, while AP2 receives downlink or uplink LL service instructions. STA1 of AP1 and STA2 of AP2 do not conflict in physical location and proceed with normal C-beamforming. AP1's beam covers STA1, avoiding STA2; AP2's STA covers STA2, avoiding STA1. Physical location conflicts can be resolved using the three methods mentioned in the examples above.
[0055] In some cases, C-BF will not be performed if the physical locations of two devices conflict. In some situations, physical location conflict can be referred to as location conflict, cooperative beamforming location conflict, or geographic location conflict, beamforming conflict.
[0056] During the negotiation process between two APs to form a group or reach a consensus to perform C-BF (Cross-Band Formation), the details of the physical location conflict are negotiated, such as threshold 1, threshold 2, or threshold 3, and the distance in meters (X meters or Y meters). If the device performing C-BF detects a physical location conflict, it immediately notifies the other device via ICF (Integrated Beamforming Frame) and / or ICR (Integrated Response Frame), and simultaneously reverts to general beamforming, which is the beamforming method supported by 802.11be, 802.11ax, and 802.11n (or legacy beamforming). The conflict resolution process is included in the C-BF-related frames. The specific notification method is similar to... Figure 2 The grouping negotiation method can use ICF, ICR, or only one ICF (such as a trigger frame).
[0057] The conflict resolution process is contained in at least one C-BF related frame, which may include a channel measurement reporting frame, a channel measurement trigger frame, an ICF frame, or an ICR frame. In some cases, the conflict resolution method is a two-bit code: 00 indicates a fallback to normal beamforming, 01 indicates that AP1 (the transmitting ICF device) has priority transmission, and 10 indicates that AP2 (the receiving ICF device) has priority transmission. 11 indicates a random transmission decision, or transmission based on its own C-BF beamforming results. For example, if AP2 receives the channel measurement results and, during beamforming, finds a physical location conflict between STA1 associated with AP1 and STA2 associated with itself, it resolves the conflict by sending an ICF / ICR containing the aforementioned code, or by only transmitting the ICF from AP2 to AP1, sending the aforementioned code.
[0058] In some cases, when AP2 receives channel measurement results and performs beamforming based on these results, it may find a physical location conflict between STA1 associated with AP1 and STA2 associated with itself. This conflict is resolved via ICF / ICR, or simply by sending a field containing the conflict resolution information. In some cases, this field is called the Physical Location Conflict Resolution Field, and it contains one bit: 0 indicates backtracking to normal beamforming, and 1 indicates no backtracking, using the current C-BF result for data transmission.
[0059] In some cases, information indicating the urgency of the LL, such as its due time, priority, or service type, is included in at least one C-BF related frame. This related frame includes a channel measurement reporting frame, a channel measurement trigger frame, an ICF, or an ICR.
[0060] In some situations, when AP2 performs C-BF (Continuous Base Fault) operations, it simultaneously serves multiple surrounding devices. For example, AP1 might be transmitting downlink services to multiple terminals, or AP3 might be transmitting downlink services to STA3. If AP1 has low-latency services, it will prioritize bypassing AP2, ensuring that AP2 transmits low-latency services to its associated terminals.
[0061] In certain situations, AP2 sends a broadcast frame, or something similar to MU-RTS / CTS, or an enhanced MU-RTS / CTS, or a trigger frame (ICF / ICR), to the relevant APs (in this case, AP1 and AP3) to inform AP1 and AP3 to prioritize the protection of AP1's service transmission. This frame contains a field (C-BF) with one or two bits in the active field. A 1 indicates that AP2 can perform C-BF nulling, ensuring AP1's service transmission; it also informs AP3. A 0 indicates that AP2 can perform C-BF nulling, ensuring AP1's service transmission.
[0062] In one example, the use of a dedicated low-latency service (LL) reporting frame to carry the LL indication is illustrated: In some cases, within C-BF, the LL indication is contained in the ICF / ICR, the trigger frame, the negotiation frame, or in the channel measurement result reporting frame (e.g., the NDP feedbackreport frame; the channel measurement result reporting frame can also have other names for reporting channel measurement results, which will not be elaborated further). In some cases, the indication is a single bit, 0 indicating no LL service and 1 indicating yes. In some cases, the indication indicates LL service. In some cases, the indication indicates downlink LL service. In some cases, the indication indicates both uplink and downlink service, in which case two bits are used to indicate either uplink or downlink service, 0 indicating no LL service and 1 indicating yes. The ICF / ICR is used for transmission between APs to negotiate C-BF details. The ICF / ICR is also used for configuring or reconfiguring C-BF parameters. The trigger frame is used to trigger C-beamforming or to transmit data according to C-BF. Alternatively, a trigger frame is used to initiate the transmission of data packets for the measurement channel used for C-BF, such as triggering the transmission of NDP. A negotiation frame, similar to ICF / ICR, is used to negotiate the details of C-BF. An NDP feedback report frame is used to report the channel measurement results. In some cases, at least one of the above frames contains a threshold for C-BF, or a numerical value of X meters or Y meters to determine the nulling range. Alternatively, it may contain a range value or threshold for physical location conflicts.
[0063] In one example, the C-BF related frame contains a field indicating whether to continue using the results or parameters of the previous C-BF. That is, after selecting the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy and calculating the beamforming parameters based on the strategy, the field value in the beamforming related frame instructs the receiving device to continue using the beamforming parameters. The cooperative beamforming strategy is negotiated and determined by the first and second APs during beamforming and is contained in one or more of the following frames: ICF frame, negotiation frame, ICR frame, enhanced MU-RTS / CTS frame, or trigger frame. Specifically: In some cases, due to small channel fluctuations, or the user or terminal being relatively stationary with little or no change in physical location, the previous beamforming parameters are used during C-BF. In other cases, whether to use the previous C-BF parameters is a field contained in the C-BF related frame, containing one bit indicating whether to use the previously used cooperative beamforming parameters. 1 indicates use; 0 indicates no use. In some cases, this field contains two bits: 00 indicates that the parameter is not reused; 01 indicates that the parameter is reused from the previous time; 10 indicates that the second most recent C-BF parameter is reused; and 11 indicates that the third most recent C-BF parameter is reused.
[0064] To facilitate understanding, the following section will focus on explaining, using the above examples, which terminals to consider during line C-BF (i.e., which terminals the AP's beam selects to cover and which terminals to avoid):
[0065] In some cases, at least one access point (AP) participating in cooperative beamforming decides to cover or nullify certain terminals (or access points) based on whether low-latency services are available or the priority of low-latency services for each terminal or access point involved in the C-BF phase. If it is not possible to simultaneously cover one terminal and nullify another during C-BF, then based on whether the terminal has low-latency services or the priority of low-latency services for each terminal, one of the two conflicting terminals is discarded or retained. During C-BF, only one conflicting terminal is covered, or only the other conflicting terminal is nullified.
[0066] In some situations, if a terminal needs coverage while simultaneously avoiding an adjacent terminal, this cannot be done simultaneously. This is because the two terminals are too close for beamforming to simultaneously nullify (avoid) each other during beamforming, making precise control impossible. Alternatively, from the perspective of AP2 performing beamforming, the two terminals are practically adjacent and physically indistinguishable. Figure 4Taking the AP coverage scenario shown as an example, STA11 associated with AP1 and STA22 associated with AP2 are in conflict. AP2 cannot guarantee coverage for STA22 while avoiding STA11. If there is no LL transmission to STA22, but LL transmission to STA21, or low latency transmission to STA11, then AP2 guarantees coverage for STA21 while avoiding STA11, and STA22 is not considered during C-BF.
[0067] In some cases, C-BF (C-BF) can be achieved by sacrificing STA22 (disregarding STA22 transmission methods, or by delaying STA22 transmission using advanced C-BF related equipment). This covers STA21 and avoids STA11. When making this decision, AP2 needs to be notified of the decision via ICF / ICR, similar to... Figure 3 The ICF / ICR frame in the data. STA11 should notify AP2 as soon as possible after completing the transmission, similar to... Figure 3 An ACK frame is sent to AP2 so that AP2 can begin transmitting STA22 as soon as possible. In other words, before AP2 starts performing C-BF, it notifies AP1 whether to protect (avoid) STA11.
[0068] In some situations, AP1 and AP2 need to perform C-BF (Confirmation-Based Frame) communication, where terminal STA1 is associated with AP1, and terminal STA22 is associated with AP2. When AP2 performs C-BF, it also considers multiple surrounding devices (STA11, STA21, and STA31). STA31 is associated with AP3, and the system determines whether to bypass the terminal by checking if AP3 has low-latency service transmissions to STA3. For example... Figure 3 As shown, AP2 performs C-BF, bypassing STA31, but not STA11. For example, AP3 notifies AP2 that STA31 associated with AP2 has low-latency services. AP1 did not bypass STA1 because AP1 does not support C-BF, or the service AP1 transmits to STA1 is the same type or priority as the service AP transmits to STA2. They fall back to legacy beamforming.
[0069] In one example, after selecting the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy, the beam coverage range of each AP in the multi-AP cooperative group is determined according to the cooperative beamforming strategy, and the determined result is communicated to each AP in the multi-AP cooperative group by sending notification information. This notification information is contained in one or more of the following frames: ICF frame, negotiation frame, ICR frame, ACK frame, enhanced CTS frame (an enhanced CTS frame refers to an improved CTS frame containing low-latency related information), and trigger frame. In some cases, this notification information indicates whether the first and second APs have low-latency services, whether they are performing cooperative beamforming, and whether they are covering or avoiding a particular terminal. For example, AP1 reports low-latency services to AP2 via its ICF (initial control frame). Then, AP2, whose associated terminal did not report low-latency services, replies to AP1 via an ICR (initial control response frame) or trigger frame, ensuring the transmission of AP1's low-latency services. When AP1 receives the ICR or trigger frame, it begins transmitting its low-latency services. In this ICR or trigger frame, AP2's decision result is included: C-BF avoids terminals associated with AP1 (such as STA1), and AP1 can immediately transmit its low-latency service, which can be encoded as 01. Normally, neither AP1 nor AP2 has low-latency service and performs a regular C-BF, encoded as 00. In another scenario, AP2 has low-latency service, but AP1 does not. To transmit its low-latency service, AP2 cannot avoid AP1 or STA1 associated with AP1; in this case, the decision is encoded as 10 as notification information. Finally, both AP1 and AP2 have low-latency service, and priority is used to determine which access point's low-latency service is transmitted first; in this case, it is encoded as 11. In some cases, the low-latency service indication information includes the priority information of the low-latency service or the due time information of the low-latency service. By using one bit in the ICR frame transmitted to AP1: 1 indicates that AP1 will immediately transmit its low-latency service, or that C-BF supports AP1 in transmitting low-latency services; 0 indicates that AP1 cannot immediately transmit its low-latency service, or that C-BF does not support AP1 in transmitting low-latency services.
[0070] In some cases, the ICF / ICR used to notify the C-BF policy is transmitted one-to-one between APs. That is, AP2's C-BF determines whether to bypass STA11 and only inform AP1.
[0071] In some cases, the ICF / ICR used to notify C-BF policies are broadcast or multicast between APs. That is, AP2's C-BF decision to avoid STA11 not only informs AP1, but also AP3 via multicast or broadcast. The ICF frame is a multicast frame or a broadcast frame.
[0072] Whether the terminal has LL service is included in the ICF frame, ICR frame, or channel measurement result reporting frame. In some cases, a bit 0 indicates no LL service, and a bit 1 indicates low-latency service.
[0073] In some cases, this low-latency service indicator uses two bits to represent the presence or absence of uplink low-latency service and downlink low-latency service, respectively. 0 indicates no LL service, and 1 indicates the presence of low-latency service.
[0074] In some cases, this indication includes the urgency of the service, which is the target transmission time for the corresponding service. In other words, the low-latency service needs to be transmitted and completed before the target time.
[0075] In this embodiment, the second AP in the multi-AP cooperative group obtains the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperative group; the second AP obtains the second channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the second AP; the second AP executes the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy according to whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, and whether the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, thereby ensuring the timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group by using cooperative beamforming in the multi-AP cooperative group.
[0076] The steps described above are for clarity only. In practice, they can be combined into one step or some steps can be split into multiple steps. As long as they include the same logical relationship, they are all within the scope of protection of this application. Adding insignificant modifications or introducing insignificant designs to the algorithm or process, but without changing the core design of the algorithm and process, are also within the scope of protection of this application.
[0077] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a cooperative beamforming system, such as Figure 5As shown, it includes: at least two APs in a multi-AP cooperation group, the at least two APs in the multi-AP cooperation group including a first AP and a second AP, at least one terminal associated with the first AP, and at least one terminal associated with the second AP; the terminal associated with the first AP is used to calculate and report a first channel measurement result; the terminal associated with the second AP is used to calculate and report a second channel measurement result; the second AP is used to calculate beamforming parameters based on whether the first AP and its associated terminals have low-latency services to be transmitted, whether the second AP and its associated terminals have low-latency services to be transmitted, and based on the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy and the first and second channel measurement results, so as to ensure the transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperation group.
[0078] In one example, a cooperative beamforming strategy is used to coordinate the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP, or to coordinate the transmission timing of various low-latency services to be transmitted.
[0079] In one example, based on whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit, and whether the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit, a corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy is selected to ensure the timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group. This includes: when the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit and the second AP or its associated terminal does not, coordinating the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP based on the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results, so that the beam formed by the second AP avoids low-latency services. The physical location of the first AP or its associated terminal to be transmitted for low-latency services; when the first AP and its associated terminal have no low-latency services to be transmitted but the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, coordinate the transmission timing of each low-latency service to be transmitted to postpone the transmission of all services of the first AP and its associated terminal; when both the first AP or its associated terminal and the second AP or its associated terminal have low-latency services to be transmitted, execute the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy according to the priority of the low-latency services to ensure the transmission of high-priority services.
[0080] In one example, the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP is coordinated based on the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results, so that the beam formed by the second AP avoids the physical location of the first AP or its associated terminal that has low-latency services to be transmitted. This includes: confirming whether there is a physical location conflict between the associated terminals of the first AP and the second AP based on the physical locations of the associated terminals of the first AP and the second AP in the first and second channel measurement results; when there is no physical location conflict between the associated terminals of the first AP and the second AP, beamforming parameters are calculated based on the first and second channel measurement results, so that the beam formed by the second AP avoids the physical location of the associated terminal of the first AP that has low-latency services to be transmitted, and the beam formed by the first AP avoids the physical location of the associated terminal of the second AP that has low-latency services to be transmitted; when there is a physical location conflict between the associated terminals of the first AP and the second AP, the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP is coordinated according to a preset terminal priority or the expiration time of the low-latency services, or the transmission timing of each low-latency service to be transmitted is coordinated.
[0081] In one example, after selecting the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy, the second AP determines the beam coverage of each AP in the multi-AP cooperative group according to the cooperative beamforming strategy, and informs each AP in the multi-AP cooperative group of the determined result by sending notification information; wherein, the notification information is contained in one or more of the following frames: ICF frame, negotiation frame, ICR frame, ACK frame, enhanced CTS frame, trigger frame.
[0082] In one example, after selecting the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy and calculating the beamforming parameters according to the cooperative beamforming strategy, the second AP instructs the receiving device to continue using the beamforming parameters by using the domain value in the beamforming-related frame. The cooperative beamforming strategy is negotiated and determined by the first AP and the second AP during the beamforming process. The cooperative beamforming strategy is contained in one or more of the following frames: ICF frame, negotiation frame, or ICR frame, enhanced MU-RTS / CTS frame.
[0083] In one example, whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit will be sent to the second AP in the form of a low-latency service indication. The low-latency service indication is carried by a multi-AP cooperation negotiation frame carrying the first channel measurement results, or by a channel measurement frame carrying the first channel measurement results, or by an enhanced MU-RTS / CTS frame, or by a low-latency service dedicated reporting frame. The frame type of the low-latency service dedicated reporting frame is one of the following: ICF frame, ICR frame, trigger frame, negotiation frame, BA / ACK frame, or BSR report frame.
[0084] In one example, obtaining a first channel measurement result reported by an associated terminal of a first AP in a multi-AP cooperation group includes: receiving the first channel measurement result reported by an associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperation group from the first AP through communication with the first AP; or, receiving the first channel measurement result reported by an associated terminal of the first AP.
[0085] In this embodiment, the second AP in the multi-AP cooperative group obtains the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperative group; the second AP obtains the second channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the second AP; the second AP uses the first channel measurement result and the second channel measurement result to select the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy according to whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, and whether the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, thereby ensuring the timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group by using cooperative beamforming in the multi-AP cooperative group.
[0086] It is not difficult to see that this embodiment is a system embodiment corresponding to the above-described method embodiment, and this embodiment can be implemented in conjunction with the above-described method embodiment. The relevant technical details mentioned in the above-described method embodiment are still valid in this embodiment, and will not be repeated here to reduce repetition. Correspondingly, the relevant technical details mentioned in this embodiment can also be applied to the above-described method embodiment.
[0087] It is worth mentioning that all modules involved in this embodiment are logical modules. In practical applications, a logical unit can be a physical unit, a part of a physical unit, or a combination of multiple physical units. Furthermore, to highlight the innovative aspects of this invention, this embodiment does not introduce units that are not closely related to solving the technical problem proposed by this invention; however, this does not mean that other units are absent from this embodiment.
[0088] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an electronic device, such as Figure 6 As shown, it includes at least one processor 501; and a memory 502 communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory 502 stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 501, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor 501 to enable the at least one processor 501 to perform the cooperative beamforming method as described above.
[0089] The memory 502 and processor 501 are connected via a bus, which can include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges. The bus connects various circuits of one or more processors 501 and memory 502 together. The bus can also connect various other circuits, such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. A bus interface provides an interface between the bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can be a single element or multiple elements, such as multiple receivers and transmitters, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. Data processed by processor 501 is transmitted over a wireless medium via an antenna, which further receives data and transmits it to processor 501.
[0090] Processor 501 is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, and can also provide various functions, including timing, peripheral interfaces, voltage regulation, power management, and other control functions. Memory 502 can be used to store data used by processor 501 during operation.
[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A cooperative beamforming method, characterized in that, The second AP applied in a multi-AP collaboration group includes: Obtain the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperation group; Obtain the second channel measurement results reported by the associated terminal of the second AP; Using the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results, and based on whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, and whether the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy is executed to ensure the timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group. The cooperative beamforming strategy is included in one or more of the following frames: ICF frame, negotiation frame, or ICR frame, enhanced MU-RTS / CTS frame, trigger frame.
2. The cooperative beamforming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooperative beamforming strategy is used to coordinate the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP, or to coordinate the transmission timing of each low-latency service to be transmitted.
3. The cooperative beamforming method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of utilizing the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results, and based on whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, and whether the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted, executing corresponding cooperative beamforming strategies to ensure timely transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group, includes: When the first AP or its associated terminal has the low-latency service to be transmitted and the second AP or its associated terminal does not have the low-latency service to be transmitted, the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP is coordinated through the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results so that the beam formed by the second AP avoids the physical location of the first AP or its associated terminal that has the low-latency service to be transmitted. When the first AP and its associated terminal have no low-latency services to transmit, but the second AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to transmit, the transmission timing of each low-latency service to be transmitted is coordinated to postpone the transmission of all services of the first AP and its associated terminal. When both the first AP or its associated terminal and the second AP or its associated terminal have low-latency services to transmit, the transmission of high-priority services is guaranteed according to the priority of the low-latency services and the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy.
4. The cooperative beamforming method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of coordinating the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP using the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results, so that the beam formed by the second AP avoids the physical location of the first AP or its associated terminal where the low-latency service is to be transmitted, includes: The physical locations of the associated terminals of the first AP and the second AP are determined by the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results to confirm whether there is a physical location conflict between the associated terminals of the first AP and the associated terminals of the second AP. When there is no physical location conflict between the associated terminal of the first AP and the associated terminal of the second AP, the beamforming parameters are calculated based on the first channel measurement results and the second channel measurement results, so that the beam formed by the second AP avoids the physical location of the associated terminal of the first AP that has the low-latency service to be transmitted, and the beam formed by the first AP avoids the physical location of the associated terminal of the second AP that has the low-latency service to be transmitted. When there is a physical location conflict between the associated terminals of the first AP and the associated terminals of the second AP, the beam coverage of the first AP and the second AP are coordinated according to the preset terminal priority or the expiration time of the low-latency service, or the transmission timing of each low-latency service to be transmitted is coordinated.
5. The cooperative beamforming method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: After selecting the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy, the beam coverage range of each AP in the multi-AP cooperative group is determined according to the cooperative beamforming strategy, and the determined result is communicated to each AP in the multi-AP cooperative group by sending notification information. The notification information is contained in one or more of the following frames: ICF frame, negotiation frame, ICR frame, ACK frame, enhanced CTS frame, and trigger frame.
6. The cooperative beamforming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: After selecting the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy and calculating the beamforming parameters according to the cooperative beamforming strategy, the field value in the beamforming-related frame is used to instruct the device receiving the beamforming-related frame to continue using the beamforming parameters. The cooperative beamforming strategy is determined through negotiation between the first AP and the second AP during the beamforming process.
7. The cooperative beamforming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Whether the first AP or its associated terminal has low-latency services to be transmitted will be sent to the second AP in the form of a low-latency service indication; The low-latency service indication is carried by a multi-AP cooperative negotiation frame carrying the first channel measurement result, or by a channel measurement frame carrying the first channel measurement result, or by an enhanced MU-RTS / CTS frame, or by a low-latency service dedicated reporting frame. The frame type of the low-latency service dedicated reporting frame is one of the following: ICF frame, ICR frame, trigger frame, negotiation frame, BA / ACK frame, BSR report frame.
8. The cooperative beamforming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperation group includes: By communicating with the first AP, the system receives the first channel measurement result reported by the associated terminal of the first AP in the multi-AP cooperation group; or, By sending an empty packet frame to the associated terminal of the first AP, the associated terminal of the first AP is triggered to report the first channel measurement result to the second AP; The first channel measurement result includes channel information between the associated terminal of the first AP and the second AP, and the channel information includes channel state information and signal-to-noise ratio.
9. A cooperative beamforming system, characterized in that, include: At least two APs in a multi-AP collaboration group, the at least two APs in the multi-AP collaboration group including a first AP and a second AP, at least one terminal associated with the first AP, and at least one terminal associated with the second AP; The terminal associated with the first AP is used to calculate and report the first channel measurement results; The terminal associated with the second AP is used to calculate and report the second channel measurement results; The second AP is used to calculate beamforming parameters based on whether the first AP and its associated terminals have low-latency services to be transmitted, whether the second AP and its associated terminals have low-latency services to be transmitted, and based on the corresponding cooperative beamforming strategy and the first and second channel measurement results, so as to ensure the transmission of low-latency services in the multi-AP cooperative group.
10. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor; as well as, A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the cooperative beamforming method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.
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