Macro diversity transmission in subnetworks

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a method, equipment and device for macro diversity transmission in a subnet, and a computer readable medium. The method comprises the first device detecting a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device in a radio access network. The first device operates as a master access point (AP) of a third device. The first device selects a second device based on one or more second quality levels, each of the one or more second quality levels being associated with a radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices in the radio access network. Then, the first device sends an activation instruction to the selected second device, and the activation instruction indicates that the selected second device operates as the auxiliary AP of the third device; wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over a radio link between the first device and the third device are transmitted or to be transmitted by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and in particular to devices, methods, apparatuses, computer-readable storage media, and systems for macrodiversity transmission in a subnet. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology, the application scenarios of communication are becoming more and more diversified and customized. In some current or future application scenarios, the requirements for communication performance are very high. For example, in the context of short-range radio data networks, each communication performance indicator in the system needs to have extremely high quality standards, such as multi-Gbps data rate, 100μs delay, and 99.99999% reliability. Such a system (which may be referred to as an "in-X subnet" in this disclosure) can be installed in entities such as robots, vehicles, production modules, or even human bodies to support critical operations. For example, in the case of a vehicle, the in-X subnet is expected to replace the controller area network (CAN) bus and automotive Ethernet for applications such as engine control, power steering, anti-lock braking system (ABS), or automatic assisted driving. In the case of a body network, the in-X subnet can be used to stream high-quality VR video from a wristband to a headset, or for medical implants such as wireless pacemakers or insulin pumps for diabetics. However, dense deployments can create potentially high interference levels that could impact communication performance, such as in cells installed in vehicles on a congested road, or in front of people attending a large event. In addition, signal congestion in a particular deployment (e.g., in an in-vehicle engine network) could impact the possibility of achieving the required reliability levels. Summary of the invention

[0003] In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for macro-diversity transmission in a subnet.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the first device to: obtain a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device in a radio access network, wherein the first device operates as an AP of the third device. If the first quality level is lower than a first threshold level, the first device is also caused to: select at least one second device from one or more second devices in the radio access network based on one or more second quality levels, each of the one or more second quality levels being associated with a corresponding radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices; and send an activation indication to at least one second device, the activation indication indicating that the at least one second device operates as a secondary AP of the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over the radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to: send a second quality level to a first device in a radio access network, the second quality being associated with a radio link between a third device in the radio access network and the second device. The first device operates as a master AP for the third device. The second device is also caused to: receive an activation indication from the first device, the activation indication indicating that the second device operates as a secondary AP for the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over the radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device; and receive a data packet transmitted between the first device and the third device according to a predetermined transmission mode. The second device is also caused to: send one or more repetitions of a data packet according to a predetermined transmission mode.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: obtaining, at a first device in a radio access network, a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device in the radio access network, wherein the first device operates as an AP for the third device; if the first quality level is below a first threshold level, selecting at least one second device from one or more second devices in the radio access network based on one or more second quality levels, each of the one or more second quality levels being associated with a corresponding radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices; and sending an activation indication to at least one second device, the activation indication indicating that the at least one second device operates as a secondary AP for the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over the radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a second device in a radio access network, sending a second quality level to a first device in the radio access network, the second quality being associated with a radio link between a third device in the radio access network and the second device, wherein the first device operates as an AP for the third device; receiving an activation indication from the first device, the activation indication indicating that the second device operates as a secondary AP for the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over the radio link between the first device and the third device are or are to be transmitted by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode for the third device; receiving a data packet transmitted between the first device and the third device according to the predetermined transmission mode; and sending one or more repetitions of the data packet according to the predetermined transmission mode.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes: a component for obtaining, at a first device in a radio access network, a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device in the radio access network, wherein the first device operates as an AP of the third device; a component for selecting at least one second device from one or more second devices in the radio access network based on one or more second quality levels when the first quality level is lower than a first threshold level, each of the one or more second quality levels being associated with a corresponding radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices; and a component for sending an activation indication to at least one second device, the activation indication indicating that the at least one second device operates as a secondary AP of the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over the radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus comprises: a component for sending a second quality level at a second device in a radio access network to a first device in the radio access network, the second quality being associated with a radio link between a third device in the radio access network and the second device, wherein the first device operates as an AP of the third device; a component for receiving an activation indication from the first device, the activation indication indicating that the second device operates as a secondary AP of the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over the radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device; a component for receiving a data packet transmitted between the first device and the third device according to the predetermined transmission mode; and a component for sending one or more repetitions of a data packet according to the predetermined transmission mode.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions for causing an apparatus to execute the method according to any one of the third aspect and the fourth aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising the first device of the first aspect and the second device of the second aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates an example network environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a signaling process illustrating macrodiversity transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 3A illustrates transmission modes according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3B illustrates another transmission mode according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example method implemented at a network device for macrodiversity transmission in a subnet according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5illustrates a flow chart of an example method implemented at a network device for macrodiversity transmission in a subnet according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is illustrated according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only to illustrate and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not represent any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways except the way described below.

[0024] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all 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.

[0025] In this disclosure, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and "an example embodiment" indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, those skilled in the art believe that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0026] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0027] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" used herein also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "include", "comprise", "have", "have", "contain", and / or "comprises" when used herein specify the presence of the features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more, or all of the following:

[0029] (a) a pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry), and

[0030] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0031] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0032] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) (including digital signal processor(s)) with software, software, and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions), and

[0033] (c) Hardware circuits and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0034] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0035] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that follows any suitable communication standard, such as long term evolution (LTE), advanced LTE (LTE-A), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), high speed packet access (HSPA), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocols, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Considering the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be communication technologies and systems that can be used to embody future types of the present disclosure. It should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the above-mentioned systems.

[0036] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from the network. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR next generation NodeB (gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay, a low power node (such as a femto, a pico). It is allowed to define a network device as part of a gNB, such as, for example, in a CU / DU split, in which case the network device is defined as a gNB-CU or a gNB-DU.

[0037] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS) or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image acquisition terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment", and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0038] As described above, each communication performance indicator in the "in-X subnet" needs to have an extremely high quality standard. However, there may be potential problems that affect communication performance. In one example, the signal sent between the AP device and the wireless terminal device in the in-X subnet may be blocked by a specific deployment. In another example, due to the dense deployment of the data access network, the signal sent between the AP device and the wireless terminal device in the in-X subnet may be interfered. In some other examples, communication performance may be affected for other reasons.

[0039] In order to solve the above and other potential problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an improved mechanism for macro-diversity transmission in a subnet to enhance the communication performance redundancy of the subnet. According to the mechanism of macro-diversity transmission, a first device operating as a master AP of a wireless terminal device detects a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device in a radio access network. If the first quality level is lower than a first threshold level, the first device selects a second device based on one or more second quality levels. Each of the one or more second quality levels is associated with a radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices in the radio access network. Then, the first device sends an activation indication to the selected second device, the activation indication indicating that the selected second device operates as a secondary AP of the third device, and one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted through the radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or will be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

[0040] In this way, once the quality level of the radio link between the AP and the terminal device deteriorates, the signal sent between the terminal device and the AP device can be further forwarded by another AP device in a predetermined transmission mode. On the receiver side, macro diversity gain can be achieved without additional processing of the receiver.

[0041] Figure 1 An example network environment 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is illustrated. In the network environment 100, a first device 110, a second device 120, a second device 130, a first group of third devices 140 including a third device 150, a second group of third devices 160, and a third group of third devices 170 are shown.

[0042] According to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the first device 110 operates as a master AP of the third device 150. In turn, the third device 150 may initially communicate with the first device 110. In some embodiments, one or more of the second device 120 and the second device 130 may be further selected to operate as a secondary AP of the third device 150 in order to relay data packets transmitted over a radio link between the first device 110 and the third device 150.

[0043] In the present disclosure, the so-called primary AP and secondary AP are specific to a third device (e.g., the third device 150). In the above example embodiment, for the third device 150, the first device 110 operates as a primary AP, and the second device 120 or the second device 130 may be selected to operate as a secondary AP. Furthermore, for other third devices, for example, the third device in the second group of terminal devices 160, the second device 120 may operate as a primary AP, and the first device 110 may be further selected to operate as a secondary AP. In some embodiments, the first device 110 or the second device 120 may simultaneously operate as a primary AP and a secondary AP of different third devices. Therefore, the first device 110, the second device 120, and the second device 130 may be configured with a full-duplex communication mode to support different roles at the same time.

[0044] Therefore, additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the second device 120 operates as a master AP of the second group of third devices 160. Each third device in the second group of third devices 160 can initially communicate with the second device 120. The second device 130 operates as a master AP of the third group of third devices 170. Each third device in the third group of third devices 170 can initially communicate with the second device 130. In the present disclosure, these devices (the first device 110, the second devices 120 and 130, and the third device groups 140, 160, and 170) belong to the same in-X subnet shown in the network environment 100. In some embodiments, the first device, the second device 120, and the second device 130 may also be referred to as "network devices". The third device may also be referred to as a "terminal device".

[0045] Regarding the initial master device of the third device, in some embodiments, the master AP device of the third device (e.g., a wireless terminal device) is predefined. In one example, these AP devices need to be equipped with embedded edge controller capabilities to perform the processing required for the control task. In the in-vehicle case, the AP device can serve two components: one component is a sensor that performs measurements of multiple states of different vehicle components, and the other component is an actuator that performs actions depending on the measurements. The ability to process sensor measurements and calculate the actions to be performed by the actuator is performed by an edge controller embedded in the AP device. The edge processing server can be understood as an integrated core and data network (similar to the network in a traditional cellular network), with the main difference that it is highly customized (and thus simplified) specifically for the relevant services.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the master AP device of the third device may be selected by the third device rather than being predefined for the third device. Figure 1In the example shown in , when performing the access process, the third device 150 can measure the quality level of the radio link between the third device 150 and each of the first device 110, the second device 120, and the second device 130. Then, the third device 150 can select a master AP based on the measured quality level. For example, the third device 150 can select a device with the best quality level (e.g., the first device 110) as the master AP device. In some embodiments, the third device 150 can also select the second device 130 as the master AP device.

[0047] It should also be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration purposes only and does not represent any limitation. For example, network 100 may include any suitable number of terminal devices and network devices suitable for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] The communications in the network environment 100 may conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to LTE, LTE evolution, advanced LTE (LTE-A), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), and global system for mobile communications (GSM), etc. In addition, the communications may be performed according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include but are not limited to first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), and / or any other communication protocol.

[0049] The following will refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3A ,as well as Figure 3B The principles and implementations of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0050] Figure 2 A signaling process 200 is illustrated that illustrates macrodiversity transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to Figure 1 A signaling process 200 is described.

[0051] In the signaling process 200, at step 210, the first device 110 detects a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device 150 in a radio access network. The first device operates as a master AP for the third device.

[0052] It should be understood that the third device 150 is only an example of a terminal device served by the first device 110. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may operate as a master AP of the first group of third devices 140. In this case, the first device 110 may detect a first quality level of a corresponding radio link between the first device 110 and each third device in the first group of third devices 140. Additionally or alternatively, the first device 110 may operate as a master AP of the second group of third devices 160. In this case, the first device 110 may detect a first quality level of a corresponding radio link between the first device 110 and each third device in the second group of third devices 160.

[0053] If the first quality level is lower than the first threshold, the first device 110 selects a second device (e.g., second device 120) as a secondary AP device for the third device 150 based on one or more second quality levels. Each second quality level of the one or more second quality levels is associated with a radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices (e.g., second device 120 and second device 130) in the radio access network.

[0054] In some embodiments, due to changes in radio conditions, the quality level of the radio link between the first device 110 and the third device 150 may deteriorate. For example, the radio link condition may be changed due to changes in the relative positions of the first device 110 and the third device 150. In another example, the initial radio link may be blocked by other components, causing the quality level to deteriorate.

[0055] Regarding the one or more second quality levels, the first device 110 receives corresponding quality levels from the second device 120 and the second device 130 , respectively.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second device 120 may periodically report (230) a quality level of a radio link between the second device 120 and a third device (e.g., the third device 150). Similarly, the second device 130 may periodically report another quality level of a corresponding radio link between the second device 130 and the third device (e.g., the third device 150).

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, once the measured first quality level is below the first threshold level, the first device 110 may send (220) a quality level report request (which may also be referred to as a first request) to the second device (e.g., the second device 120 and the second device 130). Then, upon receiving the first request, the second device may send (230) a corresponding quality level.

[0058] Regarding the first threshold level, it may be predefined to meet the required communication performance of the subnet including the first device 110 and the third device. Additionally or alternatively, the first threshold level may be dynamically determined and adjusted by the first device 110 based on the radio environment. In some embodiments, the first threshold may be determined for other purposes.

[0059] Regarding the selection of the second device, the first device 110 may select the second device (e.g., the second device 120) having the best second quality level as the secondary AP of the third device 150. In some embodiments, the first device 110 may select one or more second devices (e.g., the second device 120 and the second device 130) whose corresponding second quality levels are higher than a threshold value (as secondary APs). In some embodiments, the first device 110 may select one or more second devices as secondary APs based on other criteria.

[0060] The first device 110 sends (240) an activation indication to a selected second device (e.g., the second device 120), the activation indication indicating that the selected second device operates as a secondary AP for a third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over a radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or are to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

[0061] Accordingly, the selected second device(s) operate as a secondary AP of the third device 150. The secondary AP of the third device may act as an uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) relay for forwarding data packets sent between the first device 110 and the third device 150 in a predefined transmission mode. Therefore, communication reliability and throughput in the subnet are improved accordingly.

[0062] In some embodiments, each AP device in the AP devices (e.g., the first device and the second device) can be configured with a macrodiversity mode. Once the activation indication is received, the AP device can activate the macrodiversity mode and forward the corresponding data packets received through the radio link between the specific AP device and the indicated third device.

[0063] In some embodiments, the selected second device (s) (e.g., the second device 120) forwards the data packet received from the master AP (e.g., the first device 110) or from the third device in a predefined transmission pattern. In some embodiments, as shown in the network environment 100, all transmissions of the in-X subnet are synchronized (including UL / DL switching) and orthogonal to each other. Each transmission is repeated on multiple channels according to a specific pseudo-random hopping pattern.

[0064] In some embodiments, the transmission mode may include a time-frequency hopping mode for repeated transmission of data packets. In the frequency hopping mode, multiple repetitions of the data packet are sent in multiple time-frequency units pseudo-randomly distributed on multiple channels. This can be referred to as Figure 3A and Figure 3B was discussed further.

[0065] In some embodiments, the transmission mode is specific to a terminal device, such as the third device 150. For example, a plurality of transmission modes have been predetermined, and each of the plurality of transmission modes is associated with the identity of each of the plurality of third devices, respectively. The transmission mode can be generated based on a pseudo-random seed. In addition, the corresponding pseudo-random seed is uniquely associated with a third device. The master AP (e.g., the first device 110) can share all pseudo-random seeds and the association between the pseudo-random seeds and the third device with other APs in advance. In this way, the first device 110 can send only the identity of the third device (e.g., the third device 150) to the selected second device in the activation indication, so that the selected second device understands which transmission mode to use.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the first device 110 may also send the transmission mode of the third device 150 to the selected second device in the activation indication so that the selected second device understands which transmission mode to use. In some embodiments, the transmission mode may be indicated by a pseudo-random seed.

[0067] For the purpose of discussion, refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The forwarding of received data packets in a predefined transport is discussed.

[0068] Figure 3A A transmission pattern 300 ( a ) is illustrated according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] exist Figure 3A , an example transmission pattern for data packets associated with the third device 150 is shown. Each time-frequency unit in the transmission pattern can be used to send one repetition of the data packet. For example, the shaded time-frequency units form a transmission pattern (a frequency hopping pattern in this example) for data transmission associated with the third device 150. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 2 Description Figure 3A and Figure 3B The transmission mode shown in 200.

[0070] In the direction from the master AP (e.g., the first device 110) to the terminal device (e.g., the third device 150), the first device operating as the master AP sends (250) multiple repetitions of the data packet based on the transmission mode 300 (a). After being activated, the selected second device (e.g., the second device 120) also receives the repetitions of the data packet.

[0071] Then, in some embodiments, the selected second device can directly amplify and forward the received data packet in a predefined transmission mode 300 (a). As described above, the predefined transmission mode can be determined based on the identity of the third device indicated in the activation indication, or can be directly received. In this way, the selected second device can forward the data packet immediately with almost no delay. In this case, even if the data packet is only sent once, the selected second device can forward the data packet almost synchronously. In addition, if the data packet is repeated more than once, the selected second device can send multiple repetitions of the data packet throughout the transmission mode. In this way, the selected second device acts as an amplification and forwarding repeater.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, the selected second device may also decode (260) the data packet and further forward the received data in the predefined transmission mode 300(a). In one example, the decoding process may consume one or more time units. Furthermore, the selected second device may send the remaining repetitions of the data packet based on the predefined transmission mode. For example, the decoding process may consume two units, such as Figure 3A As shown in block 310 in . Then, the selected second device may send the remaining three repetitions of the data packet based on the predefined transmission mode.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, the selected second device may also compress and forward the received data packets. In some other embodiments, the selected second device may also denoise and forward the received data packets. In some embodiments, the selected device may use other methods to forward data.

[0074] Accordingly, in the direction from the terminal device to the master AP, the selected second device may perform (270) the relay function in the same manner.

[0075] Figure 3B Another transmission mode 300 ( b ) is illustrated according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] As mentioned above, an AP device can operate as both a primary AP and a secondary AP at the same time. Figure 3BAs shown in , another transmission mode for other terminal devices is shown. The selected second device operates as a master AP for another terminal device. At the same time, the second device can simultaneously perform transmission or reception in a predetermined transmission mode 300 (b).

[0077] In this way, as data packets are forwarded, the reception gain at the receiver can be enhanced through the macrodiversity mechanism without requiring any additional processing at the receiver.

[0078] Reference again Figure 2 , after being activated, the selected second device (e.g., the second device 120) may periodically report a second quality level associated with the third device 150. In turn, the first device 110 may monitor the second quality level accordingly. Once the second quality level is below a second threshold level, the first device 110 may instruct the second device 120 to terminate operation as a secondary AP for the third device 150. For example, the first device 110 may send (280) a deactivation indication that is used to terminate or suspend transmission of one or more repetitions of a data packet. After receiving the deactivation indication, the second device 120 may terminate or suspend transmission of one or more repetitions of a data packet.

[0079] In some embodiments, the primary AP of the terminal device may be changed. As previously described, the first device 110 receives (230) one or more second quality levels, and each of the one or more second quality levels is associated with a radio link between a third device and each of the one or more second devices in the radio access network. If one of the second quality levels is higher than the first quality level by a third threshold level, the first device 110 may instruct the corresponding second device to operate as the primary AP of the third device 150, and further transition to the secondary AP of the third device 150. Additionally or alternatively, the first device 110 may no longer serve the third device 150.

[0080] In one example, once the first device 110 detects that the second quality level is higher than the first quality level by a third threshold level, the first device 110 can send ( 232 ) a second request to operate as a master AP to a corresponding second device (eg, the second device 120 ).

[0081] At the second device 120, an indication for accepting the second request may be sent (234) from the second device 120 to the first device 110. The first device 110 may also send (236) an acknowledgement (ACK) response. Accordingly, the first device 110 may transition (238) to operate as a secondary AP or no longer serve the third device 150. In turn, the second device 120 operates (239) as a primary AP for the third device 150.

[0082] Through the above solution, the reliability, throughput, and latency requirements of the “in-X subnet” can be further enhanced.

[0083] Figure 4 A flowchart 400 of an example method for macrodiversity transmission in a subnet implemented at a network device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The method 400 may be implemented at Figure 1 The first device 110 is shown as being implemented. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 400 is described. It should be understood that method 400 may also include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some of the shown blocks, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown in , at 410 , the first device 110 obtains a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device in a radio access network, wherein the first device operates as a master access point (AP) of the third device.

[0085] At 420, if the first quality level is below the first threshold level, the first device 110 selects at least one second device from one or more second devices in the radio access network based on one or more second quality levels, each of the one or more second quality levels being associated with a corresponding radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices.

[0086] At 430, the first device 110 sends an activation indication to at least one second device, the activation indication indicating that the at least one second device operates as a secondary AP for a third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over a radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

[0087] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, also cause the first device to perform at least one of: sending multiple repetitions of the data packet according to a predetermined transmission mode; and receiving multiple repetitions of the data packet according to a predetermined transmission mode.

[0088] In some embodiments, the predetermined transmission pattern is associated with an identity of the third device.

[0089] In some embodiments, the activation indication specifies the identity of the third device.

[0090] In some embodiments, the activation indication indicates a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

[0091] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, also cause the first device 110 to: send a first request to send one or more second quality levels to one or more second devices if the first quality level is lower than a first threshold level, the first request indicating an identity of a third device; and receive one or more second quality levels from the one or more second devices in response to the first request.

[0092] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to at least: in response to sending the activation indication, periodically receive one or more second quality levels respectively from at least one second device.

[0093] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, also cause the first device to: determine whether the corresponding second quality level is lower than the corresponding second threshold level; and based on the determination, send a deactivation indication to at least one second device, the deactivation indication being used to terminate or suspend the transmission of one or more repetitions of the data packet.

[0094] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, also cause the first device to: determine whether one or more second quality levels sent from at least one second device are higher than the first quality level by a third threshold level; based on the determination, send a second request to at least one second device to operate as a master AP for a third device; and transition from operating as a master AP for the third device to operating as a secondary AP for the third device.

[0095] In some embodiments, the transmission pattern comprises a time-frequency hopping pattern for transmission of one or more repetitions of the data packet.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first device and the second device are full-duplex mode capable, and the third device comprises a wireless terminal device.

[0097] Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method 500 for power measurement reporting implemented at a network device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The method 500 may be implemented at Figure 1 The second device 120 is shown as being implemented. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 The method 500 is described. It should be understood that the method 500 may also include additional blocks not shown and / or omit some of the shown blocks, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0098] At 510, the second device 120 sends a second quality level to a first device in the radio access network. The second quality is associated with a radio link between a third device in the radio access network and the second device, where the first device operates as a master access point (AP) for the third device.

[0099] At 520, the second device 120 receives an activation indication from the first device, the activation indication indicating that the second device operates as a secondary AP for a third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over a radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or are to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

[0100] At 530 , the second device 120 receives the data packet transmitted between the first device and the third device according to the predetermined transmission mode.

[0101] At 540, the second device 120 sends one or more repetitions of the data packet according to a predetermined transmission pattern.

[0102] In some embodiments, the predetermined transmission pattern is associated with an identity of the third device.

[0103] In some embodiments, the activation indication specifies the identity of the third device.

[0104] In some embodiments, the activation indication indicates a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

[0105] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: receive a first request to send a second quality level, the first request indicating an identity of a third device; and send the second quality level to the first device in response to the first request.

[0106] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the second device to: in response to receiving the activation indication, periodically send the second quality level to the first device.

[0107] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, also cause the second device to: receive a deactivation indication from the first device for terminating or pausing one or more repeated transmissions of a data packet; and terminate or suspend the transmission of one or more repeated transmissions of the data packet in response to the deactivation indication.

[0108] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, also cause the second device to: receive a second request to operate as a master AP for a third device; and transition from operating as a secondary AP for the third device to operating as a master AP for the third device.

[0109] In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, also cause the second device to send one or more repetitions of the data packet by at least one of: decoding and forwarding of the received data packet; amplification and forwarding of the received data packet; compression and forwarding of the received data packet; and denoising and forwarding of the received data packet.

[0110] In some embodiments, the transmission pattern comprises a time-frequency hopping pattern for transmission of one or more repetitions of the data packet.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first device comprises a first AP device operating in full-duplex mode, wherein the second device comprises a second AP device operating in full-duplex mode, and wherein the third device comprises a wireless terminal device.

[0112] Figure 6 600 is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 600 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 The first device 110 and the second device 120 are shown. As shown, the device 600 includes: one or more processors 610, one or more memories 620 coupled to the processor 610, and one or more transmitters and / or receivers (TX / RX) 640 coupled to the processor 610.

[0113] TX / RX 640 may be configured for bidirectional communication. TX / RX 640 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface required for communication with other network elements.

[0114] Processor 610 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network, and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 600 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0115] The memory 620 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 624, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage media. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 622 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0116] Computer program 630 includes computer executable instructions that can be executed by associated processor 610. Program 630 can be stored in ROM 624. Processor 610 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 630 into RAM 622.

[0117] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program 630, so that the device 600 may execute the reference Figure 2 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0118] In some embodiments, the program 630 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device 600 (such as in the memory 620), or in other storage devices accessible to the device 600. The device 600 may load the program 630 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 622 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 7 An example of a computer readable medium 700 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The computer readable medium has a program 630 stored thereon.

[0119] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented using hardware, while other aspects may be implemented using firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0120] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above referenced Figure 4-Figure 5 The described method 400 or 500. Typically, a program module may include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functions of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as needed. The machine executable instructions of the program modules may be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, the program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0121] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the function / operation specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be realized. The program code can be executed completely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0122] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0123] The computer readable medium can be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A more specific example of a computer readable storage medium will include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0124] In addition, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in order or performing all the operations shown to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0125] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Instead, the specific features or acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device in a radio access network, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: obtaining a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device in the radio access network, wherein the first device operates as a primary access point (AP) for the third device; if the first quality level is below a first threshold level, selecting at least one second device from one or more second devices in the radio access network based on one or more second quality levels, each of the one or more second quality levels being associated with a corresponding radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices; as well as An activation indication is sent to the at least one second device, the activation indication indicating that the at least one second device operates as a secondary AP of the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over the radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

2. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to perform at least one of the following: transmitting a plurality of repetitions of the data packet according to the predetermined transmission pattern; and The plurality of repetitions of the data packet are received according to the predetermined transmission pattern. 3 . The first device of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined transmission pattern is associated with an identity of the third device. The first device of claim 3 , wherein the activation indication specifies the identity of the third device.

5. The first device of claim 1, wherein the activation indication indicates the predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

6. The first device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to: If the first quality level is below a first threshold level, sending a first request to the one or more second devices to send the one or more second quality levels, the first request indicating an identity of the third device; and The one or more second quality levels are received from the one or more second devices in response to the first request.

7. The first device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to at least: In response to sending the activation indication, the one or more second quality levels are periodically received from the at least one second device, respectively.

8. The first device of claim 7, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to: determining whether the corresponding second quality level is below a corresponding second threshold level; Based on the determination, a deactivation indication is sent to the at least one second device, the deactivation indication being used to terminate or suspend transmission of the one or more repetitions of the data packet.

9. The first device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to: determining whether the one or more second quality levels transmitted from the at least one second device are higher than the first quality level by a third threshold level; Based on the determination, sending, to the at least one second device, a second request for the master AP to operate as the third device; as well as The operation is changed from being performed as the master AP of the third device to being performed as the secondary AP of the third device.

10. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission mode comprises: A time and frequency hopping pattern for transmission of one or more repetitions of the data packet.

11. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first device and the second device have full-duplex mode capabilities, and the third device comprises a wireless terminal device.

12. A second device in a radio access network, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: sending a second quality level to a first device in the radio access network, the second quality being associated with a radio link between a third device in the radio access network and the second device, wherein the first device operates as a primary access point (AP) for the third device; receiving an activation indication from the first device, the activation indication indicating that the second device operates as a secondary AP for the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over a radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or are to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode for the third device; receiving the data packet transmitted between the first device and the third device according to the predetermined transmission mode; as well as The one or more repetitions of the data packet are sent according to the predetermined transmission pattern.

13. The second device of claim 12, wherein the predetermined transmission pattern is associated with an identity of the third device. The second device of claim 13 , wherein the activation indication specifies the identity of the third device.

15. The second device of claim 12, wherein the activation indication specifies the predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

16. The second device of claim 12, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: receiving a first request to transmit the second quality level, the first request indicating an identity of the third device; and In response to the first request, the second quality level is sent to the first device.

17. The second device of claim 12, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to: In response to receiving the activation indication, the second quality level is periodically sent to the first device.

18. The second device of claim 12, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: receiving, from the first device, a deactivation indication for terminating or pausing transmission of the one or more repetitions of the data packet; and In response to the deactivation indication, the transmission of the one or more repetitions of the data packet is terminated or suspended.

19. The second device of claim 12, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: receiving a second request for the master AP to operate as the third device; and The operation is changed from being performed as the secondary AP of the third device to being performed as the primary AP of the third device.

20. The second device of claim 12, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to send the one or more repetitions of the data packet by at least one of: decoding and forwarding of said received data packets; amplification and forwarding of the received data packets; compression and forwarding of said received data packets; as well as De-noising and forwarding of the received data packets.

21. The second device according to claim 12, wherein the transmission mode comprises: A time-frequency hopping pattern for transmission of the one or more repetitions of the data packet.

22. The second device according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the first device and the second device have full-duplex capabilities, and the third device comprises a wireless terminal device.

23. A method comprising: obtaining, at a first device in a radio access network, a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device in the radio access network, wherein the first device operates as a primary access point (AP) for the third device; if the first quality level is below a first threshold level, selecting at least one second device from one or more second devices in the radio access network based on one or more second quality levels, each of the one or more second quality levels being associated with a corresponding radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices; as well as An activation indication is sent to the at least one second device, the activation indication indicating that the at least one second device operates as a secondary AP of the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over the radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

24. A method comprising: sending, at a second device in a radio access network, a second quality level to a first device in the radio access network, the second quality being associated with a radio link between a third device in the radio access network and the second device, wherein the first device operates as a primary access point (AP) for the third device; receiving an activation indication from the first device, the activation indication indicating that the second device operates as a secondary AP for the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over a radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or are to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode for the third device; receiving the data packet transmitted between the first device and the third device according to the predetermined transmission mode; as well as The one or more repetitions of the data packet are sent according to the predetermined transmission pattern.

25. An apparatus comprising: means for obtaining, at a first device in a radio access network, a first quality level of a radio link between the first device and a third device in the radio access network, wherein the first device operates as a primary access point (AP) for the third device; means for selecting at least one second device from one or more second devices in the radio access network based on one or more second quality levels if the first quality level is below a first threshold level, each of the one or more second quality levels being associated with a corresponding radio link between the third device and each of the one or more second devices; as well as A component for sending an activation indication to the at least one second device, the activation indication indicating that the at least one second device operates as a secondary AP for the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of data packets transmitted over the radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode of the third device.

26. An apparatus comprising: means for sending, at a second device in a radio access network, a second quality level to a first device in the radio access network, the second quality being associated with a radio link between a third device in the radio access network and the second device, wherein the first device operates as a primary access point (AP) for the third device; means for receiving an activation indication from the first device, the activation indication indicating that the second device is to operate as a secondary AP for the third device, wherein one or more repetitions of a data packet transmitted over a radio link between the first device and the third device are sent or are to be sent by the secondary AP according to a predetermined transmission mode for the third device; means for receiving the data packets transmitted between the first device and the third device according to the predetermined transmission mode; as well as Means for transmitting said one or more repetitions of said data packets according to said predetermined transmission pattern.

27. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the method according to claim 23 or 24.

28. A communication system comprising a first device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a second device according to any one of claims 12 to 22.

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