Communication method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and a communication device. The communication method may comprise: sending an NDPA frame; transmitting an uplink NDP frame; the method comprises the following steps: receiving a downlink NDP frame, one of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame being a measurement NDP frame used for wireless local area network sensing measurement, the other one of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame being a non-measurement NDP frame not used for wireless local area network sensing measurement, and the working parameters or formats of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame being different.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number "2022800000610" (invention name: communication method and communication device) filed on January 6, 2022. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device for a wireless local area network (WLAN). Background Art

[0004] WLAN has the characteristics of flexibility, mobility and low cost. With the development of communication technology and the growth of user demand, the application research of WLAN is gradually deepening. For example, WLAN sensing is currently being studied, and its main application scenarios are: location discovery in dense environments (home environment and enterprise environment), proximity detection, and presence detection. Summary of the invention

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide the following technical solutions:

[0006] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method may include: sending a null data packet announcement (NDPA) frame; sending an uplink null data packet (NDP) frame; receiving a downlink NDP frame, wherein one of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame for wireless LAN awareness measurement, the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame not used for wireless LAN awareness measurement, and the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame have different working parameters or formats.

[0007] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The communication method may include: receiving an NDPA frame; receiving an uplink NDP frame; and sending a downlink NDP frame, wherein one of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame used for wireless LAN perception measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame not used for wireless LAN perception measurement, and the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame have different working parameters or formats.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device may include: a transceiver module, configured to: send an NDPA frame; send an uplink NDP frame; and receive a downlink NDP frame. One of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame for wireless LAN perception measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame not used for wireless LAN perception measurement, and the working parameters or formats of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame are different.

[0009] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device may include: a transceiver module, configured to: receive an NDPA frame; receive an uplink NDP frame; and send a downlink NDP frame. One of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame for wireless LAN perception measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame not used for wireless LAN perception measurement, and the working parameters or formats of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame are different.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, the method described above is implemented.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. A computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method described above is implemented.

[0012] The technical solution provided by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can save the overhead of NDP frames that are not used for WLAN awareness measurement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other features of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is an exemplary manner of illustrating WLAN awareness.

[0015] Figure 2 2 is an illustration of an application scenario of a Non-TB based sensing method according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4is a flow chart illustrating a communication method performed by an initiator in uplink detection according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method performed by an initiator in downlink detection according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating another communication method according to an example embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method performed by a responder in an uplink probe according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to help fully understand the various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents. The various embodiments of the present disclosure include various specific details, but these specific details are considered to be exemplary only. In addition, for the sake of clarity and brevity, the description of well-known technologies, functions and configurations may be omitted.

[0023] The terms and words used in this disclosure are not limited to the written meanings, but are only used by the inventors to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Therefore, for those skilled in the art, the description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided only for the purpose of illustration, not for the purpose of limitation.

[0024] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", "said" and "the" used herein may also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" used in the present disclosure refers to the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0025] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0026] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. In addition, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein may include wireless connections or wireless couplings. The term "and / or" or the expression "at least one of..." as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0028] Figure 1 is an exemplary manner of illustrating WLAN awareness.

[0029] The process of WLAN sensing may be: an initiator initiates WLAN sensing (for example, initiates a WLAN sensing session), and there may be multiple responders responding to it. The specific possible methods may be as follows: Figure 1 As shown in (a), (b) and (c).

[0030] Reference Figure 1 In (a), when a WLAN sensing initiator (e.g., a client) initiates WLAN sensing, multiple associated or unassociated WLAN sensing responders (e.g., three access points (APs)) may respond. Here, "associated" may refer to an associated connection for communication established between the initiator and the responder, and "unassociated" may refer to no associated connection for communication established between the initiator and the responder.

[0031] As examples, the client may include, but is not limited to, cellular phones, smart phones, wearable devices, computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal communication system (PCS) devices, personal information managers (PIMs), personal navigation devices (PNDs), global positioning systems, multimedia devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0032] An AP may be a wireless switch for a wireless network or an access device for a wireless network. An AP may include software applications and / or circuits to enable other types of nodes in a wireless network to communicate with the outside and inside of the wireless network through the AP. As an example, an AP may be a terminal device or a network device equipped with a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) chip.

[0033] Figure 1 (b) and Figure 1 is similar to (a) in Figure 1 In (b), each responder (AP) can communicate with each other.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 In (c), both the WLAN-aware initiator and the WLAN-aware responder can be clients, and the two can communicate by connecting to the same AP.

[0035] Although in Figure 1 In (a), (b) and (c) of FIG. 1 , the client is shown as the initiator and the AP is shown as the responder. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the AP can be the initiator and the client can be the responder. In addition, the number of initiators and responders is not limited to Figure 1 As shown in (a), (b) and (c).

[0036] As an illustrative embodiment, the WLAN awareness process may include: WLAN awareness session establishment, WLAN awareness measurement establishment, and WLAN awareness measurement termination. In the WLAN awareness session establishment, operating parameters associated with the awareness session may be determined and exchanged between devices. In the WLAN awareness measurement establishment, awareness measurements and / or reporting of measurement results may be performed, so the WLAN awareness measurement establishment may also be referred to as a WLAN awareness measurement process. In the WLAN awareness measurement termination, the device stops performing measurements and terminates the awareness session.

[0037] In addition, in the WLAN perception technology, a trigger-based (TB-based) perception method and a non-trigger-based (Non-TB based) perception method are proposed. For example, in the TB-based perception method, the AP can be the initiator or the transmitter, and in the Non-TB based perception method, the station (STA) can be the initiator or the transmitter. The example of the station (STA) can be similar to the example of the client above. For the sake of simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0038] Figure 2 Three typical application scenarios of the Non-TB based sensing method according to example embodiments are shown.

[0039] Due to STA( Figure 2STA1 is shown as the initiator, which does not have the ability of AP to communicate with multiple users at the same time. Therefore, in the Non-TB based perception process, the perception measurement is initiated by the STA, and uplink sounding (UL sounding) or downlink sounding (DL sounding) can be performed, or both can be performed in one perception measurement.

[0040] exist Figure 2 In the present invention, I2R may represent the initiator to the responder (i.e., uplink), and R2I may represent the responder to the initiator (i.e., downlink). Therefore, I2R sensing detection may represent uplink sounding (UL sounding), R2I sensing detection may represent downlink sounding (DL sounding), and SIFS (Short Interframe Space) may represent the transmission interval between frames.

[0041] Figure 2 (a) shows that both uplink detection and downlink detection are performed in one sensing measurement. Figure 2 (b) shows that only uplink detection is performed. Figure 2 (c) shows that only downlink detection is performed.

[0042] exist Figure 2 In (a), the NDPA (Null Data Packet Announcement) frame sent by the initiator indicates the acquisition of the WLAN sensing channel, and the I2R NDP (Null Data Packet) frame and the R2INDP frame are both used for (or involved in) WLAN sensing measurement. However, Figure 2 In (b), when only uplink detection is performed (i.e., the initiator sends an I2R NDP frame), during the entire measurement process, the AP also sends a downlink detection frame (i.e., an R2I NDP frame), but the R2INDP frame is not used for WLAN perception measurement, but only to indicate that it has received the NDPA frame and to allow the AP to have enough time to prepare perception feedback. Figure 2 In (c), when only downlink detection is performed (i.e., the responder sends an R2I NDP frame, and the initiator uses the received R2I NDP frame to perform WLAN awareness measurement), the I2R NDP frame sent by the initiator is not used for WLAN awareness measurement, but only for the purpose of protocol integrity.

[0043] In current research, it is required or expected that the overhead of NDP frames not used for WLAN awareness measurement should be saved as much as possible. In view of this, a communication method and a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are provided.

[0044] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method according to an example embodiment. Figure 2 The communication method shown can be applied to a WLAN-aware initiator (STA).

[0045] Reference Figure 3 In step 310, an NDPA frame may be sent; in step 320, an uplink NDP frame may be sent; and in step 330, a downlink NDP frame may be received. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame used for WLAN awareness measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame not used for WLAN awareness measurement, and the operating parameters or formats of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame may be different.

[0046] For example, in the case of only uplink detection, the uplink NDP frame may be a measurement NDP frame used for WLAN perception measurement, and the downlink NDP frame may be a non-measurement NDP frame not used for WLAN perception measurement; in the case of only downlink detection, the downlink NDP frame may be a measurement NDP frame, and the uplink NDP frame may be a non-measurement NDP frame. In order to save overhead (for example, to save the overhead of transmitting non-measurement NDP frames as much as possible), different working parameters or formats may be used for the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the working parameters of the non-measurement NDP frame may include: the number of first spatial streams (NSS), and the first working bandwidth (BW, bandwidth) of the non-measurement NDP frame. The format of the non-measurement NDP frame may represent the information contained in the non-measurement NDP frame, and the non-measurement NDP frame may include: the first long training field (LTF, long training field). Among them, the number of the first long training fields and the first working bandwidth of the non-measurement NDP frame may be solidified, carried in the NDPA frame, or determined in the WLAN perception measurement establishment phase, for example, the number of the first LTF is 1, and the first working bandwidth is 20MHz.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the working parameters of the measurement NDP frame may include: the number of second spatial streams, and the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame. The format of the measurement NDP frame may represent the information contained in the measurement NDP frame, and the measurement NDP frame may include: a second long training field, a data packet extension field (PE, packet extension). Among them, the number of second long training fields and the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame may be carried in the NDPA frame, or determined in the WLAN awareness measurement establishment phase. In addition, the number of second long training fields and the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame are different for different WLAN awareness measurement events.

[0049] However, it will be understood that the operating parameters and formats (information contained) of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame described above are merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the operating parameters of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame may include various channel parameters for transmitting the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame, and the formats of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame may represent various information carried by the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame.

[0050] Regarding the working parameters of the non-measurement NDP frame, since in the case of only uplink detection, the role of the non-measurement NDP frame is to identify that the AP has received the NDPA frame and the NDP frame sent by the STA, and in the case of only downlink detection, the role of the non-measurement NDP frame is only to identify the integrity of the entire Non-TB perception measurement process, it is necessary to reduce the transmission overhead of the non-measurement NDP frame as much as possible. For example, the number of the first long training field (LTF) can correspond to the first NSS. In the case of the non-measurement NDP frame, the first NSS can be 1 (NSS=1), indicating that there is only one LTF. That is, the number of the first long training fields can be 1. In addition, since the non-measurement NDP frame carries less information, it can be transmitted in the basic BW 20MHz channel. That is, the first working bandwidth can be the basic 20MHz bandwidth. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first working bandwidth for transmitting the non-measurement NDP frame can be equal to the second working bandwidth for transmitting the measurement NDP frame (the second working bandwidth will be described in detail later below). In addition, in order to save the transmission overhead of the non-measurement NDP frame, the working parameters of the NDP frame may not include PE, or PE may not be included in the NDP frame.

[0051] As a non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure, the non-measurement NDP frame may have a format as shown in Table 1 or Table 2 below.

[0052] Table 1: EEHT detection, non-measurement NDP frame format

[0053]

[0054] Table 1 shows the format of the non-measurement NDP frame in an extremely high throughput (EHT) communication environment, for example, the number of long training fields (EHT-LTF) of the non-measurement NDP frame (i.e., the number of first long training fields) is 1, and does not include PE. In addition, the non-measurement NDP frame shown in Table 1 may also include: a legacy short training field (L-STF), a legacy long training field (L-LTF), a legacy signaling field (L-SIG), a repeated legacy signaling field (RL-SIG), a universal signaling field (U-SIG), an EHT signaling field (EHT-SIG) and an EHT short training field (EHT-STF), etc. However, this is only exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0055] Table 2: HE detection, non-measurement NDP frame format

[0056]

[0057] Table 2 shows the format of a non-measurement NDP frame in a high-efficiency (HE) communication environment, for example, the number of long training fields (HE-LTF) of the non-measurement NDP frame (i.e., the number of first long training fields) is 1, and does not include PE. In addition, the non-measurement NDP frame shown in Table 2 may also include: a legacy short training field (L-STF), a legacy long training field (L-LTF), a legacy signaling field (L-SIG), a repeated legacy signaling field (RL-SIG), a HE signaling field (HE-SIG-A) and a HE short training field (HE-STF), etc. However, this is only exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the non-measurement NDP frame may be a PPDU (null data physical layer (PHY) protocol data unit) that does not include a data field (Data field).

[0058] Regarding the working parameters of the measurement NDP frame, since the measurement NDP frame is used for WLAN awareness measurement (ie, as a WLAN awareness frame), the overhead of transmitting the measurement NDP frame may be greater than the overhead of transmitting the non-measurement NDP frame.

[0059] For example, the number of LTFs in the measurement NDP frame (i.e., the number of the second long training fields) may be at most the maximum number of spatial streams supported by the transmitter of the measurement NDP frame (i.e., the maximum number of the second spatial streams described above). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the maximum number of the second spatial streams may be predetermined (obtained), for example, Figure 3The communication method shown is obtained before being executed. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the maximum number of second spatial streams can be obtained from the physical layer capability information element. For example, the maximum number of second spatial streams can be obtained from the HE PHY capability information element or the EHT PHY capability information element. For simplicity, the specific format of the HE PHY capability information element or the EHT PHY capability information element is omitted here.

[0060] In addition, the number of LTFs in the measurement NDP frame (i.e., the number of second long training fields) may be associated with the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame. For example, but not limited to, when the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz, the maximum number of second long training fields may be 8; when the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 320 MHz, the maximum number of second long training fields may be 16.

[0061] In addition, the data packet extension field in the measurement NDP frame may be associated with the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame. For example, the length of the data packet extension field in the case where the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 320MHz may be greater than the length of the data packet extension field in the case where the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the two may also be the same. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the data packet extension field may identify the time taken to send the data packet extension field (PE) in the measurement NDP frame, which will be described in detail later with reference to Tables 3 and 4.

[0062] As a non-limiting example embodiment of the present disclosure, the Measurement NDP frame may have a format as shown in Table 3 or Table 4 below.

[0063] Table 3: EHT detection, measurement NDP frame format

[0064]

[0065] Table 3 shows the format of the measurement NDP frame in the EHT communication environment. For example, the number of long training fields (EHT-LTF) of the measurement NDP frame (i.e., the number of second long training fields) can be multiple (for example, up to 16), and can include a PE of 4us or 8us. In addition, the measurement NDP frame shown in Table 3 may also include: L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, U-SIG, EHT-SIG and EHT-STF, etc. However, this is only exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] Table 4: HE detection, measurement NDP frame format

[0067]

[0068] Table 4 shows the format of the measurement NDP frame in the HE communication environment, for example, the number of long training fields (HE-LTF) of the measurement NDP frame (ie, the number of second long training fields) is 8, and a 4us PE may be included. In addition, the measurement NDP frame shown in Table 4 may also include: L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, HE-SIG-A and HE-STF, etc. However, this is only exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0069] will understand, Figure 3 The communication method shown is only exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the present invention, an embodiment of a communication method performed by an initiator (STA) is described.

[0070] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by an initiator (STA) in uplink sounding according to an example embodiment.

[0071] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, steps 410 to 430 may be similar to Figure 3 In step 310 to step 330, repeated description is omitted for simplicity. When only uplink detection is performed, the uplink NDP frame in step 420 is a measurement NDP frame, and the downlink NDP frame in step 430 is a non-measurement NDP frame.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operating parameters or format of the uplink NDP frame may be different from the operating parameters or format of the downlink NDP frame.

[0073] For example, the working parameters of the uplink NDP frame may include: the number of second spatial streams, and the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame. The format of the uplink NDP frame may indicate the information contained in the uplink NDP frame, and the uplink NDP frame may include: a second long training field, a data packet extension field. Specifically, the number of second long training fields may be at most the maximum number of second spatial streams supported by the sender of the uplink NDP frame. The second working bandwidth may be 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz. For example, when the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, the number of second long training fields may be at most 8; when the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame is 320MHz, the number of second long training fields may be at most 16. In addition, the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame is 320MHz may be greater than the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the two may also be the same. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the uplink NDP frame may have the working parameters or format of a regular NDP frame for WLAN awareness measurement, or the embodiments of the measurement NDP frame described above with reference to Tables 3 and 4 may be applied to the uplink NDP frame here. For the sake of simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0074] For example, the operating parameters of the downlink NDP frame may include: the number of first spatial streams, and the first operating bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame. The format of the downlink NDP frame may represent the information contained in the downlink NDP frame, and the downlink NDP frame may include: a first long training field. Specifically, the number of first spatial streams and the number of first long training fields may be 1, and the first operating bandwidth may be 20 MHz. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the downlink NDP frame may have the operating parameters or format of a conventional NDP frame, or the embodiments of the non-measurement NDP frame described above with reference to Tables 1 and 2 may be applied to the downlink NDP frame here. For the sake of simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0075] In addition, Figure 4 In the uplink detection, the initiator (STA) can receive the WLAN perception measurement result (step 440). In other words, the receiver (AP) can perform WLAN perception measurement based on the uplink NDP frame and feed back the measurement result to the initiator, such as but not limited to channel state information CSI (channel state information).

[0076] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method performed by an initiator (STA) in downlink sounding according to an example embodiment.

[0077] exist Figure 5 In the example, steps 510 to 530 may be similar to Figure 3 In step 310 to step 330, repeated description is omitted for simplicity. When only downlink detection is performed, the uplink NDP frame in step 520 is a non-measurement NDP frame, and the downlink NDP frame in step 530 is a measurement NDP frame.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operating parameters or format of the uplink NDP frame may be different from the operating parameters or format of the downlink NDP frame.

[0079] For example, the operating parameters of the uplink NDP frame may include: the number of first spatial streams, and the first operating bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame. The format of the uplink NDP frame may represent the information contained in the uplink NDP frame, and the uplink NDP frame may include: a first long training field. Specifically, the number of first spatial streams and the number of first long training fields may be 1, and the first operating bandwidth may be 20 MHz. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the uplink NDP frame may have the operating parameters or format of a conventional NDP frame, or the embodiments of the non-measurement NDP frame described above with reference to Tables 1 and 2 may be applied to the uplink NDP frame here. For the sake of simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0080] For example, the working parameters of the downlink NDP frame may include: the number of second spatial streams, and the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame. The format of the downlink NDP frame may indicate the information contained in the downlink NDP frame, and the downlink NDP frame may include: a second long training field, a data packet extension field. Specifically, the number of second long training fields may be at most the maximum number of second spatial streams supported by the sender of the downlink NDP frame. The second working bandwidth may be 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz. For example, when the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, the number of second long training fields may be at most 8; when the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame is 320MHz, the number of second long training fields may be at most 16. In addition, the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame is 320MHz may be greater than the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the two may also be the same. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the downlink NDP frame may have the working parameters or format of a regular NDP frame for WLAN awareness measurement, or the embodiments of the measurement NDP frame described above with reference to Tables 3 and 4 may be applied to the downlink NDP frame here. For the sake of simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0081] In addition, Figure 5 In the downlink detection, the initiator (STA) can directly use the downlink NDP frame to perform WLAN perception measurement results (step 540) without receiving the measurement results from the responder (AP).

[0082] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating another communication method according to an example embodiment. Figure 6 The communication method shown may be performed by a responder (AP).

[0083] Reference Figure 6 In step 610, an NDPA frame may be received; in step 620, an uplink NDP frame may be received; and in step 630, a downlink NDP frame may be sent. One of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame may be a measurement NDP frame used for WLAN awareness measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame may be a non-measurement NDP frame not used for WLAN awareness measurement, and the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame have different working parameters or formats.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operating parameters of the non-measurement NDP frame may include: the number of first spatial streams, and the first operating bandwidth of the non-measurement NDP frame; the format of the non-measurement NDP frame may represent the information contained in the non-measurement NDP frame, and the non-measurement NDP frame may include: a first long training field. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operating parameters of the measurement NDP frame may include: the number of second spatial streams, and the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame; the format of the measurement NDP frame may represent the information contained in the measurement NDP frame, and the measurement NDP frame includes: a second long training field, a data packet extension field.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of first spatial streams and the number of first long training fields may be 1.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first working bandwidth may be a 20 MHz bandwidth, or the first working bandwidth may be equal to the second working bandwidth.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the maximum number of the second long training fields can be the maximum number of second spatial streams supported by the transmitter of the measurement NDP frame. The maximum number of second spatial streams can be obtained from the physical layer capability information element.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second working bandwidth of the measured NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, the maximum number of second long training fields can be 8; when the second working bandwidth of the measured NDP frame is 320MHz, the maximum number of second long training fields can be 16.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the NDP frame is 320 MHz may be greater than the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the NDP frame is 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz or 160 MHz. However, the present disclosure is not limited to, and the two may also be equal.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of first long training fields and the first working bandwidth of a non-measurement NDP frame may be fixed, carried in an NDPA frame, or determined in a WLAN awareness measurement establishment phase.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of second long training fields and the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame may be carried in the NDPA frame, or may be determined in the WLAN awareness measurement establishment phase.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of second long training fields and the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame may be different for different WLAN awareness measurement events.

[0093] Refer to above Figure 3 The embodiments of the non-measurement NDP frame and the measurement NDP frame described in Tables 1 to 4 may be applied here. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0094] will understand, Figure 6 The communication method shown is only exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 7 In the present invention, an embodiment of a communication method performed by a responder (AP) is described.

[0095] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method performed by a responder (AP) in an uplink probe according to an example embodiment.

[0096] exist Figure 7 In the example, steps 710 to 730 may be similar to Figure 6 In step 610 to step 630, repeated description is omitted for simplicity. When only uplink detection is performed, the uplink NDP frame in step 720 is a measurement NDP frame, and the downlink NDP frame in step 730 is a non-measurement NDP frame.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operating parameters or format of the uplink NDP frame may be different from the operating parameters or format of the downlink NDP frame.

[0098] For example, the working parameters of the uplink NDP frame may include: the number of second spatial streams, and the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame. The format of the uplink NDP frame may indicate the information contained in the uplink NDP frame, and the uplink NDP frame may include: a second long training field, a data packet extension field. Specifically, the number of second long training fields may be at most the maximum number of second spatial streams supported by the sender of the uplink NDP frame. The second working bandwidth may be 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz. For example, when the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, the number of second long training fields may be at most 8; when the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame is 320MHz, the number of second long training fields may be at most 16. In addition, the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame is 320MHz may be greater than the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the two may also be the same. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the uplink NDP frame may have the working parameters or format of a regular NDP frame for WLAN awareness measurement, or the embodiments of the measurement NDP frame described above with reference to Tables 3 and 4 may be applied to the uplink NDP frame here. For the sake of simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0099] For example, the operating parameters of the downlink NDP frame may include: the number of first spatial streams, and the first operating bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame. The format of the downlink NDP frame may represent the information contained in the downlink NDP frame, and the downlink NDP frame may include: a first long training field. Specifically, the number of first spatial streams and the number of first long training fields may be 1, and the first operating bandwidth may be 20 MHz. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the downlink NDP frame may have the operating parameters or format of a conventional NDP frame, or the embodiments of the non-measurement NDP frame described above with reference to Tables 1 and 2 may be applied to the downlink NDP frame here. For the sake of simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0100] In addition, Figure 7 In the uplink detection, the responder (AP) can perform WLAN awareness measurement based on the uplink NDP frame received in step 720, and send the WLAN awareness measurement result (e.g., CSI) to the initiator (STA) (step 740).

[0101] The flow chart of the communication method performed by the responder (AP) when only downlink detection is performed may be similar to Figure 6 , that is, the responder (AP) may send a downlink NDP frame (measurement NDP frame) for WLAN awareness measurement without performing WLAN awareness measurement. When only downlink detection is performed, the uplink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame, and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operating parameters or format of the uplink NDP frame may be different from the operating parameters or format of the downlink NDP frame.

[0102] For example, the operating parameters of the uplink NDP frame may include: the number of first spatial streams, and the first operating bandwidth of the uplink NDP frame. The format of the uplink NDP frame may represent the information contained in the uplink NDP frame, and the uplink NDP frame may include: a first long training field. Specifically, the number of first spatial streams and the number of first long training fields may be 1, and the first operating bandwidth may be 20 MHz. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the uplink NDP frame may have the operating parameters or format of a conventional NDP frame, or the embodiments of the non-measurement NDP frame described above with reference to Tables 1 and 2 may be applied to the uplink NDP frame here. For the sake of simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0103] For example, the working parameters of the downlink NDP frame may include: the number of second spatial streams, and the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame. The format of the downlink NDP frame may indicate the information contained in the downlink NDP frame, and the downlink NDP frame may include: a second long training field, a data packet extension field. Specifically, the number of second long training fields may be at most the maximum number of second spatial streams supported by the sender of the downlink NDP frame. The second working bandwidth may be 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz or 320MHz. For example, when the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, the number of second long training fields may be at most 8; when the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame is 320MHz, the number of second long training fields may be at most 16. In addition, the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame is 320MHz may be greater than the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the downlink NDP frame is 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz or 160MHz, however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the two may also be the same. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the downlink NDP frame may have the working parameters or format of a regular NDP frame for WLAN awareness measurement, or the embodiments of the measurement NDP frame described above with reference to Tables 3 and 4 may be applied to the downlink NDP frame here. For the sake of simplicity, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0104] In reference Figures 3 to 7In the described communication method, the Non-TB based perception measurement method is improved, different working parameters of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame are defined, and the overhead of the non-measurement NDP frame is reduced as much as possible, so as to better adapt to WLAN perception measurement.

[0105] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to an example embodiment. Figure 8 The communication device 800 may include a processing module 810 and a transceiver module 820. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can be applied to an initiator (STA); in another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown may be applied to a responder (AP).

[0106] exist Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can be applied to the case of an initiator (STA), and the processing module 810 can be configured to: control the overall operation of the communication device 800 (for example, control the sending of NDPA frames and NDP frames, the execution of WLAN awareness measurements, etc.); the transceiver module 820 can be configured to: send an empty data packet declaration NDPA frame, send an uplink empty data packet NDP frame, and receive a downlink NDP frame, wherein one of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame can be a measurement NDP frame for WLAN awareness measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame can be a non-measurement NDP frame not used for WLAN awareness measurement, and the working parameters or formats of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame can be different. In other words, Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can perform reference Figures 3 to 5 The communication method described, and the embodiments described with reference to Tables 1 to 4 can be applied here. In order to avoid redundancy, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0107] exist Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can be applied to the case of a responder (AP), and the transceiver module 820 can be configured to: receive an empty data packet declaration NDPA frame, receive an uplink empty data packet NDP frame, and send a downlink NDP frame, wherein one of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame can be a measurement NDP frame for WLAN perception measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame can be a non-measurement NDP frame not used for WLAN perception measurement, and the working parameters or formats of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame are different; the processing module 810 can be configured to: control the overall operation of the communication device 800 (for example, control the transmission of NDPA frames and NDP frames, the execution of WLAN perception measurement, etc.). That is, Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown can perform reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The communication method described, and the embodiments described with reference to Tables 1 to 4 can be applied here. In order to avoid redundancy, repeated descriptions are omitted here.

[0108] will understand, Figure 8 The communication device 800 shown is only exemplary, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the communication device 800 may further include other modules, such as a memory module, etc. In addition, the modules in the communication device 800 may be combined into a more complex module, or may be divided into more separate modules.

[0109] According to the communication method and communication device of the embodiments of the present disclosure, different working parameters of the measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame are defined, and the overhead of the non-measurement NDP frame is reduced as much as possible, which can better adapt to WLAN perception measurement.

[0110] Based on the same principle as the method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a processor and a memory; wherein the memory stores machine-readable instructions (also referred to as "computer programs"); the processor is used to execute the machine-readable instructions to implement reference Figures 3 to 7 Describe the method.

[0111] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the reference Figures 3 to 7 Describe the method.

[0112] In an example embodiment, the processor may be a device for implementing or executing various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the present disclosure, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The processor may also be a combination that implements a computing function, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, and the like.

[0113] In an example embodiment, the memory may be, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or other optical disk storage, optical disk storage (including compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited to these.

[0114] It should be understood that, although the steps in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings are displayed in sequence as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in sequence in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. In addition, at least a portion of the steps in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages, and these sub-steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a portion of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0115] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments, but should be limited by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: Send an empty data packet to declare an NDPA frame; Send uplink null data packet NDP frame; Receive downlink NDP frames, One of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame used for wireless local area network perception measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame not used for wireless local area network perception measurement, The measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame have different operating parameters or formats. The format of the non-measurement NDP frame indicates information contained in the non-measurement NDP frame, and the non-measurement NDP frame includes a first long training field and does not include a data field.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The operating parameters of the non-measurement NDP frame include: the number of first spatial streams, and the first operating bandwidth of the non-measurement NDP frame, and / or The working parameters of the measurement NDP frame include: the number of second spatial streams and the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame, the format of the measurement NDP frame represents the information contained in the measurement NDP frame, and the measurement NDP frame includes: a second long training field and a data packet extension field.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein: The number of the first spatial streams and the number of the first long training fields are 1.

4. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein: The first working bandwidth is 20 MHz, or the first working bandwidth is equal to the second working bandwidth.

5. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein: The maximum number of the second long training fields is the maximum number of second spatial streams supported by the sender of the measurement NDP frame.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein: The maximum number of second spatial streams is obtained from a physical layer capability information element.

7. The communication method according to claim 2, 5 or 6, wherein: When the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz or 160 MHz, the maximum number of the second long training fields is 8; When the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 320 MHz, the number of the second long training fields is 16 at most.

8. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein: The length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 320 MHz is greater than the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz or 160 MHz.

9. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein: The number of the first long training fields and the first working bandwidth of the non-measurement NDP frame are fixed and carried in the NDPA frame, or are determined in the wireless LAN awareness measurement establishment phase.

10. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein: The number of the second long training fields and the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame are carried in the NDPA frame, or are determined in the wireless LAN awareness measurement establishment phase.

11. The communication method according to claim 2 or 10, wherein: The number of the second long training fields and the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame are different for different wireless LAN awareness measurement events.

12. A communication method, comprising: Receive the empty data packet declaration NDPA frame; Receive uplink null data packet NDP frame; Send downlink NDP frame, One of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame used for wireless local area network perception measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame not used for wireless local area network perception measurement, The measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame have different operating parameters or formats. The format of the non-measurement NDP frame indicates information contained in the non-measurement NDP frame, and the non-measurement NDP frame includes a first long training field and does not include a data field.

13. The communication method according to claim 11, wherein: The operating parameters of the non-measurement NDP frame include: the number of first spatial streams, and the first operating bandwidth of the non-measurement NDP frame, and / or The working parameters of the measurement NDP frame include: the number of second spatial streams and the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame, the format of the measurement NDP frame represents the information contained in the measurement NDP frame, and the measurement NDP frame includes: a second long training field and a data packet extension field.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein: The number of the first spatial streams and the number of the first long training fields are 1.

15. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein: The first working bandwidth is 20 MHz, or the first working bandwidth is equal to the second working bandwidth.

16. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein: The maximum number of the second long training fields is the maximum number of second spatial streams supported by the sender of the measurement NDP frame.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, wherein: The maximum number of second spatial streams is obtained from a physical layer capability information element.

18. The communication method according to claim 13, 16 or 17, wherein: When the second operating bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz or 160 MHz, the maximum number of the second long training fields is 8; When the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 320 MHz, the number of the second long training fields is 16 at most.

19. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein: The length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 320 MHz is greater than the length of the data packet extension field when the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame is 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz or 160 MHz.

20. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein: The number of the first long training fields and the first working bandwidth of the non-measurement NDP frame are fixed and carried in the NDPA frame, or are determined in the wireless LAN awareness measurement establishment phase.

21. The communication method according to claim 13, wherein: The number of the second long training fields and the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame are carried in the NDPA frame, or are determined in the wireless LAN awareness measurement establishment phase.

22. The communication method according to claim 13 or 21, wherein: The number of the second long training fields and the second working bandwidth of the measurement NDP frame are different for different wireless LAN awareness measurement events.

23. A communication device, comprising: The transceiver module is configured to: send an empty data packet to declare an NDPA frame; Send uplink null data packet NDP frame; Receive downlink NDP frames, One of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame used for wireless local area network perception measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame not used for wireless local area network perception measurement, The measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame have different operating parameters or formats. The format of the non-measurement NDP frame indicates information contained in the non-measurement NDP frame, and the non-measurement NDP frame includes a first long training field and does not include a data field.

24. A communication device, comprising: The transceiver module is configured to: receive an empty data packet declaration NDPA frame; Receive uplink null data packet NDP frame; Send downlink NDP frame, One of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a measurement NDP frame used for wireless local area network perception measurement, and the other of the uplink NDP frame and the downlink NDP frame is a non-measurement NDP frame not used for wireless local area network perception measurement, The measurement NDP frame and the non-measurement NDP frame have different operating parameters or formats. The format of the non-measurement NDP frame indicates information contained in the non-measurement NDP frame, and the non-measurement NDP frame includes a first long training field and does not include a data field.

25. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein: When the processor executes the computer program, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or any one of claims 12 to 22 is implemented.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 11 or any one of claims 12 to 22.

Images