Multi-agent discovery

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a method, equipment and device for multi-agent discovery and a computer readable medium. The method includes transmitting a first request to a first device for the first device to transmit an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point (AP) device. The first request includes a first indication to create a temporary terminal device identifier. The method includes sending a second request to a second device to measure the fronthaul link. The method further includes receiving a fronthaul link measurement report from the second device, and scheduling communication resources for the first device and the second device based on the fronthaul link measurement report.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for multi-agent discovery. Background Art

[0002] With the development of communication technology, in order to meet the coverage performance in different radio environments, multi-access point (AP) deployment has been introduced. In multi-AP deployment, the terminal device / user device / mobile station can be connected to the data network via a virtual basic service set (VBSS) network composed of a multi-AP agent and a multi-AP controller. VBSS allows the basic service set (BSS) context to move from one AP to another AP or from one frequency band to another frequency band, so that the terminal device can transition from one AP to another AP or from one frequency band to another frequency band based on the first-on-then-off (MBB) technology without the need to re-associate or renegotiate the security of the mobile device. In this way, by continuously passively monitoring the terminal device connection (the signal quality between the terminal device and the available AP), the terminal device can always be connected to the best AP and / or frequency band without incurring the switching cost of re-association or re-negotiation of security. Along with the benefits of multi-AP deployment, interference and / or conflict may also occur between APs in multi-AP deployments. Further, solutions for coordinating potential interference / conflicts between APs are also key aspects. Summary of the invention

[0003] Generally, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for multi-agent discovery.

[0004] In a first aspect, a device is provided. The device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. The at least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: send a first request to a first device for the first device to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point AP device. The first request includes a first indication of creating a temporary terminal device identifier. The device is also used to send a second request to a second device for measuring the fronthaul link; receive a fronthaul link measurement report from the second device; and schedule communication resources for the first device and the second device based on the fronthaul link measurement report.

[0005] In a second aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. The at least one memory stores instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to at least: receive a first request from a first device for the apparatus to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device. The first request comprises a first indication to create a temporary terminal device identity. The apparatus is also caused to send an uplink signal in the fronthaul link based on the first request.

[0006] In a third aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive a first request from a first device to measure a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device. The apparatus is also caused to determine a fronthaul link measurement report based on the first request; and send the fronthaul link measurement report to the first device.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: sending a first request to a first device for the first device to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point AP device. The first request includes a first indication of creating a temporary terminal device identifier. The method includes sending a second request to a second device for measuring the fronthaul link. The method includes receiving a fronthaul link measurement report from the second device; and scheduling communication resources of the first device and the second device based on the fronthaul link measurement report.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. The method comprises: receiving a first request from a first device for an apparatus to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device. The first request comprises a first indication for creating a temporary terminal device identity. The method comprises sending the uplink signal in the fronthaul link based on the first request.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving a first request from a first device to measure a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device; determining a fronthaul link measurement report based on the first request; and sending the fronthaul link measurement report to the first device.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a component for sending a first request to a first device for the first device to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point AP device. The first request includes a first indication for creating a temporary terminal device identifier. The apparatus includes a component for sending a second request to a second device for measuring the fronthaul link; a component for receiving a fronthaul link measurement report from the second device; and a component for scheduling communication resources of the first device and the second device based on the fronthaul link measurement report.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a component for receiving a first request from a first device for the apparatus to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device; and a component for sending the uplink signal in the fronthaul link based on the first request. The first request comprises a first indication to create a temporary terminal device identity.

[0012] In a ninth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a component for receiving a first request from a first device to measure a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device. The apparatus includes a component for determining a fronthaul link measurement report based on the first request; and a component for sending the fronthaul link measurement report to the first device.

[0013] In a tenth 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 fourth to sixth aspects.

[0014] In an eleventh aspect, a system is provided, comprising the apparatus of the first aspect, the apparatus of the second aspect, and the apparatus of the third aspect.

[0015] It is to be understood that the summary of the invention section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily apparent through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an example network environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0018] Figure 2 shows a signaling process for multi-agent discovery according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3A flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0020] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0021] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in an apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 6 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is illustrated according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration, and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to the following manner, the present disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways.

[0025] 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.

[0026] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment may include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is claimed that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0027] It should be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" etc. may 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 example embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0028] The terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is also to be understood that when used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of claimed 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.

[0029] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0030] (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuitry); and

[0031] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0032] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0033] (ii) any part of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions) and

[0034] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which software may not be present when not required for operation.

[0035] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As yet another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry would also cover an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry would also cover a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0036] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with 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), Wi-Fi, 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), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), further the sixth generation (6G) communication protocol and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied in various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems in which the present disclosure can be implemented. It should not be considered that the scope of the present disclosure is limited to the above-mentioned system.

[0037] 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 it. 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 node, a micro node), etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. A network device is allowed to be defined 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.

[0038] The term "terminal device" refers to any final device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a 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 capture 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 equipment (LEE), a laptop computer installation equipment (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 (such as remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (such as robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronic devices, equipment 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.

[0039] As mentioned above, in addition to the benefits of enhanced coverage performance, there may also be some interference or conflict between APs in a multi-AP deployment. For example, there may be a “hidden AP (node) problem”. As discussed above, the multi-AP controller in the VBSS can select the best AP to communicate with the terminal device by continuously passively monitoring the terminal device connection (e.g., the signal quality between the terminal device and the AP in the VBSS). However, since the APs communicate with each other only via a wired backhaul link or a wireless backhaul link that operates in a frequency band different from the fronthaul link (between the terminal device and the AP), if the service AP of the terminal device communicating with the terminal device cannot sense the fronthaul link transmission from (multiple) other APs in the same VBSS to the terminal device or other nearby terminal devices, the terminal device may suffer from severe interference from another AP in the VBSS. For example, the distance between two network devices is too large to perform an idle channel assessment (CCA) based on energy detection (ED) and the terminal device is located between the two network devices. In this case, other nearby APs that cannot be sensed by the serving AP are hidden APs of the serving AP.

[0040] One solution for overcoming interference between APs in a multi-AP deployment is to introduce specific signaling "Request to Send (RTS)" and "Clear to Send (CTS)". An AP that wishes to perform a transmission may first send an RTS frame to the target AP. If the channel is idle, the target AP responds with a CTS frame, which not only informs the AP that wishes to perform the transmission that it can transmit, but also tells other APs to prohibit the use of the channel within a specified amount of time. Although CTS / RTS can be applied to avoid strong interference from hidden nodes of the serving AP, it is obvious that the RTS / CTS mechanism will increase the overhead and latency of the transmission process. Therefore, the CTS / RTS mechanism is often used to protect longer frames that are more expensive to retransmit. However, the RTS / CTS mechanism does not completely solve the hidden node problem because hidden nodes still exist. In fact, the RTS / CTS mechanism simply suppresses the transmission of neighboring APs in the same channel, but cannot accurately measure the actual radio conditions between APs in a multi-AP deployment. Further, multi-AP discovery is a key aspect of coordinating potential interference / conflicts between APs.

[0041] An example embodiment of the present disclosure provides a scheme for multi-agent discovery. In the scheme, a device sends a first request to a first device (e.g., a first AP device) for the first device to send an uplink signal in a forward link, the forward link being a radio link between a terminal device and an AP device, and the first request includes a first indication of creating a temporary terminal device identifier. The device sends a second request to measure the forward link to a second device (e.g., a second AP device). The device then receives a forward link measurement report from the second device, and schedules communication resources for the first device and the second device based on the forward link measurement report. It is to be understood that communication resources include any one of time domain resources, frequency domain resources, code domain resources, space domain resources, polarization domain resources, and other communication resources.

[0042] In this way, the fronthaul link interference between APs in a multi-AP deployment can be accurately measured. Further, the hidden AP(s) of the serving AP can be discovered and coordinated in advance.

[0043] Figure 1 An example network environment 100 is illustrated in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0044] The environment 100 that can be part of a data communication network includes a first network device 101, a second network device 110, a third network device 120, a fourth network device 130, a first terminal device 140, and a second terminal device 150. In the environment 100, the second network device 110, the third network device 120, and the fourth network device 130 can communicate with each other in a wired or wireless backhaul link in a channel / frequency band different from the channel / frequency band of the fronthaul link between the terminal devices 140, 150 and the network devices 110, 120, and 130. The first network device 101 can communicate with the second network device 110, the third network device 120, and the fourth network device 130 via a multi-AP control interface. The terminal devices 140 and 150 can be connected to the data network via the fronthaul link between the terminal device and these network devices 110, 120, and 130.

[0045] For example, the terminal device 140 may communicate with the second network device 110 and / or the third network device 120 on an uplink (UL) or a downlink (DL). In particular, the direction from the terminal device 140 to the second network device 110 and / or the third network device 120 refers to UL, and the direction from the second network device 110 and / or the third network device 120 to the terminal device 110 refers to DL.

[0046] For ease of discussion only, the terminal device is illustrated as a UE, and the first network device is illustrated as a base station. However, the UE and the base station are only given as example implementations of the terminal device and the network device, respectively, without imposing any limitation on the scope of the present application. Any other suitable implementation is also possible.

[0047] It is also important to understand that Figure 1 The number of devices shown is for illustration purposes only and does not present any limitation. For example, environment 100 may include any suitable number of terminal devices and network devices suitable for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Communications in 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), Wi-Fi, etc. In addition, communications may be performed according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or to be 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 further communication protocols.

[0049] Figure 2FIG. 2 shows a signaling process 200 for multi-agent discovery according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the signaling diagram 200 will refer to Figure 1 describe.

[0050] For clarity of discussion, the apparatus for implementing a multi-AP discovery solution is discussed with reference to the first network device 101, the second network device 110, and the third network device 120. Without any limitation, in some embodiments, the first network device 101 is a multi-AP controller device, the second network device is an access point, and the third network device is another access point device. In some embodiments, the first network device 101 may be included in the second device 110 or the third device 120.

[0051] In process 200, at step 210, first network device 101 sends a first request to second network device 110 for second network device 110 to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link. The fronthaul link is a radio link between terminal device 140 and network devices 101, 110, 120 and 130. The first request includes a first indication to create a temporary terminal device identity.

[0052] As discussed above, network devices typically communicate with each other via a backhaul link that is different from a fronthaul link. In order to measure the quality of the fronthaul link between APs, the first network device 101 may request the second network device 110 to act as a temporary "terminal device" using an indication of creating a temporary terminal device identity in order to send an uplink signal in the fronthaul.

[0053] To further specify the uplink signal sent by the second network device 110, the first request may include other indications of a media access control (MAC) address of a temporary terminal device identifier, a communication channel, a signal type, a transmission time / window, etc. In some embodiments, in order to obtain the specific fronthaul link quality from a future fronthaul link measurement report, the first network device 101 may indicate the MAC address of the temporary terminal device identifier of the second device 110. For example, the first network device 101 may randomly generate a MAC address and indicate the MAC address to the second device 110 for temporary terminal device identification. In another example, the first network device 101 may select a MAC address from a MAC address database and indicate the selected MAC address to the second device 110 for temporary terminal device identification.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, the first network device 101 may select a “real” terminal device served by another network device (e.g., the third network device 120), and indicate the MAC address of the real terminal device to the second device 110. In some embodiments, the first network device 101 may determine a real terminal device in a de-activated mode, and indicate the MAC address of the real terminal device to the second network device 110. In some embodiments, the first network device 101 may indicate the MAC address to the second network device 110 in other ways.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first request may include a communication resource indication of the uplink signal. For example, the first request may include a channel / frequency band indication. Using the channel / frequency band indication, the second network device 110 may send the uplink signal in a given channel / frequency band.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first request may include a signal type indication of the uplink signal. The signal type indication may indicate which type of signal the second network device 110 will send in the fronthaul link. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the type of signal may also include: a probe request frame or a public action frame.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first request may include a transmission time indication of the uplink signal. The transmission time indication may indicate a time window in which the second network device 110 sends the uplink signal. As mentioned above, the MAC address of the temporary terminal device identifier of the second device 110 may be indicated as the MAC address of the real terminal device. In this case, the indicated time window may be determined based on the target wake-up time (TWT) of the real terminal device. For example, the first network device 101 may determine the transmission time (time window) as the time when the real terminal device is in an inactive mode, a sleep mode, or other idle mode other than TWT.

[0058] In step 220, the first device 110 sends a second request for measuring the fronthaul link to the third network device 120. In addition, in some embodiments, the second request sent by the first network device 101 may include a MAC address for a temporary terminal device identification. In some embodiments, the MAC address is determined by the first network device 101. In some embodiments, as discussed below, the MAC address is determined by the second network device 110 and is further sent to the first network device 101.

[0059] In some embodiments, if the MAC address of the temporary terminal device identifier for the second network device 101 is configured as the MAC address of the real terminal device served by the third device 120, the first network device 101 can send an associated link measurement request message to the second network device 110, because the third network device 120 can regard the temporary terminal device identifier as an associated terminal device of the third network device 120. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, the first device 101 can send an unassociated link measurement request message to the second device. In this case, the temporary terminal device identifier of the second network device 110 can be a terminal device identifier that is not associated with the third network device 120.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, the first network device 101 may send a frame measurement request to the second network device 110 to monitor a probe request frame or a public action frame.

[0061] In some embodiments, if the first request includes a signal type indication of a probe request frame or a public action frame, the first device 101 may configure the third network device 120 to monitor a specific probe request frame or a specific public action frame. In some embodiments, the frame measurement request may instruct the third network device 120 to monitor all probe request frames or public action frames. In addition, the frame type and channel number may be specified in the second request message.

[0062] After receiving the first request, the second device 110 transmits an uplink signal in the fronthaul link based on the first request in step 230. For example, during the transmission time indicated by the transmission time indication of the first request, the second device 110 (acting as a temporary terminal device having the MAC address indicated by the first request) may transmit an uplink signal (having a signal type indicated by the type indication in the first request) in a given channel / frequency band (indicated by the channel indication in the first request).

[0063] In addition, upon receiving the first request, the second device 110 determines whether it has the ability to create a temporary terminal device identifier. Typically, most network devices support the ability to create a temporary terminal device identifier. In some embodiments, the second device 110 may send an acknowledgment (ACK) message to the first device 101 upon receiving the first request. In an example, the ACK message may include an indication of whether the second network device 110 has the ability to create a temporary terminal device identifier. If the second network device 110 cannot support the ability to create a temporary terminal device identifier, the first device 101 may send the first request to another network device (e.g., the fourth network device 130).

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, the second network device 110 may create a temporary terminal device identity by entering / activating a preset terminal device mode.

[0065] In some embodiments, if the first request does not include an indication of the MAC address of the temporary terminal device, the second device 110 may autonomously determine the MAC address. In this case, the second device 110 may send an ACK message including the MAC address back to the first device 101.

[0066] In step 240, the third device 120 determines a forward link measurement report based on the second request. In some embodiments, the third device 120 performs measurements on the forward link that can be sensed. In some embodiments, the forward link measurement can be a RCPI / RSSI / RSRP / SINR measurement, which is detected based on a preamble or / and a pilot reference signaling sent by a temporary / real terminal device. After the measurement, the third network device 120 can determine a forward link measurement report, which includes a forward link quality level corresponding to one or more forward links that can be sensed by the third network device 120. In some embodiments, the third network device 120 monitors and reports link / RCPI measurements of all probe requests or public action frames according to instructions from the first network device 101.

[0067] In some embodiments, the fronthaul link quality report includes at least one of the following: MAC address of the terminal device: MAC address of an associated terminal device or an unassociated terminal device; fronthaul link measurement: link quality between the terminal device and the third network device 120, such as RCPI; received channel power indication, for example, received channel power indication is measured based on a preamble or reference signaling / pilot from a STA; channel number: number of an operating channel. Additionally or alternatively, the link measurement value may also be included in a detection report of an uplink frame, such as a probe request frame, a public action frame.

[0068] In step 250 , the third network device 120 sends the fronthaul link measurement value to the first network device 101 .

[0069] In step 260, the first network device 101 schedules communication resources for the first device and the second device based on the fronthaul link measurement report. In some embodiments, the first network device 101 can determine the fronthaul link quality level between the second network device 110 and the third network device 120. For example, the first network device 101 can obtain the fronthaul link quality level from the fronthaul link measurement report based on the MAC address of the temporary terminal device identifier discussed above. In some embodiments, the first device 101 can also obtain the fronthaul link quality level from the fronthaul link measurement report based on a specific channel number or a specific transmission time.

[0070] Using the obtained fronthaul link quality level, the first network device 101 may perform multi-network device coordination.

[0071] In an example, if the fronthaul link quality (e.g., received channel power indicator (RCPI)) between the second network device 110 and the third network device 120 is less than a first quality threshold and greater than a second quality threshold, the first network device 101 may regard the first network device as a nearby hidden node of the second network device, which means that the second network device may not be able to detect the presence of transmissions from the nearby first network device through ED-based CCA. If so, the first network device 101 may schedule a first communication resource for the second network device 110 and a different second communication resource for the third network device 120. For example, the first network device 101 may configure the second network device 110 and the third network device 120 to operate in different operating channels for inter-network device interference coordination.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, in another example, if the fronthaul link quality (e.g., RCPI) between the second network device 110 and the third network device 120 is less than a second threshold or the third network device 120 does not find any uplink signal from the temporary terminal device identifier of the second network device 110, the first network device 101 may regard the second network device 110 as a distant hidden node of the third network device 120, which means that the third network device 120 may not be able to detect the presence of transmissions from the distant second network device 110 through ED-based CCA. If so, the first network device 101 may determine that the transmissions from the network devices 110 and 120 cannot interfere with each other. Then, the first network device 101 may configure the two network devices 110 and 120 to share the same operating channel for resource reuse.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, in yet another example, if the fronthaul link quality (e.g., RCPI) between the second network device 110 and the third network device 120 is greater than a first threshold, the first network device 101 may regard the second network device 110 as a potential coordination node for the third network device 120. If so, the first network device 101 may schedule the two network devices 110 and 120 to perform joint transmission or signal processing to improve system spectrum efficiency.

[0074] In this way, using the temporary terminal device created by the AP device, the accurate fronthaul link quality between the AP device (eg, the second network device 110 and the third network device 120) can be determined, and reported to the multi-AP controller device (eg, the first network device 101). Then, the multi-AP controller device can perform coordinated operations between the AP devices to achieve better reliability and efficiency performance.

[0075] Figure 3A flowchart of an example method 300 implemented in a device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The method 300 may be implemented in Figure 1 The method 300 is implemented at the first network device 101 shown. For the purpose of discussion, the method 300 will refer to Figure 1 Description It is to be understood that the method 300 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.

[0076] In block 310, an apparatus (e.g., first network device 101) sends a first request to a first device (e.g., second network device 110) for the first device to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link. The fronthaul link is a radio link between a terminal device and an access point AP device. The first request includes a first indication to create a temporary terminal device identity.

[0077] At block 320 , the apparatus sends a second request to measure the fronthaul link to a second device (eg, the third network device 120 ).

[0078] At block 330, the apparatus receives a fronthaul link measurement report from the second device.

[0079] At block 340, the apparatus schedules communication resources for the first device and the second device based on the fronthaul link measurement report.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first request includes at least one of the following: a media access control MAC address for a temporary terminal device identifier of the first device; a communication resource indication for an uplink signal; a signal type indication for the uplink signal; or a transmission time indication for the uplink signal.

[0081] In some embodiments, the MAC address is randomly generated by the device or determined by the device based on at least one of: a MAC address of a terminal device served by the second device; or a MAC address in a MAC address database.

[0082] In some embodiments, the MAC address is determined based on a MAC address of a terminal device served by the second device, and the transmission time indication is determined by the apparatus based on a target wake-up time TWT of the terminal device served by the second device.

[0083] In some embodiments, method 300 also includes determining a forward transmission link quality level between the first device and the second device based on a forward transmission link measurement report; and at least one of the following: scheduling a first communication resource for the first device and a different second communication resource for the third device based on determining that the forward transmission link quality level is between a first quality threshold and a second quality threshold, the first quality threshold being greater than the second quality threshold; scheduling the first device and the second device to perform joint transmission based on determining that the forward transmission link quality is higher than the first quality threshold; or scheduling the first device and the second device to share the same communication resource based on determining that the forward transmission link quality is lower than the second quality threshold.

[0084] In some embodiments, the method 300 further includes receiving a second indication from the first device regarding whether the first device has the capability to create a temporary terminal device identity.

[0085] In some embodiments, the method 300 also includes the apparatus receiving, from the first device, a MAC address of a temporary terminal device identifier for the first device.

[0086] In some embodiments, the second request includes a media access control (MAC) address of the temporary terminal device identifier.

[0087] In some embodiments, sending the second request is performed by at least one of: sending an associated link measurement request message to the second device; sending an unassociated link measurement request message to the second device; or sending a frame measurement request for monitoring a probe request frame or a public action frame of the second device.

[0088] In some embodiments, the apparatus is a multiple access point controller device, the first device is a first AP device, and the second device is a second AP device different from the first AP device.

[0089] In some embodiments, the apparatus is included in the first device or the second device.

[0090] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an antenna.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the second device (e.g., the first network device 101) capable of executing any of the methods 300 may include a component for executing the corresponding steps of the method 300. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module or a combination thereof.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the second device includes at least one of the following: a component for sending a first request to the first device for the first device to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point AP device; a component for sending a second request to the second device for measuring the fronthaul link; a component for receiving a fronthaul link measurement report from the second device; and a component for scheduling communication resources for the first device and the second device based on the fronthaul link measurement report.

[0093] In some embodiments, the second device includes at least one of the following: a component for determining a forward transmission link quality level between the first device and the second device based on a forward transmission link measurement report; a component for scheduling a first communication resource for the first device and a different second communication resource for the third device based on determining that the forward transmission link quality level is between a first quality threshold and a second quality threshold, and the first quality threshold is greater than the second quality threshold; a component for scheduling the first device and the second device to perform joint transmission based on determining that the forward transmission link quality is higher than the first quality threshold; or a component for scheduling the first device and the second device to share the same communication resource based on determining that the forward transmission link quality is lower than the second quality threshold.

[0094] In some embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for receiving a second indication from the first device as to whether the first device has the capability to create a temporary terminal device identity.

[0095] In some embodiments, the second device includes at least one of the following: a component for sending an associated link measurement request message to the second device; a component for sending an unassociated link measurement request message to the second device; or a component for sending a frame measurement request for a second device monitoring detection request frame or a public action frame.

[0096] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method 400 implemented in a device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The method 400 may be implemented in Figure 1 The method 400 is implemented at the second network device 110 shown. For the purpose of discussion, the method 400 will refer to Figure 1 Description It is to be understood that the 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.

[0097] In block 410, an apparatus (e.g., second network device 110) receives a first request from a first device (e.g., first network device 101) for the apparatus to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link. The fronthaul link is a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device. The first request includes a first indication to create a temporary terminal device identity.

[0098] At block 420, the apparatus sends an uplink signal in a fronthaul link based on the first request.

[0099] In some embodiments, method 400 also includes the apparatus creating a temporary terminal device identifier in response to receiving the first request.

[0100] In some embodiments, method 400 also includes the apparatus creating a temporary terminal device identifier by entering a terminal device mode.

[0101] In some embodiments, the method 400 further comprises, in response to receiving the first request, the apparatus sending a second indication as to whether the apparatus has the capability to create a temporary terminal device identity.

[0102] In some embodiments, method 400 also includes the device determining a MAC address of a temporary terminal device identifier of the device; and sending the MAC address to the first device.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first request includes at least one of the following: a media access control MAC address of a temporary terminal device identifier of the apparatus; a communication resource indication of an uplink signal; a signal type indication of the uplink signal; or a transmission time indication of the uplink signal.

[0104] In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes the apparatus sending an uplink signal by sending the uplink signal based on the temporary terminal device identifier and the MAC address.

[0105] In some embodiments, the device is an access point.

[0106] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first device.

[0107] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an antenna.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the second device (e.g., the second network device 110) configured to perform any operation(s) of the method 400 may include a component for performing the corresponding steps of the method 400. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module or a combination thereof.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the second device includes at least one of: a component for receiving a first request from the first device for the device to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, where the fronthaul link is a radio link between the terminal device and the access point device; or a component for sending an uplink signal in the fronthaul link based on the first request.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for creating a temporary terminal device identification in response to receiving the first request.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for creating a temporary terminal device identity by entering a terminal device mode.

[0112] In some embodiments, the second device includes a component for determining a MAC address of a temporary terminal device identification of the device; and a component for sending the MAC address to the first device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for sending the uplink signal by sending the uplink signal based on the temporary terminal equipment identification and the MAC address.

[0114] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method 500 implemented in a device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The method 500 may be implemented in Figure 1 The method 500 is implemented at the third network device 120 shown. For the purpose of discussion, the method 500 will refer to Figure 1 Description It is to 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.

[0115] At block 510, an apparatus (eg, the third network device 120) receives a first request to measure a fronthaul link from a first device (eg, the first network device 101). The fronthaul link is a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device.

[0116] At block 520, the apparatus determines a fronthaul link measurement report based on the first request.

[0117] At block 530, the apparatus sends a fronthaul link measurement report to the first device.

[0118] In some embodiments, method 500 further includes at least one of: receiving an associated link measurement request message from the first device; receiving an unassociated link measurement request message from the first device; or receiving a frame measurement request for a device monitoring probe request frame or a public action frame from the first device.

[0119] In some embodiments, the device is an access point.

[0120] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first device.

[0121] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an antenna.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the second device (e.g., the third network device 120) configured to perform any operation (s) of the method 500 may include a component for performing the corresponding steps of the method 300. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module or a combination thereof.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second apparatus includes at least one of: a component for receiving an associated link measurement request message from the first device; or a component for receiving an unassociated link measurement request message from the first device.

[0124] In some example embodiments, a communication system including the apparatus of methods 300 , 400 , and 500 is provided.

[0125] Figure 6 is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 600 may be Figure 1 The first network device 101, the second network device 110 and the third network device 120 are shown as being implemented.

[0126] As shown, the device 600 includes, but is not limited to, the following components: a processor 610, a memory 620 coupled to the processor 610, a communication module 630 coupled to the processor 610, and a communication interface (not shown) coupled to the communication module 630. The memory 620 stores at least a program 640. For example, the communication module 630 is used for bidirectional communication via one or more antennas 650 included in the apparatus described herein or via a cable. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication.

[0127] Assume that program 640 includes program instructions that, when executed by associated processor 610, enable device 600 to operate in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure, as described herein with reference to Figures 2 to 5 The example embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software or hardware or a combination of software and hardware executable by a processor 610 of the device 600. The processor 610 may be configured to implement various example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0128] Memory 620 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, by way of non-limiting example, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Although only one memory 620 is shown in device 600, there may be several physically distinct memory modules in device 400. Processor 610 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and, by way of non-limiting example, may include 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 dedicated integrated circuit chips that are time-slaved to a clock that is synchronized with a main processor.

[0129] When the device 600 acts as the network device 101, 110 or 120, the processor 610 may implement the above-mentioned Figure 2 The operations or actions of the network devices 101, 110, or 120 described above are Figures 1 to 5 All operations and features described are equally applicable to the device 600 and have similar effects. For the sake of simplicity, the details will be omitted.

[0130] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in 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 is to be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein include being implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0131] 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 those included in a program module executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor, to perform the above-referenced Figures 3 to 5Method 300, 400 or 500 described herein. 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 functionality of program modules may be combined or split between program modules as needed. The machine executable instructions of program modules may be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules may be located in local and remote storage media.

[0132] 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 when executed by the processor or controller, the program code enables the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented. 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.

[0133] 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 the above-mentioned various processes and operations. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0134] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media would include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer 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.

[0135] Further, although the operation is depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operation to be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or all illustrated operations are performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Equally, although some specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but should be interpreted as 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 a single embodiment in combination. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or according to any suitable sub-combination.

[0136] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Sending a first request to a first device for the first device to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, where the fronthaul link is a radio link between a terminal device and an access point AP device, the first request including a first indication of creating a temporary terminal device identifier; Sending a second request to a second device to measure the fronthaul link; receiving a fronthaul link measurement report from the second device; as well as Communication resources for the first device and the second device are scheduled based on the fronthaul link measurement report.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first request comprises at least one of the following: A media access control MAC address used for a temporary terminal device identifier of the first device; a communication resource indication for the uplink signal; a signal type indication for the uplink signal; or A transmission time indication for the uplink signal.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the MAC address is randomly generated by the apparatus or determined by the apparatus based on at least one of the following: the MAC address of a terminal device served by the second device; or MAC address in the MAC address database.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the MAC address is determined based on the MAC address of the terminal device served by the second device, and the transmission time indication is determined by the apparatus based on a target wake-up time TWT of the terminal device served by the second device.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, configured to schedule the communication resources by: determining a fronthaul link quality level between the first device and the second device based on the fronthaul link measurement report; and at least one of the following: scheduling a first communication resource for the first device and a different second communication resource for the second device based on determining that the fronthaul link quality level is between a first quality threshold and a second quality threshold, the first quality threshold being greater than the second quality threshold; According to determining that the fronthaul link quality is higher than the first quality threshold, scheduling the first device and the second device to perform joint transmission; or Based on determining that the fronthaul link quality is below the second quality threshold, the first device and the second device are scheduled to share the same communication resources. 6 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , further configured to: receive from the first device a second indication as to whether the first device has the capability of creating a temporary terminal device identity.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 is further configured to: receive a MAC address of a temporary terminal device identifier for the first device from the first device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second request comprises a media access control (MAC) address for the temporary terminal device identity.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, configured to send the second request by at least one of: sending an associated link measurement request message to the second device; sending an unrelated link measurement request message to the second device; or Send a frame measurement request for the second device monitoring probe request frame or public action frame.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus is a multiple access point controller device, the first device is a first AP device, and the second device is a second AP device different from the first AP device. The apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the apparatus is comprised in the first device or in the second device.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises an antenna.

13. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, from a first device, a first request for the apparatus to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device, the first request comprising a first indication to create a temporary terminal device identity; as well as Based on the first request, the uplink signal is sent in the fronthaul link. 14 . The apparatus according to claim 13 , further configured to: create a temporary terminal device identification in response to receiving the first request.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, configured to create the temporary terminal device identity by entering a terminal device mode.

16. The apparatus according to claim 13, further configured to: In response to receiving the first request, a second indication is sent regarding whether the apparatus has the capability to create a temporary terminal device identity.

17. The apparatus according to claim 13, further configured to: Determining a MAC address of the temporary terminal device identifier for the device; and Send the MAC address to the first device.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first request comprises at least one of the following: A media access control MAC address for a temporary terminal device identifier of the device; a communication resource indication for the uplink signal; a signal type indication for the uplink signal; or A transmission time indication for the uplink signal.

19. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, configured to send the uplink signal by: sending the uplink signal based on the temporary terminal device identifier and the MAC address.

20. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is an access point device.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the device comprises the first apparatus.

22. The device of claim 13, wherein the device comprises an antenna.

23. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, from a first device, a first request to measure a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device; Determining a fronthaul link measurement report based on the first request; as well as Sending the fronthaul link measurement report to the first device.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, configured to receive the first request by at least one of: receiving an associated link measurement request message from the first device; receiving an unassociated link measurement request message from the first device; or A frame measurement request for the device monitoring probe request frame or a public action frame is received from the first apparatus.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the apparatus is an access point device.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the device comprises the first apparatus.

27. The device of claim 23, wherein the device comprises an antenna.

28. A system comprising the apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus of claim 13, and the apparatus of claim 23.

29. A method comprising: Sending a first request to a first device for the first device to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, where the fronthaul link is a radio link between a terminal device and an access point AP device, the first request including a first indication of creating a temporary terminal device identifier; Sending a second request to a second device to measure the fronthaul link; receiving a fronthaul link measurement report from the second device; as well as Communication resources for the first device and the second device are scheduled based on the fronthaul link measurement report.

30. A method comprising: receiving, from a first device, a first request for the apparatus to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device, the first request comprising a first indication to create a temporary terminal device identity; as well as Based on the first request, the uplink signal is sent in the fronthaul link.

31. A method comprising: receiving, from a first device, a first request to measure a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device; Determining a fronthaul link measurement report based on the first request; as well as Sending the fronthaul link measurement report to the first device.

32. An apparatus comprising: A component for sending a first request to a first device for the first device to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, wherein the fronthaul link is a radio link between a terminal device and an access point AP device, wherein the first request includes a first indication of creating a temporary terminal device identifier; means for sending a second request to a second device to measure the fronthaul link; means for receiving a fronthaul link measurement report from the second device; as well as Means for scheduling communication resources for the first device and the second device based on the fronthaul link measurement report.

33. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a first device, a first request for the apparatus to send an uplink signal in a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device, the first request comprising a first indication to create a temporary terminal device identity; as well as Means for transmitting the uplink signal in the fronthaul link based on the first request.

34. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a first device, a first request to measure a fronthaul link, the fronthaul link being a radio link between a terminal device and an access point device; means for determining a fronthaul link measurement report based on said first request; as well as means for sending the fronthaul link measurement report to the first device.

35. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least one of the methods of claim 29, claim 30, or claim 31.

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